David Roth Brings Jazz into Focus

by Christine McMahon Tumpson

Jazz is notorious for the superior level of skill needed to play well. First, learn the rules. Then break them. The same principles apply to architecture. Ask Pittsburgh architect David Roth about jazz, and he will tell you the best haunts, talents, and shows in Pittsburgh.

His enthusiasm for music is contagious, and his passion is seeking out the newcomers and the ones who are playing simply for the joy of creating beauty. Ours is a city with many constructs, and music is at the heart of the culture here, built into the fabric of our souls. So too is our love for architecture. We take great pride in our buildings, parks, and spaces that help to define us as a community.

Roth brings it all together in his images, telling the stories of those compelled to play, how sounds move through them, and what that all does to us. The skills required to capture moments of pure bliss take years to master, making the photographs even more exhilarating.

Jazz music is about learning the rules and then breaking them. As an architect and photographer, your perspective seems to be based on a similar concept. What are you looking for in your images?

The challenge of the creativity in general is to always be making something new. I can shoot a performer many times, but I’m always seeking a new look. I consider the photos to be a portrait of the artist, so it’s important that their personality be conveyed in the image. My goal is simplicity and clarity, so most of the shots are close-ups without distracting backgrounds or foreground objects like microphones or music stands. I think about all the iconic images we have seen over the years and hope that someday my work may be as memorable.

Who are your favorite local performers?

For this article let’s celebrate some of #PghJazz’s next generation: Tony DePaolis (contrabass); Anita Levels (vocal); Jason Washington Jr. (drums); G Glyn Loyd Jr. (electric bass); Roger Romero (sax); Antonio Croes (piano) and Mai Khoi (vocal).

Why do you think the jazz scene is taking off in Pittsburgh again?

We love our city’s history and today’s players are standing on the shoulders of giants. This question can’t be answered without giving credit to our educators, in particular Roger Humphries who started CAPA high school. He’s nurtured countless students in both the classroom and on the bandstand. He instilled a respect for the music, demanding excellence. His jam sessions are a right of passage, with him famously proclaiming them to be “no gong show.” You better know the tunes and be ready to perform at your best. We’re also into the second and third generation of players from same families. There’s no replacement for the leadership that our teachers, families and older players provide by example.

Where are your favorite places for jazz and why?

Have to start with Con Alma who present the music at their two locations and use many of my photos for promotion. The best listening room is Alphabet City at The City of Asylum, an intimate setting that I’m sure the players appreciate. Kingfly Distillery is very similar with attentive audiences. Kente Arts Alliance present great shows with national artists, typically at New Hazlett Theater that are must see performances. Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild joined with Point Park University over the last two summers to present the music in their black box at their Playhouse. Trust Arts in summer at The Backyard is always fun. And we can’t leave out the August Wilson Center where we’ve had very memorable performances both in their theater as well as their jazz festival that now takes place at Highmark Stadium.

What music are you listening to?

I try to stay current by following the scene on social media. Recent #PghJazz releases from Deanna Witkowski (piano), Tony Campbell (sax), and George Heid III (drums). National stars with a #PghJazz connection and/or frequent visits like Benny Benack III, Sean Jones, Richie Goods and others are all friends made through my photography.

What do you do to maintain a healthy lifestyle?

For my mind, I practice Transcendental Meditation, my force field protection from the stresses of everyday life. For the body, I try to walk every day and eat right thanks to my beautiful wife Cris who feeds us vegetables each night for dinner. For my soul, there’s this music. Yes I do enjoy all good music like rock, soul and classics, but it’s jazz that is endlessly inspiring.