Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*Joe Klopus runs down the week on Kansas City’s jazz scene.

*The Pitch touts Roy Ayers’ appearance at the Blue Room.

*Krystle Warren’s concert at Johnson County Community College was reviewed by Jessie Riggins.

*Doug Auwarter was interviewed by Joe Dimino.

*Shades of Jade’s new release indicates that the band’s dramatic transformation into a neo-soul ensemble has been completed.

*Tweet o’ the Week: Brian Scarborough- 4 hours in the studio with PLBB tonight. Making slow and steady progress on this record. #KCJazz

*From a press release: An original exhibit examining the impact of the Civil Rights Movement on daily life, politics, and the creative process of the arts takes center stage in the Changing Gallery of the American Jazz Museum, June 2-September 30, 2016. Jazz Speaks for Life:  Discovering the Civil Rights Journey through Visual and Musical Expression explores how art and music did their part to break down the barriers of racial discrimination in the 1950s,' 60s, and '70s… Complementary programming features locally renowned jazz performers Bobby Watson (July 8) and Angela Hagenbach (July 21) (and) South African music star Jonathan Butler (September 30).

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Plastic Sax's Favorite Albums and Performances of 2015

Favorite Albums by Locally Based Musicians
1. Eddie Moore and the Outer Circle- Live In Kansas City (Plastic Sax review)
2. Matt Kane & the Kansas City Generations Sextet- Acknowledgement (Plastic Sax review)
3. Dominique Sanders- A True Story Based On… (Plastic Sax review)
4. Matt Villinger- All Night (Plastic Sax review)
5. Mike Metheny- Twelve For the Road (Plastic Sax review)
6. Julian Vaughn- Limitless (Plastic Sax review)
7. Paul Shinn Trio- Easy Now (Plastic Sax review)
8. Michael Pagan, Bob Bowman and Brian Steever- The Ottawa Sessions (Plastic Sax review)
9. Ron Carlson- Kind Folk (Plastic Sax review)
10. OJT- New Standards for the Green Lady (Plastic Sax review)

Favorite Albums by Musicians From Elsewhere
1. Rudresh Mahanthappa- Bird Calls (Plastic Sax review)
2. Marc Cary- Rhodes Ahead, Vol. 2
3. Matthew Shipp Trio- The Conduct of Jazz
4. Charles Gayle Trio- Christ Everlasting
5. Donny McCaslin- Fast Future
6. Charlie Hunter Trio- Let the Bells Ring On
7. Myra Melford- Snowy Egret
8. Kamasi Washington- The Epic
9. John Scofield- Past Present
10. Orrin Evans- The Evolution of Oneself

Favorite Performances by Locally Based Musicians
1. Bobby Watson Quartet- Folly Theater (Plastic Sax review)
2. Peter Schlamb’s Electric Tinks- RecordBar
3. Lauren Krum with the Project H- Westport CoffeeHouse (Plastic Sax review)
4. Eddie Moore and the Outer Circle- Take Five Coffee + Bar (Plastic Sax review)
5. Jorge Arana Trio- Riot Room patio
6. James Isaac Quartet- Take Five Coffee + Bar (Plastic Sax review)
7. Chris Hazelton’s Boogaloo 7- Green Lady Lounge
8. Jeff Harshbarger Quartet- RecordBar
9. Dojo- Green Lady Lounge (Plastic Sax review)
10. Shades of Jade- Coda (Plastic Sax review)

Favorite Performances by Musicians From Elsewhere
1. Mark Dresser, Myra Melford and Matt Wilson- Take Five Coffee + Bar (Plastic Sax review)
2. Avishai Cohen, Tal Mashiach and Nasheet Waits- Take Five Coffee + Bar (Plastic Sax review)
3. Diana Krall- Midland theater
4. Bill Frisell- White Theatre
5. Max Raabe & Palast Orchester- Helzberg Hall
6. Conrad Herwig’s Latin Jazz All-Stars- 18th & Vine Jazz and Blues Festival (Plastic Sax review)
7. Hot Sardines- Folly Theater
8. John Blevins and Drew Williams- Westport Coffeehouse (Plastic Sax review)
9. Trio Red- Blue Room (Plastic Sax review)
10. Earl Klugh- Folly Theater

Similar year-end listings were published at Plastic Sax in 2014 (albums and performances), 2013 (albums and performances), 2012, 2011 and 2010.

(Original image of Shades of Jade by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*Joe Klopus’ latest column for The Kansas City Star focuses on Julian Lage’s upcoming concert at the Folly Theater.  The Pitch also recommends the show.

*Shades of Jade created a video for “That One.”

*Steve Waugh of the Topeka Jazz Workshop was featured on Talk About Topeka.

*Pat Metheny trainspotters are excited about the possibility of a new band lineup.

*Scott Yanow is among Joe Dimino’s most recent interview subjects.

*St. Louis Jazz Notes reports that Stanley Clarke and Eliane Elias will perform separate concerts in the Lou on Saturday.

*Tweet o’ the Week: Jack Childress- The Green Lady Lounge is playing jazz tonight.

*Comment o’ the Week: Anonymous- Glad to see Drew bringing some interesting stuff to KC. The local guys are too busy keeping their stuff boring so they can play at the Green Lady.

From a press release: To celebrate what would have been the 100th birthday of Frank Sinatra, the Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors (KCJA) is sponsoring a gala at the Uptown Theatre on December 12. The Dave Stephens Band is the music headliner. The Jazz Ambassadors will honor Mayor Sly James as the 2015 Kansas City Jazz Ambassador of the Year… Mayor Sly James was chosen the Kansas City Jazz Ambassador of the Year for his unequaled Ambassadorship to jazz and Kansas City… Many have heard the mayor’s “jazz chops” as he’s taken the mic around town… This event will raise funds to support the Kansas City jazz community. The mission of the 31-year-old nonprofit Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors is to promote Kansas City jazz, and raise funds to support Kansas City jazz musicians, jazz initiatives, and jazz education.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Review: The 18th & Vine Jazz and Blues Festival

I had low expectations for the 2015 edition of the 18th & Vine Jazz and Blues Festival.  None of the headliners initially excited me and I was disappointed in the reduced number of stages.  Sometimes it feels good to be wrong.  Here’s a recap of three performances.

Conrad Herwig’s Latin Jazz All-Stars
Conrad Herwig represented the nicest surprise.  Until I saw the musicians climb the steps to the main stage I didn’t realize that the trombonist would bring almost his entire New York based band to Kansas City.  Only pianist Bill O’Connell didn’t make the trip.  Jo Ann Daugherty sat in with trumpeter Alex Sipiagin, saxophonist Craig Handy, bassist Luques Curtis, drummer Robby Ameen and percussionist Richie Flores.  The band previewed three selections from its forthcoming “The Latin Side of Horace Silver” album in a 90-minute set that made the $15 I paid at the gate seem like a steal.  Complete setlist: “Cousin Mary,” “Lonnie’s Lament,” “The Cape Verdean Blues,” “Naima,” “Song For My Father,” “Nutville.”

Dennis Winslett with Kahil El'Zabar
The only significant delay of the festival prevented me from seeing much of Kahil El’Zabar in the Blue Room.  I loved the mystical music I heard by the Chicago based percussionist and vocalist. 

Shades of Jade
The R&B crooner Dwele seemed more interested in talking than singing during his appearance on the main stage in front of the festival’s largest audience of more than 1,200.  Shades of Jade was far more compelling in an overlapping set for a few dozen people in the Gem Theater.  The Kansas City group appears to be fully committed to neo-soul, although Josh Williams J-Will played a few intriguing effects-laden trumpet solos.  Derek Cunigan’s vocals on “That One” were exquisite.

(Original image of Robby Ameen, Conrad Herwig, Alex Sipiagin, Craig Handy and Richie Flores by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*KC Jazz Lark reports on the ongoing struggles of Broadway Kansas City.

*Bobby Watson’s concert at the Folly Theater was previewed by The Kansas City Star and The Pitch.

*The Prairie Village Post documented the Prairie Village Jazz Festival.

*Shades of Jade was interviewed by a representative of the Johnson County Library.

*The Pitch reports that Major League Baseball may invest in the Jazz District.

*Karrin Allyson was a guest on KCUR’s Up To Date program.

*Hommage a Eberhard Weber was released last week.  Pat Metheny’s contribution to the project has received a great deal of attention.

*Tweet o’ the Week: Jerry Wilkinson- Digging on how I can sit in my back yard in front of a fire and hear the Prairie Village Jazz Fest in the distance…….

(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

*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

*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

*Doug and Lori Chandler, Plastic Sax's People of the Year in 2013, have announced that Take Five Coffee + Bar will close following a performance on August 15.  A portion of their statement is at the bottom of this post.   The Pitch, The Kansas City Star and KCUR reported on the closure.   Clint Ashlock and KC Jazz Lark comment on the disappointing news.

*The headliners of the American Jazz Museum’s 18th & Vine Jazz & Blues Festival on October 10 are the Family Stone, Conrad Herwig, Popa Chubby and Dwele.

*The Ottawa Sessions, a piano trio album featuring Michael Pagán, Bob Bowman and Brian Steever, is available now.

*An editorial in The Kansas City Star suggests that the American Jazz Museum “should play a more vital and inspiring role in the city than it has.”

*The Pitch touts a gig by Peter Schlamb’s Electric Tinks.

*The Jorge Arana Trio created a 30-second trailer for its forthcoming album.

*Bobby Watson performed the National Anthem at a public ceremony last week.

*The lineup of the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival (in New York) includes the Oliver Lake Big Band, Andy Bey, Rudresh Mahanthappa and Myra Melford.

*Tweet o’ the Week: HNIC… again- He must be trying to get ideas for his side chick cause I'm not going to a jazz lounge.

*Comment o’ the Week: Anonymous- To each his own. I currently prefer any type of replication of 1955-era swing to a flawed version of jazz-informed R&B!

*The Kansas City Jazz Calendar has been updated.

*From Take Five Coffee + Bar: We are very sad to have to make this announcement, but Take Five is going to be taking an indefinite “set break” (in other words, we’re closing our doors) effective August 15… Thank you all for participating in the creation of a community unlike any other in this part of the city… Thank you again to those who supported us, cheered us on, became regulars, brought others to be regulars, sat breathless in front of Trio M, Bobby Watson, Avishai Cohen and the immense talent of our Kansas City jazz scene.  We are proud of what we accomplished, and there’s more to be done.  We’re just Taking Five.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Concert Review: Shades of Jade at Coda

Many respectable members of Kansas City’s jazz community would insist that the music I heard at Coda on Saturday wasn’t jazz.  Maybe they’re right.  Yet I’d rather hear Shades of Jade’s version of soul than a musty recreation of the music of yesteryear. 

I’m excited by the current output of José James, Bilal and Esperanza Spalding’s Emily’s D+Evolution project.  Most mainstream jazz that reverently hews to tradition seems less than inspiring in 2015.

That’s partly why Shades of Jade’s melodic original compositions and covers of material by the likes of Musiq Soulchild struck me as meaningful on Saturday in spite of the absence of an audience.  I had the band almost completely to myself.  The sextet presumably played to a packed house at Phoenix Fest later that night.

Shades of Jade wasn’t perfect.  When I told bandleader Josh Williams at the break that he and keyboardist Desmond Mason seemed to be pushing toward jazz while the other four members of the group were pulling toward R&B, he agreed that the new lineup hadn’t completely coalesced.

The two vocalists seemed to have Lauryn Hill in mind as they sang while Williams and Mason may have been going for the sound of D’Angelo’s band.  Jazz chops occasionally clashed with a more regimented sensibility. 

I didn’t mind.  I currently prefer a flawed version of jazz-informed R&B to a perfect replication of 1955-era swing.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*The details of the 2015 Charlie Parker Celebration have been unveiled.

*KC Jazz Lark celebrates the return of Eboni Fondren.

*The Johnson County Library posted an interview with Shades of Jade keyboardist Desmond Mason.

*The Pitch notes the jazz credentials of Victor & Penny.

*Chris Hazelton was featured in an installment of Millennial Society TV.

*Clint Ashlock lists his favorite albums at Inside Jazz Kansas City.

*Pat Metheny shared a brief preview of his forthcoming DVD and Blu Ray video.

*Karrin Allyson’s Many A New Day: Karrin Allyson Sings Rodgers & Hammerstein will be released on September 18.

*Demencha interviewed Keyon Harrold, a trumpeter from St. Louis who is a member of D’Angelo’s touring band.

*A video playlist of the entire Ensemble Ibérica “Music of Matt Otto” concert is available.

*A track from Eddie Moore and the Outer Circle’s new album was included on a Next Bop playlist.

*Tweet o’ the Week: Sarah Layton- I just realized that even though I live in Kansas City I've never gone to listen to live jazz. That's just terrible. I must rectify!

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*A day after suggesting that change may be afoot at the American Jazz Museum, The Kansas City Star reported that Greg Carroll resigned from his position as the CEO of the institution.

*KC Jazz Lark offers context for the change at the American Jazz Museum.

*Shades of Jade have issued a single titled "That One".

*Ryan Heinlein interviewed Eddie Moore for Inside Jazz Kansas City.  Paul Roberts compares the jazz community in Kansas City to the atmospheres in other cities.  Stan Kessler selects ten of his favorite albums.

*The Pitch recommends a pair of Cannonball Adderley/Nancy Wilson tribute concerts.

*A portion of Ensemble Ibérica’s “Music of Matt Otto” concert was filmed by Steve Paul.

*Larry Carlton will perform at the Gem Theater on October 1.

*Addison Frei is among Joe Dimino’s recent interview subjects.

*Paul Shinn is included in Colorado radio station KUVO’s 30 Under 30 roundup of notable young artists.

*Chris Robinson questions the process of the Downbeat Critics Poll.

*Tweet o’ the Week: Dominique Sanders- need to get some swag back into jazz.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*KC Jazz Lark scrutinizes the Mutual Musicians Foundation’s plans to launch a low-wattage radio station.

*Joe Klopus highlights the Hot Sardines’ forthcoming performance in his weekly column.

*A 1,200-word review of Dominique Sanders’ new album is posted at Demencha.

*The Pitch recommends a performance by Bob Bowman, Danny Embrey and Rod Fleeman.

*Are any jazz musicians part of the famous mural at BB’s Lawnside BBQ?  A reception with the artist at the restaurant on Sunday, February 22, will provide answers.

*Tweet o’ the Week: No Depression- A week from now, our Editor @kimruehl will be in Kansas City for @folkalliance. Who else is heading out there this week?

*From Shades of Jade: The local music group Shades of Jade has gone through several changes in the last few months. Beginning with a traditional jazz quartet instrumentation in 2011, their campaign to push towards a more popular and younger following in the last 3 months has drastically changed the band… They have just recently started an artist residency with… The Tank Room. Shades of Jade will be exclusively debuting their new original music every third Friday of the month this year from 9pm-1am.

*From Chris Burnett: On behalf of the children of Violet Lorraine Jackson Burnett, our children and spouses, I regret to inform you all of the passing of our eldest brother and my very first professional musical mentor, Richard Dean Pratt… Known professionally as Richie Pratt​, we in the family called him by his middle name "Dean".  The biggest question we have been asked all of our lives is why we have different last names.  We have the same mother and different fathers. Many of you may recall that Dean returned home to the Kansas City area to live in October of 2012 from Honolulu, Hawaii due primarily to on-going serious health issues inherent to being a really large man, along with some other ailments related to age… I am sad that he is gone, but he lived a long and wonderful life.

*From a press release: Parranderos Latin Combo performs February 21st at Take Five Coffee + Bar in support of their self-titled debut album that was recorded in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Iowa-based Latin music group, Parranderos Latin Combo (PLC), will play two sets of live salsa with a dance lesson by Josh Hernandez… This will be PLC’s debut performance at Take Five Coffee + Bar and will feature some of KC’s finest musicians including Karl McComas-Reichl, Chris Van Leeuwen, Ryan Heinlein and co-founding PLC member, John Kizilarmut.

*From Take Five Coffee + Bar: Friday night we present the Ben Leifer Quartet featuring Gunnar Gidner… a young tenor saxophonist… John Brewer is on guitar, and played some mind-blowing free improvisation at our old location, and Matt Leifer on drums… 8pm, $5 cover.  Saturday night’s extravaganza features the first Kansas City appearance for Des Moines based Parranderos Latin Combo… Free (dance) lessons at 7:30, show at 8:30 (and this one’s going late).  $10 cover.  Our last Sunday brunch before our Month of Sundays series begins is hosted by none other than Stan Kessler.  10am to 2pm, no cover.

*I will serve as the pre-concert interview host with The Hot Sardines at the Folly Theater at 7 p.m. on Saturday, February 21.  Feel free to heckle.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Plastic Sax's Top Albums of 2014

Plastic Sax's Favorite Kansas City-Related Jazz Albums of 2014
1. Peter Schlamb- Tinks (Plastic Sax review.)
2. Pat Metheny Unity Group- Kin (Plastic Sax review.)
3. The Project H- We Live Among the Lines (Plastic Sax review.)
4. Diverse- Our Journey (Plastic Sax review.)
5. Jorge Arana Trio- Oso (Plastic Sax review.)
6. Frank Wess- Magic 201
7. Everette DeVan- For the Love of You (Plastic Sax review.)
8. J.E. Chapman- 364 Days (Plastic Sax review.)
9. David Basse- The Hero and the Lover… (Plastic Sax review.)
10. Shades of Jade- Fingerprinted Memories (Plastic Sax review.)

Plastic Sax's Favorite Jazz Albums of 2014 From Elsewhere
1. Flying Lotus- You're Dead!
2. Kris Bowers- Heroes + Misfits
3. Danilo Pérez- Panama 500
4. David Binney- Anacapa
5. Ambrose Akinmusire- The Imagined Savior Is Far Easier to Paint
6. Takuya Kuroda- Rising Son
7. Bohren & der Club of Gore- Piano Nights
8. GoGo Penguin- v2.0
9. Regina Carter- Southern Comfort
10. Oliver Lake Organ Quartet- What I Heard

Similar year-end listings were published at Plastic Sax in 2013, 2012, 2011 and 2010.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*KC Jazz Lark documented the final night of the original location of Take Five Coffee + Bar.  The venue will reopen in a larger space later this month.

*100 Years of Jazz is a new site promoting The Art of Kansas City Swing: An International Jazz Education Festival at the Mutual Musicians Foundation in 2015.

*Kristin Shafel Omiccioli reviewed the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra's most recent concert.

*The Kansas City Star reviewed Marilyn Maye's collaboration with the Kansas City Symphony.

*Shades of Jade was featured on KCUR's Local Listen segment.

*The Pitch touts this weekend's 18th & Vine Jazz and Blues Festival.

*Joeless Shoe posted a "track rundown" of the band's new album Midsole.

*The Columbia Business Times published a love letter to the city's We Always Swing Jazz Series.

*Joe Dimino interviewed Ted Nash for his Neon Jazz podcast.

*Tweet o' the Week: American Jazz Museum- Great weather for a festival ... (link)

*From Fanny Dunfee: The year after Alaadeen passed, I wrote a book of poems titled "The Heartbeat Next To My Heartbeat." On October 25th, I am pleased to be part of Homegrown Reads, the Local Author Fair at the Kansas City, Kansas Public Library, South Branch, 3104 Strong Avenue in Kansas City, Kansas, from 1pm to 4:30pm… In addition to "The Heartbeat Next To My Heartbeat" I will have all of my books available for purchase including "Dysfunctional, life journeys of a second generation jazz musician," "The Rest Of The Story, Jazz Improvization and History" and "Alaadeen, The Complete Song Book."

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Album Review: Shades of Jade- Fingerprinted Memories, Pt. 1

When I encountered Shades of Jade two or three years ago, I was thrilled that a group of Kansas City based musicians shared my passion for the forward-thinking jazz of artists like Christian Scott and Robert Glasper. 

Fingerprinted Memories, Pt. 1, the new album by Shades of Jade, makes good on the band's promise by melding the pleasing R&B groove of smooth jazz with post-bop sophistication.   Anyone who listens to D'Angelo's Voodoo and the 1980s output of Miles Davis will feel right at home with the project.

An energetic pulse is maintained even during the most rambunctious solos of trumpeter Josh Williams and his band mates.  The sinewy rhythm of "I Want My Money Back," the urgent melody of "Dynasty" and the experimental production of "Day Dreaming" are among the album's many highlights.

Fingerprinted Memories, Pt. 1 may not be the best jazz album released by area musicians in 2014, but it's almost certainly the most accessible. 

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*The Jorge Arana Trio was interviewed by The Pitch.

*KC Jazz Lark provides a second round of excellent photos of the Prairie Village Jazz Festival.

*Shades of Jades' Fingerprinted Memories, Pt. 1 has been released.

*Matt Kane reports on a forthcoming album featuring several of Kansas City's best-known jazz artists.

*The Pitch recommends Diverse's upcoming gig at Take Five Coffee and previews the Bridge Street Jazz and Food Fair in Smithville.

*The Education Department of the American Jazz Museum has a provided a list of supplemental activities at the 18th & Vine Jazz and Blues Festival on October 11.  A couple highlights: a master class with Tivon Pennicott, 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the Gem Theater; a jazz film discussion titled Production Techniques in Early Jazz and African American Dance Films, 4:00-5:00 at the John H. Baker Film Collection room.

*Joe Dimino interviewed Matthew Shipp and Lonnie Smith for his Neon Jazz podcast.

*Tweet o' the Week: Ryan Heinlein- Reverbnation is a joke. Thought I would play nice and put a new song up there but they wanted $40 for an upgrade. No thanks! (cont.)

*From Take Five Coffee + Bar: So the first season of Take Five Coffee + Bar comes to a close this weekend. To ease the unease over the end of a time that has been almost magical for all of us involved, we've lined up four nights of music to blast good into the universe from 151st and Nall one more time. The next season will begin in mid-October, more about that at the bottom of all this. First, we want to thank you all for your support of live music in this part of the world. All together, we can grow the circle of people for whom live music matters. Most of all, we want to tell you about this ... Thursday, September 25, 7pm: The Peter Schlamb Quartet… Friday, September 26, 8pm: Bob Bowman with Todd Strait and Roger Wilder… Saturday, September 27, 8pm: Grisha Alexiev Quartet… Sunday, September 28, 7pm: Diverse… What's next? We don't know for certain what day the doors will open at Corbin Park (all depends on inspections and permits). We do know when we're going to invite the world in to see what we think a jazz coffee shop could be. You'll have a place to set your drink. Or your plate. We'll have more than twice the seating. There'll be comfy chairs right in front of the band. A real piano. A stone fireplace. A low stage large enough to hold a screaming big band. Still intimate, still your suburban oasis, still Take Five. The new address is 6601 W 135th St, Suite A-21, Overland Park, KS 66223…

*From Kansas City Kansas Community College: Mike Ning, nationally-renowned jazz pianist and adjunct music instructor at Kansas City Kansas Community College, kicks-off the first ever “Artist’s Series” at the newly launched “The Gallery.”… Ning will host an artist’s reception from 3 to 6 p.m. Sept. 25 at KCKCC’s “The Gallery,” 7250 State Ave., where he will play piano and speak about his work...  His show, “Celebration of Life! Coming to America /Goin’ to Kansas City!” is open from Sept. 22 through Oct. 3...

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*KC Jazz Alive's schedule of events for a "Kansas City Charlie Parker Celebration" includes a "Historical Tour & Musical Salute."

*The Pitch lauds the Green Lady Lounge's commitment to organ jazz.

*Tracks by Everette DeVan and Diverse were featured on KCUR's Up To Date.

*Chris Burnett considers his "thoughtful" approach.

*KMBC reports that an early morning shooting occurred last Saturday at 19th and Vine.

*Jazz festivals in other markets are analyzed by KC Jazz Lark.

*Joe Dimino interviewed California-based saxophonist Doc Stewart for his Neon Jazz podcast.

*Tweet o' the Week: Broadway Jazz Club- Don't forget, we will be closed on Tuesdays starting this month, but we will be having #jazzbruch starting this Sunday! #kc #kcmo #livejazz

*Comment o' the Week: Mike T.- one of my favorite tunes on the ipod is dan gailey's "point, no point." I think KU's band is exceptional... and we can see them for free? on the eve of day off from work? count me in!

*From Shades of Jade: …After years of hard work, fine tuning, and defining of its fingerprint sound, Shades of Jade, a midwestern jazz collective will release its debut album September 21st 2014.  With various influences coming from Jazz, Pop, R&B, Blues, Funk, Rock, Classical, and Hip Hop, “Shades of Jade: Fingerprinted Memories pt: I” tells the personal story of the ethos portrayed in past experiences of the average American… Great composers of this album include young conservatory trained artists like Joshua Williams (B.A.C. Endorsed Trumpet) Desmond Mason (Piano and Keyboards) Dominique Sanders (Bass) Justin McCoy (Drums) and special guest artist composer DCPLX.

*From Ticketmaster: On August 23, 2014, Kansas City will induct six great Jazz Musician's into the American Jazz Walk of Fame during its inaugural ceremony and concert featuring the Count Basie Orchestra and Bobby Watson and the American Jazz Orchestra. These artists names will be placed on bronze medallions and imbedded in the sidewalks around the American Jazz Museum in the Historic 18th & Vine District. The unveiling of these medallions will occur at 6:30 pm followed by the concert at 7:00 pm. This annual event will continue to add more bronze medallions bearing the names great Jazz Artists.

*From Doug Talley: The Doug Talley Quintet will be performing at the Blue Room, 18th and Vine, KCMO, this Saturday, July 5, 8:30pm… Our new CD, “Chess Players: Music of Wayne Shorter,” contains music written and originally performed in the 1950s, 60s and 70s, and set in a variety of instrument combinations and styles.  Joe Parisi - trumpet and flugelhorn. Wayne Hawkins - piano. Tim Brewer - acoustic and electric bass. Keith Kavanaugh - drums and cymbals. Doug Talley - saxes and clarinet. 

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

(Original image of Stan Kessler, Matt Leifer and Bill McKemy by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*KC Jazz Lark reports that prominent jazz scholar Stanley Crouch will appear with Chuck Haddix in June as part of a "Kansas City Jazz Blogger Summit."

*Joe Klopus previews this weekend's Jazz Winterlude festival.  The Pitch also recommends the two-day event.

*Tickets for a "Smooth Grooves at The Gem" series featuring Peter White, Keiko Matsui, Jeff Lorber and Alex Bugnon recently went on sale at Ticketmaster.

*Crosscurrent has posted three interesting notices about its January 23 gig at the Blue Room at its site.

*A critic suggests that Bobby Watson's recent appearance in Nebraska was "pure joy."

*Chuck Berg reviewed a Topeka Jazz Workshop concert by Joe Cartwright.

*Magic 201, a posthumous release by Frank Wess, will be issueed next month.

*Kansas-born Lisa Engelken's latest album received a positive review in Jazz Times.

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

*Comment o' the Week: Dominique- It was just something that we did one night. Special occasion.

*Tweet o' the Week: Shades of Jade- Shout out to everyone that came through at Green Lady last night! Your energy fueled the band tremendously!

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Now's the Time: Shades of Jade

Inspired by Robert Glasper and Sean Jones, Shades of Jade is at the vanguard of the burgeoning youth movement on Kansas City's jazz scene. I've seen the quartet perform at the Brick, the Mutual Musicians Foundation, the main stage at the Plaza Art Fair and at a fashionable boutique in recent months.  In each instance, the quartet adeptly tailored its approach to the demands of the setting.  Shades of Jade are certain to excel in a  8:30 p.m. performance on Friday, December 14, at Take Five Coffee + Bar.