'Tis Autumn Jazz in Pittsburgh in MCGJazz Spotlight

'Tis Autumn Jazz in Pittsburgh in MCGJazz Spotlight

Marty Ashby and Renée Govanucci highlight events around Pittsburgh this fall - including MCG Jazz shows with Tierney Sutton, Clint Holmes, Patti Austin, and the Hot Sardines; There’s a new Deanna Witkowski record coming out soon (recorded in Pittsburgh at MCG) - plus the Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra Holiday Concert at the Playhouse - and much more.

The MCGJazz Spotlight on WZUM - Friday and Sunday nights at 6, and Saturday afternoon at 1.

Days of Future Jazz - October on the Scene

Days of Future Jazz - October on the Scene

In October, more activity features Pittsburgh artists, national and international performers coming to perform, and a great number of performers with Pittsburgh connections coming back to visit and play. There are so many great performances ahead, you’ll need Jazz Central to keep track!

Hear about it and hear the music - Thursday at 6, Friday and Saturday at noon, Sunday afternoon at 5 on WZUM

Jesse Fischer on tour - visits Pittsburgh; PSO Pops and Harlem's Heyday; Blues and Heritage 2021 on the Scene

Jesse Fischer on tour - visits Pittsburgh; PSO Pops and Harlem's Heyday; Blues and Heritage 2021 on the Scene

We visit with pianist / composer Jesse Fischer - bringing his group from New York to Con Alma, Downtown as a part of a tour supported by an initiative from South Arts. Fischer has performed with many notables in the jazz, pop, and world music scenes, including Mino Cinélu, Sarah Elizabeth Charles, Becca Stevens, Grace Kelly and Lakecia Benjamin. His new project, “Resilience,” includes the talent of Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah, Becca Stevens and Gregoire Marét.

We play some of Jessse’s Music and talk about how it is to be touring again. He and his quartet play at Con Alma, Downtown - Thursday night 6-10.

Thursday at 6pm, Friday and Saturday at noon, Sunday afternoon at 5.

Shorty Rogers, Great Music with Some of the Wittiest Tune Titles, Ever

Shorty Rogers, Great Music with Some of the Wittiest Tune Titles, Ever

MCG Jazz’s Marty Ashby has uncovered some gems by the great trumpeter, fluegelhornist, composer and arranger Shorty Rogers. From Shorty Rogers & His Giants, to collaborations with André Previn, Chet Baker, Mel Tormé, Carmen McRae and even Tarzan.

The MCG Jazz Spotlight on WZUM - Friday and Sunday nights at 6, and Saturday afternoon at 1.

Gene Ludwig in MCG Jazz Spotlight

Gene Ludwig in MCG Jazz Spotlight

Gene Ludwig is remembered in this week’s MCG Jazz Spotlight Show on WZUM.

Guided by a 1998 MCG Jazz Archives Interview conducted by Dwayne Dolphin, Gene Ludwig shares stories, from hearing Jimmy Smith for the first time, to the time he flipped a coin to decide whether or not to become a musician full-time.

The MCG Jazz Spotlight on WZUM - Friday and Sunday nights at 6, Saturday afternoons at 1.

Jeff "Tain" Watts and Suite Pittsburgh at The Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival

Jeff "Tain" Watts and Suite Pittsburgh at The Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival

The Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival is this weekend in Pittsburgh, including a homecoming for famed drummer, Jeff “Tain” Watts. Jeff has firm roots in Pittsburgh and is keen to come back home to present a new commission, “Suite Pittsburgh,” Sunday afternoon at 2:45 at the Highmark Stadium on the South Side.

The band will included another Pittsburgh native, pianist David Budway, plus saxophonist Ravi Coltrane, guitarist Paul Boellenback and bassist Robert Hurst.

We talked with Jeff “Tain” Watts this week. Hear some great stories and music on the Scene - Thursday at 6pm, Friday and Saturday at noon, Sunday afternoon at 5.