JAM Magazine: April/May 1997 Issue: First Take

by Mike Metheny
JAM Editor

IN THIS ISSUE...
Much like last summer's "Jazz in KC: A Status Report" (JAM, June/July '96), our cover story this time is designed to take a closer look at area jazz radio. Jazz radio in Kansas City is, at once, consistent and confusing it seems. DJs come and go, shows are moved, hours are trimmed... even the term "jazz" itself is subject to wide interpretation. Yet, there's no denying that some kind of jazz airplay is usually just a scan of the dial away, and with something for listeners of all tastes and persuasions. For "Jazz: On The Air," we talked with those most intimately involved with this integral part of the area jazz scene: the broadcasters themselves. Each offered the insight that comes from a behind-the-mike perspective; and, as expected, everyone exhibited a passion for jazz that, combined with the music that's played, makes each program come alive.

Of the many prominent on-air personalities Midwestern jazz fans regularly tune to, KANU veteran (and sometimes JAM contributor) Dick Wright would clearly have to rank as the "distinguished statesman" of the bunch. For over 35 years, Dick has hosted "The Jazz Scene" on Saturday mornings, and that's not to mention his frequent appearances as host and/or emcee of area jazz events (his Folly Theater "Jazz Talk" warm-ups with the artist du jour are never anything less than fascinating). It was a pleasure to turn the tables on Dick -- he is usually the one asking the questions! -- and feature him in the "Q&A" spotlight for this special jazz radio issue. As all who know him will agree, Dick Wright is a class act.

There's a good chance that, in the coming months, you'll be hearing music "on the air" from two fine pianists with Kansas City ties. Both Ronnell Bright and Phil DeGreg have spent time in the jazz clubs of KC and both have released fine music that we are pleased to discuss in "For The Record." Dean Hampton and yours truly are the contributing reviewers.

In "Club Profile" this time, there are actually two venues featured, both of which are housed in the Adam's Mark Hotel. Contributor Bart Swartz will tell you more about Remington's and Quincy's, where good jazz, food and drink are never in short supply.

And rounding things out is a profile of stellar KC saxophonist/educator Doug Talley by William Buchanan III, Gregg Ottinger's report from D.C. on "Fiddler" Williams' recent appearances there, and finally, yet another impotent treatise ("Coda") by yours truly about excessive crowd noise in the clubs. Such editorializing is like whizzing into the wind for distance, I realize, but it keeps the shorts in less of a wad and borderline hypertension in check. Worthy causes each.

And speaking of whizzing into the wind...

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
"It was (with Charlie Barnet's band) that I first learned the art of urinating out of a bus going 80 mph. Try learning that at Berklee." -- saxophone great Phil Woods in Saxophone Journal and Gene Lees' Jazzletter.

RETURN TO APRIL/MAY 1997 MAIN INDEX

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© Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors 1996-2001. All rights reserved.






	Search our site:		by Mike Metheny JAM Editor IN THIS ISSUE... Much like last summer's "Jazz in KC: A Status Report" (JAM, June/July '96), our cover story this time is designed to take a closer look at area jazz radio. Jazz radio in Kansas City is, at once, consistent and confusing it seems. DJs come and go, shows are moved, hours are trimmed... even the term "jazz" itself is subject to wide interpretation. Yet, there's no denying that some kind of jazz airplay is usually just a scan of the dial away, and with something for listeners of all tastes and persuasions. For "Jazz: On The Air," we talked with those most intimately involved with this integral part of the area jazz scene: the broadcasters themselves. Each offered the insight that comes from a behind-the-mike perspective; and, as expected, everyone exhibited a passion for jazz that, combined with the music that's played, makes each program come alive. Of the many prominent on-air personalities Midwestern jazz fans regularly tune to, KANU veteran (and sometimes JAM contributor) Dick Wright would clearly have to rank as the "distinguished statesman" of the bunch. For over 35 years, Dick has hosted "The Jazz Scene" on Saturday mornings, and that's not to mention his frequent appearances as host and/or emcee of area jazz events (his Folly Theater "Jazz Talk" warm-ups with the artist du jour are never anything less than fascinating). It was a pleasure to turn the tables on Dick -- he is usually the one asking the questions! -- and feature him in the "Q&A" spotlight for this special jazz radio issue. As all who know him will agree, Dick Wright is a class act. There's a good chance that, in the coming months, you'll be hearing music "on the air" from two fine pianists with Kansas City ties. Both Ronnell Bright and Phil DeGreg have spent time in the jazz clubs of KC and both have released fine music that we are pleased to discuss in "For The Record." Dean Hampton and yours truly are the contributing reviewers. In "Club Profile" this time, there are actually two venues featured, both of which are housed in the Adam's Mark Hotel. Contributor Bart Swartz will tell you more about Remington's and Quincy's, where good jazz, food and drink are never in short supply. And rounding things out is a profile of stellar KC saxophonist/educator Doug Talley by William Buchanan III, Gregg Ottinger's report from D.C. on "Fiddler" Williams' recent appearances there, and finally, yet another impotent treatise ("Coda") by yours truly about excessive crowd noise in the clubs. Such editorializing is like whizzing into the wind for distance, I realize, but it keeps the shorts in less of a wad and borderline hypertension in check. Worthy causes each. And speaking of whizzing into the wind... THOUGHT FOR THE DAY "It was (with Charlie Barnet's band) that I first learned the art of urinating out of a bus going 80 mph. Try learning that at Berklee." -- saxophone great Phil Woods in Saxophone Journal and Gene Lees' Jazzletter. RETURN TO APRIL/MAY 1997 MAIN INDEX ------------------------------------------------------------------------ © Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors 1996-2001. All rights reserved.