The Selection
This month, in honor of his life and legacy (23 October 1935 – 5 September 2002), we are honoring American hard bop jazz pianist Frank Hewitt.
About
Frank Hewitt, born and raised in New York, was trained in classical and gospel music before switching to jazz — after hearing a Charlie Parker record — and became a prominent figure at New York’s Smalls Jazz Club where he played several nights a week. His reputation among bebop piano fans grew posthumously, and only one track of Hewitt’s playing was released during his lifetime.
Early Life & Career
Frank Hewitt was born in Queens, New York, and lived most of his life in Harlem. His initial classical and gospel training was influenced by his mother, who was a church pianist, before he found his niche in jazz. Hewitt modeled himself after bop pianists such as Bud Powell and Elmo Hope, and began performing at Smalls Jazz Club in the 1990s a few times nights a week. Hewitt sometimes slept in the walk-in refrigerator at the club when times were rough on his financial situation.
The Series
PL Pianist of the Month is a Piano League series that features one pianist a month, celebrating their achievements and dedications. You can nominate a pianist here.
