A common sense approach to improvisation : for guitar
by Joe Negri, compiled & edited by Tim Bedner, 2009
This collection is an inventory of Joe Negri’s records and music. Joe Negri is one of the most recognized names in Pittsburgh music circles and perhaps one of the best jazz guitarists in the country. He's known to millions for his appearances as "Handyman Negri" on the PBS show "Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood.” He played this role for 30 years. As a composer, Negri has written music for many documentary film scores. He wrote his first guitar method book in 2001, entitled "A Common Sense Approach to Guitar Improvisation." The book is an introduction to improvisation and is published by Mel Bay Publications.
He has appeared with a roster of Platinum artist including Michael Feinstein, Tony Bennett, Andy Williams, Wynton Marsalis, Branford Marsalis, Buddy Defranco and YoYo Ma. Negri's discography includes the Pittsburgh Symphony's Cinema Serenade with Itzhak Pearlman and John Williams. Compositions by Negri include scores for TV documentaries and major works for jazz instrumental and choral ensembles. His - Mass of Hope - a work in the - jazz - idiom for SATB choir and Jazz quartet has received both critical and public acclaim. Negri served as WTAE-TV's musical director for more than 20 years.
Negri serves as adjunct professor of guitar Carnegie Mellon University, Duquesne University (where he received an Honorary Doctor of Music in 2002) and the University of Pittsburgh. In 1998, he was named Man of the Year by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, and in 2004 he received the coveted Elsie Award. In 2008 Joe was chosen Man of the Year by Audia Caring Heritage Foundation.
More than just jazz...the premiere performance of Joe Negri's Mass of Hope, an original work composed by Negri, adjunct professor of guitar at the School of Music, will be held on Sunday, Nov. 9 at 3 p.m. in the Chapel. The Jazz Mass will be performed by students and faculty.
(announcement from: The Duquesne Duke, November 6, 1997)
Adjunct Professor, Jazz Guitar
Mary Pappert School of Music
Guitar
School of Music 319
Phone: 412-396-6080
negrij@duq.edu
http://www.joenegri.com
Or contact Joe Negri at joenegri610@gmail.com at any time to discuss music, jazz or any other subject of mutual interest.
If you have any questions or would like to see the collections in person, please feel free to contact us.
Terra Merkey, Music Librarian
Phone: 412-396-1542
Email: merkeyt@duq.edu
Thomas White, University Archivist and Curator of Special Collections
Phone: 412-396-4870
Email: whitet@duq.edu
