Pittsburgh Jazz

Images of America: Pennsylvania

by John M. Brewer Jr.

Pittsburgh Jazz documents the almost forgotten magic created in the city of Pittsburgh by a host of artists, uptown inner city streets, and jazz joints that served patrons from a menu packed full of delightful music. The magical improvised songs, compositions, and unique styles of hundreds of those who were born, raised, or influenced by what occurred in the smoke filled clubs, bars, restaurants, and theaters is difficult to comprehend. And yet, every jazz artist in the world was attracted here to “stand the test” waiting in the Steel City. This book is committed to connecting Pittsburgh style jazz as the synthesis that resulted in the art form called bebop. This photographic presentation was captured by Pittsburgh Courier photographers between the 1930s and 1980s.

128 pages, Paperback

First published June 25, 2007

Reviews

[Nancy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I bought this book some time ago as a gift for my son, then I forgot to give it him. (I will sent it to him soon.) Like others in the Images of America series, Pittsburgh Jazz is basically a photo book, with captions. I wish that more of the photos had been dated and I wish that the content would have been more Pittsburgh oriented (many were jazz musicians that may have played in Pittsburgh, but were not from Pittsburgh). For someone who wants to know more about jazz in Pittsburgh, I would recommend the Manchester Craftsman Guild's documentary "We Knew What We Had: The Greatest Jazz Story Never Told."

[Jeff Walzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pittsburgh Jazz

Wonderful collection of the jazz greats with an emphasis on those from Pittsburgh and how important they were in the history of jazz and music

[Caleb Boyd · Rating 2 out of 5]

no Oscar Levant :/

[Elnora Fortson · Rating 5 out of 5]

In "Pittsburgh Jazz", John M. Brewer, Jr. compels readers to learn what makes Pittsburgh special. Many great jazz legends frequently performed in Pittsburgh at well known spots in Pittsburgh's Hill District and nearby locations. Included among these noted jazz legends are Billy Strayhorn, Ahmad Jamal, Mary Lou Williams, Lena Horne, Dizzy Gillespie, Bessie Smith, Walt Harper, and many others. These legacy giants fill these pages with the splendor of their art. Readers searching for the roots of Pittsburgh jazz will be pleased with the historic wealth of knowledge discovered in this fine collection of facts, compiled excellently in Mr. Brewer's book.