Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*Jazziz takes notice of Ernest Melton.

*Dan Gailey and his students at the University of Kansas discuss  a recent collaboration with Renee Rosnes in a brief video.

*Ryan Keberle & Catharsis return to Kansas City on July 8.

*Bret Primack created a video clip in which Sonny Rollins  considers Charlie Parker’s demeanor.

*Tweet o’ the Week: Dave D’Marko- Smooth jazz still playing and it’s pretty quiet in here as 92 percent of Kansas City ballots are in and Quinton Lucas has nearly a 2 to 1 lead over Jolie Justus. Closer to 60-40 counting surrounding counties that also have parts of city. #ElectionResults2019

*From a press release: The American Jazz Museum’s Kansas City Jazz Academy has secured a performance residency at KCMO’s City Hall extending over the next 12 weeks.  Beginning June 20th, every Thursday from 1:30pm – 2:00pm (prior to each week’s City Council meeting), students from the Academy’s combo classes will showcase their talents in the main rotunda of City Hall.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*Rod Fleeman, Gerald Spaits and Todd Strait are praised in a letter to the editor published by The Kansas City Star.

*Joe Dimino shares footage of a performance by the River Cow Orchestra.

*The Bad Plus, Danilo Perez, Chris Potter and Craig Taborn are among the musicians performing at the Iowa City Jazz Festival in July.

*Tweet o’ the Week: Melissa Bower- Great music this weekend at the @424Lounge - quickly becoming an African-American-owned, veteran-owned #BlackBusiness icon in #leavenworth #kansas - check out their website for a schedule of musicians. #kcjazz #KCMO http://424lounge.com

*From a press release: The teen Olathe saxophonist Evan Kappelman “has earned the honor of being selected as one of 22 of the brightest young jazz musicians from across the U.S. for the 2019 roster of Carnegie Hall’s National Youth Jazz Orchestra... this summer he’ll be training with world-class jazz musicians and performing at Carnegie Hall before embarking on NYO Jazz’s debut tour to Asia.

*From a press release: KU Jazz Ensemble I, under the direction of Dan Gailey, was named the best graduate college large jazz ensemble in the country in the 42 Annual Downbeat Student Music Awards. DownBeat also recognized Alex Annan, a master’s student in jazz composition from Omaha, Nebraska… Under Gailey’s leadership, the KU Jazz Studies Program has received 27 DownBeat Student Music Awards since 1992.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

* Hermon Mehari is the subject of feature story in the latest issue of Downbeat magazine.

*Joe Klopus highlights Changing the Tune: The Kansas City Women’s Jazz Festival, 1978-1985 in his weekly column.  A Seattle radio station published a review of the new book.

*Eddie Moore was interviewed by a reporter for UMKC’s student newspaper.

*A pair of new tracks by Arnold Young are available at Bandcamp.

*Jim Mair was honored with a 2017 UMKC Alumni Award.

*The Brian Blade Fellowship has been added to the lineup of the Kansas City Jazz and Heritage Festival.

*Jack DeJohnette, John Scofield, John Medeski and Larry Grenadier will perform material from their new album Hudson at Yardley Hall on October 15.

*Tim Finn examined Sean Mawhirter’s journey from jazz to tango.

*Chelsea Emuakhagbon reviewed UMKC Jazz Night.

*Tweet o’ the Week: Eddie Moore- Lawd some of the most beautiful black women are in Brooklyn!

*From a press release: The KU Jazz Studies Program and its students were awarded top honors in the 40th Annual DownBeat Student Music Awards. The KU Jazz Ensemble I, directed by Dan Gailey, was recognized with the Graduate College Outstanding Performances honor in the category for large jazz ensembles. DownBeat also recognized the work of Brock Chart, a music composition graduate student from Salina. For his composition “Down to the Wire,” Chart was awarded the Graduate College Outstanding Compositions honor in the category for original compositions for large ensembles… Under Gailey’s leadership, the KU Jazz Studies Program has received 25 DownBeat Student Music Awards since 1992.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*The Kansas City drummer Donivan Bailey has died.

*Chris Hazelton spoke to The Kansas City Star about the new album Soul Jazz Fridays.

*Joe Klopus surveyed the week in jazz in his weekly column.

*The Kansas City Star reviewed the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra’s concert at the Midland theater.

*Laura Spencer of KCUR reports on supplemental city funding for the Jazz District.

*Logan Richardson’s Shift is #33 on NPR’s Best 50 Albums of 2016 list.

*Tweet o’ the Week: Alaadeen- Services for Donivan Bailey will be this Sat.

*Comment o’ the Week: Jeremy- Coming soon to Topeka--Trombonopolis 3! Trombonopolis is a trombone festival and workshop at Washburn University that culminates with a concert performance by guest trombonists as well as the workshop participants who range in age from grade school through college…

*From a press release: The KU School of Music’s award-winning Jazz Ensemble I will perform at the historic Gem Theater in Kansas City, Missouri on Saturday, Dec. 10 at 8 p.m. The free public concert will also feature Blue Valley West High School Jazz Ensemble I and guest soloist Matt Otto on saxophone… Directed by Dan Gailey, the KU Jazz Ensemble I is one of the top-rated collegiate jazz bands in the country.

*The Kansas City Jazz Calendar has been updated for December.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*Pat Metheny and Bobby Watson are among the jazz musicians who will perform at the White House on April 29.

*Deborah Brown’s most recent appearance at the Blue Room was documented by KC Jazz Lark.

*An audio component has been added to KCUR’s review of Matt Otto’s Soliloquy.

*The University of Kansas Jazz Ensemble I will perform in the Appel Room at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York on April 12.  Directed by Dan Gailey, the students bill be joined by Kansas City based musicians including Deborah Brown, Matt Otto, Danny Embrey, Jeff Harshbarger and Brandon Draper.  The program will be reprised at the Lied Center in Lawrence on Sunday, April 24.

*Joe Klopus previewed concerts featuring Branford Marsalis and Christian McBride.  The Pitch also recommends McBride’s appearance.

*Matt Otto was interviewed by Joe Dimino.

*Mike Dillon's Functioning Broke, an album that "finds Dillon alone on vibraphone, mallet instruments and various percussion," will be released on April 29 by Royal Potato Family.

*A critic for The New York Times panned the Apollo Theater debut of the opera "Charlie Parker's Yardbird."

*The lineup of the 2016 edition of the Iowa City Jazz Festival includes the Vijay Iyer Trio and the Edmar Castaneda Trio.

*Tweet o’ the Week: Champian Fulton- Amazing & inspiring visit to the @americanjazzkc & negro league baseball museum. #JazzAppreciationMonth (photo with Charlie Parker’s plastic sax at the American Jazz Museum)

*From Jo Ann Daugherty: On Saturday April 16, KC’s own legendary jazz bass man, Bob Bowman, will be celebrating his 63rd birthday with a night of music at The Art Factory.  Joining him are special guests Chicago-based pianist Jo Ann Daugherty and drummer Ryan Bennett, both with strong musical KC roots.  This group of sympatico players rejoins forces after a stirring performance at the 18th & Vine Festival in this past October.

*The Kansas City Jazz Calendar has been updated for April.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*Bob Bowman was interviewed by Joe Dimino for the Neon Jazz podcast.

*KC Jazz Lark reviews new albums by Bob Bowman and Tyrone Clark.

*Book of Gaia appeared on a local television program.

*The Pitch recommends Tyrone Clark's gig at the Blue Room.

*The blog of Mills Record Company touts a concert featuring the Jorge Arana Trio.

*Hermon Mehari shared a sample of last Saturday's performance at the Blue Room.

*The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra's OverTime: Music Of Bob Brookmeyer was nominated for a Grammy award in the category of Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album.

*Tweet o' the Week: Green Lady Lounge- Jazz doesn't suck. Taking 25min set breaks and 10mins deciding what the next Jobim standard you're going to play sucks.

*Comment o' the Week: Anonymous- Nice to see Flying Lotus at the top of your list. Not my favorite of the year, but hats off to you and him for putting a needle in the arm of the current day jazz scene. (And aren't you an old dude? - ha!)

*From the American Jazz Museum: On Thursday, December 18, we will host the 7th Annual Musicians' Appreciation Day, in partnership with Truman Medical Centers, the Coda Jazz Fund, and Elder Statesmen of Jazz. Jazz musicians can take advantage of free health screenings and a mobile marketplace of fresh produce provided by Truman Medical Centers and enjoy a performance by Elder Statesmen of Jazz in the Blue Room.

*From the University of Kansas: The University of Kansas Jazz Ensemble I and the University of Missouri Concert Jazz Band will meet for two shows on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2014 at The Blue Room in the American Jazz Museum in Kansas City, MO… These unique concerts feature KU Jazz Ensemble I led by Dan Gailey, KU director of Jazz Studies, and MU Concert Jazz Band led by Dr. Arthur White, MU director of Jazz Studies.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*The Wyandotte Daily reports that the owners of the Broadway Jazz Club are considering opening a second location in Kansas City, Kansas.

*A report on Bob Bowman's new album is the highlight of Joe Klopus' weekly column.

*Big crowds at Take Five Coffee + Bar and the Broadway Jazz Club are celebrated by KC Jazz Lark.

*The Pitch recommends Bobby Watson's gigs at the Broadway Jazz Club.

*Hermon Mehari's portion of the 2014 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Trumpet Competition  begins at the 3:02:15 portion of a five-hour video.

*Chris Burnett posted tips he shares with his students.

*Chuck Berg reviewed a Topeka Jazz Workshop concert featuring Chuck Redd and Nicki Parrott.

*Joe Dimino interviewed Reggie Watkins for his Neon Jazz podcast.

*Tweet o' the Week: Green Lady Lounge- GreenLadyLounge wishes a very happy b-day to Tim Whitmer - Kansas City's beloved Jazz Pianist, Entertainer & Friend.

*Comment o' the Week: danasgoodstuff- Love her Southern Comfort album, more than anything else by her although I've long been aware that she could play some. Been very disappointed in the nonresponse to my post about it on my favorite jazz bulliten board www.organissimo.org.forum

*From Take Five Coffee: It's our belief that presenting the full range of good jazz, from the most accessible to the most challenging, is the best way to honor the music's traditions and its possibilities. So when Jeff Harshbarger said Philly free jazz monster Elliott Levin would be in town and offered to bring him to Take Five, then added piano virtuoso Thollem McDonas to the mix, we made it the centerpiece of our weekend. Come see just how far out the music at Take Five Coffee + Bar can go… Saturday, November 22, 8pm… We suspect this will be some of the wildest, most intense music we’ve ever had at Take Five. Come with your ears wide open and prepare to be challenged. This is essentially Snuff Jazz — Jeff Harshbarger on bass, Mark Southerland on tenor sax and bags of tricks, and Brian Steever on drums — with two of the most powerful improvisational musicians walking the planet today. Elliott Levin, in from Philadelphia, plays tenor sax and flute and is a ferocious free jazz force. Pianist Thollem McDonas is simply traveling the world blowing up everyone’s idea of what can be done on a piano… $10 cover.

*From Broadway Jazz Club: Come see Bobby Watson, world-class musician, Grammy nominee, recent inductee into the Jazz Walk of Fame, and the 1st William & Mary Grant endowed professor of Jazz in the first of the BJC Signature Series events! Performing this night with Chris Clark, James Ward, and Mike Warren, it should prove to be a wonderful evening!  November 21, 2014, two shows, 6 & 9PM

*From the University of Kansas: The University of Kansas Jazz Ensemble I will perform with vocalist Deborah Brown at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 1, 2014 in Helzberg Hall at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.  Admission to the event is free, but tickets are required. Please call 816-994-7222 for tickets. The performance is sponsored by Reach Out Kansas, Inc. The University of Kansas Jazz Ensemble I and director Dan Gailey proudly present an evening of big band jazz featuring world renowned jazz vocalist Deborah Brown. In addition to arrangements featuring Ms. Brown, the ensemble will present the world premiere of Gailey’s composition New Kansas City Suite, commissioned by Reach Out Kansas, Inc. The world premiere of New Kansas City Suite features: Clint Ashlock, trumpet; Matt Otto, tenor saxophone; Danny Embrey, guitar; Jeff Harshbarger, bass; and Brandon Draper, drums.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*KC Jazz Alive's schedule of events for a "Kansas City Charlie Parker Celebration" includes a "Historical Tour & Musical Salute."

*The Pitch lauds the Green Lady Lounge's commitment to organ jazz.

*Tracks by Everette DeVan and Diverse were featured on KCUR's Up To Date.

*Chris Burnett considers his "thoughtful" approach.

*KMBC reports that an early morning shooting occurred last Saturday at 19th and Vine.

*Jazz festivals in other markets are analyzed by KC Jazz Lark.

*Joe Dimino interviewed California-based saxophonist Doc Stewart for his Neon Jazz podcast.

*Tweet o' the Week: Broadway Jazz Club- Don't forget, we will be closed on Tuesdays starting this month, but we will be having #jazzbruch starting this Sunday! #kc #kcmo #livejazz

*Comment o' the Week: Mike T.- one of my favorite tunes on the ipod is dan gailey's "point, no point." I think KU's band is exceptional... and we can see them for free? on the eve of day off from work? count me in!

*From Shades of Jade: …After years of hard work, fine tuning, and defining of its fingerprint sound, Shades of Jade, a midwestern jazz collective will release its debut album September 21st 2014.  With various influences coming from Jazz, Pop, R&B, Blues, Funk, Rock, Classical, and Hip Hop, “Shades of Jade: Fingerprinted Memories pt: I” tells the personal story of the ethos portrayed in past experiences of the average American… Great composers of this album include young conservatory trained artists like Joshua Williams (B.A.C. Endorsed Trumpet) Desmond Mason (Piano and Keyboards) Dominique Sanders (Bass) Justin McCoy (Drums) and special guest artist composer DCPLX.

*From Ticketmaster: On August 23, 2014, Kansas City will induct six great Jazz Musician's into the American Jazz Walk of Fame during its inaugural ceremony and concert featuring the Count Basie Orchestra and Bobby Watson and the American Jazz Orchestra. These artists names will be placed on bronze medallions and imbedded in the sidewalks around the American Jazz Museum in the Historic 18th & Vine District. The unveiling of these medallions will occur at 6:30 pm followed by the concert at 7:00 pm. This annual event will continue to add more bronze medallions bearing the names great Jazz Artists.

*From Doug Talley: The Doug Talley Quintet will be performing at the Blue Room, 18th and Vine, KCMO, this Saturday, July 5, 8:30pm… Our new CD, “Chess Players: Music of Wayne Shorter,” contains music written and originally performed in the 1950s, 60s and 70s, and set in a variety of instrument combinations and styles.  Joe Parisi - trumpet and flugelhorn. Wayne Hawkins - piano. Tim Brewer - acoustic and electric bass. Keith Kavanaugh - drums and cymbals. Doug Talley - saxes and clarinet. 

*The Kansas City Jazz Calendar has been updated for July.

(Original image of Stan Kessler, Matt Leifer and Bill McKemy by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*Tim Finn provides insights into Friday's performance of Beck's Song Reader by Mark Lowrey, the Project H, Jeff Harshbarger and Shay Estes.

*Kenny G will appear with the Kansas City Symphony on January 17-18, 2014.

*Craig Glazer lambasts the Jazz District as a "total and complete, unadulterated failure."

*Libby Hanssen reviewed concerts by Bobby McFerrin and Bach Aria Soloists.

*Here's a peek at Bobby Watson rehearsing with the Kansas City Ballet.

*Logan Richardson was a guest on an episode of the JazzWatch podcast.

*Joe Straws was featured in The Kansas City Star.

*Tweet o' the Week: mbirdmusic- Singing about Paris #paris #sprinbird #springtime #Bored Vine.

*Comment o' the Week: Anonymous- You say "anachronistic" like it's a bad thing ;)

*From a press release: Students in the KU School of Music Jazz Studies program received five awards from DownBeat magazine’s 36th Annual Student Music Awards.  Four students won awards in the following categories: Original Composition – Lead Sheet (undergraduate division), Original Composition – Orchestrated Work (graduate division) and Jazz Arrangement (graduate division).  David von Kampen, a doctoral student pursuing a music composition degree and previous DownBeat award recipient, was the recipient of two awards received top prize in the graduate division. He is the winner in the Original Composition -  Orchestrated Work category for “Soft Glow, Sharp Edges” and received an Outstanding Performance Award in the Jazz Arrangement category for “The Tourist.”  Clint Ashlock, pursuing a Doctorate of Musical Arts in trumpet, was named the winner of the Jazz Arrangement category (graduate division) for “Nebula.”  In the undergraduate division, Brock Chart (“Northern Lights”) and Devin Wright (“Imploding Man”) both received Outstanding Performance awards in the Original Composition – Lead Sheet category. Chart is a senior pursuing a bachelor degree in music composition, while Wright was a senior pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in jazz studies in 2012.  All of the winning compositions and arrangements were written for and recorded by the top ensembles within the KU Jazz Studies Program:  Jazz Ensemble I, Combo I, and the Jazz Singers.  The program is under the direction of Dan Gailey, director of jazz studies at KU. Under Gailey’s leadership, the program has received 17 DownBeat awards since 1992.

*From Jim Mair: For most of the 700 musicians from three states, the 3rd Annual Kansas City Jazz Summit provided them with their first look at Kansas City Kansas Community College.  “It had a real impact on those who had never been here,” said Jim Mair, Director of Jazz Music at KCKCC and founder and organizer of the three-day Jazz Summit that attracted 35 middle school, high school and college bands from three states… The Summit was highlighted by the Kansas City Jazz Heritage “Basically Basie” competition won for the third straight year by Blue Valley Northwest High School. The championship was decided by members of the audience who were able to text their votes.  Mair said the 35 bands which competed came from as far away as Springfield and St. Louis in Missouri, Iowa and western Kansas and represented a 15 percent increase in participants. Participating bands included four college bands, Johnson County Community College, Penn Valley, Southwestern Iowa and Washburn University along with KCKCC.

*From a press release: The Heartbeat Next to My Heartbeat is a collection of writing over three years by Victoria “Fanny” Alaadeen. She chronicles the time she devoted as her husband’s full-time caretaker on a slow journey through cancer and shares the process of her recovery after his death. Fanny was wife, business manager, inspiration and personal savior to celebrated saxophonist and educator Ahmad Alaadeen… She lays bare the anguish of losing him through musings that she calls ”beats” – poem/essay hybrids that strike at the emotions like beats on a drum or the rhythmic pulsing of a heartbeat… The American Jazz Museum will host a book signing with Fanny Alaadeen and has selections of Ahmad Alaadeen’s discography available in the Swing Shop.  The Heartbeat Next to My Heartbeat is available through Fandeen publishing and the Swing Shop in the American Jazz Museum… and online at alaadeen.com, smashwords.com, and amazon.com.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

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.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*Bassist Johnny Hamil is featured in a brief but striking video.  (Via Tony's Kansas City.)

*Even more live Jay McShann is made available by KCJazzLark.

*Joe Klopus previews performances by Holly Hoffman, John Stowell and Lori Andrews. 

*B.A.C. Horn Doctor recently posted a series of videos.  A typical example features Matt Otto.

*A couple episodes of 12th Street Jump's "Blues In the News" have been set to video.

*A collaboration with Reach is among the videos The Project H recently uploaded to YouTube.

*Tweet o' the Week: kcstage- Plastic Sax apologizes for UMKC Conservatory review…

*Comment o' the Week: The Phonologotron- I know most J@$$ers are on the leading edge of a bell curve and prone to thinking their feces smell like roses, but goddamn that 1st amendment.  I can't help but think that perhaps I might have appreciated knowing that someone beyond my parents and roommates had attended my combo concert. As all well know, parents are mostly terribly biased in their support.  I am of the opinion that most people just graduated from high school are some of the most sheltered, over-insulated, and self-centered people I have ever met. (Even myself at that age, probably more-so than most) As a result you know what most of them need? A clout to the ear and a contusion to the ego.  Add to this the common practice of parents and teachers praising "talent" over "work" and what do you get? Thin-skinned youngsters who won't try things outside of their comfort zone for fear of looking foolish or experiencing failure.  Guess what folks, thats what improvising is all about, not fearing failure. And if you fail, which hopefully is more often than not, then f&*@ing learn something from it rather than nurse your boo-boo.  People gang up on me all the time. The most common refrain is "that dude is so lame, he needs to get hisself ina practice room yo" Does it hurt my feelings? Not especially. I either have no idea or a fairly good idea who most of you anonymes are anyway so why should it matter?  Having this conversation (more like typing this monologue) I wonder how many of you will read this, how many will gloss over it, how many will take the chance to make a dig on me, and how many will use their critical faculties to have an open mind. Maybe we can all come out the other side with a changed point of view.

*From the KU School of Music: The KU School of Music is pleased to present Jazz Vespers at the Lied Center on Thursday, December 6, 2012, 7:30pm.  This year’s concert will feature the KU Jazz Ensemble I and Jazz Ensemble II, both directed by Dan Gailey, KU Director of Jazz Studies; the KU Jazz Singers, directed by David von Kampen; and the KU Jazz Combo I, directed by Matt Otto. Also featured will be Professor Chuck Berg, saxophone and master of ceremonies; Professor Vince Gnojek, saxophone; Professor John Stephens, voice; and KU School of Music Dean Robert Walzel, clarinet and saxophone.  The program will include performances of various holiday favorites, including What Child Is This?; Sleigh Ride; O Come, O Come Emmanuel; Four Santas; Bach’s Aria; Jingle Bells; Tchaikovsky’s Waltz of the Flowers; and more.  The concert is $7/general admission and $5/students and seniors, and tickets are available at the Lied Center Box Office, 785-864-2787 or at lied.ku.edu.

*From a press release: Wednesday, December 5, 2012.  The Incredibly Soul-full Vocals of Ron Gutierrez, accompanied by Charles Williams and Tim Whitmer & The Consort Band.  For Ron Gutierrez, vocal versatility developed naturally through his exposure to a wide array of music at an early age. His father, saxophonist Tony Gutierrez, was a founding member of the Topeka Jazz Workshop and his mother loved country music… He’s toured as vocalist with the world-renowned Tommy Dorsey Orchestra and other top Big Bands in the country.

*From Jim Mair: Jazz by the Lake.  Thursday December 6.  Joe Cartwright Trio- Noon to 1:00pm.  Conference Center. Free.  KCKCC, 7250 State Avenue, Kansas City, Kansas 66112.

*From Miles Bonny: Hola. Im back from europe to share some international soul jazz beats. Let's hang out at the new Kill Devil Club. I'm hoping this place is the beginning of the tide turning for P&L. Focus on local jazz, locally owned by Ryan Maybee who will be at the bar.
 
(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*Doug Ramsey provides an invaluable wrap up of Bob Brookmeyer's memorial service.  John Scofield pays tribute to Brookmeyer in a post by Marc Myers.

*R Bar, a restaurant that regularly featured live jazz, has closed.

*The latest column from Joe Klopus previews a gig by Crosscurrent and reminds readers of this week's Kansas City Jazz Summit at Kansas City Kansas Community College.

*Hearne Christopher reminds readers that Jardine's is still closed.

*The Pitch interviews the American Jazz Museum's Haleigh Harrold.

*The Star reminds readers that the corner of 12th Street and Vine no longer exists.

*Dick Oatts' recent appearance at the Topeka Jazz Workshop is reviewed by Chuck Berg.  (Tip via KC Stage Blog.)

*KCJazzLark remarks on a tool that provides insights into the history of the Jazz District. He also notes an upcoming benefit concert and an International Worker's Day event.

*The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle details the April 29 JazzBEATS benefit for pancreatic cancer research.

*Matt Chalk posted a track at Soundcloud.

*It's no secret that Plastic Sax is infatuated with Krystle Warren.  Here's why.

*Teddy Charles, the vibraphonist who played with the likes of Charlie Parker and Bob Brookmeyer, has died.  The title track of his 1957 album Word From Bird was reportedly inspired by "Parker's Mood."

*Diverse is included in a nice video survey of last month's Middle of the Map festival.

*The American Jazz Museum has announced the ticket prices for the 2012-13 season of its Jammin' at the Gem concert series.

*The author of St. Louis Jazz Notes lists his city's Jazz at the Bistro summer series.  Charlie Hunter and Tim Warfield are among the highlights.

*Tweet o' the Week: Radiovixen- Flirtini time! Kansas City jazz? Great time! @ Phoenix Jazz Club Instagram photo

*Comment o' the Week: Matt Leifer- I only accept two comparisons, and those are Neil Peart and Travis Barker.

*From Dan Gailey: Two University of Kansas music recently took home top awards from the coveted DownBeat magazine’s annual Student Music Awards. This marks the 35th year for the publication’s notable contest. David von Kampen, a doctoral student studying for a music composition degree, won for his original composition/orchestrated work in the Graduate Division for his work “Sneak Out.” Brian Scarborough, an undergraduate student pursuing a trombone performance degree, received the Outstanding Performance distinction in the Jazz Instrumental Soloist/Undergraduate Division. Both students study with Professor Dan Gailey, Director of Jazz Studies at KU.  Gailey added that the "KU Jazz Studies Program has now been the recipient of 12 of these awards since 1992."

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Now's the Time: Alex Sipiagin

A high school stage may lack the allure of an outdoor concert at the Newport Jazz Festival. And Dan Gailey's students at the University of Kansas are probably not yet at the level of the musicians in the Dave Holland Big Band. Even so, guest artist Alex Sipiagin will undoubtedly shine as he performs with the KU Jazz Ensemble I at the 35th Annual KU Jazz Festival on Saturday, March 3, at Lawrence High School Auditorium. Donny McCaslin appears at the festival on Friday. Both concerts are free.

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*An essay published by The Atlantic is titled "The Jazz District Authenticity Problem."

*Hearne Christopher reports on possible progress at the location once occupied by Jardine's.

*Behind the Music: Jazz Discharge.

*Diverse appeared on a morning news broadcast on Fat Tuesday.

*Chuck Berg reviewed a concert by Tim Doherty's Nine + One.

*Sue Vicory is uploading unedited interview and performance segments related to her documentary Kansas City Jazz & Blues; Past, Present & Future at her YouTube channel.

*KCJazzLark compiles quotes about Kansas City's jazz heyday.

*The 2012-13 season of the Harriman-Jewell Series includes a Bobby McFerrin concert.

*A blogger posted a photo of Fat Tuesday's parade. (Via Tony's Kansas City.)

*Miguel Zenon's new Charlie Parker-inspired project is examined by Howard Reich.

*Two Kansas City-area musicians participated in a poll about jazz musicians' income.

*Bob Brookmeyer's Kansas City Revisited album has been reissued on vinyl.

*The Kansas City Kansan provides an update on KCKCC's jazz program.

*Tweet o' the Week: TheMajesticKC- MARK LOWREY JAZZ TRIO OPEN JAM SESSION COMING TO THE MAJESTIC JAZZ CLUB EVERY SUNDAY EVENING STARTING IN MARCH. Starting March 4, 5PM-9PM.

*Comment o' the Week: Anonymous- … I love hearing about how much you sacrifice for jazz, with your wife, kids and job with the KC Star. Try dedicating your life to playing it rather than criticizing it from a proudly un-learned point of view. THEN talk to us about sacrifice. Jesus.

*From KU School of Music: The KU School of Music is pleased to present the 35th Annual KU Jazz Festival on March 2-3, 2012, featuring notable guest artists Donny McCaslin (saxophone), Alex Sipiagin (trumpet) and Randy Klein (piano)… Evening concerts are open to the general public. On Friday, March 2 at 7:30 p.m. at Lawrence High School Auditorium, saxophonist Donny McCaslin will be featured with the KU Jazz Festival All-Star Big Band… Saturday, March 5 features trumpeter Alex Sipiagin in concert with KU Jazz Ensemble I, under the direction of Dan Gailey, Director of Jazz Studies at KU. This performance also takes place at Lawrence High School Auditorium at 7:30… Tickets to this year's evening concerts are free. Details are available here.

*From JCCC: Students and faculty from the Music and Theatre Department at Johnson County Community College will perform several concerts in March. The concerts are free and open to the public. All of them will take place at 7:30 p.m. in the Carlsen Center in Polsky Theatre... March 7 –JCCC Jazz Night will feature the "For Musicians Only" Community Jazz Ensemble, which is the special guest for the concert; the JCCC Midnight Blues Jazz Choir and the JCCC Midnight Express Jazz Ensemble. A wide variety of jazz styles will be performed.

*From Take Five Coffee: Introducing Take Five Second Set: Saturday night we have Brandon Draper's jazz quartet in our usual time slot, but it will be followed by Miles Bonny in the first ever Take Five Second Set. Saturday, February 25. 11pm Miles played music for Take Five's grand opening back in 2010. We are elated to have him back to host the first of an occasional series of Second Set shows. We're going to open up the room for a 21-and-over crowd and keep the coffee and martinis and the music flowing until 2 in the morning. Brandon Draper is going to stick around and join Miles in this inaugural Take Five event. Bonny's "second set" is scheduled to begin at 11 p.m.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*Here are words I never expected to type: Listen to Roy Hargrove's solo on a song by Kansas City hip hop artist Reach. It was recorded last weekend at a jam session at YJ's. Hargrove isn't visible in a video clip of the unlikely event. And here's footage of Hargrove jamming with Hermon Mehari at the Foundation.

*Take Five Coffee + Bar is featured in an article about the arts in Johnson County.

*An awful chapter in Kansas City's history is recounted by Robert Trussell. The story about a 1945 incident was first published in 1988.

*Bob McWilliams reports on Diverse's recent performance at Kansas City Academy.

*The University of Kansas' annual jazz festival takes place March 2-3. It will feature Donny McCaslin and Alex Sipiagin. Follow the links from here.

*Additional images from Jazz Winterlude are posted by KCJazzLark.

*T.J. Martley's YouTube channel is exceptional. Here's a clip of Crosscurrent performing at Jazz Winterlude.

*Gamelans figure in the future of Black House Improvisors' Collective.

*Steve Wilson's new take on Charlie Parker's strings album is streaming at NPR.

*Universal France has issued a 13-disc Charlie Parker set titled: The Complete Masters 1941-54.

*Tweet o' the Week: Alaadeenswife- Marr Sound Archives is now the home of the Alaadeen Collection. It includes open reel live recordings + other items documenting his career

*Comment o' the Week: "Nicholas Payton" or Nicholas Payton (I can't be sure)- #1 Best living trumpeter: Nicholas Payton

*From Dan Gailey: -The University of Kansas School of Music and Hall Center for the Humanities are co-presenting pianist Randy Klein's Two Duos in concert on Saturday, February 11, at 7:30 p.m. in Swarthout Recital Hall. Admission is free. Klein is the 2011-12 Hall Center Simons Public Humanities Fellow and will be in residence at the University of Kansas for most of February. The February 11 concert will also feature trombonist Chris Washburne and saxophonist Ole Mathesin.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*KCJazzLark addresses the ways in which Kansas City's racial divisions impact its jazz scene.

*Herbie Hancock's performance at the Lied Center receives vastly different reviews from The Pitch, The Star and Lucas Homer.

*A critic for an Irish newspaper reports that Bobby Watson combined "flawless virtuosity with emotional intensity" in a recent headlining appearance at a festival in Cork.

*A Pat Metheny concert in Bulgaria is reviewed by a rapturous fan.

*Jazz Times takes note of Marilyn Maye.

*The Riverfront Times offers a fascinating story about the plight of Miles Davis' childhood home in East St. Louis. (Tip via St. Louis Jazz Notes.)

*Jazz advocate Merrilee Trost, who spent her formative years in Kansas City, is being celebrated in California.

*Tweet o' the Week: marklowreymusic: Come check out this new jazz club where Bar Natasha used to be. 1911 Main tonight! Mark Lowrey With Drums 8-11pm.

*From Dan Gailey: KU Jazz Ensemble I (our top student big band) will be performing at the Kauffman Center on Sunday, Nov. 13. Here's…
the press release. A little additional information: We'll be playing the first half of the concert (the Wind Ensemble is the second half). The Gershwin suite that we will be performing was written by John Williams for Shelly Manne's big band in 1965—it's a great piece! Gary Foster (saxophone), Steve Houghton (drums) and Clint Ashlock (trumpet) will be guest soloists with the band. We'll open the concert with Bob Brookmeyer's "Silver Lining", a composition from his great 2006 recording "Spirit Music".

*From a press release: The University of Kansas Jazz Ensemble I will perform Wednesday, November 9, 2011, at 7:30 p.m. at the Lawrence Arts Center, welcoming special guest artist, Bug…. The first half of the concert will feature Bug performing with the KU Jazz Ensemble I, playing works by James Miley. Bug will then perform the second half of the concert. The concert is free and open to the public.

*Plastic Sax P.S.A.: The jazz programs affiliated with Kansas City Kansas Community College perform tonight, Wednesday, November 2, at Jardine's.

*November's listings have been added to The Kansas City Jazz Calendar.

(Original image of Herbie Hancock by Plastic Sax.)

Review: The Dan Gailey Jazz Orchestra- What Did You Dream?

Audio stream of "Point No Point" at YouTube

As a teenager in the process of discovering jazz, I bought Miles Davis' Sketches of Spain without having heard a note. How I hated it! I felt lost amid Gil Evans' unfamiliar landscapes. The album's graceful nuances were way beyond my comprehension. While my appreciation of the big band sound has expanded well beyond my early infatuation with Basie's swing and the freakouts of Sun Ra's Arkestra, I'll probably spend the remainder of my life blissfully studying Sketches of Spain.

Ambitious projects like What Did You Dream?, a 2010 album by Dan Gailey, serve as invaluable reminders of the endless possibilities inherent in the big band format. While the album occasionally seems relatively conventional, many moments reveal brand new vistas. Gailey's decision to post enthusiastic testimonials about the quality of What Did You Dream? by Gary Foster and Maria Schneider at his site reflect his sensibilities.

It would be a mistake to assume that because Gailey is Director of Jazz Studies and Professor of Music at The University of Kansas that his music is overly formal. What Did You Dream? is meticulous rather than fussy. Each adventurous note is reproduced in an amazingly deep sound field. I've become so accustomed to sonically inferior jazz albums- the otherwise excellent new release by the Captain Black Big Band is typical- that the clarity of Gailey's project is akin to moving from black-and-white to color. (I intend to use What Did You Dream? as a demonstration disc the next time I select a sound system.)

Fifty-one years after Davis and Evans created Sketches of Spain, the societal impact of most new jazz albums is virtually nonexistent. Its invisibility amid today's popular culture, however, is not a reflection of the occasional brilliance captured on Gailey's What Did You Dream?

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*Dysfunctional: Life Journeys of a Second Generation Jazz Musician, the memoirs of the late saxophonist Alaadeen, have been published.

*More news from Victoria Dunfee: Tribute to Alaadeen: Sunday, July 24, 2011; The View Community Center, Grandview. Featuring international Jazz recording artist Najee, legendary Jazz vocalist Luqman Hamza, group 21 and many more. Program includes dinner... Tickets $35/person. Proceeds to benefit the Alaadeen Fine Arts Foundation. Advanced ticket sales only. To purchase tickets contact Sulaiman Salaam, #816.589.1858.

*Bob James introduces Bobby Watson via video in footage from the recent jazz festival in Marshall, Missouri.

*Here's another video for a track from Pat Metheny's new album.

*Mike Metheny is interviewed at Jazz Online.

*New albums by Karrin Allyson, Mille Edwards/Michael Pagan and Mike Metheny are reviewed by KCJazzLark.

*Hearne Christopher chats with Beena Brandsgard about the impact of Marilyn Maye's cancelation.

*Stan Kessler is back with the Black House kids.

*The Guardian notes a pivotal moment in the life of Charlie Parker.

*Here's a partial list of acts booked by: Jazz St. Louis: Take 6, Stanley Jordan's Trio, Jeff Lorber Fusion, John Scofield Jazz Quartet, Kurt Elling, Ramsey Lewis Electric Band, Greg Osby, The Bad Plus, Ravi Coltrane Quartet, Dr. Lonnie Smith Trio, Anat Cohen Quartet, Freddy Cole, Vijay Iyer Trio, Nicholas Payton Trio, Marlena Shaw, Tia Fuller Quartet, Stanley Clarke Trio, Dianne Reeves with Ahmad Jamal, Herbie Hancock, Joshua Redman/Brad Mehldau Duo, Stefon Harris with Sean Jones and the Christian McBride Big Band.

*Tweet o' the Week: KCJazzConnxn: Tonight on KC Jazz Connection: Brad Cox, PLBB, Alaturka, and Diverse... it's KC's best and brightest in jazz 8-10pm 90.7 FM www.kjhk.org

*From Dan Gailey: There is still plenty of time to register for the 19th Annual KU Jazz Workshop! The camp is open to students entering 9th - graduating 12th grades, and is under the supervision of Dan Gailey, Director of Jazz Studies at KU. The workshop is an exciting week of instruction in all aspects of jazz, with special emphasis placed on small group performance. The workshop faculty includes outstanding performers and teachers from around the United States and includes some of Kansas City's finest jazz musicians, including Wayne Hawkins, Jeff Harshbarger, Brandon Draper and Brian Baggett. Student and faculty concerts and jam sessions offer students at all levels the chance to perform and grow in improvisational, small group, and ensemble playing... For more information, go to http://musicacademy.ku.edu/jazz.html or email Dan Gailey at dgailey@ku.edu.

*From Abel Ramirez: A and W Ballroom, Hanger Dance, June 25th… “The Summer Wind” brings back everything you loved about A&W Ballroom’s previous hangar dances!… We will dance to live music and watch the sun set in southern Johnson County, creating the image Sinatra must have imagined when he sang “two sweethearts, and the summer wind.” 6:00-7:00 Helicopter rides by Johnny Rowlands' KC Copters; 7:00-10:00 Live music by the Abel Ramirez Trio, featuring the vocal talents of Frank “Vig” Vigliaturo… You will enjoy complimentary desserts and beverages, and you are also welcome to bring your own drinks to help set the mood.

*From Dean Minderman: The Mizzou New Music Summer Festival will be held Monday, July 11 through Saturday, July 16 in Columbia, MO. The weeklong series of events will include four public concerts, with the grand finale featuring the world premieres of new works written by the festival’s eight resident composers and performed by the acclaimed new music ensemble Alarm Will Sound. The final concert will take place at 7:00 p.m., Saturday, July 16 at the Missouri Theatre Center for the Arts (MTCA), 203 S. Ninth St. in downtown Columbia.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*Pat Metheny and Larry Grenadier will perform at Liberty Hall in Lawrence, Kansas, on September 29.

*Hermon Mehari is the subject of a video feature.

*Karrin Allyson reveals her Luddite tendencies to a journalist in Pennsylvania.

*The New Jazz Order Big Band and Blueprint will perform at KJHK's Jazz in the Park on May 8. (Via KJHK's KC Jazz Connection.)

*KCJazzLark continues to recollect his experiences with the Kansas City Jazz Commission.

*Topeka Jazz Workshop awards scholarships of $1,000 to $1,500 to five students.

*Marilyn Maye will appear at a benefit concert May 1 at Rockhurst High School.

*The 2011 version of Jazzoo, the annual benefit for the Kansas City Zoo, features precisely zero jazz acts.

*Mark Southerland teams up with the Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey this weekend for the opening of Jazz Fest in New Orleans.

*Gary Foster will appear on Steve Kraske's Up To Date Friday, April 29, on KCUR.

*"Who is Charlie Parker?" (Via Jazz Wax.)

*Tweet o' the Week: marklowreymusic: Jazz and Hiphop from a fun show last November. http://fb.me/IA295pB0.

*From Crosstown Station's calendar: Kansas City's best horn player Hermon Mehari is uniting the best of Kansas City's finest Jazz musicians to pay tribute to the great Miles Davis on his Birthday. Guest musicians include Brad Williams (drums), Andy McGhie (tenor saxophone), Andrew Ouellette (piano) Dominique Sanders (bass)... Get ticket now as this will be a sold out show. The show is May 26.

*Details on a free May 4 concert by the University of Kansas Jazz Ensembles from Dan Gailey via Lucas Homer: Jazz Ensemble I (directed by Dan Gailey) is performing the following: BJORK: Desired Constellations (arr. James Miley), Army of Me (arr. Travis Sullivan; Travis is the leader of Bjorkestra), Hyperballad (arr. Matt Moresi). RADIOHEAD: Knives Out (arr. Dan Gailey), Kid A (arr. Steve Owen). STEELY DAN: Two Against Nature (arr. Fred Sturm). Jazz Ensemble II (directed by Bob McCurdy) is performing the following: RADIOHEAD: Bodysnatchers (arr. Fred Sturm). STEELY DAN: Home At Last (arr. Fred Sturm)...and an opening tune... Jazz Ensemble III (directed by Greg Battista) is performing the following: RADIOHEAD: You and Whose Army (arr. Steve Sharp--KU student). They are also performing a group improv piece based on themes by Bjork and Radiohead. Additional information is available here.

(Original grainy image of Ben Leifer, Hermon Mehari and Ryan Lee performing at Take Five Coffee Bar on April 23 by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*A very nice interview with Bobby Watson was conducted by NPR's A Blog Supreme. (Initial tip via KCJazzLark.) Watson is also the subject of a fine video interview here. Watson's new album, The Gates BBQ Suite, is available at his Facebook account.

*The Prairie Village Jazz Festival is admired by KCJazzLark. The Prairie Village Post offers a recap.

*Jazz Times reviewed the new album by Dan Gailey, a professor at The University of Kansas.

*The unfortunately-named The Sound offers archived footage of its live video stream from the Mutual Musicians Foundation. The group also held a meeting.

*The Star offers a review of a concert by The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra.

*I've bashed the guys repeatedly for not having their own site, so it's only fair that I note that the excellent all-star band Crosscurrent recently remedied that situation. They're also on Facebook.

*A member of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy participated in a video interview to promote his band's forthcoming concert at the Lied Center. (Tip via KC Stage Blog.)

(Original image of Breezy Peyton by Plastic Sax.)