Monday, August 9, 2010

Jay McShann's Kansas City


I'm proud of the contributions Plastic Sax has made to the Kansas City jazz scene since its inception in 2007. KCJazzLark, the "other" Kansas City jazz blog, celebrates its first anniversary today.

While the commentary and historic documentation provided by the site's author are invaluable, the videos he's unearthed are international treasures. Long after we're gone, the footage KCJazzLark has brought to light will continue to be viewed by grateful music lovers and scholars.

The forgotten documentary on Jay McShann he uploaded last week is absolutely stunning. With the blessing of KCJazzLark, I'm featuring the second of two clips. (The first segment of the thirty-minute film can be viewed here.)

Although it's ostensibly an intimate portrait of McShann, the film's subtext is the tragic decline of the importance of jazz in Kansas City. Here are a few of my favorite segments: At 0:01 and 4:35 McShann points out shuttered clubs; at 2:04 and 2:46 McShann explains jazz's irresistible siren song; the earthy banter that begins at 5:18 is a joy to behold.

Thanks again, KCJazzLark.
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5 comments:

  1. kcjazzlarkAugust 9, 2010 at 10:31 PM

    You're welcome. And thank you for the kind words.

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  2. AnonymousAugust 9, 2010 at 11:00 PM

    Why are the Rhythm and Ribs and Jammin' at the Gem schedules not listed on the Jazz Museum website yet.

    How is it that the only government funded jazz entity in Kansas City with the largest staff by far does not have it together. Every other performing arts series (Jazz and Classical) have their schedules listed. Where is the accountability?

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  3. Happy In BagAugust 10, 2010 at 8:08 AM

    The Rhythm & Ribs lineup will be announced this Friday, Anon.

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  4. Rick in PVAugust 13, 2010 at 4:22 PM

    Love the footage, but I don't see why you say "the film's subtext is the tragic decline of the importance of jazz in KC." Although I didn't hear every bit of dialogue, I think you might be reading something into it from the perspective of 35-40 years later ...

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  5. Happy In BagAugust 13, 2010 at 4:33 PM

    Maybe you're right, Rick. But...

    Much of McShann's dialogue concerns how much better things were back in the day. Twice he points out the sites of former jazz clubs. And one gets the sense that he's no longer a big attraction.

    That McShann maintained such a positive attitude while witnessing this "tragic decline" (my words) is a credit to his character.

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