Against the Crosscurrent

Sam Wisman calls Crosscurrent a "nerdy little jazz band." I beg to differ.

I last raved about Crosscurrent in January. I suggested that they're "fiendishly good" and that they perform "music from a cocktail lounge that specializes in absinthe." And in his preface to a stunning photo essay of Crosscurrent, KCJazzLark called them "one of the best jazz groups in town." He's right.

I caught Crosscurrent last Wednesday at the Power & Light Grill. The establishment's enormous glass windows and concrete floor played cruel tricks on the band's sound. Their interpretation of Lennie Tristano material lost much of its nuance. The sound of saxophonist Matt Otto, one of Kansas City's most significant voices, almost resembled the processed style of David Sanborn. Weird.

Steve Lambert's reeds, T.J. Martley's keyboards, Zach Beeson's bass and Wisman's drums also echoed around the large room. There simply weren't enough bodies to absorb the sound. In the ninety minutes I spent at Power & Light Grill, the audience bottomed at 15 and peaked at 30.

Why were there so few people there? It was like a secret gig. Outside of Otto and Lambert's sites and the members' Facebook accounts, Crosscurrent is invisible on the internet. It's staggering that such brilliant musicians can't bring themselves to provide even a bare minimum of self-promotion. They're heard it from me before- I've addressed the matter privately and publicly with some of the guys. Their music- and Kansas City's jazz audience- deserves much better.

Crosscurrent plays Jardine's on September 24. You'll find the date listed on the Kansas City Jazz Calendar.

















(Original images of Crosscurrent at the Power & Light Grill by Plastic Sax.)

The 2010 Charlie Parker Gravesite Memorial Service at Lincoln Cemetery

About 75 people, not including the six musicians in my embedded video and a large contingent representing the Dirty Force Brass Band, were present at the annual Charlie Parker gravesite service at Lincoln Cemetery on August 29, 2010. Dennis Winslett led a rendition of "Now's the Time." The event marked the 90th anniversary of Parker's birth.

Mashup! Plastic Sax vs The Jazz Session

Exclusive preview of a Steve Cardenas podcast (MP3).


Jason Crane of The Jazz Session has provided Plastic Sax readers with an exclusive preview of a forthcoming interview with guitarist Steve Cardenas. The entire podcast will be available September 6.

West of Middle, Cardenas' intriguing new trio album, features Ben Allison on bass and Rudy Royston on drums. While the former Kansas Citian has developed a unique approach, fans of Bill Frisell and Pat Metheny will find a lot to love in Cardenas' adventurous sound.

Plastic Sax readers are also encouraged to check out Crane's extensive archive. Podcasts-on-demand include interviews with Karrin Allyson, Eldar, Christian McBride, Sonny Rollins and Henry Threadgill.

Thanks Jason!

Update: Here's the entire Steve Cardenas podcast at The Jazz Session.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Now's the Time: Charlie Parker at Ninety

Sunday is the 90th anniversary of the birth of the late Charlie Parker. The annual grave site salute takes place Sunday at 1 p.m. Here's Dean Hampton's guide to finding Lincoln Cemetery.

GiGi's Jazz Inn and Art Gallery, 3226 Troost, is hosting a Parker-related function on Saturday. And 12th Street Jump honors Parker with a guest appearance from Bobby Watson at midnight Saturday.

The Mutual Musicians Foundation hosts a Parker-related "festival" on Sunday. From a Foundation press release:

The festival features: Lloyd Anthony and Eli; Smooth Groove, culture/environmentally conscience sounds of Sahja Kaya, and 4-year old drummer Wrenardo Williams, Jr., help round out the day’s activities.

I'll see you at the cemetery Sunday.

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*Marc Myers chats with Phil Schaap about Charlie Parker's 1945 "Ko-Ko" session. Schapp goes on to suggest that Parker's institutionalization in 1946-47 extended Parker's life by eight years. The story behind Parker joining Miles Davis' band is told here.

*"Who is Charlie Parker?" asks a columnist in the Carolinas.

*I like it when KCJazzLark gets angry. The hot streak by the "other" Kansas City jazz blogger continues.

*Steve Penn reports that a bakery and coffee shop will soon open near the corner of 18th and Vine.

*A popular blogger wonders why a proposed building on The Plaza is the subject of intense debate while the Jazz District "crumbles."

*Candace Evans possesses "a sweet, yet sultry voice that pours into a room like rich, warm cognac coating the inside of a wine glass," according to a profile of the artist in The Lake Today.

*Joel Francis chats up The Budos Band.

*"Jazz is dead," writes an angry commenter in a vulgar dismissal of Kansas City.

*Accomplished jazz drummer Allison Miller performed in Kansas City as part of Brandi Carlile's band Thursday at the VooDoo.

*Megan Birdsall, on behalf of her MBird project, is featured at an NPR blog. (Tip via AZ.)

*The Phoenix is hosting an outdoor "block party" on September 18. Jazz-related performers include D.J. Sweeney, the Wild Women of Kansas City, Tim Whitmer, Eboni Fondren, The Scamps and Lonnie McFadden.

(Original image of The Dead Kenny G's performing at The Uptown Theater by Plastic Sax. Mark Southerland is to the left and Mike Dillon is to the right.)

Grading the 2010-11 Gem Theater Season

I'm impressed. Very impressed.

Branford Marsalis Quartet- November 6
Marsalis fatigue is a common ailment among jazz fans. I'm immune, however, and welcome all things Marsalis. Branford Marsalis' energetic quartet is excellent. Here's an example.
Grade: A-

Dave Holland Quartet- January 22
If the American Jazz Museum hoped to impress jazz nerds by booking Dave Holland, well, they succeeded. The British bassist and former Miles Davis sideman is far from a household name, but he's revered in experimental jazz circles. Here's a sample of his high concept. I'm positively giddy.
Grade: A+

Bobby Watson and Horizon- February 4
I'm a little biased. Bobby Watson is Plastic Sax's Person of the Decade. Watson and Horizon thrilled me January 2 at The Blue Room. Here are my notes on that gig. My only reservation about this booking is scale. Only about 125 saw Watson and Horizon that snowy January night. Here's an amusingly dated clip of Watson playing "Spain."
Grade: A

Dianne Reeves- March 25
Which Dianne Reeves will appear at The Gem? Will we see the impeccable jazz vocalist who's released at least one stunning album of standards, the tasteful crossover pop singer or the bluesy shouter seen in this footage? Whatever- it's all good.
Grade: A-

Terence Blanchard- April 16
Since composer and trumpeter Terence Blanchard appeared at the Folly's jazz series in 2009, his reputation as one of the most intelligent men in the music industry has only risen. Here's a music video from 1990, an era in which straight-ahead jazz artists still recorded for major labels and were accorded video budgets.
Grade: B+

Jonathan Butler- May 21
Most every Jammin' at the Gem series has at least one overtly commercial artist. This time around that role is filled by Jonathan Butler. I can't say I'm a fan of his hybrid of gospel and smooth jazz, but as long as his concert fills the theater with paying customers, Butler will have served his purpose.
Grade: B-

I conducted similar exercises for the Gem's 2009-10 and the 2008-09 seasons.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Now's the Time: The Budos Band

I love The Budos Band and I'm looking forward to their show Wednesday at The Record Bar. But I'll admit that they're even less of a jazz ensemble than Kansas City's like-minded Hearts of Darkness. I'm featuring them only because there's an alarming dearth of locally-produced jazz video. I'm not asking for much. The New York band's embedded video is nothing fancy. Last week I showcased a static shot of Michael Pagan at the piano. Step it up, please.