Ghosts in the Machine

Kansas City’s jazz scene isn’t merely haunted by its illustrious history.  The formidable legacy of past masters often seems to suffocate the musicians of today.  That’s one of the takeaways from an exercise I conducted at my nondenominational music blog There Stands the Glass.

The examination of Spotify’s monthly listeners metric for artists associated with Kansas City offers intriguing insights into the consumption of jazz recordings.  Half of the artists in the top ten and 24 of the top 100 are jazz musicians.  Pat Metheny, Karrin Allyson, the jazz-adjacent Oleta Adams and the smooth jazz stars Norman Brown and Julian Vaughn are the only living jazz artists in the top 50.  And the gulf between the iconic Charlie Parker (#10, 495,000 monthly listeners) and his present-day successor Logan Richardson (#99, 1,000 monthly listeners) is astounding. 

The absence of many of the artists regularly documented at Plastic Sax is glaring.   I note at the original post that “many ostensible hometown heroes are streamed by only a few hundred users each month.”  Streaming isn’t a zero-sum game- just because someone streams Charlie Parker doesn’t mean they’re not also streaming Logan Richardson- but the extreme imbalance between old and new is frightening.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Now's the Time: Oleta Adams

Oleta Adams’ headlining set at the American Jazz Museum’s Kansas City Jazz & Heritage Festival in May was charming.  Her appearance at the top of the bill of the Prairie Village JazzFest on Saturday, September 9, should be no less delightful.

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*Oleta Adams will headline the Prairie Village JazzFest on September 9.  The complete lineup: 3:00 p.m.- Shawnee Mission East Blue Knights; 4:00 p.m.- The Project H; 5:20 p.m.- The Bram Wijnands Swingtet; 6:30 p.m.- Sax & Violins; 7:40 p.m.- Eddie Moore & the Outer Circle; 9:00 p.m.- Oleta Adams.

*Chris Hazelton received votes in the “Rising Star–Organ” category of the 65th Annual DownBeat International Critics Poll.

*Tweet o’ the Week: Gaslight Grill- Lynn Zimmer & The Jazz Band, live at the Gaslight Grill Wednesdays through Sundays!

*Comment o’ the Week: Anonymous- My favorite part of your site was the KC Jazz calendar. I'm sure it was a hassle to collect the info and post it, but it was appreciated. Thanks. Would you consider posting a weekly list of (random) suggested gigs? Maybe somewhat off the radar stuff?

*From a press release: The New Red Onion Jazz Babies have been exciting audiences for over 30 years. This Kansas City group is dedicated to the preservation of traditional Jazz, the way the Red Onion Jazz Babies played it in the 1920s. Spirituality & All That Jazz: 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 5, 2017; Unity Temple on the Plaza; $7.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*Kansas City’s Oleta Adams discussed her new album Third Set with KCUR.

*The members of the Ensemble of Irreproducible Outcomes were
interviewed by a representative of the Johnson County Library.

*The Guardian reviewed the London production of the opera “Charlie Parker’s Yardbird.”

*Tweet o’ the Week: KC Jazz Orchestra- Join KCJO for a USO Style Dance @UnionStationKC Friday, July 7, 2017, 8 - 10 pm. $15 in advance / $20 at the door. (link)

*Comment o’ the Week: Carol Murray- I had out of town guests last weekend who said they would definitely pay a subscription fee to be able to see my daughter's performances in KC. They are 4 hours away and want to stay up on what she's doing. So would her uncles who are out of state. When I record with Facebook live many people from Hays (where she grew up) join in. Finally, people who are in poor health and house-bound would feel connected and could support their favorite musicians during times when they can't be there in person. I think this has the potential to be a great thing. I would expect the quality of the sound and video to be better than my grainy Facebook live videos. It's the quality and convenience you pay for. - Carol Murray

*From a press release: KC Jazz Alive is proud to announce the 4th Annual Charlie Parker Celebration, to be conducted,  Aug. 17-26. This year’s event again explores and recognizes the legacy of Charlie Parker- a Kansas City native and arguably the most influential saxophonist and jazz icon to ever perform. In addition to the Parker tribute, the event serves as an opportunity to promote the musicianship of local Kansas City jazz artists as they perform alongside award-winning Artists-in-Residence Tivon Pennicott (tenor saxophone) and Sullivan Fortner (piano). The CPC is the only jazz event of its kind that pairs KC jazz musicians with internationally renowned jazz musicians from across the country. The celebration harkens back to jazz’s truest tradition of collaboration, which Charlie Parker fostered during his career. As CPC continues to grow locally and gain recognition through the U.S., this year's event will provide a New York City focus. For nine days, the Kansas City musicians and the Artists-in-Residence will further the dialog about Kansas City and Charlie Parker’s indelible impression on jazz with a variety of concerts and educational programming (schedule to be announced in the next two weeks). KC Jazz Alive again has partnered with several Kansas City jazz clubs and leading jazz promotional organizations to enhance jazz in Kansas City, while sustaining a connection to the jazz world and honoring Parker's legacy. This year’s event is again open to the public. Tickets will range from free to modestly priced.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*Jessie Riggins critiqued the appearance by Cyrus Chestnut and Warren Wolf at the Folly Theater.

*The week in jazz is surveyed by Joe Klopus.

*Alaturka’s concert at Polsky Theatre was reviewed by Mike Alley.

*Oleta Adams duets with José James on the closing track of his new album Love in a Time of Madness.

*Tweet o’ the Week: Shireen- Got a free ticket to listen to the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra perform at the Kauffman Center tonight. Amazing!!!

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Now's the Time: Maysa

Jazz in the Woods?  #BAM in the Woods would be a more appropriate moniker for this year's edition of the Johnson County festival.  Not that I'm complaining- I'm partial to the adult urban contemporary format.  In fact, Jonathan Butler's appearance at the Gem Theater last May was one of my favorite concerts of 2011.  Performing in a sold-out room for 500 diehard fans, however, is less challenging than attempting to win over an audience of thousands of suburbanites expecting to hear "jazz."  Warren Hill and Maysa will assist Butler on Friday, June 15.  Joe Klopus interviewed Butler for his preview of the two-day event.

Max Berry: The Documentary

It's premature to memorialize the very vital Max Berry, but this 13-minute documentary will serve as a fine tribute to the versatile Kansas City musician long after he's gone.  Berry is best known for his work in support of Oleta Adams and Ida McBeth and as a studio whiz.  Wouldn't it be wonderful if more Kansas City jazz musicians were the subjects of similar films?

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*David Martin reports that Bobby Watson, Jayne McShann and Joyce Johnson resigned from their positions on the board of the Mutual Musicians Foundation.

*Steve Penn provides quotes from Oscar "Lucky" Wesley's February 27 appearance at the American Jazz Museum's "Jazz Talk." Wesley is mourned in a letter to the Star. Elsewhere, a music blogger features a track from an obscure album by The Scamps.

*The significance of Sue Vicory's film is heralded by KCJazzLark. The jazz blogger also reviewed a recent performance of the New Order Big Band.

*Chuck Haddix discusses the jazz and blues photography of Dan White on April 14 at the Central Library. The Jim Mair Quartet with Mike Ning, Tyrone Clark and Michael Warren will perform at the event.

*Diverse created a Kickstarter account to help fund a European tour.

*KCUR interviewed Oleta Adams. (Tip via KCJazzLark.)

*The Star reviewed Junior Mance's gig at the Blue Room. Paola's Ryan Anselmi and Hutchinson's Kim Garey were in the pianist's band.

*A memorial in the Washington Post suggests that the late Herb Ellis once lived in Kansas City. A handful of area musicians have disputed that claim.

*MBird, the alter-ego of jazz vocalist Megan Birdsall, has issued a music video.

*Russell Thorpe of Black House Improvisors' Collective is now blogging at Phonologotron.

*The Wall Street Journal attempts to decode Pat Metheny's Orchestrion.

*Karrin Allyson returns to Kansas City this week for a two-night run at Jardine's.

*The Guardian continues its Charlie Parker obsession.

*From Jim Mair: A gathering to honor the life of Theodore Jan Wilson, featuring a tribute by Kansas City jazz musicians, will be held at 2 pm Tuesday, May 4, 2010, at Kansas City Kansas Community College's Intercultural Center. The public is invited.

*From a Kansas City Kansas Community College press release: Coming off unprecedented success in the annual Pittsburg State Jazz Festival, where the KCKCC Jazz Band and two combos earned No. 1 ratings, the Jazz Band under the direction of Jim Mair received an invitation to perform at the Puerto Vallarta Jazz Festival in Mexico next February.

(Original image of KCI by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*Congressman Emanuel Cleaver blogs that he "spent a sleepless night on the phone to Paris securing Charlie Parker’s plastic sax for Kansas City."

*Reading KCJazzLark's outstanding research on the early efforts to establish a jazz museum in Kansas City is a depressing but incredibly revealing exercise. His latest installments are here, here and here.

*Tess Koppelman reports on problems with redevelopment in the Jazz District.

*Joel Francis reviewed Oleta Adams' concert at the Gem Theater for the Star.

*An essay in the Star makes the connection between jazz and basketball. (Tip via Phil F.)

*Chris Burnett notes one of his contributions to the Mutual Musicians Foundation.

*Les Izmore's collaboration with Diverse netted the rapper a cover story in the Pitch. Ink and The Daily Record also previewed the event.

*The Indianapolis Jazz Orchestra recently performed Kansas City Suite in its entirety. Here's a review. The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra plays the piece April 30 at the Folly Theater.

*Steve Penn lays out a case against financial cuts at the American Jazz Museum. Elsewhere, a member of the Kansas International Film Festival Committee advocates continued funding of the institution.

*The Guardian tells a fascinating story of a rarely seen sculpture of Charlie Parker.

*Alaadeen continues to share his story.

*Here's an intriguing big band arrangement of Pat Metheny's "Song For Bilbao."

*The in-flight magazine of Midwest Airlines recently featured the Mutual Musicians Foundation.

*Hearne Christopher previews Marilyn Maye's return engagement at Jardine's.

*I don't recognize the Kansas City jazz scene described in a Dallas Morning News article.

*From a Theater League press release: 12 O’CLOCK JUMP, public radio’s blues and comedy jam, will say good-bye to the Mutual Musicians Foundation, 1823 Highland, after a nine-month run. "We've enjoyed playing in this very special place." explained 12 O'CLOCK JUMP Executive Producer Mark Edelman. "But it's time to take our show someplace else. There are some great jazz spaces in Kansas City; I expect a lot of them will be interested in hosting 12 O'CLOCK JUMP.” (Tip via a friend of Plastic Sax.)

*St. Louis Jazz Notes graciously references Plastic Sax's coverage of Diverse in his preview to the Kansas City band's gig across the state.

(As this original image indicates, I've been in Italy. And yes, I took in a jazz concert while there. My notes on that event will appear in this space Monday.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*I stumbled across this hidden gem at the Phoenix's site while dutifully adding dates to the Kansas City Jazz Calendar: The Roberto Magris Quintet featuring Albert "Tootie" Heath, Logan Richardson, Elisa Pruett and Brandon Lee will perform at the club on December 13. Here's a related video featuring the Italian pianist. Shh- it's a secret.

*The Rhythm Lounge was "temporarily" closed according to this report.

*KCJazzLark turns out to be quite a photographer. Here are his shots of Megan Birdsall, Bob Bowman and Paul Smith.

*Horace Washington and Garland Smith tell stories at KCUR.

*A local television station catches up with Oleta Adams. (Link via Tony's Kansas City.)

*Have you seen the The Jazz Baroness? The character of Charlie Parker is disparaged in the documentary. Here's a trailer of sorts.

*Steve Penn reports on efforts to assist Lucky Wesley of the Scamps.

*Pete Dulin previewed a performance by Malachy Papers and Mike Dillon.

*Eldar is featured at NPR.

*A Bob Brookmeyer gig in New York is previewed by an interesting interview. Here's another piece about his December 2 concert.

*This is promising: The Owen/Cox Dance Group and The People's Liberation Big Band present The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, December 11-13, at the H&R Block City Stage Theater in Union Station. Details are here.

*The "grand opening event" of the exhibit Jam Session: America's Jazz Ambassadors Embrace the World is December 3 at the American Jazz Museum. From the museum's site: Join us in the Changing Gallery from 6:00- 8:00 pm. Admission is free- suggested donation of $10 to support education programs at the American Jazz Museum. Kicking off our series of public programs and free concerts supporting (t)his exhibit is Jazz as an Instrument for Cultural Diplomacy American Ambassador Kenton Keith will be accompanied by American Jazz Museum Chief Executive Officer, Greg Carroll and world renowned jazz vocalist, Deborah Brown for an inspiring discussion exploring the history, present and future of jazz as an instrument for cultural diplomacy. To RSVP contact Glenn North.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Grading the 2009-10 Folly and Gem Seasons

Joe Klopus' synopsis in the Star revealed the complete lineup for the new jazz seasons at the Folly and and the Gem theaters.

Rather than fuss about what's not coming to Kansas City, I've elected to grade each booking on its own merit. My entirely arbitrary system is primarily based on my own tastes, but I've also taken each act's commercial viability into account.

Feel free to check my track record. I conducted this exercise with the Folly in 2008 and in 2007. And here is my preview of the Gem's 2008 season.

Eldar- Folly Theater, October 10
In my lukewarm review of an Eldar show four months ago, I indicated that Eldar and his cohorts failed to find their footing. That doesn't mean, however, that I don't think the former Kansas City resident isn't capable of blowing my mind on any given night. I'm a little concerned about empty seats- Eldar's recent run at Jardine's did not sell out.
Grade: A-

Edward Simon- Folly Theater, October 31
Known primarily only to jazz geeks, Edward Simon is an extremely tasteful and stylistically diverse pianist. Unless I'm mistaken, Simon has previously appeared on the Folly's stage as a member of one of Bobby Watson's groups. Artistically, this is a solid booking. Yet I question Simon's ability to fill seats. Not sure about Simon? Check out NPR's stream of a recent Simon concert here. (It's very good.)
Grade: B+

Ken Peplowski- Folly Theater December 18
Expect to see Kansas City's eldest jazz fans turn out en masse to hear Ken Peplowski. He represents the conventional swing-oriented music favored by the sorely missed KCUR radio staple Just Jazz. The clarinetist is an exceptional talent, but he doesn't inspire much passion in these quarters.
Grade: C+

Mark O'Connor- Folly Theater, January 23
Fiddler Mark O'Connor came from the bluegrass world. He's since demonstrated his expertise in classical, country and jazz music. Let's hope he doesn't limit his presentation to the night's ostensible Django Reinhardt theme.
Grade: B+

Dave Frishberg- Folly Theater, February 27
Dave Frishberg is an acquired taste. Sometimes he seems worthy of comparisons to Hoagy Carmichael and Sammy Cahn. Sometimes he's just plain annoying. Honestly, I'm not sure I can make it through a full evening of solo Frishberg. But I'm eager to find out.
Grade: A-

Trio Da Paz- Folly Theater, March 13
I'm an Antonio Carlos Jobim freak. I know, consequently, that his brilliant but delicate compositions can easily turn treacly. This tribute features Trio Da Paz, Harry Allen and Maucha Adnet. This fan footage of the ensemble does nothing to alleviate my skepticism.
Grade: C+

Christian McBride- Folly Theater, April 24
The Folly saves the best for last. The acclaimed bassist Christian McBride is the subject of Downbeat's current cover story. Whether he's playing straight-ahead jazz, funk or fusion, McBride's work is almost always infused with a melodic sense of adventure. McBride will be joined by the top-notch band featured on his new album Kind of Brown.
Grade: A

Jimmy Cobb- Gem Theater, October 17
Call it tribute fatigue. In a recent column, Joe Klopus bemoaned the glut of tributes. (There are way too many here.) I share the sentiment. So forgive me if I fail to contribute to the considerable hype surrounding Jimmy Cobb's celebration of Kind of Blue.
Grade: B+

Maysa and Bilal- Gem Theater, February 13
Line up a date for Valentine's Eve. The double bill of Maysa, perhaps best known as the voice of Incognito, and Bilal, the man behind slow jams like "Soul Sista", should inspire all types of romantic thoughts. Of course, this booking is entirely unrelated to jazz.
Grade: B

Oleta Adams- Gem Theater, March 20
It's about time! Oleta Adams hasn't played a proper show in her hometown in years. Her new album is in the same vein as her tasteful pop hits. Expect a great show. Just don't expect to hear jazz.
Grade: A

The Clayton Brothers Quintet- Gem Theater, April 17
Veterans of the Basie organization, the Clayton Brothers play unassuming mainstream jazz. I'm receptive to a Plastic Sax reader to convincing me otherwise, but my initial expectations for this booking aren't high.
Grade: C+

Clark Terry- Gem Theater, April 30
Eighty-eight-year-old trumpeter Clark Terry is universally beloved. The previous appearance in Kansas City by the Basie and Ellington veteran was canceled due to health issues. This night will be a true celebration.
Grade: A-

The 18th & Vine Big Band with Bobby Watson and Ernie Andrews- Gem Theater, May 8
Bobby Watson is the closest thing Plastic Sax has to a sacred cow. Almost everything he does is wonderful. This night should be no different. The presence of vocalist Ernie Andrews, 81, is a nice touch.
Grade: A-

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*There's hope for the shuttered El Torreon. The legendary venue (above), once the regular host of Benny Moten and Jimmie Lunceford, is reportedly being refurbished.

*An essay titled "Is Bird Dead?" merits further discussion.

*Oleta Adams is profiled.

*I'm not sure why, but Karrin Allyson's national New Year's Eve 2006 broadcast was reposted on July 24 here.

*One of Kansas City's best bloggers, the Midtown Miscreant, muses on the significance of the Hotel Rochester at 18th and Vine. It's a mandatory read for anyone interested in the jazz district.

*Lasers!

*Joe Klopus raves about the forthcoming concert series at the Gem and the Folly. Plastic Sax will weigh in on the bookings in a future post.

*381 Days: The Montgomery Bus Boycott Story has opened at the American Jazz Museum.

*Chris Burnett analyzes the numbers of jazz.

*A new release by pianist George Dulin receives a rave review. The writer asserts he's from Kansas City.

*Steve Penn applauds the renovation of the Midland Theater.

(Original image of El Torreon by Plastic Sax.)

Now's the Time: Rhythm & Ribs

Late-breaking news: Plastic Sax has learned that Patti Austin canceled due to illness. She's being replaced by Jonathan Butler.

Let's get this straight right up front- Rhythm & Ribs is not a jazz festival. As Gregory Carroll indicates in Joe Klopus' preview in today's Star, it's a very eclectic bill. I hope the "something for everyone" gambit pays off.

I've linked to a video of every main stage artist. Check the festival's site for the second stage schedule.

Friday, 5:00
Kansas City favorite Ida McBeth opens the main stage. (By the way, can someone please shoot a decent video of her performance? I'm grateful for what little is up at YouTube, but this clip doesn't capture Ida's essence.)

Friday, 6:30
Fourplay is in vogue with crate diggers searching for hip hop samples. I'm not among them.

Friday, 9:30
As seen here, Angie Stone is a fine soul singer in the tradition of Shirley Brown and Betty Wright.

Saturday, Noon
Alaadeen gets things started Saturday.

Saturday, 1:15
The festival's most intriguing booking is Louis Hayes and his exciting band. Here's a live performance from 2007.

Saturday, 3:30
Oleta Adams' "Get Here" sounds better with each passing year.

Saturday, 5:30
"Don't Be Afraid of the Dark"- Robert Cray will be playing under the sun.

Saturday, 7:30
Jonathan Butler is Patti Austin's last-minute replacement. He covers "No Woman, No Cry" in the video above.
Patti Austin describes her approach on the early '80s hit "Baby, Come To Me" in Joe Klopus' feature story on the vocalist. The video is above.

Saturday, 9:30
Get out your "Dukey Stick" for George Duke.