Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*Since the founding of Plastic Sax in 2007, I’ve made a point of staying out of the business of The Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors.  With apologies to the Plastic Sax readers who have encouraged me to comment on the ongoing behind-the-scenes drama at the organization, I’m not about to start now.

*Justin Binek and John Stafford discussed Kansas City Kansas Community College’s jazz program on a morning television program.

*Jefferson City’s News Tribune published an article about Mike Ning.

*Milt Abel, Jr. recalls his father in a profile at The Daily Beast.

*Tweet o’ the Week: Drew Williams- How wild is it that in New York, there are entire jazz scenes that think music made after 1940 is way too hip??? Like, if your pants don’t go up to your nipples, what are you even doing?

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*Ernest Melton is featured at the site of Quincy Jones' streaming entertainment startup Quest TV.  The photo that accompanies the article looks familiar.

*Not a single release by a Kansas City artist earned a spot on the list of the Top 50 albums in The 2018 NPR Music Jazz Critics Poll.

*The man behind Plastic Sax extolled Logan Richardson on KCUR’s Up To Date program last week.

*John Stafford spoke to Joe Dimino about the new album by a vocal ensemble at Kansas City Kansas Community College.

*In her guest editorial about the Open Spaces festival for The Kansas City Star, Anne Gatschet writes that “(t)ourists are unlikely to say, ‘I’m going to Kansas City. Can’t wait to see the Mutual Musicians’ Foundation.’”

*Tweet o’ the Week: Ryan Heinlein- Pretty remarkable to neither honor the tradition or be forward thinking at all. That’s how this dies.

*From a press release: The Kansas City Jazz Summit will take place April 23 - 26, 2019. This event caters to middle school, high school and college jazz bands, combos and jazz choirs and will take place at Kansas City Kansas Community College. The festival will highlight Kansas City's rich jazz heritage through the "Basically Basie" Jazz Heritage Competition. Bands are judged on their ability to capture the essence of the Kansas City style as best exemplified by the Count Basie Orchestra. There is also a non-competitive category (Summit) that allows bands to showcase their own unique style and personality.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*Joey Alexander, Bobby McFerrin and a supergroup that includes Avishai Cohen, Wycliffe Gordon, Danilo Perez, Chris Potter and Lizz Wright are part of the recently unveiled 2016-17 season of the Performing Arts Series at Johnson County Community College.

*The Kansas City Star and a television station reported on a press conference at which the latest public investment in the Jazz District was officially announced.  KC Jazz Lark scrutinizes the allocations.

*Emanuel Cleaver, II submitted a congressional resolution that "recognizes that New Orleans, Louisiana, should be officially proclaimed as ‘'The Birthplace of Jazz’' and recognizes the Kansas  City, Missouri, ‘'The Home of Jazz’."

*Chris Burnett thoroughly documented Dino Massa’s most recent visit to Kansas City.

*Joe Klopus’ latest column focuses on a forthcoming concert by the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra.

*An unusual gig by a pair of overlooked veterans is highlighted by The Pitch.

*Tweet o’ the Week: Chacko Finn- Took my first jazz solo as a college student tonight at the UMKC Jazz Bands at the Folly Theater! Cannot wait to see what is ahead!

*From a press release: Jazz music will fill Kansas City Kansas Community College at the end of April as the 2016 Kansas City Jazz Summit returns to campus.  The Jazz Summit is 9:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 26 and 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. April 27, 28 and 29 in the KCKCC Performing Arts Center, 7250 State Ave. The event, which is produced by the Kansas City Jazz Alliance, is free and open to the public… The Jazz Summit caters to jazz groups at the middle school, high school and college level in both competitive and non-competitive sessions. It is a collaborative effort between the KCKCC Music Department, Audio Engineering department, Theater and the Intercultural Center. Awards are given for outstanding soloists, woodwinds, brass and rhythm section performers.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*New albums by Matt Kane, OJT and Dominique Sanders are reviewed by KC Jazz Lark.

*Joe Klopus highlighted Joe Locke’s forthcoming concert in his column for The Kansas City Star.

*The Pitch recommends the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra’s tribute to Stan Kenton.

*The trio of Avishai Cohen, Justin Brown and Eric Revis will perform at Take Five Coffee + Bar on May 14.

*A blogger reviewed the Kansas City debut of Max Raabe und Palast Orchester at Helzberg Hall.

*Anat Cohen is among Joe Dimino’s recent interview subjects.

*Tweet o’ the Week: Matt Wilson- Trio M finished up our tour with an incredible night at the Take Five Cafe in Kansas City! Dig the LMO order card! (photo)

*From Take Five Coffee + Bar: Thursday, April 14, 7pm: Rob Scheps/Jason Jackson Sextet: The Music of Wayne Shorter- Saxophonist Rob Scheps is a roving powerhouse… he’s got Jason Jackson with him, trombonist with the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra… (with) hand-selected Kansas City players (Brad Gregory on alto saxophone, Roger Wilder on piano, Bob Bowman on bass, Brian Steever on drums). $5 cover.  Friday, April 15, 8pm: Brandon Draper Flux Trio- Brandon Draper is a superlative percussionist… he’ll be launching into an evening of “mind altering soundscapes, groove and improvisation” in the company of Matt Otto on saxophones and EWI and Luke Polipnick on guitar and bass… $5 cover.  Saturday, April 16, 8pm: Steve Houghton Trio- Drummer Steve Houghton (is) Professor of Percussion and Jazz at Indiana University. (with) Bob Bowman on bass and Danny Embrey on guitar. $5 cover. Sunday, April 17, 10am - 2pm: Sunday Jazz Brunch: Paul Roberts – Origins of Groove… No cover.

*From a press release: Jazz music will be the focus as dozens of students arrive on the Kansas City Kansas Community College campus for the 2015 Kansas City Jazz Summit. The summit is 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 22, 23 and 24 in the KCKCC Performing Arts Center... The event, which is produced by the Kansas City Jazz Alliance, is free and open to the public… The Jazz Summit caters to jazz groups at the middle school, high school and college level in both competitive and non-competitive sessions… “This is a one of a kind festival that celebrates jazz of all kinds, but in particular the music of Count Basie,” Mair said. “The Basically Basie competition has grown from three groups to 15 groups since its inception.”

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*KC Jazz Lark buries the lead in a significant post about a jazz booster organization.

*Steve Paul lobbies against a proposed funding cut for the American Jazz Museum in an editorial in The Kansas City Star.

*Mike Corrigan’s (B.A.C.) Horn Doctor business was featured in a jazz-oriented profile by The Kansas City Star.

*Chris Burnett considers the promotion of jazz performances.

*The Pitch recommends a performance by Candace Evans.

*Tweet o’ the Week: Rudresh Mahanthappa- Bird Calls CD Release show tonight at @JazzStandardNYC. Sets at 7:30 and 10 PM. (link)

*Comment o’ the Week: Cb- I really dig Noah Preminger's music, HIB. He's from the east coast, correct?

*From Michael Shults- Saturday night March 28th I'm giving a lecture recital on the music of Bobby Watson at 7 PM at Take Five… I'll be analyzing and performing six of Bobby's compositions… several of these tunes were the songs that got me hooked on jazz as a teenager. It's also an all-Watson era UMKC alumni band: Clint Ashlock on trumpet, Andrew Ouellette on piano, Matt Leifer on drums and Ben Leifer on bass. I think for all of us it's a way to pay some small tribute to a man who had a profound influence on us and who, oh by the way, happens to be one of the greatest living composers of American art music. After the lecture recital, we'll take a break and Brett Jackson will join us for a tribute to the Jazz Messengers.

*From Take Five Coffee: Friday, March 27, 8pm: Sons of Brasil-
The Sons bring the samba, the bossa, and a host of other propulsive musical styles from Brazil and other cultures of Latin America. $5.  Saturday, March 28- 7pm: Michael Shults Lecture Recital: The work of Bobby Watson, 8pm: Music of the Jazz Messengers- Trumpeter Clint Ashlock leads a high-powered ensemble...  $5 cover.  Sunday, March 29, 10am - 2pm: Sunday Jazz Brunch: Gerald Spaits with Rod Fleeman and Paul Smith. No cover.

*From a press release: Enjoy the multi-faceted music of the Kansas City Kansas Community College Jazz program with the award-winning KCKCC Blue Devils Jazz Orchestra and vocal Jazz ensemble The Standard.  Wednesday, April 1, 2015.  Unity Temple on the Plaza. $7.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Now's the Time: Jason Jackson

Trombonist Jason Jackson is the featured guest on saxophonist Rob Scheps' latest barnstorming tour of the Kansas City area.  The New York based trombonist and the saxophonist will perform with different combinations of locally based musicians in the noontime Jazz by the Lake series at Kansas City Kansas Community College and at the Majestic on Thursday, April 2, and at Lucky Brewgrille on Friday, April 3. 

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*Lori Chandler of Take Five Coffee + Bar implores jazz musicians to "stop questioning the art form’s relevance" in her contribution to a "Kansas City Art Community's 15 Wishes For 2015" report compiled by C.J. Janovy.

*Alan Hoskins reports on the Kansas City Kansas Community College Blue Devil Jazz Band's trip to Cuba.

*KC Jazz Lark continues his year-end recap.

*Pam Hider Johnson remembers Horace Washington at KCUR's KC Currents.

*Dean Minderman has aggregated over 100 "Best Jazz of 2014" lists at St. Louis Jazz Notes.

*Tweet o' the Week: Ryan Heinlein- May start a handle called "jazz is the worst is the worst." @clintashlock @michaelshults are right. Joke or not time to stop selfdeprecation

*From a press release: The Celestial Strings of Michael O'Shiver, Harpist, performing with Guitarist Max Berry and The Consort Band.  Spirituality & All That Jazz.  Wednesday, January 7, 2015. Unity Temple on the Plaza.  $7.00.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*KCUR aired a five-minute feature about the Kansas City Kansas Community College Jazz Ensemble's trip to Havana.

*Mark Lowrey reports that he'll perform in a benefit concert with Bill McKemy on bass and John Kizilarmut on drums at the Living Room on Saturday, December 27, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.  $10 at the door.  All proceeds go to Holy Cross Elementary's music department.  Lowrey's new album Waltzes and Consolations will be released this week.   It was recorded live at the Majestic on September 8th with bassist Karl McComas Reichl and drummer Sam Wisman.

*KC Metropolis published a review of a "jazzy border war" event.

*The Pitch recommends New Jazz Order's appearance at Take Five Coffee + Bar.

*Joe Dimino interviewed Jack DeJohnette for his Neon Jazz podcast.

*Tweet o' the Week: Daniel Welch- #jazz deserves #monochrome @ Harling's Upstairs (photo)

*Comment o' the Week: Mike Metheny- Watching that great clip of Marilyn Maye brings to mind this question: Which of today's high profile musicians will be at, or near the top of their game -- and still relevant -- at age 86? It may be a case of apples and oranges, but either way, here's to longevity.

*From Take Five Coffee + Bar: Friday, December 19, 8pm: New Jazz Order Big Band Presents Ellington's Nutcracker Suite- Clint Ashlock and New Jazz Order performed Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite last year and the old coffee shop nearly burst at the seams with musicians, revelers and an enormous sound. This year, we have the space to present them properly – a full sixteen-piece big band of the Ellington style, packed with incredible players… $10 cover. Saturday, December 20, 8pm: Kessler-Embrey Conspiracy- Trumpeter Stan Kessler and guitarist Danny Embrey lead a powerhouse quartet – Jeff Harshbarger on bass, Todd Strait on drums… $5 cover. Sunday, December 21, 10am - 2pm: Sunday Jazz Brunch: TJ Martley- ...an amazing pianist… No cover.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*Bobby Watson made an appearance on a local television program.

*The Kansas City Star documented the deterioration of Highland Cemetery.  Plastic Sax visited the cemetery in September.

*Hermon Mehari posted a clip of a recent performance to SoundCloud.

*The Pitch recommends Friday's offerings at the Green Lady Lounge.

*Tweet o' the Week: Ryan Heinlein- Great, Christmas jazz. Now we'll never make the iTunes charts

*From Chris Burnett: I am writing on behalf of Ms. Jayne McShann-Lewis, daughter of the late legendary pianist, Jay McShann.  Jayne is producing a Gospel-Classical-Jazz musical on Friday, December 19th.  She believes this musical to be the first of its kind produced in Kansas City.  Gospel-Classical-Jazz music will be performed together at this event, demonstrating the two genres have an inherent unity of history and sound. The event will also feature a panel discussion on the topic... Boone Tabernacle Church of God in Christ, 1317 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, MO 64106, 7pm. $15.

*From Jim Mair: The Kansas City Kansas Community College Jazz Ensemble has been given the distinct honor of being invited to perform at the 30th Annual Havana (Cuba) Jazz Festival December 16-22, 2014.  For the December 3rd Spirituality & All That Jazz program, they will be performing a complete dress rehearsal of their introduction of Kansas City Jazz to the islands... Unity Temple on the Plaza - 707 W. 47th Street…$7.00

(Original image of Highland Cemetery by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*KC Jazz Lark lobbies for a large-scale jazz festival in Kansas City.

*Chicago's Marquis Hill surpassed musicians including Kansas City's Hermon Mehari to win the 2014 Thelonious Monk International Trumpet Competition.  The Kansas City Star sent a shout-out to Mehari.

*An appearance by Karl McComas-Reichl Trio is highlighted by The Pitch.

*A television station aired a brief report about the fundraising efforts of members of the Kansas City Kansas Community College's jazz band.  They're attempting to finance a trip to Cuba.

*Peter Hum interviewed Pat Metheny.

*Tweet o' the Week: Chris Hazelton- Okay lovers of 45s, trying to game plan the next release. Do you want more instrumental soul-jazz, soul with vocals, or straight up funk?

*Comment o' the Week: cB- The promoter cancelled the Beat Funktion concert due to poor advanced ticket sales.

*From Take Five Coffee: A trip to Brazil and a trip back in time mark the weekend ahead at Take Five Coffee + Bar as we present a feast of rhythms from far and wide… Friday, November 14, 8pm: Sons of Brasil. $5 cover… Saturday, November 15, 8pm: Clint Ashlock presents a tribute to The Jazz Messengers… $5 cover. Sunday, November 16, 10am - 2pm: Sunday Jazz Brunch: The Peter Schlamb Quartet… No cover.

*From the American Jazz Museum: Jazz Then and Now celebrates the evolution of jazz from its earliest beginnings to the modern-day period. The exhibition pays homage to local, national, and international jazz artists whose unique styles, musical achievements, and contributions helped to shape the music. Images and artifacts from the American Jazz Museum's collection are accompanied by images by present-day photographers and visual artists, video interviews, and poetry… (November 13) 6:00 pm - Bob Bowman performance. 6:40 pm - Jazz Then and Now exhibition reveal. 7:00 pm - Artists' Discussion…

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Jazz for a Rainy Afternoon

The Jazz for a Rainy Afternoon compilation was one of the bestselling jazz albums of 1998.  I was reminded of the concept's enormous appeal during Kansas City Kansas Community College's Jazz at the Lake series last Thursday.

After surviving a white-knuckled drive through a torrential downpour and locating an alternate way into the campus after finding that high water had closed the primary entrance, I felt as if the college's lodge-like conference center was a jazz Valhalla.

The noontime set by vibraphonist Peter Schlamb, guitarist Ron Carlson, bassist Greg Clinkingbeard and New York-based drummer Grisha Alexiev might have sounded overly polite in a conventional jazz venue, but the homey setting amid an audience of about 40 made the performance seem unusually meaningful.

Carlson referenced the Rolling Stones' "Paint It Black" in his clever introduction to "Autumn Leaves," one of three selections that featured saxophonist Jim Mair.  Schlamb's playing on an interpretation of John Coltrane's "Central Park West" was gorgeous. 

Alexiev's vigorous effort kept the ballads from becoming treacly.  He added thunder to renditions of Milt Jackson's "Bags' Groove" and Sam Rivers' "Beatrice."

Let it rain.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*Anita Dixon of the Mutual Musicians Foundation was interviewed by Joe Dimino for his Neon Jazz podcast.  The interview was also filmed.

*KC Jazz Lark praises and criticizes last month's jazz campaigns.

*A television station interviewed Kevin Mahogany at the Prairie Village Jazz Festival.  The Prairie Village Post provides a recap of the event.

*A music blog suggests that the new single by Chris Hazelton's Boogaloo 7 is "a freight train of real deal jazz."

*The Project H was featured on the Local Listen segment of KCUR's Up to Date program.

*Gerald Wilson, an occasional Count Basie collaborator, has died.

*Tweet o' the Week: Ryan Heinlein- Thought you should know that we are still not on the iTunes jazz charts. Our CD is still very good.

*From Chris Hazelton: New release!  “The Chartreuse Woman” b/w “The Grand Avenue Get-Down,” 7-inch 45rpm single.  Chris Hazelton’s Boogaloo 7 is a funky, organ-driven, soul-jazz group that focuses on grooves reminiscent of the late-1960’s Blue Note and Prestige recordings. These grooves have been the backdrop for what has become a weekly sensation at Kansas City’s Green Lady Lounge on Friday nights. The two Hazelton originals featured on this new 45rpm single are salutes to the hip venue the group calls home.
Street Date: October 17th, 2014.

*From Jim Mair: Kansas City’s own Kicks Band will be headlining a big band benefit later this month to support the Kansas City Kansas Community College Jazz Band.  The “Tea Dance” is from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14 in the ballroom of the Historic Lake of the Forest Club House, 100 Lake Forest in Bonner Springs... Tickets are $15 per person; $25 per couple or $100 for a table of eight… Proceeds from the event will help with costs of the KCKCCC Jazz Band's upcoming trip to the 30th-annual Havana Jazz Festival this December…

*From the Project H: As you may know, we are fortunate enough to be a part of Matt Otto's "Jazz Underground" series at the Westport Coffee House. We generally play the first Thursday of every month. We figured that there is so much talent in Kansas City (jazz and beyond) that we would like to start working with other musicians in the scene that we might not normally get to work with. We are excited to announce that out the October 2nd show will feature Miss Kelley Gant!

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*Shay Estes won the Jazz Solo category and Project H claimed the prize for top Jazz Ensemble at Sunday's Pitch Music Awards ceremony.

*An Indiegogo campaign has been created to raise funds for the Alaadeen Jazz Master/Apprentice Program.

*A local television station produced a two-minute feature on Tim Whitmer.

*The Pitch recommends the Paul Shinn Trio's four-night residency at the Green Lady Lounge.

*"Do It Up & Do It Right" is another track from the Project H's forthcoming album.

*KC Jazz Lark commemorates his blog's fifth anniversary with a round of great photos.

*A new generation of plastic saxophones is being created.

*Dean Minderman of St. Louis Jazz Notes reports that Mary Halvorson, Roscoe Mitchell, Craig Taborn, Glenn Kotche and Tim Berne are among the artists featured in New Music Circle's 2014-15 season.

*Tweet o' the Week: Mills Record Company- Okay...Jorge Arana Trio and Temp Tat too. Haymaker Records Brenton has been tuning up the projector since 2 today. He has a video to show you

*Comment o' the Week: KC Jazz Lark: I was at The Phoenix about the same time, maybe a little earlier, with a couple of friends. The club was about half filled for Tim Whitmer & KC Express with Lori Tucker, with more people streaming in when we left. That's something The Phoenix has done well: Between Lonnie McFadden on Friday evenings and Tim on Saturdays, they have found a couple of popular and fun acts who have built a buzz and make people think of The Phoenix when conisdering where to get some drinks downtown on a weekend evening, I don't know which other musicians could build a similar buzz at other clubs, but it''s something Green Lady could use and Broadway Jazz Club needs.

*From Jim Mair: Jazz by the Lake so far: First Thursday of the Month noon to 1pm KCKCC Conference Center by the Lake. Thursday September 4:KCKCC Jazz Faculty Cuba Kick Off. Thursday October 2: Diana Herold/Grisha Alexiev Quartet from New York City. Thursday November 6: The Roberto Magris Trio (pianist from Italy and J Mood recording Artist).

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*In another discerning editorial, KC Jazz Lark raises questions about the scope of a new locally-based jazz organization.

*The "Jazz Bloggers Tour of KC" featuring an appearance by author Stanley Crouch is scheduled for June 19-20.  A link is not available.

*Josh Williams' jazz mentorship efforts are documented in an article in The Kansas City Star.

*The Pitch touts an appearance by Will Matthews at the Blue Room.

*Clint Ashlock muses about the creative process.

*The Topeka Capital-Journal surveys the town's summer concert offerings.

*Tweet o' the Week: Steven Lambert- Great shot of the 627 Big Band from @GreenLadyLounge. Every Sunday from 9-12 see you there! #kcjazz (photo)

*From Brad Cox: The People's Liberation Big Band of Greater Kansas City performs Sunday, June 8th at the RecordBar. The band will play new instrumental compositions by Matt Otto and Nick Howell, and will be joined by guest vocalist Shay Estes for new compositions by band leader Brad Cox.

*From a press release: The Summer Sounds of the Caribbean & Kansas City. Scott Prebys, Steel Drummer/Percussionist with Special Guest Rod Fleeman, Guitar featuring the Tim Whitmer & The Consort Band... Spirituality & All That Jazz, Unity on the Plaza, Wednesday, June 4.

*From a press release: Heartland Films, Inc. announces the world premiere of its newest documentary film “One” at the 10th Anniversary of the KC Fringe Festival. Sue (Vicory)’s previous feature documentary film, “Kansas City Jazz & Blues; Past, Present & Future,” will also screen at the festival…

*From a press release: Anyone ever wishing to visit the intriguing country of Cuba, Kansas City Kansas Community College is offering a once in a lifetime opportunity.  The KCKCC Jazz Band will be performing in the 30th Annual Havana Jazz Festival Dec. 16-22 and members of the community are invited to go along… A complete and comprehensive itinerary can be found on-line (here)…  

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

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*The American Jazz Museum received a $15,000 grant to help fund the 18th & Vine Jazz and Blues Festival.

*Nathan Davis made an appearance on a local television program prior to his concert on Saturday.  Joe Dimino of Neon Jazz also interviewed Davis.

*KCJazzLark ponders the attendance at concerts by The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra.

*Lee Hartman reviewed last weekend's concert by the Brad Mehldau Trio.

*Chris Botti and Marilyn Maye will perform at Yardley Hall in December as part of the Performing Arts Series of Johnson County Community College.

*The Pitch recommends a Jerry Hahn gig at Broadway Jazz Club.

*Tweet o' the Week: Steve Kraske- @bradmehldau trio absolutely sensational @THEFOLLYTHEATER Sat night. Some of the longest applause I've heard at KC jazz show.

*Comment o' the Week: Anonymous- You think the AJM and the Folly would avoid having high profile gigs on the same night. I mean, do these two organizations even talk to each other? Lame! I wish I could go to both shows, but I bought Folly tickets back in September so I'm locked in for Mehldau.  (See note below.)

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

*From a press release: Kansas City Kansas Community College will be playing host to students from middle school, high school and college this week during the 2014 Kansas City Jazz Summit.  The summit is 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 23 to 25 in the KCKCC Performing Arts Center, 7250 State Ave. The event is free and open to the public.  “The goal (of the Jazz Summit) is to attract jazz band, combos and choirs from across the United States and hopefully Canada, making Kansas City a destination location,” said Jim Mair, Professor of Music and Director of Instrumental Studies at KCKCC. “There will be great performances all three days, world class adjudication and on Thursday, there is the KC Heritage ‘Basically Basie’ competition with text voting - a first for jazz festivals.”… For complete schedules for all three days of the event, visit Kansas City Jazz Summit. 

*From a press release: Wednesday, May 7, 2014. The Stride Stylings of Bram Wijnands, Pianist, with Tim Whitmer & The Consort Band. Bram Wijnands began playing piano at an early age in Eindhoven, the Netherlands...  In July 1991, Bram made his debut on the KC Jazz scene at the City Light Jazz Club with Kansas City’s own Richard Ross... Tickets at the door only - $7.00.

*From a press release: Jammin' At the Gem May 17– Massey Hall 60th Anniversary | Bill Charlap and his trio of Kenny Washington and Peter Washington performing with special guests, virtuosi: Jon Faddis and Jesse Davis. The greatest jazz concert ever… Bill Charlap has connected Jazz Masters Jon Faddis and Jesse Davis with his Bill Charlap Trio for the 60th Silver Anniversary celebration of the concert at Massey Hall...

*An apology to Plastic Sax readers: Until this morning, none of the comments made at the site during the past two or three months were published.  The email notifications I'd previously received inexplicably ceased.  I'm sorry.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*The Pitch touts the career prospects of Kelley Gant.

*Sunday's concert by Chick Corea and Béla Fleck was reviewed by The Kansas City Star and KC Metropolis.

*Saxophonist Ryan Anselmi's new album Lookout Road contains a hybrid of jazz and Americana sounds.

*Pat Metheny recalls the influence Wes Montgomery had on his early work.

*Megan Birdsall is interviewed by The Pitch about her Americana project MBird.

*Jazz blogging is harder than it looks.

*Tweet o' the Week: Nicholas Segura- It didn't really hit until tonight, I'll miss you so so much my sister Dionne Jeroue

*From a press release: Nationally-syndicated jazz variety show the 12th Street Jump will return to the Broadway Jazz Club on Wednesday, April 16th from 7:30 pm to 9pm and will celebrate the music of double bassist and composer Charles Mingus with special guest Steve Lambert on saxophone.  

*From a press release: (T)he Kansas City Kansas Community College Jazz Band is ramping up fundraising efforts for its trip to the 2014 Havana International Jazz Festival later this year… The KCKCC Jazz Band was invited to perform at the 2014 Havana International Jazz Festival in Havana, Cuba last fall. The festival is Dec. 17 to 22…  Donations are currently being accepted to help the KCKCC Jazz Band with the approximately $60,000 of travel expenses...

*From Michael Shults: This Friday night from 7-11 at Louie's Wine Dive I'm playing a very special show with a great tenor saxophonist from Cincinnati named Oz Landesberg. Oz is, in my view, the top saxophone player in the Queen City and was one of my greatest inspirations during my two years there. Really looking forward to this one. We'll be joined by Seth Lee and TJ Martley. Wanted to encourage everyone to come out and check out Oz's fabulous playing and welcome him to KC for the weekend!

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*The Kansas City Star published a review of Wycliffe Gordon's appearance with The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra.

*Hermon Mehari, Plastic Sax's 2009 Person of the Year, was awarded a $10,000 grant from the Charlotte Street Foundation.

*Crossroads KC has booked Trombone Shorty on June 17 and the Pat Metheny Unity Group with Bruce Hornsby on July 26.

*Road trip?  The Wayne Shorter Quarter- the legendary saxophonist, Danilo Pérez, John Patitucci and Brian Blade- will perform in Omaha on April 2.

*Last minute gig announcement: Todd Strait, Pete Rende, Jeff Harshbarger and Matt Otto will perform Wednesday, March 26, at Westport Coffee House.

*KCJazzLark provides a positive report about full clubs with diverse audiences.

*Chris Burnett announces the personnel of his new band.

*Tweet o' the Week: Green Lady Lounge- The Orion Room @ Green Lady Lounge: a 2nd Jazz stage n lower level w Knabe Baby Grand & house drums. Great listening rm opening n April.

*From a press release: Enjoy the multi-faceted music of the Kansas City Kansas Community College Jazz program with the award-winning KCKCC Jazz Ensemble, Vocal Jazz 1, the Bebop Combo as well as the relaxing rhythms of the Latin Band under the tutelage of Jurgen Welge. The KCKCC Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Jim Mair, has earned the distinct honor of performing at the 30th Annual Havana (Cuba) Jazz Festival in December 2014 and the Vocal Jazz 1 Ensemble, directed by John Stafford, will be performing in April at the New York City Jazz Festival at the Lincoln Center…. Spirituality & All That Jazz. 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 2. $7.00

*From a press release: Community Christian Church… is pleased to host the inaugural presentation of the very first Big Band Boogie Bash,  with Tim Whitmer presenting the one and only Vine Street Rumble Jazz Orchestra, as they honor the legacy of Kansas City’s “Golden Era” of world renowned Jazz, on Sunday, March 30, 2014, at 4:00 p.m. The Vine Street Rumble performs exclusively the same exciting music that made Kansas City “the” place to be in the 1930’s, 40’s and beyond… Standards by Count Basie, Bennie Moten, and Mary Lou Williams/Andy Kirk, and many other “Big Band” impresarios will suffuse the performances by the VSR personnel, which includes: Kent Rausch (Musical Director), Mike Hererra (Alto Sax), Steve Lambert (Tenor Sax), Brett Jackson (Tenor Sax), Carl Bender  (Baritone Sax), Jay Sollenberger  (Trumpet), Barry Springer  (Trumpet), Al Pearson (Trumpet), Dan Strom (Trombone), Jason Goudeau (Trombone), Rod Fleeman (Guitar), Walter Bryant (Piano), Jeff Harshbarger (Bass), Jurgen Welge (Drums), with highlight participation by Tim Whitmer on the piano.  Tickets are $10 (prior to the concert), $15 (at the door).

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*KC Jazz Lark was the victim of an attempted mugging outside a jazz club.

*There was a shooting last Saturday night in the Jazz District.  (Tip via Tony's Kansas City.)

*Joe Dimino interviewed Ken Lovern for Neon Jazz.

*The Pitch plugs a performance featuring Megan Birdsall.

*An early review of the Pat Metheny Unity Group's Kin suggests that "for those who've missed the epic compositional work of Pat Metheny Group, this will be the closest they're likely to get…"

*Tweet o' the Week: Stacy- Jazz & seafood = Nice little Saturday evening! #gaslightgrill (photo)

*From a press release: Johnson County Community College has announced the performance schedule for the spring 2014 Jazz Series. The series, which brings to the stage some of Kansas City’s premiere jazz musicians, is now in its 25th year.  The recitals take place at noon Tuesday for six consecutive weeks, Feb. 25 to April 1. All performances, which are free and open to the public, are held in the Recital Hall of the Carlsen Center unless otherwise noted. Here is the lineup: Feb. 25 Mark Lowrey, March 4 Bill Crain Group, March 11 Lori Tucker Ensemble, March 18 Al Pearson Quartet,*Polsky Theatre, March 25 PBT featuring Rod Fleeman, April 1 Ron Carlson Group.

*From a press release: The University of Kansas Wind Ensemble, conducted by Paul W. Popiel, Director of Bands, and Jazz Ensemble I, directed by Dan Gailey, Director of Jazz Studies, will present a shared concert at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1 at the Lied Center of Kansas.  The evening will begin with a special performance by KU Saxophone Quartet I, Vince Gnojek, director, of Tim Davies’ Krunch...  Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for children, seniors and students.

*From a press release: MusiCares, in collaboration with the Folk Alliance Conference and Smiles Programs, The Mobile Dentists, will host a free dental clinic for music professionals.  (To qualify, participants must document at least five years of professional music career history.)  Eligible individuals will receive a complete dental exam, bitewing X-rays and a dental cleaning.  Please call MusiCares at 1.877.303.6962 to determine eligibility and request application materials.

*From Jim Mair: Details about The Kansas City Kansas Community College/Kansas City Jazz Orchestra Jazz Camp in June are here.

*From Mark Lowrey: I've been on a month long artist residency…  I return early next week.  And have a few fun things coming up… I'm starting a new band with Singers Dionne Jeroue and Eboni Fondren with drummer Ryan Lee and bassist Karl McComas-Riechl.  It's an r&b/soul/jazz project.  All the songs are about love and sex.  Re-invented covers from Fiona Apple, Esperanza Spalding, Donnie Hathaway, John Legend. etc… Official first show is at the Broadway Jazz Club March 22… Continuing regular weeklys: Sunday and Monday at the Majestic Restaurant: Mark Lowrey Trio 6-10pm; Wednesday (background) solo piano at Cafe Trio 6-9pm; Friday 4:30-8:30pm at the Phoenix with the Lonnie McFadden Trio; Friday later: Mark Lowrey Trio 9pm-12am at the Green Lady Lounge.   

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*Frank Wess, a Kansas City native and one of Count Basie's primary collaborators in the "New Testament" band, has died.

*The Pitch reports on the traffic accident that damaged the Green Lady Lounge.

*A 38-word report from KCTV notes that "(a)n armed suspect went into the Blue Room."  (Via Tony's Kansas City.)

*Pat Metheny was voted into the magazine's Hall of Fame and named as the top guitarist in the Downbeat Reader's Poll.  The native of Lee's Summit is on the cover of the December issue.

*Greg Carroll was interviewed by a representative of Time Warner Cable.

*Recent performance photos of Kelley Hunt and the Messenger Legacy Band are shared by KC Jazz Lark.

*Tweet o' the Week: Pat Metheny- Hey Everyone - Click this link for a downloadable and printable schedule of the upcoming US tour: (link).

*Comment o' the Week: Brian- I play at Free State Brewery in Lawrence every Friday night. It's a great exercise in focus, humility and also a good spot to try out new ideas. Not to mention the steady income.

*Spotted at the site of the Kansas City Public Library: Duke: A Life of Duke Ellington, Wednesday, November 20, 2013, 6:30pm @ Central Library… Biographer Terry Teachout sheds new light on this creative genius in a discussion of his new book about the grandson of a slave who wrote such classics as “Mood Indigo” and “Sophisticated Lady.”  Teachout, a Kansas City resident from 1975 to 1983, is the author of Pops: A Life of Louis Armstrong, The Skeptic: A Life of H.L. Mencken, and the play Satchmo at the Waldorf. For The Wall Street Journal, he is drama critic and the author of “Sightings,” a column about the arts in America. He is the critic-at-large at Commentary, and writes the blog About Last Night.

*From Jim Mair: Don't miss Jazz by the Lake! This Thursday, November 7, 2013, at the Conference Center, Noon to 1:00. Come and enjoy Kansas City Swing with the Tommy Ruskin / Julie Turner Quartet (a Bop in the Dotte Preview).

*From Jim Mair: The Kansas City Kansas Community College Jazz Program will be displaying its jazz talents during an upcoming performance at the Green Lady Lounge. The showcase, which will feature the jazz band, jazz combos, vocal jazz ensembles and student jazz soloists, will be from 7 to 10 p.m. Nov. 11 at the Green Lady Lounge, 1809 Grand Ave. in Kansas City. The concert will be free and open to the public.  “I attend performances at the Green Lady regularly. I simply talked to the owner, John Scott, and asked about our college ensembles performing there,” said John Stafford, director of Choral Music at KCKCC. “He placed us on a Monday night (when they’re usually not open) and is advertising the performance as a recital."

*From the American Jazz Museum: Convergence: Jazz, Films, and the Visual Arts, Grand Opening Reception and Keynote- Friday, November 8, 2013, 6 p.m.  A collaboration between the American Jazz Museum and the David C. Driskell Center at the University of Maryland, Convergence shines a light on more than 60 significant works of African American art that have a strong connection to the jazz aesthetic in combination with rare jazz film footage capturing the art as it evolved in the early part of the 20th century.  At our grand opening reception, you’ll enjoy live music and a keynote by Dr. Robert O’Meally of Columbia University. His talk, “Looking at the Music: Jazz and the Visual Arts,” considers jazz music as a model for the structures, rhythms, and colors of contemporary visual art. What does it mean to visualize jazz?

*From Take Five Coffee + Bar: Thursday, November 7, 7:30pm-9:30pm: UMKC Saxophone Studio- The saxophone studio at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance maintains a tradition of excellence established over the past several decades.  Formerly under the direction of Tim Timmons, the studio is in its first year under Zach Shemon of the world famous PRISM Quartet…  Friday, November 8, 8pm-10pm:  Philip Wakefield Trio- Drummer Philip Wakefield proves his versatility every month when he hosts Take Five's Open Mic, but with the room to himself, he'll swing you into a different orbit. In the company of guitarist Brian Ruskin and bassist Blake Hughes… $5 cover.  Saturday, November 9, 8:30pm-10:30pm:  The KC Sound- Steve Lambert on saxes and flute, Hermon Mehari on trumpet, Dominique Sanders on bass, Andrew Ouellette on piano and Brad Williams on drums… $5 cover. Monday, November 11, 7pm-9pm:  Interstring- Drummer Todd Strait will be back in town, and has reunited the legendary Interstring Quartet for this special Monday night performance. In addition to Todd, Interstring is Rod Fleeman and Danny Embrey on guitars and Bob Bowman on bass… $5 cover.

*The Kansas City Jazz Calendar has been updated.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Concert Review: The Lisa Henry Quartet at Jazz by the Lake

An extraordinarily gratifying performance took place in a sun-soaked cottage on a college campus last week.  The Lisa Henry Quartet delighted a capacity audience of about 100 at the Conference Center near the south entrance of Kansas City Kansas Community College.  The structure adjacent to a small body of water resembles a rustic hunting lodge.

The charming setting is transformed into a comfortable jazz venue during the institution's free Jazz By the Lake series. 

Backed by keyboardist Everett Freeman, bassist Tyrone Clarke and drummer Mike Warren, Lisa Henry sang standards with impeccable grace for an hour.  A duet with Clarke on "Mood Indigo" showcased her lustrous voice.  With a vocal tone that evokes Nancy Wilson and an ability to swing like Ella Fitzgerald, Henry is an incredible mainstream jazz vocalist.  Her performance was so riveting that it was impossible not wonder why she's not better known. 

Henry was introduced to the international jazz community when she took second place in the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Vocals Competition in 1994.  Internet trolls are aware of Henry because of this oddity.

"Professor Bobby Watson says they come for the hug," Henry said at the conclusion of her performance.  "I thank you for coming and I hope you've enjoyed the hug."

Henry's musical embrace is one of my favorite performances of 2013.

(The remainder of this season's Jazz by the Lake schedule is published here.  Henry was last featured at Plastic Sax in April of 2012.)

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)