Now's the Time: Charles Williams

Charles Williams delivers a gospel selection at a Sunday morning worship service in the embedded video.  Eddie V’s will provide an entirely different setting for Williams’ trio on Sunday, November 24.  Details about the in-demand musician’s additional gigs this weekend are here.

Now's the Time: Charles Williams

The elegant pianist Charles Williams accompanies Eboni Fondren at the Phoenix on Thursday, May 23.  Williams will lead a trio at Eddie V's on the second, third and fourth Sundays in June.  Plastic Sax reviewed Williams' fine 2018 album Flavors of Jazz.

Ready For Eddie

Jazz has returned to the heart of the Country Club Plaza.  The newly opened upscale restaurant Eddie V’s features jazz musicians in its cocktail lounge seven nights a week.

I recently monitored the scene while savoring a couple $11 mulled beverages.  The chatter of patrons who didn’t seem to know or care that a band was playing was disruptive, but the sound was excellent otherwise.  One graceful couple took advantage of the dance floor.  The trio of prominent musicians deviated from a pleasing selection of standards to accommodate a request for a Billy Joel song.

Aside from the incompatible blues-rock that was piped in during the band’s break, every element of the experience validated my investment in the pricey drinks.  I intend to made a beeline for Eddie V’s the next time expendable money is burning a hole in the pocket my dress slacks.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Now's the Time: Rich Hill and Bryan Hicks

Rich Hill and the Riffs were a top-tier attraction in the Kansas City area 34 years ago.  Hill and vocalist and bassist Bryan Hicks remain musical partners.  The men wlll perform at Eddie V’s on New Year’s Eve. 

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*NextBop praises the “ever-present soulfulness” of Eddie Moore and the Outer Circle’s Kings & Queens album.

*The Pitch recommends the Monday afternoon performances at the Green Lady Lounge.

*Joe Klopus highlighted upcoming shows by Kathy Kosins and Ida McBeth for The Kansas City Star.

*The Topeka Jazz Concert Series received a $50,000 donation from a patron.

*Live jazz is reportedly featured in the cocktail lounge of the newly opened Eddie V’s restaurant on the Country Club Plaza.  Details have yet to be posted at the restaurant’s site.

*Pat Metheny topped the guitar category in the 81st Annual Downbeat Reader’s Poll.

*Michael Shults cites the example set by Hermon Mehari in a column about setting realistic goals.

*Tweet o’ the Week: Assilem Media HBIC- About this weekend... A lil sangin at the Mutual Musicians Foundation International #singer #songwriter #MeetAvaBella (video)

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)