Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*A surly weirdo caught Bobby Watson jamming with his UMKC students at GiGi's Jazz Inn last week. Here are his notes and photos.

*Common posted performance footage of Diverse and Les Izmore at his blog. That's the good news. The bad news? The rest of the world will hear how many people in Kansas City (don't) listen to live music.

*KCJazzLark has the "Saturday Night Blues".

*Ben Ratliff of The New York Times reviewed the new album by pianist Harold O'Neal.

*The Pitch gave Diverse and Les Izmore the "Best Tribute" award for their Common collaboration. Mark Lowrey was acknowledged for "Best Collaboration."

*This footage of the Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey's performance Saturday at Jardine's is just one of several fine videos recently uploaded by Steve Paul.

*Here's Downbeat's review of Bobby Watson's The Gates BBQ Suite. Audiophile Audition also evaluates the release.

*Hermon Mehari and The Sound are hosting a block party in front of the Mutual Musicians Foundation on Friday, October 22, from 8 p.m. to midnight. KCJazzLark commends the initiative.

*The new roster of the Black House Improvisors Collective is announced in an amusing post.

*KC Free Press investigates the possible presence of a ghost at the Phoenix.

*A critic in Syracuse mentions that "Kansas City" is in the repertoire of Max Weinberg's big band. The ensemble performs at Jardine's on Halloween.

*Hermon Mehari assumes the role of Dizzy Gillespie Saturday, October 16, at 12th Street Jump.

*Renee Fleming performed jazz last week at The Folly Theater. Sort of. Here's The Star's review.

*Tweet o' the Week: kcrhythmandribs: Thanks to everyone who came out for the fest on Sat! Keep an eye on this space for an upcoming Twitter account for AJM events year-round!

*From a KCKCC press release: Kansas City Kansas Community College Jazz Band Director Jim Mair is going home to conduct the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra. Canadian born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Mair will direct the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra in two performances of the “Kansas City Suite” on Nov. 7, 2010.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)