Rush Hour At the Foundation

If, like me, you'd rather be in bed than out on the town at 2 a.m., you should be thrilled to learn that The Mutual Musicians Foundation recently added an alternative to their famous late night jam sessions. Live jazz is on tap at 1823 Highland on Friday from 4:30-8:30 p.m. The house manager told me that a different band plays each week.


















I was one of the fortunate few to witness an outstanding late afternoon performance on July 27. A trio of young men played earplug-loud jazz. Their primary frame of reference seemed to be the work of Miles Davis' and Wayne Shorter's groups circa '64-'67.Mike Herrera's impressive alto dominated. Although his playing is a bit blustery, he owns a fully developed tone which prevents his torrential outbursts from becoming tedious. The volume level dropped significantly when Herrera switched to flute. Adam Kabak's bass work was superb, and hard-hitting drummer Kevin Cervick- I recognized him from UMKC jam sessions at Mike's- kept the informal atmosphere playful.

(Original photos by Plastic Sax.)