Pittsburgh Jazz Fest

I thought doing a blog in the summer would be easy. I stand corrected... I'm way behind and I'm finally getting a chance to post about this amazing concert that Emma and I got to see live in Pittsburgh. Late June, Pittsburgh JazzLive took place and arguably the highlight of the entire weekend was Chick Corea's trio on Saturday night. When I heard that he was performing at jazz fest, I couldn't miss out on the opportunity. I told Emma about the show and she was completely up for it so we made plans to go.

Chick Corea has been on my jazz radar since high school. Corea's chart, "Spain", was a staple in our repertoire. Our arrangement began with a trumpet solo that I yearned to play every year. I didn't really know who Corea was until I got into college and began to listen to some of his other music.

We arrived at the show a little early and got milkshakes like you may have seen in Emma's post! Waiting for Chick was a little tedious, I was getting antsy. And then I looked slightly to the left of the stage and saw him just standing there talking to the audience! That says a lot to me, a man as accomplished as him taking the time to speak with his fans before the show.

As soon as they took the stage, I realized that I was really in for an amazing show. Christian McBride was on upright and Brian Blade was playing set. This same trio just performed at the White House for International Jazz Day with greats such as Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, and Aretha Franklin.

Every single chart that they performed seemed fresh and energetic. The 75 year old Corea still took control of the entire show with his thoughtful solos and blips of color he added behind the other solos. Christian McBride's bass solos were epic. At one point he threw in Gangsta's Paradise... I wonder how many people noticed! Brian Blade was one of the most energetic and enjoyable drummers that I've watched. I was so impressed by the ease with which every musician soloed over the complex forms and how they bounced off of each other's improvisations so quickly. This well-oiled trio was an honor to see and I hope I'll get the opportunity to see them live again.

After the performance, Emma and I were about to book it out of Pittsburgh when we ran into a familiar face. Stephen Phillip Harvey was a Pittsburgh Jazz Festival! Who would have thought? I mean he only just released his debut jazz album Suite Childhood which I must say, is incredible. Somehow at that point I still hadn't bought his CD... I know, horrible judgment. Well, he just so happened to have a few copies on his person and I just so happened to have a few bucks. Needless to say, the ride back to Greensburg was accompanied by Stephen's album. I enjoyed every track on the CD but my favorite would have to be "Hiding and Seeking." Stephen used pizzicato strings to open the chart and then brought the rest of the ensemble in with a driving ride cymbal. The chart has many different themes that weave in and out of the string section. I was definitely impressed with the album and hope that each of you reading this will head to stephenpharvey.com to buy this impressive debut. Please support our friend Stephen and his blossoming jazz career! Oh and also congratulate him on his new apartment!

If you follow this link, you can find a sampler of the album that I am speaking of!

Click on this photo to find his website!