Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*The Kansas City Star reports on the latest developments in the reorganization of the American Jazz Museum.

*Marilyn Maye’s concert at Yardley Hall was documented by Joe Dimino.

*Take Five Music Productions will present Thollem McDonas at YJ’s Snack Bar on Saturday, December 1.  A $10 donation will be requested at the door.  The New Jazz Order Big Band Reunion featuring Ellington's Nutcracker will transpire at the Martin Event Space in Martin City. on Sunday, December 9.  The cover charge for adults is $15.

*Tweet o’ the Week: Frank Boal- I hope I have the energy this international icon and legend has when I'm 90!! The incomparable Marilyn Maye!! What a show tonight at the Carlson Center on JCCC campus. Wow, just wow!! She performed for an hour and a half and brought the house down.

*From a press release: Internationally-recognized jazz leader Dan Thomas has been named Executive Director of the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra, the group’s Board of Directors has announced.  Thomas, who has called Kansas City his home for nearly 20 years, the last 18 of which he served as a faculty member and administrator leading the Jazz Studies program at UMKC’s Conservatory of Music, is a well-known performer, composer, recording artist, educator and jazz leader in Kansas City and internationally.

*From a press release: The Carlsen Center at Johnson County Community College will present the Angela Hagenbach Quintet on Sunday, Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. in Polsky Theatre.  Hagenbach has been a jazz icon on the Kansas City scene for nearly three decades... Performing with her on Dec. 2 are Roger Wilder, piano; Danny Embrey, guitar; Tyrone Clark, bass; and Michael Warren, drums.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*Hermon Mehari chatted with KCUR’s Chuck Haddix.

*The editorial board of The Kansas City Star suggests that the “status quo at the American Jazz Museum is unacceptable.”

*Seven minutes of footage of last night’s concert by Allison Miller's Boom Tic Boom was shared by Steve Paul.

*Mike Corrigan's instrument and instrument repair business is the subject of a two-minute feature created by NBC News.

*John Kizilarmut was interviewed by Joe Dimino.

*The season debut of the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra was documented by Joe Dimino.

*Clint Ashlock is quoted in a The New York Times story about the mania surrounding Patrick Mahomes, the young quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs.

*Tweet o’ the Week: SpinningTreeTheatre- Jazz Great Angela Hagenbach Headlines Spinning Tree Sings! Cabaret Fundraiser. Mon Nov 12 @ 7:30pm, Just Off Broadway. Roger Wilder, Piano. Tyrone Clark, Bass. Michael Warren, Drums

(Original image of a men's bathroom in Arrowhead Stadium at Saturday's Ed Sheeran concert by Plastic Sax.)

Now's the Time: Angela Hagenbach

Angela Hagenbach will perform at Village Presbyterian Church at 7 p.m. on Friday, October 6. Admission is free. The strength of the vocalist’s appearance at the Kansas City Jazz & Heritage Festival and in the embedded video reveal that Hagenbach sounds better than ever in 2017.

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*Joe Klopus runs down the week on Kansas City’s jazz scene.

*The Pitch touts Roy Ayers’ appearance at the Blue Room.

*Krystle Warren’s concert at Johnson County Community College was reviewed by Jessie Riggins.

*Doug Auwarter was interviewed by Joe Dimino.

*Shades of Jade’s new release indicates that the band’s dramatic transformation into a neo-soul ensemble has been completed.

*Tweet o’ the Week: Brian Scarborough- 4 hours in the studio with PLBB tonight. Making slow and steady progress on this record. #KCJazz

*From a press release: An original exhibit examining the impact of the Civil Rights Movement on daily life, politics, and the creative process of the arts takes center stage in the Changing Gallery of the American Jazz Museum, June 2-September 30, 2016. Jazz Speaks for Life:  Discovering the Civil Rights Journey through Visual and Musical Expression explores how art and music did their part to break down the barriers of racial discrimination in the 1950s,' 60s, and '70s… Complementary programming features locally renowned jazz performers Bobby Watson (July 8) and Angela Hagenbach (July 21) (and) South African music star Jonathan Butler (September 30).

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Album Review: Ron Carlson- Kind Folk

Ron Carlson’s new album Kind Folk is dedicated to Charlie Haden and Kenny Wheeler. 

The title track of the project would almost certainly have pleased both jazz legends.  The core band of saxophonists Rob Scheps and Roger Rosenberg, guitarist Carlson, bassist Bob Bowman and drummer Brian Steever interpret Wheeler’s composition with the elegant finesse associated with the late bassist and trumpeter.

Scheps and Rosenberg shine on John Abercrombie’s “Soundtrack” and Haden’s exquisite ballad “First Song.”  Rosenberg’s bass clarinet gives the latter selection an old world feel.

Kind Folk provides valuable documentation of the New York based Scheps’ annual collaborations with Kansas City jazz musicians.  The pairing of Bowman, a Kansas City institution in the midst of a late career renaissance, and the energetic young Steever, reflects Carlson’s savvy as a bandleader.

Three prominent Kansas City jazz vocalists- Shay Estes (“A Felicidade”), Angela Hagenbach (“Bye Bye Country Boy”) and Kathleen Holeman (“A Beautiful Friendship”)- are also featured on Kind Folk.

Carlson is content to let his consistently tasteful Kenny Burrell-style playing augment the contributions of his bandmates.  His thoughtful statement on “J.S.”, the album’s gorgeous closing track, lasts less than a minute.

In electing to act in a complementary role, Carlson has overseen the creation of a solid album of  mainstream jazz.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*KC Jazz Lark suggests that the audience at last month’s Prairie Village Jazz Festival numbered 5,000 in the text accompanying a second photo set documenting the event,

*Michael Pagán is among Joe Dimino’s recent interview subjects.

*Ryan Heinlein was interviewed by Wichita’s NPR station.

*A blogger shares his notes about his favorite R&B and blues performances at the 18th & Vine Jazz and Blues Festival.  A commenter disagreed with the plea for more jazz: "To much Jazz outside stage, needed more up beat music… Seemed like to much music for such a small attendance."

*A video for “Slow” provides another preview of Logan Richardson’s forthcoming album Shift.

*Angela Hagenbach is participating in the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition.

*Dominique Sanders has released X-Life, a collaboration with Leonard Dstroy that’s billed as “an amazing journey between Hip-Hop, Jazz, Soul, and R&B."

*Tweet o’ the Week: John Hilderbrand- A belated RIP to Larry Rosen. I was such a huge fan of GRP Records.

*Comment o’ the Week: Anonymous: I don't get it. Conrad Herwig is one heck of a trombonist but he is not going to sell a single ticket to the 18th and Vine Festival. Well, maybe one or two and thats a big maybe.

*From Ron Carlson: The new seven part Fall Jazz Series starts this week at The Art Factory!  The Art Factory is located at 5621 W 135th St in Overland Park, KS (at the SouthWest corner of 135th and Nall Ave).  Bob Bowman is featured on four of the seven events, each time with different groups.  The full calendar is available at The Art Factory.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Reading the Book of Gaia

Few Kansas City jazz ensembles make me feel more conflicted than Book of Gaia.  Some elements of the talented vocal trio thrill me.  I find other aspects of the group irritating.  A new 17-minute video profile of Book of Gaia serves as a fine introduction to the musical backgrounds of Nedra Dixon, Angela Hagenbach and Pamela Baskin-Watson.

Concert Review: Jazz in the Woods

I want my money back.

In a noble but flawed effort to present as many musicians associated with Kansas City's jazz scene as possible while still attracting a large audience, organizers of the Jazz in the Woods festival apportioned tiny time slots to four opening acts for Saturday's headliner Mindi Abair, a smooth jazz and pop star from California.  The intention was commendable, but the result was extremely frustrating.

The published schedule- "6:20 - 7:20 PM Angela Hagenbach/Lauren Braton, 7:45 - 8:45 PM Bobby Watson/Eldar, 9:10 - 10:25 PM Mindi Abair"- led me to believe that the opening sets would feature collaborations.

I was wrong.

Bobby Watson played for 30 glorious minutes and Eldar Djangirov was on stage for about 25 impressive minutes.  Both men employed guitarist Rod Fleeman, but otherwise each man brought his own band.

Backed by Fleeman, pianist Joe Cartwright, bassist Tyrone Clark and drummer Mike Warren, Watson performed three selections- his original composition "Sweet Dreams," Duke Ellington's "In a Sentimental Mood" and Duke Pearson's "Jeannine."  Each piece was better than the last.  Watson ran out of time just as he and his band were getting properly warmed up.

Eldar Djangirov was supported by Fleeman, saxophonist Jim Mair, bassist Gerald Spaits and drummer Todd Strait.  The highlight of his unnaturally abridged set, however, was an unaccompanied version of "Take the 'A' Train."

With the exception of drummer Doug Auwarter, Angela Hagenbach and Lauren Braton used the same band as Djangirov.  Each charming vocalist sang for about 30 minutes.

The event may have been free, but the opportunity for a priceless collaboration was lost.

(Original images by Plastic Sax.)

Now's the Time: Book of Gaia

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Book of Gaia, the ensemble fronted by Pamela Baskin-Watkins, Nedra Dixon and Angela Hagenbach, revives the neglected tradition of jazz showmanship associated with artists including Lambert, Hendricks & Ross.  The vocal trio performs at The Broadway Jazz Club on Friday, March 14.

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*Demencha published a review of Eddie Moore and the Outer Circle's Freedom of Expression.

*KCJazzLark suggests that the shuttering of Jardine's may have been a blessing in disguise.

*A blogger documented Sunday's tribute to Thelonious Monk at the RecordBar.

*Bobby Watson participated in a panel discussion titled “Art Blakey: The Jazz Message” at this month's Portland Jazz Festival.

*The Lawrence Journal-World offers an excellent profile of the Junkyard Jazz band.

*The Great Band Tribune reports that "KC jazz icon" David Basse will perform at the Great Bend Jazz Festival this weekend.

*A Topeka television station provides footage of Angela Hagenbach performing at a library function.

*The Black House Improvisors' Collective shares a new set of photos.

*Phonologotron's Soundcloud profile remains active.

*Cover Art, the debut album by the Next Collective, an all-star band that includes Kansas City's Logan Richardson, was released this week.

*A blog run by the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation reminds readers that Charlie Parker's residence in the East Village is designated as an official historical landmark.

*Tonight's Tribute to J Dilla show at the Blue Room has been postponed.

*Tweet o' the Week: Clint Ashlock-"Snowed In At a Gas Station on K-10" #shouldabeencountrysong #nopeitstruelife

*Comment of the Week: Sid- Footnote to KC Star review: Kenny Garrett and Bobby Watson. Two virtuosos, brilliant artists and both sound innovators. (They changed the sound of the alto saxophone.)  Only one person sounds like Bobby Watson. In two notes you can identify him.  Kenny Garrett on the other hand used to be identifiable in one note but he has influenced an entire generation of players based on his tone itself. Now its harder to tell who you are listening to.  Not since David Sanborn in the 1970's has an alto saxophonists tone been imitated so much. Dozens of alto players sound similar to Kenny Garrett.  Similar comparison with tenor saxophone. Coltrane's tone influenced (and still does) several generations and the next guy to "change" the tone was Mike Brecker again in the 1970's and he influenced an entire generation.  The question that is interesting to me is that why has Kenny Garrett's sound been so enticing to copy and not Bobby's.  I personally enjoy both of them very much even though they are quite different in so many ways.  Anybody want to weigh in.  Thanks, Sid

*From Brad Cox: New York trumpeter Dave Scott will perform with The People's Liberation Big Band of Greater Kansas City at the RecordBar on Sunday, March 3rd at 8:00pm. The band will perform a night of compositions and arrangements by Scott, with the composer as featured soloist.

*A reminder from Michael Pagán: Jazz Jam Session every Saturday afternoon at Piropos Piano Bar in Briarcliff.

*From Kent Rausch: (T)he Vine Street Rumble concert (at Californos) has been postponed to Monday, March 11th.

*From a press release: A Night of Harmonious Horn. Stan Kessler, Trumpet performing with Tim Whitmer & The Consort Band.  Kansas City Jazz Legend Stan Kessler is not only a gifted performer but also wears the many hats of trumpet/flugelhorn instructor, bandleader, clinician, writer/arranger and educator. He performs, and leads, in numerous ensembles including the long-running Sons of Brasil, The Stan Kessler Quartet, Stan Kessler’s TV, HoraceScope, The Uncertainty Principle, Mistra Fina and Passport. Wednesday, March 6, 2013. 7:00 p.m. Unity Temple on the Plaza. Tickets at the door only $7.00. Children under 16 free.

*From Dan Gailey: The KU School of Music is pleased to present the 36th Annual KU Jazz Festival on March 1-2, 2013, featuring notable guest artists Bob Sheppard, saxophone, and Kurt Rosenwinkel, guitar. Both concerts will be held at Free State High School Auditorium in Lawrence at 7:30 pm and are open to the general public…

On Friday, March 1 at 7:30 p.m. at the Free State High School Auditorium, saxophonist Bob Sheppard will be featured with the KU Jazz Festival All-Star Big Band... The Jazz Festival All-Star Big Band features KU School of Music faculty, along with some of the nation's finest jazz educators and prominent musicians from the Kansas City jazz community. The concert will open with Free State High School Jazz Ensemble I and the festival's chosen Outstanding High School Ensemble from the daytime performances.

The concert on Saturday, March 2nd features guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel with KU Jazz Ensemble I, under the direction of Dan Gailey, director of jazz studies at KU… The performance will include new big band arrangements of Rosenwinkel's music written by KU Jazz Studies faculty, students and alumni. The concert will open with KU Combo 1 and the KU Jazz Singers, and the festival's chosen Outstanding College Ensemble….

KU Jazz Festival After Hours (featuring the Matt Otto trio) will be held at the Oread in the All Seasons Den following the evening concerts from 10:00 pm-12:30 am both evenings. Admission is free; a cash bar is available.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Review: The Meet Me at the Bridge Festival

I had a nice time at Saturday's Meet Me at the Bridge festival even though I quickly realized that very few of the approximately 250 people in attendance were there to hear performances by several of Kansas City's elite jazz musicians.  The free event was actually a community gathering that just happened to feature jazz. 

The commemoration of a new bridge on Troost Avenue immediately north of the UMKC campus served as a public forum for a host of politicians, community organizers, educators, environmental advocates and representatives of neighborhood associations.  Anyone not familiar with the cultural implications of Troost is encouraged to watch the trailer for  We Are Superman.  And yes, the filmmaker was on hand to pitch his documentary. 

So many speakers crossed the stage and so many clipboard-toting activists worked the modest crowd that I wondered if a friend and I weren't the only people present who weren't directly connected to the event.

I caught two acts in the two hours I spent at the bridge.  Pamela Baskin-Watson, Nedra Dixon and Angela Hagenbach are the members of the relatively new ensemble Book of Gaia.  The ambitious trio was backed by trombonist Karita Carter, pianist Eddie Moore, bassist Tyrone Clark and drummer Mike Warren.

"We are ladies on a mission," Dixon explained.  "We're striking out on a fearless path."

The trio combines the socially conscious themes also explored by Esperanza Spalding on her new Radio Music Society album with a classic sound inspired by Lambert, Hendricks & Ross.  Book of Gaia's rarefied approach doesn't appeal to everyone, but it could go over extremely well in the right setting. 

I also heard the first set of a band co-led by David Basse and Bobby Watson.   The pair were joined by trumpeter Hermon Mehari, saxophonist Steve Lambert, trombonist Ben Sailor, pianist Joe Cartwright, bassist Ben Leifer, a percussionist I didn't recognize and Warren on drums.  Although he fired off a couple typically dazzling solos, Watson mostly relegated himself to section playing.  It's one of the few opportunities I've had to hear Watson in that context.  The band's repertoire included standards like "Smack Dab in the Middle" and "Moanin'." The latter selection can be heard in the background of a solid report from Fox 4 News.

Mildly disappointed that no one invited me to join the evening's cavalcade of speakers, I left before the band resumed.

(Original image of Book of Gaia by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*Jenee Osterheldt reports that Myra Taylor is in poor health.

*Angela Hagenbach is interviewed by the Leavenworth Times in advance of her concert Saturday at the Hollywood Theater.

*"While Memphis bemoans the Folk Alliance International's announced move to Kansas City, St. Louis appears to be gaining ground on another music-related front: creating a blues museum to celebrate the Delta-born art form and pull in visitors," suggests the author of a story about St. Louis' National Blues Museum.

*Intentions, the restaurant and nightclub in Overland Park that sporadically served as a venue for live jazz, has been shuttered.

*KCJazzLark elaborates on a previous post concerning the proper location for jazz festivals in the Kansas City area.

*Roger Wilder now has a proper web presence.

*The American Jazz Museum is involved in a Kickstarter campaign for a documentary about Cecil Taylor.

*Chuck Berg applauds a Topeka Jazz Workshop concert featuring Ken Peplowski and John Fedchock.

*A Hutchinson, Kansas, newspaper previews a Marilyn Maye concert.

*Pat Metheny has a Vimeo channel.

*Lucas Homer provides notes on the next couple weeks in live jazz.

*Tweet o' the Week: CRJazzCritic: Heard Gary Foster last night as featured alto soloist on John Williams Gershwin Suite. Died and went to heaven. #jazz #garyfoster #gershwin

*From Peter Lawless: The Ad Hoc Music Series Presents: Game Night (Sunday, Nov. 27 at 8 p.m.) This special event will feature series curator Peter Lawless and his closest musical friends performing a number of original “game pieces.” These playful pieces combine performance art, spoken word and musical improvisation; promising fun, excitement and uncertainty as each note is determined by the roll of the dice and the luck of the draw. Among the games to be played are the meditative Curling, an exciting Board Game for Improvisors, and the return of the infamous PBR Performance Art Olympics.

*From Kemet D. Coleman: I work for MAC Property Management. We are having a Jazz Night in the lobby of our Clyde Manor building (350 East Armour Blvd.) next Tuesday, November 22nd from 7-9PM. The band will be lead by Hermon Mehari and we will be giving away a free Kindle Fire! Chances of winning are pretty high. Free food and booze will be available.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

The 2012 Live at Hollywood Theater Season

Plastic Sax is honored by the opportunity to be the first to announce the 2012 season of "Live at the Hollywood Theater." All events in the prestigious Leavenworth, Kansas, concert series start at 8 p.m. Receptions before each event allow guests to "meet and mingle" with the performers. More information is available at Leavenworth Concert Series.

Saturday, March 17, 2012
Double bill: The duo of Mike Pagan and Millie Edwards and the Will Matthews Quartet with Reggie Thomas.

Saturday, May 12, 2012
Double bill: The Makuza Latin Jazz Ensemble and the Toni Gates Ensemble.

Saturday, November 17, 2012
The Bobby Watson Quartet.

Two concerts- The Elders on May 14 and Angela Hagenbach on November 17- remain in the 2011 season.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*Andrew Zender interviewed Jeff Harshbarger.

*Angela Hagenbach was featured in The Star's Sunday magazine.

*Everything looks better in black and white. KCJazzLark posted exemplary photos of Bobby Watson's set at Jazz In the Woods.

*The Star reviewed Marilyn Maye's second set at Jardine's on Sunday. Two additional shows have been added on Sunday, June 20.

*The Pitch offers photos of Mark Southerland and Helen Gillet performing at Birdies.

*Mark Edelman makes a few jazz picks.

*Steve Penn checks in with Max Groove and Horace Washington.

*Here's the latest installment of Megan Birdsall's MBird tour vlog.

*According to this review, a track on John Escreet's new album "features spoken work segments from an old recording of Charlie Parker himself."

*Kim Park plays the role of Eric Dolphy on Saturday's 12th Street Jump.

*Here's the latest from the Black House Improvisors' Collective.

*Notice of an "emergency meeting" was posted at the site of the Mutual Musicians Foundation.

*The excellent Jazz Wax blog remembers the late Danny Bank. The baritone saxophonist died June 5. The tribute includes of a stream of Bank playing "Night and Day" on a Charlie Parker session.

*Josh Charles recalls growing up in Kansas City.

*The Chicago Reader reports that Chicago saxophonist Fred Anderson is gravely ill. Anderson, an occasional performer at the Blue Room, is beloved by several of Plastic Sax's 37 readers. (Tip via Rick in P.V.)

*No Kansas City-specific artists or entities were among the nominees, but the listings of the Jazz Journalist Association's awards makes for interesting reading.

*Hear me stutter and sputter on the archived June 11 edition of KCUR's Up To Date.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*The Majestic Steakhouse has reopened! I'd love to celebrate this great news by integrating their jazz bookings into my Kansas City Jazz Calendar, but the downtown venue's entertainment schedule seems to be a secret.

*Did you know that the Count Basie Orchestra released a new album in August? I didn't either. Here's a new EPK for the project.

*What's wrong with these kids! The 5 Star Jazz Band is a group of teenagers who enjoy performing jazz. They're featured by the Star.

*Angela Hagenbach's new album receives favorable reviews from The Pitch and a blogger.

*UMKC's student newspaper shines its spotlight on the Marr Sound Archives.

*A man by the name of Derek recently left a lengthy and thoughtful comment on a 2007 Plastic Sax post. (The photos I used to illustrated my original point still make me laugh.) Here's one of his better lines about the challenge of post-bop jazz: "It's work trying to figure out why such rhythmic music is so eminently, intentionally undanceable."

*Shay Estes shares "A Case of the Mondays" with the Star.

*Steve Penn checks in with Darryl Terrell.

*Orchestrion, the freaky new Pat Metheny album, will be released on January 26.

*Mark Edelman makes his live jazz picks here.

*Sorely missed friend of the Kansas City jazz scene Lee Ingalls is currently living it up in Seattle. His hysterical (and flattering) review of a Sachal Vasandani show is at his blog.

*Eldar's latest album receives a mixed review at All About Jazz.

*Mike Hendricks's latest column analyzes a dust-up surrounding “We Haz Jazz,” "a salute to African-American culture by the mostly white third-, fourth- and fifth-graders at Timber Creek Elementary School in south Overland Park."

*Here's a video highlighting the Kansas City Plaza Rotary Club's 9th annual Jazz Cabaret. The April 2010 event will feature Tim Whitmer and the Wild Women of Kansas City.

*Sue Vicory shot a promotional video for Kansas City Youth Jazz. I've been informed that the organization "is looking for a high school jazz pianist to play in their top jazz band, The Reno Jazz Ensemble on Monday nights from 6 to 7:30 p.m." Interested parties should contact Leon Brady at leonbrady@kcyouthjazz.org.

*From Jim Mair, Associate Professor of Instrumental Music at Kansas City Kansas Community College: "Drummer Jeff Hamilton and bassist Christoph Luty will work with the KCKCC Jazz Band and Jazz Combo on Wednesday November 18 from 10:00am till noon in the band room at KCKCC. The Jeff Hamilton Trio presented clinics at KCKCC last time they were in Kansas City." The Kansas City Kansan published additional details here. The Kansan also notes the forthcoming fall jazz concert by KCKCC's jazz ensembles. The November 24 event will feature percussionist Scott Prebys. His talents are on display in this video.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*Angela Hagenbach chats with Joe Klopus about her new album.

*KCJazzLark published a scathing editorial titled "Fairness Folly". His stern lecture makes Plastic Sax seem like a comparative pushover.

*James Hart notes the 29th anniversary of the murder of jazz musician Steve Harvey.

*Jason Harper begins a blindfold test on Pandora's Nolan Gasser with vintage Jay McShann.

*Kansas City is represented several times on The Telegraph's new list of the 100 Best Jazz Recordings.

*Sue Vicory has amassed quite a collection of recent and vintage photos of Kansas City jazz and blues musicians at the Facebook account for her forthcoming documentary.

*Steve Penn notes that Lonnie McFadden is in a film project.

*The Scott Joplin Ragtime Festival hits Sedalia, Missouri, June 2-6, 2010.

*I'm loving my Kansas City Jazz Twitter feed. For those who prefer a version that doesn't include Miles Bonny's incessant stream-of-consciousness postings, I recommend KC Jazz Lark's KC Jazz list.

(Original image of sign outside the Drum Room by Plastic Sax. Too bad their online calendar stops at October 31.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*Here's a bit of welcome news. According to an article in the Star, the Majestic is reopening under new ownership. Jazz, apparently, is still in the mix. "The Sebrees put a 1910 piano in the dining room for live jazz during happy hour. The basement jazz club will be open on Friday and Saturday nights."

*Kim Park has returned. "It is great to be back in Kansas City after spending two years in Nashville," Park writes. "There is a thriving jazz community here, and it is a pleasure to be back." He performs this Saturday afternoon at Jardine's.

*I learned of a major schedule change at the Blue Room through the KCJazzLark blog. The November 5 appearance by Pat Martino has been canceled. It's been replaced by an all-star bill of T.S. Monk, John Faddis and Bobby Watson.

*The Star's Tim Finn profiles The Hearts of Darkness.

*KCUR program KC Currents featured pianist Bram Wijnands.

*A song from Angela Hagenbach's new album is available for free download here.

*Here's the Star's review of Saturday's stunning Afinidad concert at The Folly Theater.

*Guitarist Will Matthews is recognized in Steve Penn's column.

*Mark Edelman's weekly jazz column runs here and here.

*From a CampKC guide to Kansas City nightlife: "My lover and I were urged to leave the Mutual Musicians Foundation for holding hands. Not fun. How we miss bar Natasha, where we could always pay the servers to camp it up and sing 'Defying Gravity' before closing."

*From Gary of AfterGroove: "This has been another good week for us receiving national airplay. For the 2nd week, we made to top 10 for "new adds" and "spincrease", according to Smoothjazz.com. We are also on www.citysoundsradio.com . We have a web radio interview scheduled in December with KCLIVE.com."

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*Joe Klopus interviewed Eldar. On a related note, don't miss the contentious discussion at the previous Plastic Sax post.

*Based on the thirty-second clips streaming at Amazon, Angela Hagenbach's new album The Way They Make Me Feel is amazing. The Resonance Records title was released yesterday.

*An outstanding track from Alaadeen's Blues For RC and Josephine is available for free download here. (Tip via the New Low Down.)

*Ink published a profile of the Rhythm Lounge, a "new jazz club on Broadway." Loren Pickford's endorsement aside, it doesn't really look like a jazz club based on their Facebook account.

*UMKC's student newspaper previews Jimmy Cobb's Kind of Blue tribute show. As of Wednesday afternoon, tickets remain for Saturday's show at the Gem. It's rather shocking that the Gem's 500 seats aren't already spoken for.

*Plastic saxophones are in vogue in London.

*Here's fan footage of the fabulous Mariyln Maye in action last week.

*It's great for Jardine's that a Tori Amos-style artist, Julia Othmer, recently filled the club for several shows. If I was a jazz artist, however, I might start worrying about the implications of that success...

*Here's Mark Edelman's weekly list of live jazz events.

*Nebraska's Beatrice Daily Sun covered a jazz-backed poetry reading by Dan Jaffe.

*From Tim Whitmer: On Saturday, October 17th, Tim Whitmer will return to perform at the Phoenix Jazz Club... This is the First Time that Whitmer has played at the Phoenix for nearly 5 years! Tim and his band the KC Express were the house band from 1990-2006, a 16 year run that included Tim being part owner from 1998-2004.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Now's the Time: Angela Hagenbach

Is it possible for a person to be too attractive?

It's not a question I've ever needed to direct at myself, but I wonder if Angela Hagenbach's remarkable beauty has actually hampered her career in music. Her looks may be a distraction. The vocalist has been a fixture on Kansas City's jazz scene for well over a decade.

Three fine Hagenbach performances were recently uploaded to YouTube. She's backed by Jake Blanton on guitar, Roger Wilder on piano and Steve Rigazzi on bass. I'm unable to identify the drummer and percussionist.

Hagenbach plays Jardine's Friday, October 2, and Saturday, October 10.

Jazz Carol Fest 2008

The annual Carol Fest at Community Christian Church serves as an excellent survey of Kansas City's mainstream jazz scene. Yesterday's rendition was no exception. Even Scrooge- a character sometimes identified with Plastic Sax- would have tapped his toes with vigor.

Here are a few of the evening's highlights:

*Millie Edwards was the clear favorite of the capacity audience of about 600. The louder she sang, the more they loved her.

*I preferred Ida McBeth's controlled, emotional reading of "The Christmas Song."

*Angela Hagenbach, accompanied only by James Albright's bowed bass and Tim Whitmer's piano, was also outstanding on "I Wonder As I Wander."

*Bram Wijnands shone brightly on "Let It Snow" and "White Christmas." He played accordion to great effect on the latter.

*Guitarist Rod Fleeman anchored the house band. He demonstrated impeccable taste and versatility on every selection.

*Folk musician Danny Cox was a nice addition. His heartfelt original song allowed Fleeman to cut loose a la Duane Allman.

*Jurgen Welge's fine drumming was punctuated by festive seasonal flourishes.

*Other participants included Max Berry, Tom DeMasters, Everett DeVan, Jim Mair, Al Pearson, Diane "Mama" Ray and Lucky Wesley.

(Original blurry image by Plastic Sax.)