Drummers David Throckmorton and Thomas Wendt join the MCG Jazz Spotlight Show this week to share music that has influenced them throughout their careers. Tom and Throck discuss the masters including Elvin Jones, Joe Chambers, Dave Weckl, Paul Motian and others.
The MCG Jazz Spotlight show airs on Friday and Sunday at 6pm and Saturday at 1pm on The Pittsburgh Jazz Channel WZUM..
- Friday and Sunday night at 6, and 1pm, Saturday on WZUM.
Reggie Watkins, Chu Berry, Roy Eldridge and a Wheeling / Pittsburgh Jazz Connection
We visit with Wheeling native and Carnegie resident Reggie Watkins about his recently published article on legendary tenor saxophonist Chu Berry, another native of Wheeling. The article can be found in WEELUNK, a publication about the heritage of Wheeling.
Plus, we hear recollections of the last performance of the Classic Dave Brubeck Quartet by a listener who was there at the Pittsburgh Hilton, 50 plus years ago.
— and we also make a connection with one of Chu Berry’s musical collaborators, Pittsburgh’s Little jazz - Trumpeter Roy Eldridge.
Thursday night at 6, Friday and Saturday at noon, Sunday afternoon at 5 on WZUM.
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.
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.
WZUM's Jazz Central - for live Jazz events in the Pittsburgh Region. Send your information about live jazz in an email to info@wzum.org
