Slideshow: The jazz scene

Thursday, December 07, 2006


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Multimedia presentation by Larry Roberts
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

When jazz was the popular music in this country, fans dropped their record player needles on stacks of acetate and vinyl disks, and packed the clubs at night.

Pittsburgh was the birthplace of many talented musicians, including drummer Kenny Clarke, trumpet player Roy Eldridge, bassist Ray Brown and pianist Mary Lou Williams. Composer Billy Strayhorn graduated from high school in Pittsburgh.

In many 21st century cities the cry has gone out once again that jazz is dying, music isn't selling and the clubs are gone. But in Pittsburgh, jazz is still packing in fans with national acts and standing-room-only local jam sessions.

In this presentation, jazz afficianado and Post-Gazette assistant managing editor for photography Larry Roberts takes viewers on a tour of the Pittsburgh jazz scene.