May 28, 1921 is the birth date of one of the most revered figures in Buffalo Jazz history. From 1968 until his all-too-soon death in December of 2002 at the age of 81, Al Tinney left an inerasable mark on the Buffalo jazz community.
Al Tinney was a very influential bebop pianist, who is credited with introducing some of the very first bebop arrangements in history while leading the house band at Monroe’s in New York City from 1939-1943. Playing with none other than future jazz giants Charlie Parker and Max Roach. Tinney also influenced many local jazz artists during his years in Buffalo.
Al Tinney frequented the Colored Musician’s Club often and passed on his genius to many. He was a lecturer at UB and was an ardent supporter of jazz in the community. It is unfortunate there are not many recordings of Al Tinney. One exception is the album/CD entitled Peg & Al from 2000 featuring the wonderful vocal talents of Peggy Farrell.
One way to remember Al Tinney is to view this gift of love video produced by Al Tinney’s daughter – Angela Leavy. You will hear a performance of On Green Dolphin Street with master bassist Sabu Adeyola featured in beautiful solo runs. Angela also included many family photos.
Saying Happy Birthday to Al Tinney:
Keep Jazz Alive In WNY!
Thank you for the wonderful remembrance. You made me smile!
A wonderful Father and revered man Angela, thank you for sharing your love. It makes us all smile with you.
A street, a building should be named after Mr.
Al Tinney in the city of Buffalo, New York, which he did so much for. I personally knew Mr. Tinney from him visiting the Sheehan Memorial Hospital, and as a patient, but, I never knew how talented he was, until I walked the Galleria Mall in Buffalo, NY, and heard this beautiful piano playing music from the center of the Mall, and found it to be Mr. Tinney.
A delight to know and a truly fine musician to work with, Al Tinney was a gentleman and talent who graced our lives and he is missed.
I played with Al while attending Buffalo State College, and I loved how he would have no line up for tunes to play, but would say, “what do you feel like playing” and away we go. He taught me to be relaxed when on stage & go with what goes. I miss seeing him at a Bison’s game, & the conversations we would have. What a kind & caring person who would take time & talk with an old student that didn’t keep going with his music. I’ll never forget when he brought Max Roach to the college just to talk to the music students, & give us his insights to it. All to give some knowledge to the students he taught & played with. God Bless him, what a better world he left behind to so many just for knowing him a bit.