Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*Bobby Watson was named the year’s best alto saxophonist in JazzTimes’ 2019 Critics’ Poll.  (Tip via PF.)

*Rashida Philips responded to a few inquiries about her role at the American Jazz Museum for Flatland.

*The Kansas City Star previewed Bobby McFerrin’s concert at Yardley Hall.

*Harold O’Neal was interviewed by Joe Dimino.

*Marc Myers considers the legacy of Harlan Leonard.

*Tweet o’ the Week: American Jazz Museum- AJM will be closed all day Wednesday, Feb. 5th for the city-wide Super Bowl celebration and parade. We will be open for regular business hours on Thursday, Feb. 6th.

(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.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*Rashida Phillips is the new Executive Director of the American Jazz Museum.  A press release is excerpted below.

*The impetus behind Musicians Appreciation Day is addressed by Gerald Dunn in Luke Martin’s feature for KCUR.

*A performance by Marcus Lewis’ Brass & Boujee is among The Kansas City Star’s lastest concert recommendations.

*Pat Metheny received a honorary degree from the University of Missouri on December 14. (Video stream.)

*Smoke Jazz Club created a promotional video for the recently released Bird at 100 album featuring Bobby Watson.

*Kent Rausch chatted with Joe Dimino.

*Steve Kraske shared a holiday song by Karrin Allyson on KCUR’s Up To Date.

*Harold O’Neal announced the release of his next album.

*Tweet o’ the Week: American Jazz Museum- This Wednesday at 7:00 pm Kansas City Jazz Academy student combos are showcasing their talents on the Gem Theater stage. Check out the link below for more info!

*From a press release: The American Jazz Museum Board of Directors has named Rashida Phillips as the Museum’s executive director, beginning January, 2020. Phillips, an active performer and jazz vocalist, will be leaving her post as senior director, community ventures at the Old Town School of Folk Music, in Chicago, Ill., where she oversees the school’s community-based education programs.  Phillips was born and raised in St. Louis. Her previous experience includes director of education and youth initiatives at the Chicago Humanities Festival, Chicago Arts Partnerships in Education, the Merit School of Music, and the Chicago Children’s Museum. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Oberlin College and a Master’s in Jazz Studies from Rutgers University…. Ralph Caro, who has served in the interim executive director position since March 2019, will assist Phillips with the transition.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Album Review: Harold O'Neal- Piano Cinema

A player piano in a Wild West saloon that emits the melodies of contemporary rock songs is a curious detail in HBO’s reboot of “Westworld.”  In much the same way, Harold O’Neal’s new solo album Piano Cinema is an unlikely combination of vintage and progressive sounds. 

Born in Tanzania and raised in Kansas City, O’Neal is the nephew of Pete O’Neal, the controversial exile who once led the Black Panthers in Kansas City. 

Piano Cinema often sounds as if a hologram of Art Tatum is paying tribute to Scott Joplin.  While “Jukebox Motion” echoes the rendition of “In a Sentimental Mood” on the 1963 album Duke Ellington & John Coltrane, much of Piano Cinema evokes the classical impressionism of Claude Debussy.

A curious sound field gives Piano Cinema a unique ambience.  While the music is serene on the surface, the album’s uneasy undercurrent might compel anyone who chooses to unwind to Piano Cinema to meditate with one eye open.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*Gale Tallis announced the lineup of the 2018-19 Folly Jazz Series before the SFJazz Collective concert on Friday.  It consists of appearances by Ramsey Lewis, Kandace Springs, Kurt Elling, Joshua Redman, the Yellowjackets and Arturo Sandoval. 

*Laura Spencer documents a Kansas City Council committee meeting in which it was determined that Executive Director Cheptoo Kositany-Buckner and all but three board members would resign.  She also solicited the opinions of Kansas City jazz musicians.

*A public television panel considers the departure of Kositany-Buckner at the 5:00-minute mark of a recent program.

*Toriano Porter opines that “Kansas City is so closely associated with jazz that it would be shameful if apathy imperiled the future of (the American Jazz Museum)” for The Kansas City Star.

*Harold O’Neal created an EPK for his forthcoming Piano Cinema album.

*Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis will perform a world premiere at the Lied Center on October 11.  The commissioned piece honors 15 people associated with the University of Kansas' basketball program.

*Tweet o’ the Week: Tony- It Was International Jazz Day In Kansas City And Nobody Cared . . . (link)

*Comment o’ the Week: BGO- Sure is great news to see Logan on the fabulous Tiny Desk Series.

*The Kansas City Jazz Calendar has been updated with a thorough listing of May’s gigs.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*Dave Helling considers potential liquor licensing changes in the Jazz District for The Kansas City Star.

*Plaza III, a venerable steakhouse that has long hosted jazz performances, will close next month.

*Joe Klopus spoke to Josh Nelson ahead of the pianist’s return visit to the Kansas City area.

*Organizers of the Jazz in the Woods festival reiterated previous reports that this year’s event has been canceled.

*Alex Anderson reviewed an appearance by David Amram.

*Béla Fleck & the Flecktones will perform at the Uptown Theater on July 9.

*Harold O’Neal created a four-minute video highlight reel.

*Tweet o’ the Week: KC Jazz Orchestra- Always brewing ideas for upcoming concerts - what sorts of music would you like to hear us do? #kcjazz

*Comment o’ the Week: Darrel McKaig- The bassist, Tamir, was my favorite accompanist. While he was highlighted during the duet with Cyrille, his playing throughout was impeccable.

*From a press release: Mikeyy Austin will join the new project from Eddie Moore, We The People, for his Kansas City debut.  Mikeyy is a young up and coming MC out of Lansing Michigan… We The People is a Power Trio plus one with Eddie Moore on piano, Dominique Sanders on bass, Zach Morrow on drums, and Leonard Dstroy on  Turntable/Aux percussion... this fusion group brings Prog Rock, Soul, Funk, and Hiphop together in a unique way that is spread over a bed on improvisation. 7 p.m. March 8, at RecordBar. $8.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*Almost 200 people- dozens of musicians and at least 20 members of the media among them- attended the celebration of Charlie Parker’s birthday at Lincoln Cemetery on Saturday.  The Kansas City Star shot video.  KCUR created an audio report (and a photo with a familiar byline).  Drone footage offers a unique perspective.

*KC Jazz Lark reveals the behind-the-scenes process of booking the Prairie Village Jazz Festival.

*Shades of Jade’s single “That One” was reviewed by Brian Clifton of Mills Record Company.

*America Patton spoke to The Kansas City Star about a Quindaro-related musical project. 

*Motema Music created a promotional video for Karrin Allyson’s forthcoming Many A New Day: Karrin Allyson Sings Rodgers & Hammerstein album.

*Clint Ashlock asks ”Why Do We Do This?”

*Danny Alexander reviewed Victor & Penny and Their Loose Change Orchestra's "Live at the Living Room Theatre" for KCUR.

*A blogger notes the disbursement of an impeccable jazz collection.

*Harold O’Neal created a static video of his riffing on “Giant Steps.”

*Tweet o’ the Week: Steve Paul- Fire's burning and people are gathering for 21 Sax salute for Charlie Parker birthday. Lincoln Cemetery, #KC #jazz

*From a press release: On Tuesday, September 8th, at 9 p.m., KSHB-TV will present “Kansas City & All That Jazz,” a 60 minute documentary highlighting Kansas City’s rich and unique jazz history. The beginning of jazz in Kansas City can be traced back nearly a century ago to the 18th & Vine Jazz District and to the headquarters of The Mutual Musicians Foundation… The epicenter of jazz in our town can be traced back to that old building, now operated by the Mutual Musicians Foundation.  Few people in Kansas City know of its existence today.  But the buildings’ cultural and historic impact and value on the outskirts of the 18th & Vine Jazz District cannot be measured… ”Kansas City & All That Jazz” uses it as the centerpiece to explore our rich history of jazz that is uniquely ours.

*The Kansas City Jazz Calendar has been updated.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

 *The Topeka Capital Journal reports that the 2015-16 season of the Topeka Jazz Concert Series (formerly the Topeka Jazz Workshop) includes an appearance by Karrin Allyson.

*A television station produced a glowing feature about the young saxophonist Houston Smith.

*The Pitch touts the final show at the second incarnation of Take Five Coffee + Bar.

*Eddie Moore was interviewed by a representative of KTBG.

*KC Jazz Lark commemorates his blog’s sixth anniversary with a set of photos.

*Paul Roberts lists his favorite albums.

*Marilyn Maye will perform seven shows at the Quality Hill Playhouse in September.

*Harold O’Neal’s new highlight reel includes his work on tracks for artists including Murs, Busta Rhymes and Angelique Kidjo.

*The members of a touring rock band documents their experiences in the Jazz District and at the Green Lady Lounge.  (The relevant portion of their adventure begins at around the 5:30 mark.)

*”Wavelength” is Carol Duboc’s latest music video.

*Mark Guiliana is among Joe Dimino’s recent interview subjects.

*Tweet o’ the Week: Brett Jackson- Thank you, wristband. Your approval means the world to me. #vip @ Green Lady Lounge (photo)

(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.)

Biz

In a blog post explicating his picks for the 8th Annual Jazz Critics Poll: 2013, the locally-based jazz critic Chris Robinson suggested that "with something like 700 albums receiving votes, I can say with some confidence that there are way too many albums being recorded.  There’s a lot of quality, but the small jazz market, I feel, may be dangerously flooded with music that nobody will ever hear – quality or not."

While my heart insists that Robinson is wrong, the numbers indicate otherwise.  A detailed examination of new data leads to a difficult question: How can Kansas City-based jazz artists vie for international attention amid the ongoing marginalization of the music?

Robinson points out that his ballot contained the sole vote cast for Alaturka's Yalniz (#309) in the poll of over 100 jazz critics.  Only a handful of additional albums with Kansas City connections received any form of acknowledgement.  A listing: Frank Wess' Magic 101 (#22), Pat Metheny's Tap: John Zorn's Book of Angels, Vol. 20 (#30), Lester Young's Boston 1950 (#140) and Harold O'Neal's Man On the Street (#453.)

The lack of consensus is startling.  Less than half the participants included the highest-ranked album- Wayne Shorter's Without a Net- in their top ten.  Prominent releases of local interest including Pat Metheny's The Orchestrion Project, Eldar Djangarov's Breakthrough, the Next Collective's Cover Art (featuring Logan Richardson) and Bobby Watson's Check Cashing Day weren't recognized at all.  That leaves little hope for self-released titles by the likes of Mark Lowrey, Paul Shinn and Eddie Moore and the Outer Circle.

Besides, it's safe to say that only a few dozen of the albums receiving votes sold over 1,000 units.  The Music Timeline published by Google last week makes the situation seem even more hopeless.  The overwhelming majority of jazz that's heard by Google Play users was recorded in the 1950s.  Not even the inclusion of pop-based artists like Michael Bublé, Kenny G and Norah Jones in the jazz category prevents the genre from flatlining after 1965.  The The Village Voice's 41st Pazz & Jop Music Critics Poll- a historically jazz-friendly forum- verified the trend.  The highest-ranked jazz album for 2013 comes in at #76.

Given that environment, it seems unlikely that Kansas City can reassert itself as a vital cradle of jazz in the new millennium.  But why not?  There's a lot of great music being made in Kansas City.  As Robinson notes of Alaturka's latest release, "(h)ad the album been on ECM or a similarly large (label) with promotion and distribution muscle, I bet it would have cleaned up."

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*The invaluable new site Bobby Watson Speaks contains "Deleted Scenes from A Candid Conversation with Bobby Watson."

*In a damning editorial, KC Jazz Lark characterizes initial plans for the 18th & Vine museum complex as "an oasis ringed by blight."

*Jazz Tokyo offers a seemingly comprehensive look at Chuck Haddix's biography of Charlie Parker.

*A site dedicated to the genealogy and a forthcoming reunion of the Moten family is of interest to Kansas City jazz fans. Here are the pages for Bennie and Buster Moten. (Tip via KC Jazz Lark.)

*Downbeat reviewed Bobby Watson's Check Cashing Day.

*A Ted Talk given by Harold O'Neal two months ago is online.

*A preview of a concert featuring Bram Wijnands notes the Dutchman's interesting biography. Chuck Berg reviewed the performance in Topeka.

*Here's another round of 12th Street Jump's "Blues In the News".

*Tweet o' the Week: Brian Scarborough- @theprojecth sounded great tonight out at Take Five. Phenomenal playing and writing. Glad I made it out. #kcjazz

*Comment o' the Week: Anonymous- I wouldn't say nobody wants the AJM, but currently it is less than impressive. I like the Blue Room (part of the AJM) and go once or twice a month. I haven't been in the museum for about three years as there's not much new. I wish the museum would do more special events combining education and performance…

*From Take Five Coffee + Bar: (O)ur December is fierce.  Every date but one features an out-of-town artist… We've dubbed it "Homecoming Month".  Friday, December 6, 8 pm:  Brian Scarborough Quintet- Kansas City native composer and trombonist Brian Scarborough is back home from his studies in Chicago and he's bringing a ferocious quintet to take over Take Five: Jeff Harshbarger on bass, Matt Otto on saxophone, TJ Martley on keys and Brandon Draper on drums. $5 cover.  Saturday, December 7, 8 pm:  Clint Ashlock with Ben Markley- Denver pianist Ben Markley… will perform Saturday. Coming down from the mountains with Ben that night is saxophonist Josh Quinlan, instructor of Jazz Studies at the University of Colorado. A powerhouse threesome of Kansas City talent will help us welcome the guests from the west - trumpeter Clint Ashlock, drummer John Kizilarmut and bassist Ben Leifer. $5 cover.

*From a press release: Spirituality & All That Jazz. First Wednesday of every month. Unity Temple on the Plaza Tickets at the door only - $7.00. Children under 16 free. Wednesday, December 4, 2013: Magical Musical Moments with vocalist Bukeka Shoals and Tim Whitmer & The Consort Band. Wednesday, February 5, 2014: The incomparable Joe Cartwright, Pianist with Tim Whitmer & The Consort Band.

*From a press release: Kansas City’s newest jazz destination, The Broadway Jazz Club, officially opens its doors to the public on Friday, Dec. 6 with a grand opening celebration from 4 p.m. – 1 a.m. and an encore celebration scheduled Saturday, Dec. 7 from 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. The Broadway Jazz Club is proud to create a destination that is celebrating and reviving Kansas City’s musical roots and rich jazz heritage. The weekend will also introduce the complete menu offerings prepared by The Broadway Jazz Club Chef Richard Martin. Friday, Dec. 6: The Broadway Jazz Club will kick its grand opening into full swing with a full night of live music featuring the Dan Doran Band, a high energy, local KC jump blues and jazz band. A special happy hour with drink specials is planned from 4 – 8 pm. Saturday, Dec. 7: The local jazz celebration continues at The Broadway Jazz Club on Saturday night with the musical talents of local songstress Megan Birdsall from 9pm – 1 am. 

*The Kansas City Jazz Calendar has been updated.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Album Review: Harold O'Neal- Man On the Street

Harold O'Neal relocated to New York several years ago, but he still has Kansas City on his mind.

Man On the Street, O'Neal's new album, opens with a tune titled "The Deen of Swing."  The song is almost certainly a tribute to the late Ahmad Alaadeen, one of O'Neal's mentors as he grew up in Kansas City.

Bobby Watson also gave the young pianist's career a significant boost. "Is It This," the second track on the album, is a melodic tune in the style of Watson.  Other tracks, including "P.L.C,," advance the hard bop theme of Man On the Street. 

The most interesting tracks, however, are the least conventional selections.  The mystical "Childlike" is thoroughly enchanting.  The impressionistic solo piano piece "Gossamer's Lilt" is the highlight of the album.  O'Neal's band- saxophonist Marcus Strickland, bassist Joe Sanders and drummer Marcus Gilmore- is strong, but it's O'Neal's classically-inspired playing that differentiates his music.

In spite of the album's title, very few of the sounds of Man On the Street will jump out at listeners not already conversant in the jazz language.  Jazz hounds, however, will relish the project.

(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

*Chris Robinson praises albums by Alaturka, Matt Otto, Eddie Moore, Chris Hazelton, T.J. Martley, Roger Wilder and Clint Ashlock in the August issue of Downbeat magazine.

*A cursory scan of the 2013 Downbeat’s Critics Awards revealed the following Kansas City-related winners: Pat Metheny- 2nd place, Guitarist; Bobby Watson- 16th place, Alto Saxophone; Pat Metheny- 15th place, Album (Unity Band); Karrin Allyson- 1st place, Rising Star, Female Vocalist.

*Three songs from Chris Hazelton’s Boogaloo 7- including a cover of “Suit & Tie”- are available at Bandcamp.

*KC Jazz Lark documents last weekend’s trumpet summit of Hermon Mehari, Stan Kessler and Mike Metheny at the Blue Room.

*John Elliott, a beloved instructor of many Kansas City musicians, has died.

*Black House Collective will host a "2 month long new music festival called Black Lab".

*The Pitch offers a lengthy feature on the “sophisticated dissonance” of the People’s Liberation Big Band in advance of the ensemble’s performance Sunday at the RecordBar.

*Stanley Crouch discusses his forthcoming book about Charlie Parker.  (Via Tony’s Kansas City.)

*Here’s a video preview of Harold O’Neal’s Man On the Street album.

*Ahmad Alaadeen, Matt Kane and Pat Metheny were among the artists discussed in a roundup of the The Best Kansas City Music of 2013 (So Far) on KCUR’s Up To Date.

*St. Louis Jazz Notes reports that Marilyn Maye will play an integral role at the 2013 St. Louis Cabaret Festival.

*Bobby Watson is a guest on Intuition, the new album by the Czech-based Libor Šmoldas Quartet.

*Pat Metheny accompanies Buika on ”No lo sé”, a track on the Spanish vocalist’s new album.

*Here’s the latest edition of 12th Street Jump’s ”Blues In the News”.

*Tweet o’ the Week: Ben Leifer- Deborah Brown is the baddest! Thank you for your wonderful spirit! #kcjazz #swinghard #jazztradition @GreenLadyLounge

*Comment o’ the Week: Sam- YES!  I'm not sure J.C. Deagan could've imagined this when he was making Xylophones in the '20's.

*Here’s a flyer touting the July Jazz Jam at Community Christian Church.

*From a press release (note change of venue from a previously published notice): Alaadeen Enterprises (AEI), the non-profit education organization founded in 1995 by the late Ahmad Alaadeen – jazz musician and educator – plans to re-launch its jazz educational initiative on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 (his 79th birthday) at the Jazz District Patio Terrace, next to the Charlie ‘Bird’ Parker Memorial, on 18th & Paseo.

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

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*Radio program 12th Street Jump is the subject of a lengthy feature in KC Studio magazine.

*The Jardine's (non-)story won't go away. Hearne Christopher and Tony Botello provide updates.

*The Star reviewed Saturday's concert by the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra. Libby Hanssen also wrote a review.

*Benny Golson's recent appearance at the Blue Room is documented by KCJazzLark.

*Seventeen minutes of footage documenting the opening ceremonies of the new Ella Fitzgerald exhibit at the American Jazz Museum are posted at the institution's site.

*Topeka seems to be Carol Welsman's kind of town.

*Radio station 1660AM, formerly known as KXTR and Radio Bach, dumped its classical format. I believe the station broadcast a weekly dixieland program.

*The Star provides a survey of jam sessions in Kansas City.

*Ahmad Alaadeen is recalled in a blog post.

*Hey! It seems as if Californo's films performances that take place in the Westport venue. Here's David Basse performing with an all-star band.

*The Dirty Dozen Brass Band will perform May 24 at Crossroads KC.

*A Harold O'Neal gig is previewed by Time Out: New York.

*The Kansas City Jazz Calendar has been tweaked.

*Tweet o' the Week: Katie Ferrell- First Lady Michelle Obama has landed in KC, now on her way to American Jazz Museum. (Photo at airport).

*Comment o' the Week: Anonymous: Well, crap. It'd been an audience of at least 26 if I'd known about it. C'mon jazz dudes promote your gigs - at least a little!

*Via Facebook: Battle of the Big Bands! New Jazz Order & Boulevard Big Band. Thursday, March 22, 2012. 8:00pm until 11:00pm. Come check out two of KC's top big bands squaring off on March 22nd! You'll get a chance to hear some of the best talent the city has to offer - two bands, one bill, swinging all night long. Come hang! $5 cover.

*From Jim Mair: KCKCC Jazz Ensembles in concert. Monday March 12, 4:30-8:30pm. Jazz: A Louisiana Kitchen at The Legends/Speedway in KCK. No cover. Groups under the direction of Jim Mair, John Stafford II and Jurgen Welge. Dinner and Drink Specials.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*The 2012 season of noon jazz concerts at Johnson County Community College has been announced.

*Hearne Christopher files an update on the status of Jardine's. Tony's Kansas City suggests that Jardine's "15 minutes are up."

*The Matt Otto Quintet is admired by KCJazzLark.

*Tim Finn's story about women in Kansas City's music scene contains a bit of jazz content.

*The Star provides a nice feature on ailing pianist Dan DeLuca. (Tip via Jim Mair.)

*Diverse posted an interactive guide to a recent performance.

*UMKC's student newspaper checks in on the jazz program.

*The Los Angeles Times published a profile of Pete O'Neal, the uncle of pianist Harold O'Neal.

*KCTV reports on progress at the Black Archives.

*Tweet o' the Week: Alaadeenswife- I'm listening to Kansas City's Seth Lee and Michael Warren on Najee's new CD, "The Smooth Side of Soul."

*Plastic Sax Comment o' the Week: Anonymous- Looks like you really did your homework on this one. (These words broke Plastic Sax's sarcasm meter.)

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*The Pitch reports that Ray Reed, a prominent figure on Kansas City's jazz scene for decades, has died.

*Harold O'Neal is the subject of an expansive NPR feature.

*Hearne Christopher's coverage of the situation at Jardine's continued here, here and here. Tony's Kansas City provides a related update here.

*The December 9 concert by the Black House Improvisors' Collective is available as a free download.

*The staff of the Blue Room aids a crime victim.

*Jazz figures prominently in Steve Paul's recap of 2011. Tim Finn notes the trend of jazz musicians collaborating with artists rooted in other genres.

*KC Metropolis previews a few upcoming jazz concerts.

*A New Orleans Style Jazz Funeral March will take place under the auspices of Occupy KC at noon on December 30 at 12th and Oak.

*The Magic Jazz Fairy returns to KCJazzLark.

*Melissa Treolo wrote a remembrance of Myra Taylor.

*John Bishop has died.

*Tweet o' the Week: GrunauerKC: Last minute NYE plans: Snuff Jazz, light appetizers & champagne toast in Vienna Zimmer only $20. 10p-1a. Tix available at Birdies or here.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Harold O'Neal's Artistic Autonomy

As agonizingly difficult and ultimately unproductive discussions about the meaning of jazz in 2011 hold sway at Plastic Sax and elsewhere, Harold O'Neal continues to epitomize the limitless range of an artistically autonomous musician. The Kansas City native former resident of Kansas City combines classical romanticism with Art Tatum-influenced jazz on his new solo piano album Marvelous Fantasy. O'Neal has also spend much of the year touring with underground hip hop star Murs. (Here's a bit of live footage.) Studio 360 offers a new 17-minute interview with O'Neal. (Tip on the Studio 360 feature via my friend E.G.'s Facebook status.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*The Star reports that Skies and Benton's, two hotel restaurants that featured jazz musicians but didn't actively promote the music, are closing.

*Stan Kessler via Facebook: The Kansas City Youth Jazz Reno Combo that I instruct is appearing on GOOD MORNING AMERICA from The Kauffman Performing Arts Center, Thursday Morning at 7am.

*A very fine 45-minute documentary about Kansas City's place in jazz history was just posted to YouTube. Talking heads include Jay McShann, Lisa Henry, Herbie Hancock, T.S. Monk, James Moody, Wayne Shorter, Stanley Jordan and Bobby Watson. Most of the footage seems to be circa 2004.

*The latest blog post by Hunter Long is loaded with good news for fans of Black House Improvisors' Collective.

*Just how off-putting is the word "jazz"? This 30-second promotional video for Herbie Hancock's upcoming appearance at the Lied Center avoids using the word.

*Chris Burnett ponders the "what is jazz" question in a thoughtful blog post.

*David Hudnall wrote a lengthy feature about the Eddie Baker School of Music.

*New albums by Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, Laura Chalk, Sir Threadius Mongus and River Cow Orchestra are considered by KCJazzLark.

*Ben Ratliff reviews a new solo piano album by Harold O'Neal.

*The headline of a Kansas City Business Journal article tells a sad story: "Jazz District TIF nears final note after generating little cash or change".

*Chuck Berg reviews a Topeka Jazz Workshop performance led by Ted Howe.

*Watch Joe Athon's October 13 performance at Jardine's here.

*Candace Evans is featured in 435 South magazine.

*A niece shares childhood memories of her uncle Ahmad Alaadeen.

*Tony's Kansas City plugs a Dave Stephens gig.

*St. Louis Jazz Notes points to a site that provides access to an out-of-print 1965 album featuring Bob Brookmeyer and Clark Terry.

*A critic for Jazz Times reviewed a concert by Pat Metheny and Larry Grendadier concert.

*Drummer George Reed died in New York. He was 89.

*Tweet o' the Week: paynic: @KCTrumpeter I love trio too, except I'll just hire anywhere from 3-21 people and have most of 'em to lay out. What's your instrumentation?

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*Here's a nice remembrance of the late Pearl Thuston-Brown.

*Unlike Plastic Sax, KCJazzLark refuses to blame Shay Estes for the cancellation of the Prairie Village Jazz Festival. He does, however, provide a couple of nice photos.

*The PV Post offers a follow-up story on the Prairie Village Jazz Festival's cancellation.

*The free "14th Street Jazz Fest" is Sunday September 18 in the Power & Light district. Participating musicians include Mark Lowrey Will Matthews, Ida McBeth, Matt Otto and Darryl Terrel. More information is available here.

*Harold O'Neal did not win, place or show at the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Piano Competition, but he did catch the attention of many, including a correspondent for Jazz Times.

*The UMKC Conservatory of Music commissioned a 30-second commercial for its upcoming gig at Kauffman Center.

*Hunter Long pledges to "figure out how to play with electronic beats in a non-cheesy way" in a new post about Hominid.

*Marc Myers examines the new Basie-Sinatra reissue with enthusiasm.

*A blogger recounts his visit to The American Jazz Museum.

*Here's an impressive performance video of Mouth at Crosstown Station on July 2.

*Tweet o' the Week: kcjazzlark: Storm moved through, ruined some electrical equipment. Rest of Prairie Village Jazz Fest is cancelled. Very sad.

*The wake for longtime Kansas City music industry personality Leroy Johnson is Sunday, September 18, from 2-5 p.m. at BB's Lawnside BBQ.

*The September 9 "Current State and Future of Jazz" program on Up To Date featuring Brad Cox, Deborah Brown, Shay Estes and Bobby Watson is available as a podcast.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)