I accidentally stumbled upon this footage of
D'Anthony Wooten's recent recital at UMKC. I'm impressed by the 17-year-old's melodic sensibility and confidence. At his Reverb Nation account, Wooten cites Herbie Hancock as his "sounds like." It's not surprising that the Olathe North student been involved with
KC Youth Jazz.
D'Anthoni Wooten is indeed very talented HIB. AND, he is a genuinely good guy with a student's heart. He came to Kansas City Youth Jazz via a good friend who is his private teacher. I first worked with him initially in the combo lab and quickly discovered that he has absolute perfect pitch - in addition to a talent for music. He was in the KCYJ combo that played on Good Morning America. There are lots of potentially great musicians in the coming generation of KC young artists. The music is alive and well... Cb
ReplyDeleteKansas City Youth Jazz is an exceptional opportunity for young musicians. I have heard D'Anthony rehearse with the Reno combo and the Reno band. Most of these groups are talented under the direction of Clarence Smith and Stan Kessler. Must say that Chris Burnett had an impact as they were younger in the earlier combo's pointing the kids in the right direction. Mr. Leon Brady certainly left his impact on these kids too. KF
ReplyDeleteI feel like I should mention here that bassist Bill McKemy does a lot of great work with KCYJ as well.
ReplyDeleteThanks, KF. To have the opportunity to help young artists at the beginnings of their journey is cool.
ReplyDeleteAs you know, that group of students started where the current new combo students start in lab. It is good for me personally to see them continuing to develop and "sharing their talent". I like that they are going out to play at the jam sessions at the Blue Room as we encouraged them too.
The entire faculty at KCYJ are great artist educators, in addition to Tj's noting of Bill McKemy's great work, it would be negligent to not mention KCYJ's trombone instructor, Jason Goudeau as well. Jason is not only a great teacher, but likely one of the best trombonists and improvisers anywhere too.
I find it interesting how CB and the rest of you love to stroke each other's backs and give credit where credit is not due. D'Anthoni in fact learned music from his father and through his church and community. Because you, CB, were trying to rub elbows with his instructor stroked D'Anthoni so that you could make the connection with his instructor. Yes, D'Anthoni is excellent but he did not get it at KCYJ which I have just heard is no longer in existence. The games that were played by the instructors at KCYJ is the very reason why most of your talented musicians left the organization and now the organization no longer exists pending lawsuits.
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