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BNY Mellon presents JazzLive @Home

 

BNY Mellon presents JazzLive @Home is a free online video series produced by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. We'll showcase some of the finest jazz musicians on the scene today, from Pittsburgh and beyond, and give you an inside look at their influences and careers, reflections on current events, and more.

Check back regularly as we hear from Sean Jones, Kenia, Alton Merrell, David Throckmorton, Theron Brown, Lynn Speakman, Thomas Wendt, Kevin Howard, and Roger Humphries + RH Factor.

Roger Humphries & RH Factor

 

There's no better note on which to conclude our BNY Mellon presents JazzLive @Home series than with legendary drummer and Pittsburgh jazz patriarch, Roger Humphries. Joining Humphries in this series finale are members of his band, RH Factor.

Humphries has performed with a veritable "who's who" among celebrated musicians, including Horace Silver, Ray Charles, James Moody, Lee Morgan, Benny Green, Lionel Hampton, Clark Terry, Dizzy Gillespie, George Benson, Joe Williams, Grant Green, Freddie Hubbard, Woody Shaw, Gerri Allen, Herbie Mann, Nancy Wilson, and countless others. Among three studio albums recorded with Silver, Song for My Father (1964) went on to become one of the most legendary albums ever recorded.

At home in Pittsburgh, Humphries has impacted countless lives and influenced the careers of aspiring musicians as a teacher and clinician. Among many other awards, Humphries was the recipient of the Trust's inaugural JazzLive Legacy Award in 2018.

His incredibly talented band, formed in 1972, now features Dwayne Dolphin on bass, Lou Stellute on saxophone, Max Leake on keyboards, James Moore on trumpet, and Yoko Suzuki on saxophone.

Enjoy this very special visit with Roger Humphries & RH Factor!

Learn more about Roger & RH Factor at rogerhumphriesband.com

 


Click on an artist below to view their JazzLive @Home episode

SEAN JONES — EPISODE 1

Sean Jones

In episode one of BNY Mellon presents JazzLive @Home, we visit with acclaimed bandleader, trumpeter, composer, educator, and activist Sean Jones. The Ohio native has performed with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, the SF Jazz Collective, and with jazz legends Nancy Wilson, Diane Reeves, Marcus Miller, Herbie Hancock, and Wayne Shorter among countless others. He now serves as the Richard & Elizabeth Chase Chair of Jazz at Johns Hopkins University’s Peabody Institute in Baltimore. Join us as we catch up with Sean to hear how he's been spending his time, learn about his favorite Pittsburgh memories, and much more.

KENIA — EPISODE 2

Kenia

The BNY Mellon presents JazzLive @Home series continues with episode two featuring vocalist, lyricist, producer, record label owner and cultural ambassador, Kenia. Join the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust as we learn more about Kenia's career, including her dedication to promoting and creating events that celebrate Brazilian culture.

For more information about Kenia and her upcoming projects, visit kenialive.com

THOMAS WENDT — EPISODE 3

Thomas Wendt

The BNY Mellon presents JazzLive @Home series continues with episode three featuring standout drummer, educator, composer, and jazz historian Thomas Wendt. Join the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust as we check-in with Thomas to learn what he's been up to during these challenging times. His great respect for the music and those who've created it — locally and around the world — will shine through as you enjoy the episode.

DR. ALTON MERRELL — EPISODE 4

Dr. Alton Merrell

The BNY Mellon presents JazzLive @Home series continues with episode four world-class pianist, composer, producer, and educator Dr. Alton Merrell. Alton brings technical mastery, fluid technique, and gospel roots to multiple genres including jazz, classical, gospel, pop, and R&B. Join the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust as we check-in with him and learn what he's been up to this year.

DAVID THROCKMORTON — EPISODE 5

David Throckmorton

The BNY Mellon presents JazzLive @Home series continues with episode five featuring David Throckmorton. “Throck,” as he’s fondly called, is a true force of nature on the drums. He draws from many musical influences including jazz, R&B, and hip hop and has performed with a variety of local and international musicians such as Tomoyasu Hotei, Smash Your Wagon, Javon Jackson, DTC Organ Trio, and David Fiuczynski.

THERON BROWN — EPISODE 6

Theron Brown

The BNY Mellon presents JazzLive@Home series continues with Episode #6 featuring Theron Brown. The Akron, Ohio-based pianist, composer, educator, and festival director represents an ever-growing list of incredibly talented musicians from the Buckeye state.

In addition to performing with the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra, Glenn Miller Orchestra, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Huntertones, Sean Jones, Christian McBride, Warren Wolf and more at venues and festivals all over the world, Brown has a film credit to his name; in 2016, he was cast as a young Herbie Hancock in Miles Ahead, which starred Don Cheadle.

Learn more about Theron at theronbrownmusic.com

LYNN SPEAKMAN — EPISODE 7

Lynn Speakman

The BNY Mellon presents JazzLive @Home series continues with Episode #7 featuring performer, composer, arranger, and music educator Lynn Speakman.

Born and raised in Goshen, Indiana, Speakman spent time in New York City playing with impressive names like the Christian McBride Big Band, Gerald Wilson Orchestra, the Wycliffe Gordon Big Band, the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, Marcus Printup, Ron Blake and countless others. As an educator, she’s performed and taught at the Stanford Jazz Workshop, the Calhoun School, Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Middle School Jazz Academy, Detroit’s Civic Youth Jazz program, and at Center of Life right here in Pittsburgh.

Speakman also works with a large and impressive list of clients, lending her talent to composing, arranging, transcribing, and engraving music for them as well as with her own band, the Lynn Speakman Quintet. She brings technical mastery, energy, and passion to every note she plays. She’s called Pittsburgh home for the last five years and we’re so grateful to have her as part of our jazz scene. Enjoy this visit with Lynn Speakman.

Learn more about Lynn at lynnspeakmanmusic.com

KEVIN HOWARD — EPISODE 8

Kevin Howard

The BNY Mellon presents JazzLive @Home series continues with Episode #8 featuring world-class keyboardist, composer, producer, and recording artist Kevin Howard.

Playing in the tradition of the greatest of smooth jazz, Kevin's dynamic sound, warm personality, and infectious smile can be heard in his playing. He projects energy, passion, and charisma into his performances, which is one of the reasons why he's a series favorite. He is a true entertainer.

Join the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust as we visit with Kevin Howard!

Learn more about Kevin at kevinhoward.net

 

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