Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*David Basse extols Stan Kessler in the University News.

*Millie Edwards was interviewed by Joe Dimino.

*Max Bennett, a jazz-oriented musician with ties to Kansas City, has died.

*Erykah Badu, an R&B star who channels Billie Holiday, headlines what’s billed as the Fountain City Blues & Jazz Festival at the Sprint Center on October 19.

*Tweet o’ the Week: FOX4 News- Family, friends hold vigil for young father killed last Friday night near 18th and Highland in Kansas City’s Jazz District (link)

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*David Basse encourages UMKC students to catch jazz performances on the Country Club Plaza.

*The practicality of Vijay Iyer’s headlining appearance at Starlight Theater is among the issues addressed in a discussion of Open Spaces on KCUR’s Up To Date program.

*The Kansas City Star previewed Logan Richardson’s appearance at the Prairie Village Jazz Festival

*Anthony Braxton will perform in St. Louis next month.  (Tip via St. Louis Jazz Notes.)

*Tweet o’ the Week: WBGO Jazz 88.3FM- Hear our sets captured live at Charlie Parker Jazz Festival with Catherine Russell and Keyon Harrold: (link)

*From a press release: Millie Edwards and her band will kick off the fourth season of Kansas City Jazz Vespers on Sunday, September 9, from 6:00 - 8:00 pm, featuring 100 minutes of professional jazz in a concert setting...  Kansas City Jazz Vespers is held at the historic First Baptist Church... 

*The Kansas City Jazz Calendar has been updated with September’s gigs.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*Chris Burnett lobbies against a proposed reduction in city funding for the American Jazz Musuem.  Greg Carroll spoke to a television reporter about the cuts.

*The Mutual Musicians Foundation will host a Women’s Jazz Weekend later this month.

*The Pitch recommends a concert featuring Millie Edwards.

*Joe Klopus previewed Bill Frisell’s forthcoming concert at White Theatre.

*Clint Ashlock offers insights into his writing process.

*Rudresh Mahanthappa was interviewed by Joe Dimino.  Anita Dixon of the Mutual Musicians Foundation spoke to Dimino about her plans for a low-watt radio station.

*Tweet o’ the Week: Chris Hazelton- I'm all for making a joyful noise unto the Lord, but can we put some tambourine regulations in place? #churchproblems #findthebeat

*From Take Five Coffee + Bar: Friday, March 6, 8pm: Marcus Lewis Band- Marcus Lewis is a tremendous force on trombone, whether fronting his own big band or backing the likes of Janelle Monae… Andy McGhie on saxophone, Peter Schlamb on vibraphone, Karl McComas-Reichl on bass and Ryan Lee on drums. $5 cover.  Saturday, March 7, 8pm: BCR- …They call what they do “future-primitive jazz” and it’s a big, colorful and adventurous show you don’t want to miss. $10 cover.  Sunday, March 8, 10am - 2pm: Sunday Jazz Brunch: Gerald Spaits with Charles Perkins and Harry Miller- …No cover.  Sunday, March 8, 7pm - 9pm: Jeff Harshbarger and a Super Secret Guest Artist- Bassist Jeff Harshbarger is bringing a secret guest for a special show… $10 cover.

*The Kansas City Jazz Calendar has been updated.

(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.)

Album Review: Mille and Mike Live

Millie Edwards has been rewarded with standing ovations many of the times I've seen her perform in churches and in concert settings. She's a true audience-pleaser. People hearing her for the first time are invariably astounded that such a gigantic voice can emanate from such a diminutive person.

Edwards' brassy approach- she sounds like Liza Minnelli with a hint of Mahalia Jackson thrown into the mix- is more Broadway than Birdland. While I don't particularly care for her style, my bias didn't prevent me from giving CD versions of the 2011 release Mille and Mike Live to friends and family last Christmas. I know plenty of people who enjoy Edwards' renditions of familiar material like "Sweet Home Chicago," "Someone To Watch Over Me" and "I've Got You Under My Skin."

When I listen to the live recording I prefer to focus on the astoundingly versatile pianist Michael Pagan. He can play stride, show tunes and blues with equal adroitness. Edwards and Pagan perform every Monday at The Phoenix. Here's live footage of the duo shot at Jardine's in 2010.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Everette DeVan and Millie Edwards

Careful Plastic Sax readers have surmised that I've been out of town. While I continue to dig out, enjoy this video. It's a rare opportunity to see local favorites Everette DeVan and Millie Edwards captured in a first-rate video production. The music begins around the 1:30 mark.