MCG Jazz

It was an honor to have had the master here just under two years ago. At age 90, he performed with passion, poignancy, and a deep sense of history felt in every note. It was easily one of the most profound concerts on the MCG Jazz stage. His commitment to the music will be an inspiration forever. Rest in Peace, Abdullah.

Photo: Abdullah Ibrahim Trio concert at MCG Jazz, November 9, 2024, by

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The variety that characterized the abundant composition legacy of Duke Ellington is masterfully captured on this eight-selection program that is bookended by two compositions from 1940, “The Flaming Sword,” a Latin swing tune and “Jack the Bear,” most noted for the bass work of the legendary Jimmy Blanton on the original recording.

There are two pieces inspired by the world-wide travels of the Ellington band, “Ad Lib on Nipon” that grew out of a 1964 tour in Japan, and “Oclupaca,” part of the Latin American Suite. The other selection came from Such Sweet Thunder, the suite that was inspired by the works of Shakespeare, the selection here being “Madness in the Great Ones,” a take on the story of Hamlet.

The informative liner notes by Thomas Cunniffe provide wonderful background and analysis of each selection. The ex*****on by the band of these demanding charts is exactly what the material demands.

This week on MCG Jazz Spotlight Show, Marty Ashby is joined by saxophonist, arranger, composer, and educator Mike Tomaro for a special program marking America’s 250th anniversary, celebrating military jazz bands and the musicians who serve the country while burning down the bandstand.

Tomaro spent 18 years as a member of the Army Blues Jazz Ensemble, a unit of “Pershing’s Own,” The United States Army Band, and brings both a musician’s ear and an insider’s perspective to the conversation. With the U.S. Navy Band Commodores coming to the MCG Jazz stage on June 18, the episode explores the artistry, discipline, and swing that have long defined these ensembles.

The program features several of America’s premier military jazz ensembles, including The U.S. Army Blues, the Airmen of Note, the Jazz Ambassadors, and the U.S. Navy Band Commodores. The playlist moves from The U.S. Army Blues’ hard-charging “The Saxoffonist” from Scream Machine, to the Airmen of Note’s take on “In a Sentimental Mood,” the Jazz Ambassadors’ “Hidden Agenda,” and the Navy Commodores’ “Caravan” and “Cathal Brugha Blues.”

Along the way, Marty and Mike discuss the extraordinary musicianship of these groups, the discipline required to perform at that level, and the living thread that connects today’s military jazz bands to the golden age of the big band — from Duke Ellington and Glenn Miller to the great orchestras that helped define American music.

It’s a tradition rooted in swing, service, precision, and ensemble craft, while continuing to evolve through new arrangements, original compositions, and seriously dangerous horn sections.

Friday and Sunday at 6:00 PM
Saturday at 1:00 PM
The Pittsburgh Jazz Channel WZUM 101.1 FM

City Winery Pittsburgh & MCG Jazz present Hugo Cruz and Caminos: Cuban Jazz Party Brunch live on Saturday, July 11th, at 12:00 PM!

Hugo Cruz & Caminos deliver a vibrant and contemporary celebration of Afro-Cuban music, blending the rhythms and melodies of Cuba with jazz, funk, rock, R&B, and more. Led by Cuban-born, award-winning drummer, composer, and educator Hugo Cruz, the ensemble creates an original sound that honors traditional Cuban forms while pushing them into exciting new territory.

Tickets are on-sale here: https://tickets.citywinery.com/event/hugo-cruz-and-caminos-cuban-jazz-party-brunch-9qoeav