Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*Mark Lowrey (best jazz artist), the Green Lady Lounge (best jazz venue) and the 18th & Vine Jazz and Blues Festival (best jazz event) are among the winners of the 2016 edition of The Pitch’s Best of Kansas City awards.

*The Kansas City Star and The Pitch previewed Bob James’ appearance at the Folly Theater.

*Steve Kraske endorses the Blue Room.

*Tweet o’ the Week: Bob McWilliams- Did not realize my seat for KC Jazz Orchestra would be this close to stage tonight! (photo)

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Now's the Time: Tivon Pennicott

Joe Klopus characterized Tivon Pennicott as “brilliant” in his survey of the week’s Charlie Parker-related events.  I had a less enthusiastic reaction when I heard the saxophonist perform at the  the 18th & Vine Jazz and Blues Festival in 2014.

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*KC Jazz Lark suggests that the audience at last month’s Prairie Village Jazz Festival numbered 5,000 in the text accompanying a second photo set documenting the event,

*Michael Pagán is among Joe Dimino’s recent interview subjects.

*Ryan Heinlein was interviewed by Wichita’s NPR station.

*A blogger shares his notes about his favorite R&B and blues performances at the 18th & Vine Jazz and Blues Festival.  A commenter disagreed with the plea for more jazz: "To much Jazz outside stage, needed more up beat music… Seemed like to much music for such a small attendance."

*A video for “Slow” provides another preview of Logan Richardson’s forthcoming album Shift.

*Angela Hagenbach is participating in the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition.

*Dominique Sanders has released X-Life, a collaboration with Leonard Dstroy that’s billed as “an amazing journey between Hip-Hop, Jazz, Soul, and R&B."

*Tweet o’ the Week: John Hilderbrand- A belated RIP to Larry Rosen. I was such a huge fan of GRP Records.

*Comment o’ the Week: Anonymous: I don't get it. Conrad Herwig is one heck of a trombonist but he is not going to sell a single ticket to the 18th and Vine Festival. Well, maybe one or two and thats a big maybe.

*From Ron Carlson: The new seven part Fall Jazz Series starts this week at The Art Factory!  The Art Factory is located at 5621 W 135th St in Overland Park, KS (at the SouthWest corner of 135th and Nall Ave).  Bob Bowman is featured on four of the seven events, each time with different groups.  The full calendar is available at The Art Factory.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*The 18th & Vine Jazz and Blues Festival was previewed by Joe Klopus.  The Pitch’s Jazz Beat writer focused on Conrad Herwig’s appearance at the annual event.

*Jessie Riggins reviewed the opening concert of the Kansas Jazz Orchestra’s new season.

*Logan Richardson introduced his new album Shift in a four-minute EPK.

*KC Jazz Lark shared photos of last month’s Prairie Village Jazz Festival.

*Mark Lowrey was featured on KCUR’s weekly Local Listen segment.

*The Kansas City Star highlighted Vewiser Dixon’s plans for the area to the south of the Jazz District.

*A blogger recalled two Phil Woods concerts in Kansas City in a remembrence of the late saxophonist.

*A barbecue restaurant named 18th & Vine opened in Dallas this week.

*Tweet o’ the Week: Oddly Correct- 2 evenings with @jacobfredjazzodyssey coming up this weekend at our shop. Taste & see…

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Now's the Time: Kahil El'Zabar

Jazz purists might initially be alarmed when they first glance at the lineup of the American Jazz Museum’s 18th & Vine Jazz and Blues Festival.  Blues and R&B acts make up a significant portion of the offerings.  A closer inspection reveals a handful of jazz-oriented gems.  I’m most enthused by the presence of Kahil El’Zabar.  The Chicago based percussionist is closely associated with his city’s Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians.  El’Zabar is slated to perform with an ensemble led by Dennis Winslett.

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*Hermon Mehari won the 2015 Carmine Caruso International Trumpet Solo Competition in Huntsville, Texas.

*Bobby Watson was interviewed on a morning television program.

*The Pitch recommends a gig led by Will Matthews.

*The complete schedule of the 18th & Vine Jazz & Blues Festival has been posted.

*A new documentary about Mary Lou Williams inspires an extensive essay about the artist in The New Yorker.

*Tweet o’ the Week: Brian Scarborough- Always love rehearsing and playing with the People's Liberation Big Band of Greater KC. Happy to be playing with them moving forward #kcjazz

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*Doug and Lori Chandler, Plastic Sax's People of the Year in 2013, have announced that Take Five Coffee + Bar will close following a performance on August 15.  A portion of their statement is at the bottom of this post.   The Pitch, The Kansas City Star and KCUR reported on the closure.   Clint Ashlock and KC Jazz Lark comment on the disappointing news.

*The headliners of the American Jazz Museum’s 18th & Vine Jazz & Blues Festival on October 10 are the Family Stone, Conrad Herwig, Popa Chubby and Dwele.

*The Ottawa Sessions, a piano trio album featuring Michael Pagán, Bob Bowman and Brian Steever, is available now.

*An editorial in The Kansas City Star suggests that the American Jazz Museum “should play a more vital and inspiring role in the city than it has.”

*The Pitch touts a gig by Peter Schlamb’s Electric Tinks.

*The Jorge Arana Trio created a 30-second trailer for its forthcoming album.

*Bobby Watson performed the National Anthem at a public ceremony last week.

*The lineup of the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival (in New York) includes the Oliver Lake Big Band, Andy Bey, Rudresh Mahanthappa and Myra Melford.

*Tweet o’ the Week: HNIC… again- He must be trying to get ideas for his side chick cause I'm not going to a jazz lounge.

*Comment o’ the Week: Anonymous- To each his own. I currently prefer any type of replication of 1955-era swing to a flawed version of jazz-informed R&B!

*The Kansas City Jazz Calendar has been updated.

*From Take Five Coffee + Bar: We are very sad to have to make this announcement, but Take Five is going to be taking an indefinite “set break” (in other words, we’re closing our doors) effective August 15… Thank you all for participating in the creation of a community unlike any other in this part of the city… Thank you again to those who supported us, cheered us on, became regulars, brought others to be regulars, sat breathless in front of Trio M, Bobby Watson, Avishai Cohen and the immense talent of our Kansas City jazz scene.  We are proud of what we accomplished, and there’s more to be done.  We’re just Taking Five.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*The Kansas City Star elicits comments from Hermon Mehari about his participation in the upcoming Thelonious Monk competition.

*KC Jazz Lark documents the 18th & Vine Jazz & Blues Festival.  A 17-minute video captures many of the event's sights and sounds.

*The Pitch recommends a show at Take Five Coffee + Bar featuring Gerald Spaits' band.

*A major ticketing site posted an interview with Eddie Moore.

*Tweet o' the Week: ReallyRylie- Sitting in Music Appreciation of Jazz wanting to cry of boredom. Remember this: The Royals are in the World Series.

*From Broadway Jazz Club: 12th Street Jump, the public radio syndicated Jazz and Comedy program, will be recording their broadcast honoring the music of Bucky Pizzarelli with special guests Bucky Pizzarelli and Ed Laub!! After the live recording stay for Eboni Fondren and Two Guitars (Matt Hopper & Charlie Gatschet), who will play from 9pm-11pm... Ticket prices range from $15 - $25.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*Hermon Mehari is one of 13 musicians who will participate in the semifinals of the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Trumpet Competition in New York on November 8.

*The Kansas City Star reviewed the 18th & Vine Jazz & Blues Festival.

*A television station broadcast a five-minute preview of the 18th & Vine Jazz and Blues Festival.  CJ Janovy of KCUR captured a rendition of "Kansas City" at the event.

*The Pitch recommends Harold O'Neal's return to the Blue Room.

*KCPT provides a seven-minute overview of the recent Charlie Parker Celebration.

*OJT was featured on KCUR's Local Listen segment.

*A revival of the 1959 jazz musical "The Nervous Set" is previewed by The Kansas City Star.

*A blogger notes that Lalah Hathaway performed for over 5,000 people on Sunday.

*Joe Dimino interviewed Phil Woods for his Neon Jazz podcast.

*Tweet o' the Week: Clint Ashlock- KC, if you're going to the K tonight, get there early and hang with New Jazz Order in the Outfield at 5:00! #TakeTheCrown @Royals #kcjazz

*From Gerald Spaits: Saturday October 25th, Passit Productions and Take Five Coffee Bar will feature Jazz bassist Gerald Spaits in an evening of his own compositions. Gerald, known for backing up many of KC jazz greats will step into the role of composer and bandleader for a very special one-time performance. Joining Gerald on the new stage will be: Dave Chael on sax. T.J. Martley on grand piano. Brian Steever on drums.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*KC Jazz Lark documented the final night of the original location of Take Five Coffee + Bar.  The venue will reopen in a larger space later this month.

*100 Years of Jazz is a new site promoting The Art of Kansas City Swing: An International Jazz Education Festival at the Mutual Musicians Foundation in 2015.

*Kristin Shafel Omiccioli reviewed the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra's most recent concert.

*The Kansas City Star reviewed Marilyn Maye's collaboration with the Kansas City Symphony.

*Shades of Jade was featured on KCUR's Local Listen segment.

*The Pitch touts this weekend's 18th & Vine Jazz and Blues Festival.

*Joeless Shoe posted a "track rundown" of the band's new album Midsole.

*The Columbia Business Times published a love letter to the city's We Always Swing Jazz Series.

*Joe Dimino interviewed Ted Nash for his Neon Jazz podcast.

*Tweet o' the Week: American Jazz Museum- Great weather for a festival ... (link)

*From Fanny Dunfee: The year after Alaadeen passed, I wrote a book of poems titled "The Heartbeat Next To My Heartbeat." On October 25th, I am pleased to be part of Homegrown Reads, the Local Author Fair at the Kansas City, Kansas Public Library, South Branch, 3104 Strong Avenue in Kansas City, Kansas, from 1pm to 4:30pm… In addition to "The Heartbeat Next To My Heartbeat" I will have all of my books available for purchase including "Dysfunctional, life journeys of a second generation jazz musician," "The Rest Of The Story, Jazz Improvization and History" and "Alaadeen, The Complete Song Book."

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*The Jorge Arana Trio was interviewed by The Pitch.

*KC Jazz Lark provides a second round of excellent photos of the Prairie Village Jazz Festival.

*Shades of Jades' Fingerprinted Memories, Pt. 1 has been released.

*Matt Kane reports on a forthcoming album featuring several of Kansas City's best-known jazz artists.

*The Pitch recommends Diverse's upcoming gig at Take Five Coffee and previews the Bridge Street Jazz and Food Fair in Smithville.

*The Education Department of the American Jazz Museum has a provided a list of supplemental activities at the 18th & Vine Jazz and Blues Festival on October 11.  A couple highlights: a master class with Tivon Pennicott, 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the Gem Theater; a jazz film discussion titled Production Techniques in Early Jazz and African American Dance Films, 4:00-5:00 at the John H. Baker Film Collection room.

*Joe Dimino interviewed Matthew Shipp and Lonnie Smith for his Neon Jazz podcast.

*Tweet o' the Week: Ryan Heinlein- Reverbnation is a joke. Thought I would play nice and put a new song up there but they wanted $40 for an upgrade. No thanks! (cont.)

*From Take Five Coffee + Bar: So the first season of Take Five Coffee + Bar comes to a close this weekend. To ease the unease over the end of a time that has been almost magical for all of us involved, we've lined up four nights of music to blast good into the universe from 151st and Nall one more time. The next season will begin in mid-October, more about that at the bottom of all this. First, we want to thank you all for your support of live music in this part of the world. All together, we can grow the circle of people for whom live music matters. Most of all, we want to tell you about this ... Thursday, September 25, 7pm: The Peter Schlamb Quartet… Friday, September 26, 8pm: Bob Bowman with Todd Strait and Roger Wilder… Saturday, September 27, 8pm: Grisha Alexiev Quartet… Sunday, September 28, 7pm: Diverse… What's next? We don't know for certain what day the doors will open at Corbin Park (all depends on inspections and permits). We do know when we're going to invite the world in to see what we think a jazz coffee shop could be. You'll have a place to set your drink. Or your plate. We'll have more than twice the seating. There'll be comfy chairs right in front of the band. A real piano. A stone fireplace. A low stage large enough to hold a screaming big band. Still intimate, still your suburban oasis, still Take Five. The new address is 6601 W 135th St, Suite A-21, Overland Park, KS 66223…

*From Kansas City Kansas Community College: Mike Ning, nationally-renowned jazz pianist and adjunct music instructor at Kansas City Kansas Community College, kicks-off the first ever “Artist’s Series” at the newly launched “The Gallery.”… Ning will host an artist’s reception from 3 to 6 p.m. Sept. 25 at KCKCC’s “The Gallery,” 7250 State Ave., where he will play piano and speak about his work...  His show, “Celebration of Life! Coming to America /Goin’ to Kansas City!” is open from Sept. 22 through Oct. 3...

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*The American Jazz Museum has unveiled the complete lineup of the 18th & Vine Jazz and Blues Festival.

*Two benefits for the ailing Everette DeVan are scheduled at area clubs.  The first is Saturday, September 20, at the Blue Room.  Performers include Tim Henry, Charlie Gaschett and Ian Corbett.  The second is Monday, October 6, at the Phoenix.  Millie Edwards will perform.

*The Project H and Eddie Moore and the Outer Circle are featured by The Deli in advance of their appearances at the Ink Live Stage at the Plaza Art Fair this weekend.

*KC Jazz Lark published a gallery of photos documenting the Prairie Village Jazz Festival.

*The Pitch highlights a performance by the Matt Carrillo Group.

*A critic praises the throwback sound featured on the new single by Chris Hazelton's Boogaloo 7.

*Tweet o' the Week: Vintage Vinyl- Can't wait to see jazz legend Joe McPhee and Survival Unit III perform at Joe's Cafe (6010 Kingsbury Ave) this Friday

*From the American Jazz Museum: The American Jazz Museum and Kansas City Blues Society have partnered to target a promotion to the local blues community that highlights the appearance of Blues legend Lucky Peterson at Kansas City’s 18th & Vine Jazz and Blues Festival on Saturday, October 11...  General Admission Tickets to the festival are only $25 each.  However, American Jazz Museum is offering ALL KCBS MEMBERS the price of $10 each for General Admission Tickets from now until October 11.

(Original image of an orange moon by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*The paucity of jazz among the headliners of the 2014 Kansas City’s 18th and Vine Jazz and Blues Festival is lambasted by KC Jazz Lark.

*Bobby Watson will deliver a lecture titled "From Zero to Question Mark: Defining Success in the 21st Century" in October.

*Mills Record Company extolls the virtues of the Best Jazz Ensemble nominees for The Pitch's annual music awards.

*Pat Metheny participated in an interview with Crossroads KC in advance of his performance at the outdoor venue.

*The Pitch touts Sunday brunch at Broadway Jazz Club.

*Tweet o' the Week: Todd R. Wilkinson- OK after a recent investigation, I'm calling BS on the oft heard, "But, Boots Randolph could really play jazz."

*Comment o' the Week: Dean Minderman- Hmmmm...with both Brian Culbertson and Gerald Albright, the Gem series seems to be doubling down on the R&B/funk/jazz. Kind of surprised we haven't gotten dates for one or both over here in St. Louis. Also, I wish someone here would book Terry Lyne Carrington's band. I really liked her drumming when she played here with Headhunters 2005; IMO, she was the unsung MVP of that all-star group.

*From Doug Talley: The Doug Talley Quintet will be performing at the Blue Room, 18th and Vine, KCMO, this Saturday, August 2, 8:30pm.  Stop by, enjoy the music, and say goodbye to Wayne Hawkins, our piano player, who is moving to upstate New York in August!!

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*The headliners of the 2014 edition of the 18th & Vine Jazz & Blues Festival are Roy Hargrove, Meshell Ndegeocello, Midnight Star and Lucky Peterson.

*Brian Culbertson, Gerald Albright, Terri Lyne Carrington, Joe Locke Quartet and Marilyn Maye are the featured artists of the 2015 season of the American Jazz Museum's Jammin' at the Gem series.

*Joe Klopus' latest column offers details on the American Jazz Museum's new American Jazz Walk of Fame.

*KC Jazz Lark provides a handy encapsulation of recent events.

*The Pitch recommends the July Jazz Jam at Community Christian Church.

*A band led by Phillip Johnston, the founder of the Microscopic Septet, will accompany a presentation by Art Spiegelman at Helzberg Hall on October 19.

*Clint Ashlock implies that music is the universal language. 

*Joe Dimino interviewed Lou Donaldson for his Neon Jazz podcast.

*Tweet o' the Week: John Hilderbrand- Enjoying the morning at the American Jazz Museum!

*Comment o' the Week: Gary- I actually saw this album in the used rack at a Savers over the weekend. Guess I should have taken it home.

*From a press release: The Debonair Duck Warner, Crooner, performing with Tim Whitmer & The Consort Band, Spirituality & All That Jazz, Wednesday, August 6, 2014. Lester Warner, affectionately known as "Duck," is a quiet, soft-spoken man who transforms himself into a spectacular entertainer when he takes the stage. His voice is a rich baritone with a beautiful full falsetto that has been compared to Nat "King" Cole. He is also a gifted instrumentalist who plays trumpet, flugelhorn and trombone.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*The American Jazz Museum received a $15,000 grant to help fund the 18th & Vine Jazz and Blues Festival.

*Nathan Davis made an appearance on a local television program prior to his concert on Saturday.  Joe Dimino of Neon Jazz also interviewed Davis.

*KCJazzLark ponders the attendance at concerts by The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra.

*Lee Hartman reviewed last weekend's concert by the Brad Mehldau Trio.

*Chris Botti and Marilyn Maye will perform at Yardley Hall in December as part of the Performing Arts Series of Johnson County Community College.

*The Pitch recommends a Jerry Hahn gig at Broadway Jazz Club.

*Tweet o' the Week: Steve Kraske- @bradmehldau trio absolutely sensational @THEFOLLYTHEATER Sat night. Some of the longest applause I've heard at KC jazz show.

*Comment o' the Week: Anonymous- You think the AJM and the Folly would avoid having high profile gigs on the same night. I mean, do these two organizations even talk to each other? Lame! I wish I could go to both shows, but I bought Folly tickets back in September so I'm locked in for Mehldau.  (See note below.)

*The Kansas City Jazz Calendar has been updated for the remainder of April.

*From a press release: Kansas City Kansas Community College will be playing host to students from middle school, high school and college this week during the 2014 Kansas City Jazz Summit.  The summit is 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 23 to 25 in the KCKCC Performing Arts Center, 7250 State Ave. The event is free and open to the public.  “The goal (of the Jazz Summit) is to attract jazz band, combos and choirs from across the United States and hopefully Canada, making Kansas City a destination location,” said Jim Mair, Professor of Music and Director of Instrumental Studies at KCKCC. “There will be great performances all three days, world class adjudication and on Thursday, there is the KC Heritage ‘Basically Basie’ competition with text voting - a first for jazz festivals.”… For complete schedules for all three days of the event, visit Kansas City Jazz Summit. 

*From a press release: Wednesday, May 7, 2014. The Stride Stylings of Bram Wijnands, Pianist, with Tim Whitmer & The Consort Band. Bram Wijnands began playing piano at an early age in Eindhoven, the Netherlands...  In July 1991, Bram made his debut on the KC Jazz scene at the City Light Jazz Club with Kansas City’s own Richard Ross... Tickets at the door only - $7.00.

*From a press release: Jammin' At the Gem May 17– Massey Hall 60th Anniversary | Bill Charlap and his trio of Kenny Washington and Peter Washington performing with special guests, virtuosi: Jon Faddis and Jesse Davis. The greatest jazz concert ever… Bill Charlap has connected Jazz Masters Jon Faddis and Jesse Davis with his Bill Charlap Trio for the 60th Silver Anniversary celebration of the concert at Massey Hall...

*An apology to Plastic Sax readers: Until this morning, none of the comments made at the site during the past two or three months were published.  The email notifications I'd previously received inexplicably ceased.  I'm sorry.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*Joe Dimino interviews Abel Ramirez for his Neon Jazz program.

*The Kansas City Star published a review and a report about the 18th & Vine Jazz and Blues Festival.

*KC Jazz Lark ponders the public's perception of the Jazz District.

*Stanley Crouch promoted his new biography of Charlie Parker on PBS.  (Tip via Tony's Kansas City.)

*Lee Hartman reviewed a performance by the People's Liberation Big Band.

*A van owned by trumpeter George Robinson was stolen. 

*The Pitch recommends Parallax's performance at Take Five Coffee + Bar.

*The Black House Collective shares another round of photos documenting its new music festival.

*The $14 million National Blues Museum opens in St. Louis next year.

*Tweet o' the Week: ashley- At the 18th & Vine Jazz and Blues Festival with my grandma..

*From Mike Metheny: It's always a pleasure (and a challenge!) to be on the same stage with such outstanding musicians as Stan Kessler (tpt), Hermon Mehari (tpt), TJ Martley (p), Gerald Spaits (b) and Brian Steever (dr). And how's this for a bona fide Kansas City Trumpet Summit: the equally outstanding Clint Ashlock (tpt) will be a special guest during each set at the Blue Room on Saturday, Oct. 26, 8:30-12:30. (That's Clint's photography on the cover of the new CD that will be available at the gig.) Hope to see you there!

*From a press release: Annual birthday bash celebrating & featuring Tim Whitmer with party revelers the Wild Women of Kansas City, guitarist Rod Fleeman & the Consort Band. Wednesday, November 6, 2013. 7:00 p.m.  Unity Temple on the Plaza.  $7.00. Children under 16 free.

*From 12th Street Jump: This week on 12th Street Jump we celebrate the birthday of Lee Konitz with our special guest Rob Scheps. The gang sees "Who's Got the Blues" in South Bend, IN and offers a little help to the President.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Now's the Time: Bobby Lyle and Peabo Bryson

A rewarding weekend is on tap for aficionados of commercial jazz and vintage slow jams in Kansas City.  Highlights include keyboardist Bobby Lyle, one of many artists slated to perform in a tribute to the late George Duke on the main stage of the 18th & Vine Jazz and Blues Festival on Saturday, October 12.  Vocalists Peabo Bryson and Kansas City's Ron Gutierrez will entertain at the KC Live! stage in the Power & Light district on Sunday, October 13.  Lyle and Bryson appear together in the embedded video.

*Critics at The Pitch named Jeff Harshbarger, Plastic Sax's 2011 Person of the Year, as the Best Local Musician.  They awarded Take Five Coffee + Bar with the prize of Best Suburban Oasis.  Owners Doug and Lori Chandler were Plastic Sax's 2012 People of the Year.  The publication's readers- presumably fans of Tim Whitmer's Saturday afternoon gigs- voted The Phoenix as the Best Jazz Venue.

*Joe Klopus previews Saturday's 18th & Vine Jazz and Blues Festival in his weekly column.

*KC Jazz Lark considers the unusual challenges faced by the organizers of 18th & Vine Jazz and Blues Festival.

*A man has been charged with assault in connection to last month's shootings near 18th & Vine.

*Libby Hanssen reviewed Gretchen Parlato's concert at the Folly Theater.

*The Pitch recommends Brian Haas' performance Sunday, October 13, at the RecordBar.

*Howard Reich raves about Bobby Watson in The Chicago Tribune.

*Matt Otto and a cat issue a "30 day long tone challenge."

*"Kansas City Swing", a new play set in 1947 Kansas City, opens in New Jersey this week.

*Former Kansan Lisa Engelken's new album Little Warrior was reviewed by a California-based publication.

*Comment o' the Week: Gary- Went to Take Five Saturday night and heard James Isaac Group. Thanks for the tip, Plastic Sax.

*Tweet o' the Week: Follow dw6 and JAG- Spoken to some great musicians so far in KC! Spent some time at the American Jazz Museum and now we're about to interview Bobby Watkins!

*From a press release: The Jazz Program at Kansas City Kansas Community College will present their first concert of the season West Wyandotte Library on Wednesday, October 9th at 6:30pm. Directed by Jim Mair and John Stafford II, the concert will feature the KCKCC Jazz Band, Latin Band, Jazz Combos and Vocal Jazz Ensembles.  Open to the public, there is no charge although donations for student travel opportunities will be accepted.

*From Take Five Coffee + Bar: This weekend at Take Five Coffee + Bar we're offering the power and passion of high-flying ensembles featuring some of the best trumpet artistry you'll find anywhere… Friday, October 11, 8pm:  The Rob Scheps/Jim O'Connor Quintet.  Saxophonist Rob Scheps finds a way to ramble through Kansas City a couple of times a year... Trumpeter Jim O'Connor, his guest on this tour, has... a deep list of credits... The crew behind these two are some of KC's best: Roger Wilder on piano, Bob Bowman on bass and Brian Steever on drums. $5.  Saturday, October 12, 8pm:  The Hermon Mehari Trio with Anthony Saunders...  Featuring Ryan Lee on drums and Andrew Ouellette on keys, this show will also showcase Hermon's special guest, vocalist Anthony Saunders... $5 cover.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*The American Jazz Museum unveiled the complete schedule for the 18th & Vine Jazz and Blues Festival.

*A portion of Chuck Haddix's biography of Charlie Parker was excerpted by The Kansas City Star.  The Star also published a review of both Haddix's and Stanley Crouch's Parker biographies.

*Libby Hanssen reviewed the Prairie Village Jazz Festival.  The PV Post offers a couple photos of the event and reports on a bit of related whining.

*A concert by Eddie Moore and the Outer Circle and Project H was documented by KC Jazz Lark.

*The Pitch examines the Black Lab New Music Festival.

*The Kansas City Kansas Public Library is hosting a series of jazz-related events under the auspices of Bop in the Dotte.

*Marc Meyers offers further appreciation of former Kansas City resident Ronnell Bright.

*Comment o' the Week: Michael- You decided against posting the clip of Watson and Harrell totally destroying him at the JVC Festival? I admire your restraint, Happy.

*Tweet o' the Week: KC Jazz Lark- Thank you to everyone at yesterday's Prairie Village Jazz Fest. The night's crowd was our largest ever. Every group on stage was wonderful.

*From Take Five Coffee: September is a powerhouse month for us, and this week we kick it into high gear with three shows by elite performers of every stripe.  Thursday, September 12, 7pm:  Hermon Mehari and Andrew Ouellette on keys. $5 cover.  Friday, September 13, 8pm: Roger Wilder Trio.  We’re thrilled to have Roger back in the house leading his own trio with Seth Lee (bass) and Sam Wisman (drums) ready to make your Friday the 13th definitively UN-scary. $5 cover.  Saturday, September 14, 8pm: Grisha Alexiev and Diana Herold.  The last time Grisha (drums) and Diana (vibes) were in town they were simply mesmerizing. From NYC, this husband/wife percussive duo will be joined by Ron Carlson (guitar) and Greg Clinkingbeard (bass) for one amazing evening of music.  Both are respected composers; Grisha has performed with the likes of Sam Rivers and John Cage and Diana with Yo Yo Ma, Wynton Marsalis and They Might Be Giants among others.  They're also two of the nicest people you'll meet anywhere.  Come on out for a great evening with out-of-town guests! $5 cover.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*From Chris Burnett of the American Jazz Museum: I have wonderful news to share regarding “Kansas City’s 18th & Vine Jazz and Blues Festival”. The headliner talent has been finalized and with center around our new theme “Salute To George Duke” – featuring headliners: Pieces of a Dream, Bobby Lyle & Maysa, Con Funk Shun, The Messenger Legacy, Bettye LaVette, Kelley Hunt with local and regional talent! A great way to honor the legacy of the late a great master artist!  We are pleased to announce that plans for the Kansas City’s 18th & Vine Jazz and Blues Festival are generating excitement throughout the metropolitan area. To ensure success, we will be presenting a one-day event again this year. It is important to the Kansas City region to keep the momentum of this great event moving forward with an eye to offering a multiple-day festival format in the coming years.

*The Mutual Musicians Foundation published a schedule of events related to Charlie Parker's birthday. 

*Libby Hanssen and KC Jazz Lark reviewed Vine Street Rumble's recent performance at the Blue Room.

*The Kansas City Star published a fall jazz preview.

*Larry Appelbaum published a blindfold test he conducted with Bobby Watson in 2010 at his blog.

*An editorial in The Kansas City Star notes the role the late Marian McPartland played in the history of Kansas City's jazz scene.

*Russell Thorpe provides an update on Phonologotronic.

*London's Royal Albert Hall hosts a tribute to Charlie Parker on August 28. 

*Tweet o' the Week: Frank Basile- Tune into @WKCRjazz now through Thursday for 72 straight hours of Lester Young and Charlie Parker!!

*Comment o' the Week: Russell- Because we are not plumbers or electricians. I think most people who are not musicians would argue that our skill-sets and services occupy the tippy tippy top of Mazlow's heirarchy. One can live a secure and comfortable life without going out to see musicians every night. I mean face it, It's not like our skill-sets and services and the fancy thoughts we get to think as musicians are on par with "gotta eat, need a roof, jeez its cold i need clothes, gotta eat, the rent is too damn high, and etc"  We also have the detrimental benefit of recording. Music has been a noun for quite some time now. You have a tangible artifact that will be exactly the same each time you listen to it (which is whole other psychoaucoustic issue). Music a long time ago used to be a VERB that EVERYONE in the community participated in. Stomping and clapping and dancing and yelling and trancing and all the rest of the ecstatic behaviors the humans display. This is not to say that this doesn't happen today, but what I'm really saying is most people have absolutely zero awareness of the visceral reaction their bodies have when listening to musics. The whole mind/body thing and the cognitive and physiological magic that is music. (which is why we, musicians, do it)  As many a pundit would decry "we are losing our culture!" or "America is being poisoned" and etc, in some sense is correct. Communities are not what they once were, and music has shifted to a much more private experience, so the importance of the musician, that person or family who you sought out when you and your friends wanted to get together and dance around and drink fermented honey and etc, has become as a throwaway person or thing, filling a temporary hedonic want because you find them soothing or agitating until your attention flits to another place then another then another, and your musical experiences are nothing but an interrupted series of snippets.  Lack of attention span, lack of physiological and social awareness, and the relentless crush of capitalism for cheap. And I don't even want to touch the "anyone who doesn't fulfill Jazz Quests 1-10 is going to burn forever in hellish environs and we shall forever scorn them" debate that people like to rage about.  Bottom line, capitalism. Musicians have/want/need to spend so much time honing their technique that, unless they have inexhaustible amounts of energy to keep up with the entrepenurial demands of succeeding, something is gonna slack. blah blah blah blah -----> sad trombone

*From a press release: Hollywood composer Conrad Pope and writer Alessandro de Gaetano, with assistance from Star Trek’s Nichelle Nichols, launched a $14,000 Kickstarter goal to produce the musical stage play All for a Song based on the life and career of Kansas City Jazz Legend Myra Taylor.  The Kickstarter end date is Sept. 5. To date, only $577 has been raised. To assist their former Wild Woman and dear friend Myra, the Wild Women of Kansas City are holding a fundraiser. All monies raised will go to this project.  Date / Time:  September 1, 2-5 p.m.  Where:  Hotel Phillips, 12th and Baltimore, KCMO, in the 12 Baltimore Restaurant.  Entrance Fee:  None, but generous donations are appreciated.  The Wild Women will perform. There will be splendid raffles, menu items and cocktails.

*From a press release: The fall lineup for the JCCC Jazz Series has been set. The series, which showcases the talents of local jazz musicians, takes place at noon on Tuesdays for six consecutive weeks from Sept. 24 to Oct. 29. All performances, which are free and open to the public, are held in the Recital Hall of the Carlsen Center unless otherwise noted. Here's the lineup: Sept. 24- Roger Wilder Quintet; Oct. 1- Tim Whitmer Trio; Oct. 8- Dan Bliss and Rod Fleeman, guitars; Oct. 15- Everett Freeman Quartet; Oct. 22- James Ward Band featuring Ron Gutierrez, Polsky Theatre; Oct. 29- John Brewer presents Mosaic Jazz.

*From a press release: Black Lab, a new music festival sponsored by Black House Collective and Charlotte Street Foundation, will celebrate innovative new work being produced by artists and composers in the Midwest. The festival will take place in September and October 2013 in downtown Kansas City at Charlotte Street Foundation’s Paragraph Gallery, with performances each Thursday and Saturday night, featuring a wide range of talented musicians, dancers and artists.  Black Lab kicks off on Thursday, September 5 with a free opening night featuring a series of collaborative performances by Kansas City-based composers, performers, and artists. Russell Thorpe will premiere a new duet for alto saxophone and euphonium, and composer Teri Quinn will collaborate with costume designer Lynn Thonet and writer Sarah Mundy for a chaotic fashion show. Hunter Long will premiere two pieces, one choreographed and performed by Chadi El-Khoury, and the other a series of portraits for soprano titled "Now That I'm Dead I Know Everything."… Please visit blackhouse.typepad.com/black-lab.html for current info and tickets. Here's a related blog post.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)