Pittsburgh Jazz Musicians

(Group names that simply contain artist names plus the type of group such as the Ahmad Jamal Trio or Roger Humphries Big Band are not listed.)

Further Research

Research on the above individuals and groups is a multi-faceted process and might involve using:

• the library Catalog to search for books, scores, compact discs, LPs, and a few cassettes (but please note that not all library catalog records list all performers on a recording)
• the Tom Lord Jazz Discography, now also available as part of our free online databases
• files of newspaper and magazine clippings
• the index of the Oral History of Music in Pittsburgh (OHMP) collection
• listening stations to utilize the reference LP and CD collections (kept specifically as an archive of Pittsburgh music) and the Pittsburgh LP Collection
• librarian Carlos Peña's Pittsburgh Jazz Records and Beyond, 1950-1985
• Dave Goodrich's book Key to the City: A Guide to Pittsburgh Music, History, Entertainment & More! which, amongst many other things, lists concert engagements by jazz musicians in Pittsburgh between 1928-1954

Further web research should start with the Pittsburgh Jazz Society and the African American Jazz Preservation Society of Pittsburgh. Many currently active Pittsburgh jazz musicians can be found on trombonist and jazz historian Nelson Harrison's Pittsburgh Jazz Network.

The radio shows Rhythm Sweet & Hot and especially Jazz with Bob Studebaker on 90.5 FM WESA-Pittsburgh are good about featuring Pittsburgh musicians.

The Manchester Craftsmen's Guild hosts performances, produces live recordings, and provides educational programs to promote Pittsburgh jazz.

Questions, comments or additions may be e-mailed to the Music Department.

Finally, music librarians are eager to assist you in your research. Don't hesitate to ask.