Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*The Jazzy Jamdemic concert series continues through July 3.

*Ted Panken catches up with Eldar Djangirov for Downbeat.

*Steve Paul checks in with Bobby Watson for KC Studio.

*Patrick Neas promotes the 2020-21 season of the Folly Jazz Series in The Kansas City Star.

*Joe Dimino interviewed Candace Evans, E.E. Pointer and Dan Thomas.

*Tweet o’ the Week: KC Jazz Orchestra- KCJO's annual four-concert series is back and ready to wow you with a season that celebrates Kansas City's most beloved jazz icons. Subscription renewals under way, new subscriptions available beginning June 15! (link)

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Album Review: Eldar Djangirov- Rhapsodize

If speed and aggressiveness were the form’s most prized attributes, Eldar Djangirov would be the top pianist in jazz.  When he was a child prodigy living in the Kansas City area, Djangirov was defined by his age.  He’s now associated with his faster-and-louder ethos.

Djangirov acts as the jazz equivalent of a speed-rapper on his frenetic new album Rhapsodize.  Abetted by bassist Raviv Markovitz and drummer Jimmy Macbride, Djangirov seems to be attempting to set a land speed record on “A Night in Tunisia”.  “Variations on a Bach Prelude” is among the additional tracks showcasing his maximalist tendencies.

Rhapsodize is spectacularly impressive as a purely athletic endeavor.  Yet several interesting things occur amid the dizzying blur of notes.  Djangirov’s shifts between acoustic and electric keyboards provide intriguing textural contrasts. 

A reading of the Soundgarden song isn’t as ambitious as Brad Mehldau’s epic 22-minute version from 2008, but Djangirov’s take on “Black Hole Sun” provides an accessible point of entry for headbangers.  Fans of the bombastic prog-rock institution Emerson, Lake & Palmer will be right at home with “Anthemic”.  And “Devotion” successfully merges mainstream jazz with the fresh sounds of innovative groups like GoGo Penguin.

Nuance and restraint may be in short supply on Rhapsodize, but Djangirov’s over-the-top heroics may be precisely what the world needs in this difficult moment.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*Rashida Phillips chatted with The Kansas City Star on her third day on the job as the new boss at the American Jazz Museum.

*“Anthemic” is the lead single from Eldar Djangarov’s forthcoming album Rhapsodize.

*Harold O’Neal released “Look at You”, a track from his Once Upon a Time project.

*The Kansas City Star previewed a concert by the Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio.

*J.D. Considine laments the diminished relevance of Charlie Parker in a lengthy essay for Downbeat.

*Albums by Kansas City based musicians were shut out of the 2019 NPR Music Jazz Critics Poll.

*Tweet o’ the Week: Steadman- A progressive challenger to Emanuel Cleaver in Missouri accused the congressman, who is black, of keeping a photo of Bill Cosby at his desk. It was Al Jarreau

*From a press release: Craft Recordings is proud to announce the release of The Savoy 10-Inch LP Collection, which spotlights Charlie Parker’s groundbreaking bebop sessions for the legendary jazz label, spanning 1944 to 1948. The deluxe, four-LP box set—also available digitally—features newly restored and remastered audio, faithfully reproduced artwork from the original 10-inch albums, plus a booklet containing vintage photos, rare ephemera and new liner notes…  Set for a February 28th release date, The Savoy 10-Inch LP Collection is available for pre-order today (1/8), while the instant grat single, “Ko-Ko,” can now be streamed or downloaded on all major digital outlets.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Album Review: Eldar Djangirov- Letter to Liz

I hadn’t realized Bill Evans’ “Waltz for Debby” is a seasonal song in the tradition of “Silent Night.”  And did you know “It Might as Well Be Spring” conveys the somber sentiment of the “What Child Is This”?  Eldar Djangirov’s persuasive Letter to Liz challenges conventional assumptions about jazz standards.  Released without advance notice three days ago, the solo piano album by the former Kansas City resident opens with an interpretation of “Amazing Grace.”  Djangirov’s tender approach to the hymn sets a contemplative tone.  Letter to Liz contradicts Djangirov’s reputation as an excitable pianist prone to excess.  He lets loose only on the final track, an appropriately rousing version of Art Tatum’s “Tiger Rag.”  “Waltz for Debby” and “It Might as Well Be Spring” may not really be holiday songs, but Djangarov’s heavenly release acts as a refreshing balm amid the clamor associated with the final days of December.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*A broadcast-quality ten-minute video documents Mike “The Horn Doctor” Corrigan adding flashy design elements to Delfeayo Marsalis’ trombone.

*Joe Klopus perused the week’s jazz calendar for The Kansas City Star.

*The Brookside Jazz Festival will be held at ChristCommunity on Saturday, October 15th, from 5 p.m to 8:30pm.  Four sets of artists- Ryan Lee's Mezzo Strings (5 p.m.), Lisa Henry (6 p.m.), the Jazz Disciples (7 p.m.) and John Brewer's new New Orleans-style brass band the Common Good Brass Band (8 p.m. and between sets)- will perform at the free event.

*Eddie Moore and the Outer Circle’s album release show was previewed on KCUR last week.

*Jeff Harshbarger’s Alternative Jazz Series will resume at the new location of RecordBar with Eddie Moore and the Outer Circle on Sunday, Oct. 16.

*Krin Gabbard will discuss his book Better Git It in Your Soul: An Interpretive Biography of Charles Mingus at the American Jazz Museum on Thursday, Oct. 6.

*The online auction/estate sale of a local jazz collector contains many items of interest to Plastic Sax readers.

*Tweet o’ the Week: Eldar- I wrote a piece in October 2016 issue of @DownBeatMag (the woodshed section). The article covers some song tutorials as well as exercises. (image)

*Comment o’ the Week: John Scott- I sincerely and unreservedly apologize for my comments in the recent article about Kansas City music. I regret making the comments that have led to insult, hurt feelings and division especially between musicians. May you be artistically fulfilled, gainfully employed and have the opportunity for your art to be heard in your careers as musicians. Thank you all for the opportunities I've had to hear your work and again I regret and apologize for my comments.  Thank you, John Scott

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*Joe Klopus and Larry Kopitnik assess this year’s Charlie Parker Celebration.

*John Scott of the Green Lady Lounge and Broadway Kansas City was a guest on an episode of KCUR’s Central Standard.

*KC Jazz Lark documents the last two nights of the second incarnation of Take Five Coffee + Bar.

*Karrin Allyson will appear in a recording of 12th Street Jump  at Broadway Kansas City on September 10.

*Lonnie McFadden was featured on KCUR’s weekly Local Listen segment.

*Ralph Reid has been named as the interim CEO of the American Jazz Museum.

*Eldar Djangirov is soliciting financial support for his videos.

*Tweet o’ the Week: Hotel Phillips- The #CharlieParkerCelebration comes to 12Baltimore this Saturday w/ local Stan Kessler & guest Clay Jenkins 8-11pm.

*Comment o’ the Week: John Scott- We respect and appreciate Shades of Jade. You're good for Kansas City and the scene and we look forward to seeing you continue to grow and gain even more national recognition. Kansas City loves you and Green Lady loves you. Anonymous posting may be appropriate if one fears retribution when "speaking truth to power" but when used to needlessly insult fellow human beings it's cowardly, unkind and so often and in this case untrue. We all make mistakes and are sometimes too harsh but Anonymous poster you can make amends by simply removing your post.

*From Mark Lewis Music: ”It’s no accident that Mark Lewis will be in Kansas City on Charlie Parker’s birthday. That’s why he comes to Kansas City then… Mark Lewis grew up in the Northwest USA then moved to the Netherlands for many years to perform, teach and record music. He also lived in San Francisco for a few years and recorded a top 40 jazz album after auditioning for Stan Getz to land a record deal. He often subbed for Stan Getz after that.”  The Seattle based saxophonist will perform with Bram Wijnands at the Majestic on Friday, August 28 and Saturday, August 29.

*From a press release: The fall season of the Johnson County Community College Jazz Recital Series will kick off Tuesday, Sept. 22, with a group called the Tyrone Clark Trio.  The series, which showcases the talents of local jazz musicians, is free and open to the public. Performances will take place at noon on Tuesdays for seven consecutive weeks, from Sept. 22 through Nov. 3. The first five will take place in the Carlsen Center’s Polsky Theatre; the last two will take place in the Carlsen Center’s Recital Hall. Here's the lineup: Sept. 22: Tyrone Clark Trio, Sept. 29 Gerald Spaits, bass, Harry Miller, piano; Oct. 6: Ron Carlson, guitar, John Kizilarmut, vibraphone; Oct. 13: Michael Pagan, piano; Oct. 20: Ryan Lee Trio; Oct. 27: Kelley Gant Group; Nov. 3: Paul Roberts Trio.  The series is sponsored by the JCCC Music and Theatre departments. Seating is available on a first-come, first-seated basis.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*Eldar Djangirov promotes World Tour Vol. 1 album in a video. The new release that is “exclusively available” at his site.

*KC Jazz Lark foresees a bright future for the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra.

*Steve Lambert’s full calendar is noted by The Pitch.

*Danielo Perez’s forthcoming concert is highlighted in Joe Klopus’ latest column.

*Matt Kane’s album was featured on KCUR’s weekly Local Listen segment.

*Chris Burnett lists “6 Things You Can Do to Appreciate Jazz.”

*Joe Locke and Marc Cary chatted with Joe Dimino.

*St. Louis Jazz Notes reminds readers that Robert Glasper performs at Jazz at the Bistro tonight and tomorrow.

*Tweet o’ the Week: Adrienne B. Haynes- I had an impromptu history lesson about Kansas City's Historic Jazz District in the 30's tonight over senior coffee & strawberry creme pies

*Comment o’ the Week: Anonymous- Once you get past the tiresome and curmudgeonly reference to hard bop as an "inauspicious format," that wasn't a half bad review. Consider yourself chastised.

*From Mike Metheny: Exactly 100 years after the arrival of patriarch Harrison Metheny (1887-1980) in Lee's Summit MO, the story of the Metheny family is being told in an exhibit at the new Lee's Summit History Museum. What an honor it is for us to be included! The museum's grand opening is on Wednesday, April 22 at 5 p.m. And normal museum hours will be 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. For more information, please visit the Museum's Facebook event page or the website.

*From Take Five Coffee + Bar: Thursday, April 23, 7pm: Marcus Lewis Big Band- …Ferocious swing the way only a high-caliber big band can deliver it… $5 cover.  Friday, April 24, 8pm: Schlambert- Vibraphonist Peter Schlamb and saxophonist Steve Lambert join forces… With Karl McComas-Reichl on bass and John Kizilarmut on drums… $5 cover.  Saturday, April 25- … closed this night for a private event. (A wedding!)  Sunday, April 26, 10am - 2pm: Sunday Jazz Brunch: Paul Roberts and Peter Schlamb… and bassist Forest Stewart for a tribute to the great Chick Corea/Gary Burton group… No cover.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Concert Review: Jazz in the Woods

I want my money back.

In a noble but flawed effort to present as many musicians associated with Kansas City's jazz scene as possible while still attracting a large audience, organizers of the Jazz in the Woods festival apportioned tiny time slots to four opening acts for Saturday's headliner Mindi Abair, a smooth jazz and pop star from California.  The intention was commendable, but the result was extremely frustrating.

The published schedule- "6:20 - 7:20 PM Angela Hagenbach/Lauren Braton, 7:45 - 8:45 PM Bobby Watson/Eldar, 9:10 - 10:25 PM Mindi Abair"- led me to believe that the opening sets would feature collaborations.

I was wrong.

Bobby Watson played for 30 glorious minutes and Eldar Djangirov was on stage for about 25 impressive minutes.  Both men employed guitarist Rod Fleeman, but otherwise each man brought his own band.

Backed by Fleeman, pianist Joe Cartwright, bassist Tyrone Clark and drummer Mike Warren, Watson performed three selections- his original composition "Sweet Dreams," Duke Ellington's "In a Sentimental Mood" and Duke Pearson's "Jeannine."  Each piece was better than the last.  Watson ran out of time just as he and his band were getting properly warmed up.

Eldar Djangirov was supported by Fleeman, saxophonist Jim Mair, bassist Gerald Spaits and drummer Todd Strait.  The highlight of his unnaturally abridged set, however, was an unaccompanied version of "Take the 'A' Train."

With the exception of drummer Doug Auwarter, Angela Hagenbach and Lauren Braton used the same band as Djangirov.  Each charming vocalist sang for about 30 minutes.

The event may have been free, but the opportunity for a priceless collaboration was lost.

(Original images by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*Norman Brown, the Elders, Vincent Ingala, Mindi Abair, Bobby Watson, Eldar Djangarov, Angela Hagenbach and Lauren Braton are the performers at this year's Jazz In the Woods festival.

*Writing about the ongoing divisiveness in the Kansas City's jazz community, KC Jazz Lark suggests that "(i)t’s time we get along with each other."

*Kansas City's most popular blogger asserts that the city's connection to jazz is "one of the most tiresome and overly exaggerated nonexistent local legacies."

*Bob James will appear in a taping of 12th Street Jump at Broadway Jazz Club on May 15.  Tickets are $15.

*The Pitch notes the reunion of Trio ALL.

*The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra will perform at the Lied Center on Wednesday, September 24.

*St. Louis Jazz Notes assesses the Sheldon Concert Hall's
2014-15 season.

*Tweet o' the Week: ABC Jazz- We're celebrating @IntlJazzDay today @ABCJazz @herbiehancock @UNESCO #BirdLives #JazzDay (link)

*The Kansas City Jazz Calendar has been updated for May.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Plastic Sax's Top Albums of 2013

Plastic Sax's Favorite Kansas City-Related Jazz Albums of 2013
1. Pat Metheny- Tap: John Zorn's Book of Angels, vol. 20. (Plastic Sax review)
2. Bobby Watson- Check Cashing Day. (Plastic Sax review)
3. Pat Metheny- The Orchestrion Project. (Plastic Sax review)
4. Mark Lowrey- Tangos for 18th Street. (Plastic Sax review)
5. Frank Wess- Magic 101.
6. Eddie Moore and the Outer Circle- Freedom of Expression. (Plastic Sax review)
7. Alaturka- Yalniz. (Plastic Sax review)
8. Eldar Djangarov Trio- Breakthrough.
9. Karrin Allyson- Yuletide Hideaway. (Plastic Sax review)
10. The Paul Shinn Trio- Reason Pure. (Plastic Sax review)

Plastic Sax's Favorite Jazz Albums of 2013 From Elsewhere
1. Dave Holland- Prism
2. Terri Lyne Carrington- Money Jungle: Provocative in Blue
3. Gary Burton- Guided Tour
4. Joe Lovano & Us Five- Cross Culture
5. Orrin Evans- It Was Beauty
6. Ben Goldberg- Subatomic Particle Homesick Blues
7. Brad Goode- Chicago Red
8. Rudresh Mahanthappa- Gamak
9. Damir Out Loud- Graduation Day
10. Ben Wolfe- From Here I See

Similar year-end listings were published at Plastic Sax in 2012, 2011 and 2010.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*Harold O'Neal's Man On the Street album was released last week.  The Pitch recommends the pianist's performance at the Blue Room on Saturday, August 17.

*Jimmy Heath, Kenny Garrett, Lee Konitz, Christian Scott and Matt Wilson are among the jazz stars slated to perform at this month's Charlie Parker Jazz Festival.  Kansas City residents will need to book a flight.

*The People's Liberation Big Band took the top prize for best jazz ensemble and Mark Lowrey took the honors for top "jazz solo artist at the Pitch Music Awards.

*Here's a fresh video of Pat Metheny and his Orchestrion.

*The "other" Kansas City jazz blogger acknowledges his fourth anniversary.

*Jeff Tamarkin reviews both of Eldar Djangirov's new albums.

*All About Jazz offers a profile of Mike Dillon.

*The Mutual Musicians Foundation is involved in an effort to bridge the digital divide.

*Ben Van Gelder will perform at Take Five Coffee + Bar on October 4.

*Tweet o' the Week: Clint Ashlock- Peter Schlamb might be the best musician I've ever heard.

*Comment o' the Week: BGO- What was the median age of the crowd?

*From Clint Ashlock: I've got a pretty exciting concert coming up at mBird Media (Megan's new venue at 2936 Cherry) on August 17th, at 7:30. It's with my big band New Jazz Order, and also featuring my new quintet Forward and sax phenom Allie Burik's group, doing her tunes (instrumental as well as her killin vocals). It's $10 at the door to catch all three bands.

*From Steve Rigazzi: Please join us at Kansas City’s newest Jazz hotspot, Green Lady Lounge…  Owner John Scott and staff are the perfect hosts…  Joining me will be Paul Smith on piano and Tim Cambron on drums. Thursday, August 15, 8-11 p.m.

*From Take Five Coffee + Bar: Want to hear something new? Come hear Allie Burik at Take Five Coffee + Bar Friday night. Watchers of the New Jazz Order big band have seen Allie on the front line, growing in power and command of the alto sax. Here's the kicker: she also has a terrific voice and writes a lot of her own material. Don't miss this chance to enjoy her work before she goes off to Berklee to further hone her many crafts. In the first set Friday night, fronting of an all-star band, Allie will debut a new suite she wrote this summer.  Want to hear a legend? Bryan Hicks is making his Take Five debut Saturday night. Years ago, in college, Doug would drive from Lawrence to Milton's Taproom on Main for live jazz, and often it was the Bryan Hicks Trio. We're thrilled to close the circle and host Bryan at Take Five, backed by some serious power: TJ Martley on piano, Brian Steever on drums and Steve Lambert on sax.

*From Jim Mair: The Kansas City Jazz All Stars program and Kansas City Youth Jazz Orchestra will hold auditions on Monday August 19 and Wednesday August 21 from 3:00 to 4:30pm each day.  I'm looking for the very best kids who are reliable and want to become great players. This will be an intense program but it will be enjoyable at the same time.  I will be leading the group this year and would like to rehearse twice a week on Monday and Wednesdays from 3:30 to 5:00pm at KCKCC. Hermon Mehari will continue to assist.
The cost will be $100 per student…

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*Matt Kane is featured on Joe Dimino's Neon Jazz.

*There's plenty of jazz content in The Pitch's survey of Kansas City's music scene.

*The Kansas City Business Journal reports on the city's ongoing investments in the Jazz District.

*Michael Shults performs on a new release by the Joe Duran Nonet.

*A critic characterizes Eldar Djangirov's Breakthrough album as "brilliant."

*The International Association of Jazz Record Collectors' convention will be held in Kansas City in September.

*Tweet o' the Week: Michael Shults- Every time I play with @StevenLambertKC I'm a weird mix of inspired and depressed afterwards. #sessionrat #persistence #diligence #hardwork

*Comment o' the Week: Nigel- Sure miss all the great dialogue we used to have on this blog.

*From Take Five Coffee: We've got a weekend of serious music therapy sure to get down inside you and correct what ails you… Both shows start at 8pm, and cost a mere $5 at the door. (As always, the whole door goes to the musicians.)  Friday night, it's the Chris Hazelton Trio. An emerging master of the B3, Hazelton brings Danny Embrey on guitar and Kevin Frazee on drums. The room will jump. Get in early so you have a place to land.  Saturday night the marvelous, mischievous and magical Miss Megan Birdsall will sing jazz as only she can. And what a group she's got behind her: TJ Martley on piano, Danny Embrey on guitar, Bob Bowman on bass and Tim Cambron on drums.

*From a press release: Spirituality & All That Jazz.  7:00 p.m.  Unity Temple on the Plaza.  Tickets at the door only - $7.00.  Wednesday, August 7, 2013.  Kansas City’s Own Rich Hill, Pianist & Vocalist performing with Tim Whitmer & The Consort Band.  Rich Hill, jazz keyboardist/vocalist/trombonist… studied classical piano with John McIntyre and Jazz with George Salisbury and John Elliott. He’s accompanied major Jazz and Blues artists such as Slide Hampton, Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, and Albert Collins, and opened concerts for Frank Zappa, Ray Charles, and Harry Connick, Jr.  Rich maintains an active schedule performing in Kansas City Jazz venues.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*KCPT offers an eight-minute feature focused on the American Jazz Museum.

*The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra's 2013-14 season has been announced.

*The Pitch reports that the Broadway Jazz Club will open this fall.

*KC Jazz Lark explains how the lineup for the forthcoming Prairie Village Jazz Festival was assembled.

*The goal of a Kickstarter campaign for a musical about Myra Taylor is $14,000.

*Steve Lambert is the latest musician to be interviewed by Joe Dimino for Neon Jazz.

*The Green Lady Lounge has a Tumblr account.

*Here's an early review of Chuck Haddix's Bird: The Life and Music of Charlie Parker.

*The Pitch reminds readers that Lonnie McFadden appears every Friday at the Phoenix.

*The gist of a press release issued by the American Jazz Museum: "A portion of the proceeds" of the 2014 Jazz Cruise "will support The American Jazz Museum."

*Tweet o' the Week: kcjazzlark- No empty seats at Take Five for Andy McGhie, sax, Hermon Mehari, trumpet, Peter Schlamb, vibes, Karl McComas-Reichl, bass, Ryan Lee, drums

*Comment o' the Week: tjjazzpiano- Awesome line up at the PV festival. It's nice to see a great mix of local and national talent.

*From a press release: Few artists could record two albums over the course of one week in different musical genres, with disparate personnel, and at separate studios. Yet New York City-based pianist Eldar Djangirov has done just that, and proven himself musically ambidextrous as evidenced by two remarkable, self-produced recordings for his debut on the maverick, multi-Grammy nominated Motéma Music this April and May.  Eldar's Breakthrough, recorded at Avatar Studios in New York City, releases April 9. Like the 26-year-old's 2009 disc Virtue, it features his long-standing touring trio with bassist Armando Gola and drummer Ludwig Afonso. Breakthrough breaks through to reinforce just how powerful and poignant a road tested jazz trio of young lions can be…  Bach/Brahms/Prokofiev, recorded solo at Manhattan Center Studios and available May 14, marks the pianist's second solo release, and his debut album in the classical genre.

*From a press release: Alaadeen Enterprises Inc. (AEI) Jazz Education Re-Launch, 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 24, (the late and world renowned Alaadeen’s 79th birthday), under a tent next to the Charlie Parker Memorial at 18th and Vine.  This FREE event will have performances + a jam session (7 p.m.) + Najee, Kevin Mahogany & Matt Kane Skyping.  Others: Luqman Hamza, Bobby Watson, Dennis Winslett, Harold O’Neal, youth & many more esteemed musicians + Mayor Sly James + a Who’s Who of the cultural arts community.  Hot tunes & cool tents for shade!  Announcing major educational initiatives for music students.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Now's the Time: Todd Strait

When Jardine's was still one of Kansas City's central jazz hubs, the periodic homecomings of Todd Strait represented one of the venue's most prestigious bookings.  Before the drummer moved to Portland, he was beloved by old-guard traditionalists and more progressive listeners.  He's even more appealing now.  Strait's tasteful playing in the embedded Eldar Djangirov video from 2006 begins at the 2:00 mark.  Jazz fans of every stripe will likely attend Strait's performance at Take Five Coffee + Bar on Friday, July 12.

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*The 2013 lineup for the Jazz In the Woods festival has been announced.  Greg Adams and East Bay Soul, Tony DeSare and Marc Antoine will perform on Friday, June 14.  Peter White, Julian Vaughn, the David Wells/Chris Geith Project and Vincent Ingala will perform on Saturday, June 15.

*Joe Dimino of Neon Jazz interviewed Stan Kessler.

*Breakthrough, the new album by the Eldar Djangirov Trio, was released this week.

*Matt Kane writes about Ahmad Alaadeen, Take Five Coffee, Ben Leifer, Hermon Mehari, Roger Wilder, Steve Lambert and his favorite spots in Kansas City in an entertaining blog post.

*Joe Chambers' appearance with the 18th & Vine Big Band is documented by KCJazzLark.

*The Kansas City Star offers reviews of the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra's tribute to Benny Goodman's Carnegie Hall concert and the Dave Douglas Quintet at the Blue Room.

*Brandon Draper's weekly gig at the Kill Devil Club is the subject a four-minute video.  (Via Offstage.)

*Frank Driggs' collection of jazz photos has been donated to Jazz at Lincoln Center.  Driggs and Chuck Haddix cowrote Kansas City Jazz: From Ragtime to Bebop: A History.  (Via Steve Paul.)

*A critic characterizes The Freedom of Expression by Eddie Moore and the Outer Circle as an "auspicious debut."

*Tweet o' the Week: Lauren Paasch: have you ever seen an 80 year old jazz musician cuter than jerry dodgion? i doubt it #fact #oldpeopleareadorable

*From Brad Cox: I wanted to let you know that the next People's Liberation Big Band show at the RecordBar will take place Sunday, April 14. We have a lot of new music to try out. I mean there's really a lot. I'm not too sure of the proper unit of measure, but I'm pretty sure it is either a sh#t ton, or a metric ton, whichever is greater. We will also be joined by guest vocalist Shay Estes, which is always a treat.

*From Neill Smith: I am super excited to announce that we are starting a music appreciation night starting this Sunday at The Riot Room! Each week will feature a different guest DJ playing their personal music collection + from midnight to close you can get all the PBR you can drink for $10!  The series begins April 15.  Hermon Mehari is the guest DJ on May 26.

*From Johnson County Community College: A protégé of the legendary jazz master Dizzy Gillespie, (Arturo) Sandoval has evolved into one of the world's most acknowledged guardians of jazz trumpet and flugelhorn as well as a renowned classical artist, pianist and composer. He will appear as part of the college's annual Jazz Winterlude festival (on) Saturday, Jan. 25 (in) Yardley Hall.

*From Ron Carlson: Saturday, April 13th @ Lucky Brewgrille, 7-10 pm. Rob Scheps (sax), Jerry Dodgion (sax), Bob Bowman (bass), Ron Carlson (guitar), Brian Steever (drums).  Sunday, April 14th @ Murray's (12921 State Line), 6-9pm. Rob Scheps (sax), Jerry Dodgion (sax), Roger Wilder (piano), Ron Carlson (guitar) then a regular schedule of Fridays at Lucky Brewgrille and Saturdays at Murray's with my trio format and featuring great local musicians!

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*Pat Metheny's recording of John Zorn's Tap: The Book of Angels, Vol. 20 will be released May 21.

*KCJazzLark considers the ongoing evolution of Kansas City's jazz scene.

*A critic for The Guardian lauds a recent London performance by Bobby Watson.

*Hunter Long provides an update on the Black House Collective's ambitious new project.

*Eldar's recent activities are monitored by Pamela Espeland.

*"Kansas City's signature art form continues 'The Long Goodnight' as jazz becomes just another dead language they teach at UMKC, like Latin or American Literature," Tony Botello suggests in a Jardine's-related post.

*Joe Sample's conversation with Steve Kraske is archived here.

*Comment o' the Week: Thomas- We're not playing with musicians in mind. We're playing for the people that paid to get in and are spending their hard earned money. The guy who writes our check prefers it that way.

*Tweet o' the Week: Classic Las Vegas- Its 1965 in #Vegas and if you want to know how hot a ticket Sinatra with Count Basie at the Sands was, read this. (newspaper clipping).

*From a press release: Since her emergence onto the adult contemporary/urban jazz scene in the early 2000s, Carol Duboc has generously shared her wisdom and insight about love and romance in song-via both compelling original material and uniquely stylized covers of pop classics, as on her most recent recordings Songs For Lovers (2008) and Burt Bacharach Songbook (2009).  On her multi-faceted new album Smile, the sultry singer and songwriter-who penned songs for top pop/R&B artists like Patti Labelle, Chante Moore, Stephanie Mills and Jade before emerging as a solo artist-goes deeper emotionally than ever before…  Duboc co-produced Smile (and co-wrote all but one of its songs) with GRAMMY® nominated keyboardist, recording artist, composer and producer Jeff Lorber…  (Here's a music video for "Smile", a track from the forthcoming album.)

*From Jim Mair: One of Kansas City’s best known and most popular pianists, Tim Whitmer, will headline the last in the 2012-13 “Jazz by the Lake” series at Kansas City Kansas Community College Thursday, April 4.  The director of the “Spirituality and All That Jazz” programs at Unity on the Plaza, Whitmer will perform from noon-1 p.m. in Conference Center adjacent to the Campus Lake on the KCKCC campus at 7250 State Avenue.  Whitmer will be joined by Grammy-nominated guitarist Rod Fleeman and James Albright on bass with jazz saxophonist and KCKCC Jazz Band Director Jim Mair expected to make cameo appearances. “A toe-tapping great time,” promises Mair. The performance is open to the public without charge.   Light lunch is served.

*From Jim Mair #2: One of the most important trumpet players/composers in the world will present a master class at KCKCC in the band room.  (Dave Douglas) will also be joined by drummer Rudy Royston.  Monday April 8. 10am till noon.  $5.00 admission.

*The Kansas City Jazz Calendar has been updated.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*Eldar Djangirov is the subject of an excellent new 30-minute video profile produced by the Voice of America.

*Chuck Haddix of KCUR and the Marr Sound Archives was interviewed by The Kansas City Star.

*KCJazzLark provides a comprehensive survey of last Saturday's performances at Jazz Winterlude.

*The Kansas City Star published a review of the James Carter Organ Trio's appearance at the Folly Theater.  Kristin Shafel Omiccioli's review notes that the concert was "woefully under-attended."

*Chris Burnett laments the sheepish promotional approach of many jazz musicians.

*T.J. Martley's "Jazz Piano Lesson #38" is the 108th video uploaded to his YouTube channel. 

*A new segment of 12th Street Jump's Blues In the News sends up current events.

*Tweet o' the Week: RappersIKnow- Stream Dat! Eddie Moore and the Outer Circle — The Freedom of Expression for stream now, for download Friday! (link)

*Comment of the Week: Mike Metheny- Stan has been an important friend and colleague since our student days as trumpeters in the KC Youth Symphony 46 years ago (I look my age, Stan does not). And like I told him recently, he is now at the top of his game and playing better than ever. This is a beautiful CD. (And bravo, Beau.)

*From Michael Pagán: Remember those jazz jam sessions in Kansas City on Saturday afternoons? They're back!  Piropos Piano Bar (in Briarcliff shopping center).  4141 N. Mulberry Dr. KCMO.  Saturdays 2pm-5pm.  Beginning this Sat. Feb. 2nd 2013.  Michael Pagán, piano.  Bob Bowman, bass.  Brian Steever, drums.  Singers, horn players, all instrumentalists are welcome! Full bar and menu.

*From a press release: The lineup for the free JCCC Jazz Series for Spring 2013 has been announced by Johnson County Community College. The performances, which display the talents of some of the best local jazz musicians, will take place at noon Tuesday for six weeks from Feb. 26-April 2. All performances are held in the Recital Hall of the Carlsen Center unless otherwise noted. Here's the lineup: Feb. 26- Greg Meise Trio; March 5-  Danny Embrey, guitar; Jerry Hahn, guitar; March 12- Horacescope; March 19- Bram Wijnands Trio; March 26- Andre Ouellette Trio; April 2- Paul Smith, Bob Bowman and Brian Steever.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

 *Angie Stone, Arturo Sandoval and Joe Louis Walker are the national headliners at the 2012 edition of the American Jazz Museum's Rhythm & Ribs Jazz & Blues Festival on October 13.

*Tim Finn reports that Mark Southerland is now an official member of Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey.  The band will perform the entirety of The Race Riot Suite, my favorite album of 2011, in its appearance at the RecordBar on Thursday, June 21.  Here's a five-camera video of a rendition of "Grandfather's Gun."

*The Pace Report offers a compelling 25-minute feature on Eldar.

*David Basse was a guest on KCUR's Up To Date last week.

*KCJazzLark reflects on the impact urban renewal programs have had on the Kansas City's jazz district.

*The American Jazz Museum has a new Tumblr account.

*Hermon Mehari is the subject of a new video "documentary."

*The People's Liberation Big Band will perform its celebrated score to Battleship Potemkin at the Lawrence Arts Center on June 30.

*Mark Edelman lists the week's jazz events.

*Recent upgrades at the National Jazz Museum in Harlem are lauded by the New York Times.

*Tweet o' the Week: WOLFrach3I- #JazzintheWoods there are sooo many people here right now #perfectweather Instagram

*Comment o' the Week: tjjazzpiano- Well, performer selection aside, let me share a positive experience about CWJF. One of my first experiences hearing live jazz was at the Corporate Woods Jazz Festival. I listened to Pete Eye play with his trio on the main stage in 1997. I was able to go right up to the stage afterwards and have him sign a copy of his CD. Just hearing him playing and talking about music played a huge role in my decision to become a serious musician.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*A saxophone once owned by Charlie Parker will be auctioned June 8. The instrument is "expected to sell for $30,000-$35,000."

*Here's a slideshow commemorating the life of the late Bill Caldwell.

*The Topeka Jazz Workshop has unveiled its 2012-13 season. Highlights include Byron Stripling, Marilyn Maye, Harry Allen and Wycliffe Gordon. Chuck Berg reviewed Sunday's performance by the Kenny Barron Trio in Topeka, the final concert of the 2011-12 season.

*Passport, the duo of Beau Bledsoe and Stan Kessler, is releasing an album. Here's the trailer.

*The new release by the Chris Hazelton Trio is reviewed by KCJazzLark.

*Michael Pagan is profiled by Eric Crump of the Marshall News.

*Bobby Watson is among the Kansas City Symphony's guests at Celebration at the Station on May 27.

*A set of videos documents a Brothers Leifer performance at Take Five Coffee. Check 'em out here, here, here and here.

*Here's footage of Diverse performing at the Middle of the Map festival.

*TJ Martley filmed his piano trio from an odd angle.

*Roger Lewis of the Dirty Dozen Brass Band is interviewed by The Pitch in advance of his band's concert Thursday at Crossroads KC.

*Chris Lewis of Killer Strayhorn blogs at his band's site. He recently reviewed the new ECM release by the Marcin Wasilewski Trio.

*Glenn North provides insights on the history of cakewalking.

*I heard a DJ spin vinyl versions of tracks by Duke Ellington and Eric Dolphy at last weekend's Psychfest. The festival, which featured about fifty acts, was precisely the sort of enthusiasm-driven, forward-thinking event I recently proposed for Kansas City's jazz scene.

*Phonologotronic comments on his recent activity.

*The entertainment at the 2012 edition of Jazzoo includes an R&B band, a hip hop act, a Jimmy Buffet tribute band and Ida McBeth.

*Miles Bonny and Brandon Draper discuss Kansas City Academy's Grassroots Concert Series with Sam Wisman. (Via KC Stage Blog.)

*A fan uploaded ten minutes of shaky footage of last weekend's Ramsey Lewis concert at the Gem Theater.

*Tweet o' the Week: EldarMusic- New Yorkers! Come out to Blue Note: MAY 20- ELDAR + guest CHRIS POTTER MAY 22- ELDAR + guest KARRIN ALLYSON MAY 23- ELDAR + guest JOE LOCKE

*Comment o' the Week: Clint Ashlock- There were a bunch of things going on Sunday night, and I think you can look at it in a different perspective - that over half of the crowd were musicians shows how much respect these five guys have. There's another show Thursday night at the Blue Room if you happened to miss the Record Bar hit.

*From Lisa Engelken: Extraordinary singer, songwriter & arranger Lisa Engelken returns to Kansas City to perform at the Blue Room on Friday, June 22, 2012… Lisa is thrilled to Kansas City after last Summer’s sold-out performances, and to be joined once again by the powerhouse combo that includes Kansas City’s own Roger Wilder on piano, Gerald Spaits on bass and trumpeter Stan Kessler. Rounding out the quintet is San Francisco drummer Matthew Swindells. The program includes the premiere new works from Lisa’s upcoming album Anima Explorations and selections from Engelken’s Caravan, named to the “Best of 2010” List by the Jazz Journalists Association. Engelken is a Kansas-born straight-shooter, known for a fearless stage presence that has garnered her comparisons to Evel Kneivel, Janis Joplin and a roaring Harley Davidson.

(Original image of Psychfest by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*Editor's note: Plastic Sax has been dormant while I've been on holiday. Today's bleary installment of Confirmation, consequently, is certain to be filled with glaring omissions and embarrassing oversights.

*The 2012 edition of the Jazz in the Woods festival features Jonathan Butler, Oleta Adams and the Elders.

*Tim Finn reports on pre-SXSW preparations made by Kansas City artists including Hermon Mehari and Hearts of Darkness.

*July's All-Star Game in Kansas City may provide a boost to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and the American Jazz Museum according to a positive feature in The New York Times.

*The successful tourism appeal of Beale Street is contrasted to the Jazz District's struggles in a think piece in The Atlantic.

*KCJazzLark lobbies for further recognition of the Paseo YMCA building. Last week he compiled quotations about Kansas City's jazz heyday.

*Hunter Long muses on recent area performances of Nixon In China, Radiohead and the SF Jazz Collective.

*As a a jazz commentator, Sam Mellinger is a great sports columnist.

*Crossover jazz double booking alert- Chris Botti and Madeleine Peyroux perform at separate shows in Kansas City on May 11.

*New footage of Eldar performing with the Russian National Orchestra is very nice.

*Millie Edwards and Michael Pagan were featured in the Leavenworth Times.

*Demencha noted last week's A Vibe Called Mesh event at the Blue Room.

*A publication in Oregon offers a nice interview with Bobby Watson.

*The Kansas City Kansan notes a recent success by the KCKCC jazz program.

*Tweet Facebook Status o' the Week: Michael Shults- If I hear another college "jazz" ensemble that doesn't try to swing I am lighting myself on fire. Sick of left-handed pansy music. Play like a man please!

*From Hermon Mehari: On Saturday, March 24th, Kansas City based trumpet player and educator Hermon Mehari will present a concert featuring the Kansas City High School All Star Jazz Ensemble at the recordBar. This 16-piece ensemble of the finest high school area players will be doing a tribute to the music of Duke Ellington and Count Basie. The show is from 7- 9 PM and it will be divided into two sets of music with an intermission. recordBar is located at 1020 Westport Rd. Admission is $10.

*From Jason at Jaskki's Tobacco Cafe: (W)e have First Friday spots available and would to track down some local jazz musicians to perform at our tobacco shop/hookah bar/smoking lounge. We are looking for 8-11pm on the First Friday of each month to coincide with our free hookah smoking event that runs from 7-11pm on First Fridays. The last two months we have averaged about 250 people per night for the event and would love to keep supplying those folks with some great local jazz.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)