Welcome to Philadelphia Jazz Project
All Too Familiar
Jun 5, 2013
If you know anything about Philadelphia Jazz, you probably know, have met, have seen, or heard the works of photographer John "Bunky" deVecchis, or pianist, Alfie Pollitt. If these names are familiar, it's because these gentlemen are truly Philadelphia institutions. They are integral parts of the Philadelphia cultural legacy and their work and lives have impacted many Philadelphians young and old. On Friday, June 7th 2013, at 7pm at the Philadelphia Clef Club, 738 S. Broad Street, the Philadelphia Jazz Project will present A Tribute to Bunky: Featuring Images by John "Bunky" deVecchis, followed by Alfie Pollitt's All Star Jam Session featuring Nimrod Speaks, Richard Hill, Alan Nelson, Richard Adderley, Sam Reed and others.
Bunky deVecchis, a native Philadelphian, is a master photographer who captured the sounds of Philly jazz scene for more than 25 years. Bunky would frequent local jazz clubs, like Zanzibar Blue, Chris Jazz Café, Ortliebs Jazzhaus, and the Clef Club making powerful images of Jazz artists in action, using only ambient light. His rich, black and white images capture the essence of the performers in their surroundings. The tribute cosponsored by the Philadelphia Conference of Photojournalism will be facilitated by his wife, Rita deVecchis, a master photographer in her own right. The images featured in the tribute are part of his series Downtown Sounds. Bunky and Rita, own a gallery on South Street in the Queen Village section of the city.
Alfred Alexander Pollitt, known to the music world simply as Alfie, was born in right next door in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. He was introduced to the music at an early age by his parents Mae and Alexander Pollitt. Alfie is an accomplished pianist and teacher who is equally at home in a jazz ensemble or with an R&B group. To show his remarkable versatility, throughout his career, he has played with such artists as Donald Byrd, Archie Shepp, Sister Sledge, Billy Paul, Art Blakey, Norman Connors, Stephanie Mills, Major Harris, The Four Tops, Teddy Pendergrass and many others.
Alfie will host an All Star Jam Session featuring a diverse array of local Jazz talents including bassists, Nimrod Speaks, and Richard Hill; drummer, Alan Nelson; vibesman Richard Adderley; saxophonist Sam Reed; vocalist, Barbara Montgomery and others.
Hope to see you there.
FREE Admission.
Space is limited RSVP Required, general seating, first come first serve.
RSVP @ rsvp@philajazzproject.org
For more information contact Philadelphia Jazz Project(PJP) at 267-259-3802 or visit us at http://www.philajazzproject.org
Photo Credits:
Top Left: Alfie Pollitt - Photo by John Griggs
Lower Right: Mary Ellen Desmond at Chris' Jazz Cafe July 2003 - Photo by Bunky deVecchis
