When you think about the greats of Pittsburgh jazz the first names that come to mind might be the pianists, an incredible legacy that stretches from Earl Hines through Mary Lou Williams, Errol Garner, Ahmad Jamal, and Sonny Clark.
That’s pretty hard to beat—until you consider the drummers: Kenny Clarke, Art Blakey Beaver Harris, and Jeff “Tain” Watts. And smack dab in the middle of that roll call is Roger Humphries, who will make his BOP STOP debut at 82 on Friday.
“[The band] came together because I transcribed the record, but the idea was to do the record, do the music, and feature Roger on drums,” Watkins said on a video call from his Pittsburgh home. “He’s our obvious connection to the music, a living legend. He was mentored by Art Blakey, and went on to play with Horace Silver, the other founder of the Jazz Messengers. Roger did some serious, legendary work with Horace. So it just makes so much sense and so many ways to have him in the drum chair for the presentation of that album.”
Even people who know nothing about jazz have heard Roger Humphries. That’s him driving Silver’s “Song For My Father,” a jazz tune heard in coffeeshops and retail stores everywhere.
That 1965 recording might have been the high-water mark of Humphries’ fame, but his presence on the Pittsburgh scene is where his influence will be felt. “His history and the people he’s played with give him credibility,” Watkins said. “But beyond that, his presence, his vibe, his mantra is all about giving back and being grateful for the music.”
In many ways, Humphries is the living embodiment of Pittsburgh jazz. Asked to describe his city’s approach to the music, Watkins said, “It’s got a lot to do with swinging hard. It’s got a lot to do with blues. You have to consider the audience 100%. It’s not about us at all. It’s not about trying to make an artistic statement, [that] if you don’t like it, leave. It’s a communal thing. And that’s what makes it really special.”
If that sounds a lot like what makes northeast Ohio jazz special, you won’t be surprised to find trumpeter Tommy Lehman and tenor saxophonist Chris Coles on the front line with Watkins and Jordan McBride on bass in the rhythm section with with Steel City pianist Howie Alexander.
That’s a great lineup, but don’t take your eyes—and your ears—off the drummer.
Indestructible, Friday, July 31, 8 p.m., BOP STOP, 2920 Detroit Rd., Cleveland. Tickets $25, available here.
For the most complete listing of jazz and jazz-adjacent events., look to Jim Szabo’s essential, weekly Northeast Ohio jazz calendar.
