Factory Production

I vowed that I’d never return to Prairiefire after my first trip to the Overland Park development in 2014.  Parking challenges and breathtaking prices at a movie theater convinced me that I just didn’t belong at the popular shopping and entertainment district in Overland Park.

Jazz will make a guy do funny things.  I returned to Prairiefire on Friday to catch the Alyssa Murray Trio at the Art Factory.

A friendly dog greeted me at the threshold of the venue.  A woman who collected the $5 cover charge was equally welcoming.  The low-key ambiance in the small performance space was worlds removed from the glitzy bustle on the sidewalk.

About two dozen people sipped adult beverages as Murray’s band performed a blend of winning original material and astute covers by the likes of Chick Corea and Fiona Apple.

The Art Factory may not entirely fill the void created by the closure of the sorely missed Johnson County venue Take Five Coffee + Bar, but it’s an attractive space with an increasingly ambitious jazz calendar.  My embargo of Prairiefire has been lifted.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*The Kansas City Star and The Pitch previewed the Prairie Village Jazz Festival. 

*Logan Richardson’s new album Shift will be released in Japan in October.

*KSHB posted a trailer for its “Kansas City & All That Jazz” documentary.

*Andrew Stinson selected ten desert island discs.

*Demencha reviewed Shades of Jade’s single “That One.”

*Downbeat reviewed Karrin Allyson’s new album.

*Joe Dimino’s most recent interviews include a chat with Alyssa Murray.

*The Detroit News and The Detroit Free Press lauded Pat Metheny’s headlining appearance at the Detroit Jazz Festival.

*Phil Woods bemoaned a lack of interest in his version of the “Charlie Parker With Strings” sessions in advance of his final live performance.

*A four-minute video features Joe Lovano, Rudresh Mahanthappa, Myra Melford and Esperanza Spalding performing at New York’s Charlie Parker Jazz Festival.

*Tweet o’ the Week: Valorie J Wells- @HistoricKC Miss Anita Dixon you did a great job on All That Jazz show. Thank you for keeping the Torch for KC Jazz

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*Joe Klopus notes the homecoming of Steve Cardenas in his latest column.  The Pitch also touts Cardenas’ shows at Take Five Coffee and the Blue Room.

*Charlie Watts visited the American Jazz Museum.

*Joe Dimino’s latest interview subjects include Matt Carrillo and Steve Rigazzi.

*Ensemble Ibérica shared insights into their rehearsal sessions for a concert featuring the music of Matt Otto.

*Tweet o’ the Week: Michael Shults- Tim Ries from the Rolling Stones sat in with us last night. So that was neat. (photo)

*From a press release: The American Jazz Museum in partnership with the ARC recording label will present two free master classes in the Blue Room jazz club on Tuesday, July 7, 2015 from 6-9pm. Admission is free and open to the public. Jazz pianist, composer and ARC cofounder, Sumi Tonooka will present an hour master class. Jazz percussionist, composer and ARC recording artist, Jeff “Siege” Siegel will also present an hour master class. There will be opportunity for Q and A sessions, as well as interacting with the artists in this context.

*From Take Five Coffee + Bar: Thursday, July 2, 7pm:  Steve Cardenas and Ben Allison Trio: It's a tremendous pleasure to welcome Kansas City native guitarist Steve Cardenas back to Take Five, and we're delighted that he's bringing with him superlative bassist Ben Allison for this show. Steve has risen in the jazz world to claim a spot as one of the most influential guitarists working today… (w)ith drummer Brian Steever… $10 cover.  Friday, July 3, 8pm:  Alyssa Murray's AM Trio: Pianist and vocalist Alyssa Murray brings her free-ranging and versatile sense of fun to the Take Five stage along with bassist Joel Stratton and drummer Josh Blythe for a mix of originals and standards. $5 cover.  Saturday, July 4: No music, closed early for Independence Day.  Sunday, July 5, 10am - 2pm:  Sunday Jazz Brunch, Bob Bowman and Friends: No cover.

*The Kansas City Jazz Calendar has been updated for the new month.

(Original image of the Arrowhead Stadium parking lot at Saturday’s Karl Denson and Tim Ries concert by Plastic Sax.)