Borne Back Ceaselessly Into the Past

“So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.”- F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby 


"Hip hop was not around in the 1920's," a reviewer sniffs in a dismissal of the soundtrack to the new film version of The Great Gatsby.  "They just ruined the film."

The use of contemporary popular music in a film that takes place in 1922 doesn't offend me.  I reckon that today's versions of the title character would listen to Jay-Z, Beyoncé and Kanye West.  Had the filmmakers elected to present a soundtrack that's true to the setting, however, some of the selections would likely have originated in Kansas City.

The Coon-Sanders Original Nighthawk Orchestra's swanky "Oriental Love Dreams" would complement a dance scene.  And hip attendees of Gatsby's parties would probably have been aware of Bennie Moten.  The rowdy rendition of "Evil Mama Blues" with Ada Brown evokes all kinds of unlawful sin.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*The "civil and gentle" Green Lady Lounge is featured in a 90-second promotional video.

*The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra and Bobby Watson's 18th & Vine Big Band are praised by KCJazzLark.

*Roger Wilder reports that his new album will be available later this week.  (Tip via Rick Hellman.)

*A 2012 conversation between Michael Shults and Sam Wisman is streaming in perpetuity.

*Tony Botello casts a cynical eye at development in the Jazz District.

*Here's another edition of 12th Street Jump's "Blues In the News".

*Tweet o' the Week: Brian Scarborough- Next month I will be recording a quintet album of new original music w/ Matt Otto, Danny Embrey, Jeff Harshbarger, & Brandon Draper #kcjazz

*Comment o' the Week: Anonymous- I'm afraid you'll have to define offering "something to the discourse." I'm pretty sure I was pointing out that the previous post was just an irrelevant digression into someone's boring political views. I attack someone personally because this is the internet and that's what it's for. I bet you secretly like Jazz in the Woods. I bet you like to sit outside in the park and listen to music. I bet you don't care that it sucks because it's easy to ignore and you can distract yourself with the nice scenery, delicious snacks, and pleasant people. I bet you're like that. And it makes me sick.

*From Ryan Heinlein: Some of Kansas City's finest musicians will tackle the newest offering from recording artist, Beck. In lieu of an album, CD or digital download, Beck has released twenty new songs strictly in sheet music format. It is up to the performer to read, learn and interpret the music. Beck will not be recording or releasing these songs…  The following musicians will be performing "Song Reader." Mark Lowrey, Shay Estes, Jeff Harshbarger, Matt Leifer, Jeff Stocks, Dominique Sanders, Ryan Heinlein, Clint Ashlock, Brett Jackson and Bill McKemy.  Mark Lowrey & The Project H Present: Song Reader, 20 New Songs by Beck with special guests Shay Estes and Jeff Harshbarger.  Friday, May 3rd.  Record Bar. $10 cover, ages 18+.  The Project H 10:30pm.  Song Reader 11:30pm.

*From the Kansas City Public Library: Beginning with their regular gig in the Plantation Grill at Kansas City’s Muehlebach Hotel, the Coon-Sanders Nighthawk Orchestra in the 1920s took the Midwest, and then the entire nation, by storm. UMKC jazz expert Chuck Haddix follows the rise and fall of the band that had hit recordings like “Yes Sir, That’s My Baby,” “When You’re Smiling,” “The Flippity Flop,” “Kansas City Kitty,” “I Ain’t Got Nobody,” “Harlem Madness,” and “What A Girl! What A Night!”  Sunday, April 21, 2013.  2:00pm @ Central Library.  RSVP now!

*From the American Jazz Museum: The American Jazz Museum is pleased to announce the debut performance of internationally renowned jazz great, Bobby Watson’s new “I Have A Dream Band” project in residence at the Blue Room on the corner of historic 18th & Vine in Downtown Kansas City.  Watson’s new band will be performing both, Friday, May 17th and Saturday, May 18th in the Blue Room. Admission is $20 ($15 Students/Seniors) with an 8:30 pm show time each evening. Bobby Watson’s “I Have A Dream Band” features the artistry of Glenn North (spoken word); Hermon Mehari (trumpet/flugel horn); Curtis Lundy (bass); Richard Johnson (piano); Eric Kennedy (drums); and, alto saxophonist, Watson.

*From the American Jazz Museum #2: The American Jazz Museum and MCC Penn Valley are pleased to announce the 2013 18th & Vine/MCC Penn Valley Jazz Festival will be held April 18, 19 and 20 at the historic Gem Theater.  The 2013 festival features performances by middle school, high school and college jazz ensembles ranging from combo groups to large big bands.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*Wall Street Journal drama critic Terry Teachout blogs about a visit to Kansas City. It's a remarkable essay, both nostalgic and slightly dismissive. Here's his take on the American Jazz Museum: "No doubt it is a good thing that Kansas City is home to such an institution, but it is so self-evidently out of place that I found it impossible to warm to--especially since the surrounding neighborhood shows no visible signs of having been renewed by its presence."

*The Scamps have a MySpace account!

*Mosaic's Basie-Young box set is put into context by Steve Paul.

*Joel Francis revisits the legacy of the Coon-Sanders Night Hawk Orchestra.

*A Dubuque newspaper catches up with Oleta Adams.

*The aspirations behind "12 O'Clock Jump" were detailed by Joe Klopus.

*A documentary about Anita O'Day is showing at Screenland.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

My Suppressed Desire

Athough they're almost entirely forgotten today, the Coon-Sanders Original Nighthawk Orchestra may be the most successful act to have originated in Kansas City. Don't believe me? Chuck Haddix has details at Club Kaycee. He digs in even deeper in this essential history. Or just check Wikipedia.

(This gem was kindly brought to my attention by The New Low Down.)