Pianist Craig Davis is on a mission to raise Michael “Dodo” Marmarosa’s profile in the jazz consciousness.
Part of that stems from hometown pride; a fellow native of Pittsburgh, Davis has spent most of his career as an active and in-demand member of the Steel City jazz scene. He also recognizes parallels to his own approach to the piano in Marmarosa’s, as both men blend classical influences with a taste for progressive jazz and a spirited lyricism.
Joined by guitarist and executive director of MCG Jazz the music of Dodo Marmarosa will come to life.

To observers of the jazz scene during the late 1940s, Marmarosa would have seemed a safe bet to join the pantheon of bebop pianists alongside the likes of Bud Powell and Thelonious Monk. He had worked in bands led by most of the major swing-era bandleaders, including Tommy Dorsey, Gene Krupa, and Artie Shaw; he recorded with Charlie Parker on Bird’s seminal Dial Records sides; and worked with legendary musicians including Lester Young, Barney Kessel, Lionel Hampton, Slim Gaillard, and Mel Tormé. But by the end of the decade Marmarosa’s star had already begun to fade. He returned to his native Pittsburgh for health reasons and became a near recluse for much of the rest of his life. Craig Davis and Marty Ashby will discuss and perform Marmaros’s music and share their knowledge of this legendary Pittsburgh artist.

Join us for an evening of music! Hear the music of a legend, and learn about this piece of Pittsburgh Jazz.

This is an IN PERSON event. Registration required.