Celebrating Pittsburgh’s Art Blakey for Black History Month - from the Jazz Congress 2019

WZUM’s Scott Hanley was in New York in January for the 2nd ever Jazz Congress at Jazz at Lincoln Center. It was 2019, also the 100th Birthday year of legendary jazz drummer and Pittsburgh Native Art Blakey.

The event had some wonderful music and discussions about jazz, including an amazing tribute to Art Blakey. As a part of that tribute, nearly 30 former Jazz Messengers from 4 decades of the band were on hand.

Hear part of it, and music of Art Blakey - Thursday night at 6, Friday and Saturday at noon, Sunday afternoon at 5 on WZUM.

Sunday night at 8, join Chuck Leavens for an hour of the music of Chick Corea. It only scratches the surface of a versatile master, but feels like a comfort in harsh times. Please join us on WZUM. 88.1 and 101.1 FM, AM 1550 and wzum.org. 8PM ET, Sunday.

It's a double celebration on this week’s MCG Jazz Spotlight Show - the 100th episode and also music suited for Valentine’s Day weekend.

Hosts Marty Ashby and Renée Govanucci are joined by celebrity guests including: Ann Hampton Callaway, Keith David, Kim Nazarian, Gloria Reuben, Nicole Henry and Bill Strickland to revel in the MCG Jazz Spotlight’s 100th episode and play some favorite love songs. Sinatra, Shirley Horn, Joe Williams, Nancy Wilson and much more!

- Friday and Sunday night at 6, and 1pm, Saturday on WZUM.

We continue to celebrate Black History Month with a focus on Pittsburgh Jazz – especially on drummer, bandleader and educator Roger Humphries. We will also hear from one of Roger’s students – drummer Thomas Wendt. Thomas has a new audio project from LIGHTHOUSE ARTS on jazz great, drummer Max Roach (also, one of Roger Humphries’ mentors!).

Then, we chat with Lighthouse Arts Co-president Harry Clark about Lighthouse Arts and the importance of listening. Finally, a musical tribute to vocalist and bandleader and musical force of nature, Jimmy Sapienza, who passed away last week at the age of 71.

The Scene - Thursday at 6pm, Sundays at 4pm (special time), Friday and Saturday at noon on WZUM.

We are sorry to report that vocalist and bandleader Jimmy Sapienza has died at the age of 71.

From the notice from the Patrick T. Lanigan Funeral Home, Jimmy passed on Saturday, February 6, 2021 after a long, courageous battle with kidney disease. Husband of Paula (Bruecken) Sapienza for 25 years, he leaves behind many family members, friends and fans.

This week on the MCG Jazz Spotlight Show, hosts Marty Ashby and Renée Govanucci celebrate Black History Month with a focus on Pittsburgh Jazz artists who contributed greatly to the very course of jazz in America and the world.

Out of the many legends to choose from, the show features nine musicians who were spotlighted in the Pittsburgh jazz documentary film, “We Knew What We Had” including Billy Eckstine, Erroll Garner, Ray Brown, Stanley Turrentine, Ahmad Jamal, George Benson and Roger Humphries and more. - Friday and Sunday night at 6, and 1pm, Saturday on WZUM.

Earl Hines, Lois Deppe and a Pittsburgh Focus for Black History

This time on the Scene, we focus on the major jazz figure of Earl “Fatha” Hines. Called “Fatha” because he was, early in his career, considered the father of what became jazz piano.

The Scene - Thursday at 6pm, Sundays at 4pm (special time), Friday and Saturday at noon on WZUM.

This week on the MCG Jazz Spotlight Show, hosts Marty Ashby and Renée Govanucci offer the debut of a new MCGJazz release - “Bernstein Reimagined” by the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra.

Joining Marty Ashby will be Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra’s executive director, Ken Kimery and artistic director Charlie Young to discuss the creation of the album. Also joining in will be Flavio Chamis to discuss his personal connection to the maestro. Friday and Sunday night at 6, and 1pm, Saturday on WZUM.