Now's the Time: Esperanza Spalding

Esperanza Spalding returns to Kansas City on Friday as a member of Joe Lovano's US 5. It's the bassist's first appearance in the area since she was featured in the Folly Theater's jazz series in 2009. While Spalding's performance in the embedded video is captivating, she'll be offering rhythmic support of Lovano at the Gem Theater. Joe Klopus previewed the show.

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*The Star reports that Skies and Benton's, two hotel restaurants that featured jazz musicians but didn't actively promote the music, are closing.

*Stan Kessler via Facebook: The Kansas City Youth Jazz Reno Combo that I instruct is appearing on GOOD MORNING AMERICA from The Kauffman Performing Arts Center, Thursday Morning at 7am.

*A very fine 45-minute documentary about Kansas City's place in jazz history was just posted to YouTube. Talking heads include Jay McShann, Lisa Henry, Herbie Hancock, T.S. Monk, James Moody, Wayne Shorter, Stanley Jordan and Bobby Watson. Most of the footage seems to be circa 2004.

*The latest blog post by Hunter Long is loaded with good news for fans of Black House Improvisors' Collective.

*Just how off-putting is the word "jazz"? This 30-second promotional video for Herbie Hancock's upcoming appearance at the Lied Center avoids using the word.

*Chris Burnett ponders the "what is jazz" question in a thoughtful blog post.

*David Hudnall wrote a lengthy feature about the Eddie Baker School of Music.

*New albums by Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, Laura Chalk, Sir Threadius Mongus and River Cow Orchestra are considered by KCJazzLark.

*Ben Ratliff reviews a new solo piano album by Harold O'Neal.

*The headline of a Kansas City Business Journal article tells a sad story: "Jazz District TIF nears final note after generating little cash or change".

*Chuck Berg reviews a Topeka Jazz Workshop performance led by Ted Howe.

*Watch Joe Athon's October 13 performance at Jardine's here.

*Candace Evans is featured in 435 South magazine.

*A niece shares childhood memories of her uncle Ahmad Alaadeen.

*Tony's Kansas City plugs a Dave Stephens gig.

*St. Louis Jazz Notes points to a site that provides access to an out-of-print 1965 album featuring Bob Brookmeyer and Clark Terry.

*A critic for Jazz Times reviewed a concert by Pat Metheny and Larry Grendadier concert.

*Drummer George Reed died in New York. He was 89.

*Tweet o' the Week: paynic: @KCTrumpeter I love trio too, except I'll just hire anywhere from 3-21 people and have most of 'em to lay out. What's your instrumentation?

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Improvised Indifference

I gladly paid the five dollar price of admission at a music venue this weekend. Misery ensued.

I don't expect to be presented with an award when I attend a jazz gig, but I certainly don't want to get the sense that I'm doing penance.

The bandleader ignored the audience of twelve. The interaction between the musicians was similarly minimal. The dreary atmosphere resembled a forced detention for students who'd misbehaved during high school band class.

Although the band's concept was solid, it wasn't enough to overcome the morose vibe. If you're not going to put on a show, at least act like you want to be there.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Now's the Time: Aakash Mittal

Colorado-based Aakash Mittal performs with his quartet Monday, October 17, at The Blue Room. Without the lovely dancer in tow, Mittal's band will probably look and sound a lot like this. That's my ish.

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*Black House Improvisors' Collective offers a free download of its most recent performance.

*The Star provides a review and reporting from the October 8 Rhythm & Ribs Jazz and Blues Fest.

*Here's KCJazzLark's take on Rhythm & Ribs.

*An article about a jazz show at a college radio station in Fresno mentions local kids 5 Star Jazz Band.

*Saxophonist Steve Wilson embarks on an interesting Charlie Parker-related project at the Kennedy Center.

*The Yellowjackets' concert at the Folly Theater was reviewed by Karen Hauge.

*St. Louis Jazz Notes offers a reminder that Matthew Shipp appears at his city's 560 Music Center on Friday, October 14. He also announced that Ralph Towner will perform a free concert on October 27.

*Tweet o' the Week: Alaadeenswife: I'm finally ready to sell the "Holy Grail". That's Alaadeen's alto that formerly belonged to John Jackson. "Bird" borrowed it frequently.

*Drummer George E. Ballard, "one of the few musicians to play with both Count Basie and Duke Ellington," has died.

*From a press release: The Swope Corridor Renaissance/Upper Room… will present Music Matters, a benefit for the children of the Upper Room’s Music Program. This fundraiser will be held at 8:00 p.m. on Friday, October 14, at the Church of the Resurrection, 13720 Roe, Leawood, Kansas 66224. Featured performers are Bobby Watson, Lonnie McFadden, Marilyn Maye, and Pamela Baskin-Watson. Tickets are only $25. For information about the concert go to www.eddiebakerschool.com or to purchase tickets, please go to www.upperroomprogram.org or call Colleen Schorgl at 913-339-8332.

*From Jim Mair: The KCKCC instrumental jazz department will perform Monday, Oct. 17, … from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Jazz: A Louisiana Kitchen at the Legends in Village West. There is no charge for the performances… ALSO, Both the KCKCC vocal and instrumental jazz departments will take center stage in a “Jazz Showcase” at Jardines… Wednesday, Nov. 2. From 7-11 p.m., (various ensembles) will be performing. There is a small cover charge. The KCKCC instrumental jazz department is headed by Jim Mair; the vocal music department by John Stafford. Jurgen Welge directs the Latin band and Hermon Mehari directs the KC High School All Star Jazz Ensemble.

(Original image of Peter Schlamb, Karl McComas-Richl, Ben Van Gelder, Sean Mullins, and Hermon Mehari performing October 7 at 1911 Main by Plastic Sax.)

Review: Sir Threadius Mongus at La Esquina

Imagine you intended to form a jazz-based band in Kansas City. Who would you pick to join your ensemble? Jeff Davis chose wisely. The version of Sir Threadius Mongus that performed Friday at La Esquina included Matt Otto, Russell Thorpe and Andrew McGhie on reeds, Stan Kessler on trumpet, Mike Stover on bass and Jonathan Taylor on drums. Davis plays guitar.

That band could play most anything, including Davis' dense Mingus-inspired compositions. Here's an example. Davis, to his credit, didn't take a single solo in the thirty minutes I was there. (First Friday's siren song is irresistible.)

Aside from the screech of trains slowing down as they passed through downtown ("coal-trains" a witty friend accurately observed), La Esquina served as an ideal performance space. Yet in spite of the free beer, absence of a cover charge and a promotional push by the Charlotte Street Foundation, only a handful of people attended.

Everyone else missed out on something special.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Now's the Time: Ben Van Gelder

Do you like New York City? Are you partial to audacious concepts? How do you feel about Dutch saxophonists? This clever Ben Van Gelder video features all three elements. A band featuring Van Gelder, Peter Schlamb and Hermon Mehari performs Friday and Saturday at 1911 Main. I'm told there's no cover.