JAM Magazine: June/July 1997 Issue: Hampton's Hot Licks

by Dean Hampton

Another KCJA Internet Honor
On May 6, the Jazz Ambassadors were notified that the JAM web site (http://www.kansascity.com/kcjazz) had been selected "Jazz Site Of The Week" by Jazzhead Records. As always, thanks to webmaster Brad Lucht for all he's done to make our site one of the country's best.

Bernard ("Step-Buddy") Anderson
1919-1997
On Saturday, May 10, Bernard "Step-Buddy" Anderson passed away at the age of 77. Born in Oklahoma City on October 14, 1919, Anderson was a professional trumpet player by the age of 15. His early exposure to the great territory bands of Andy Kirk and Bennie Moten eventually led him to Kansas City where, in the late 1930s, he joined pianist Jay McShann.

In addition to being known (mostly by other musicians) as one of the pioneers of bop, Step-Buddy was also noted for introducing Dizzy Gillespie to Charlie Parker at what is now the Mutual Musicians Foundation, then musicians union Local 627. Anderson and Parker later formed one of the first known bebop bands. Charlie Parker also led Anderson to the Billy Eckstine band. It was during a gig in St. Louis with Eckstine that Anderson became ill with tuberculosis and a young Miles Davis just happened to be on hand to take Anderson's place.

Also a pianist, composer and writer, Anderson spent his final years in Kansas City. It was during one of his "down times" that community interest led to the formation of the Musicians Emergency Assistance Fund (M.E.A.F.), a Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors-managed resource designed to lend a helping hand to veteran jazz musicians in times of need.

'Bird's Birthday
August 29th may be the first day of the '97 Spirit Festival, but it's also Charlie Parker's birthday (he would have been 77). Are you interested in taking part in a Charlie Parker Birthday Bash? Are you a saxophonist who'd like to see (and maybe help organize) a revival of the 21-sax graveside salute of previous years? How about a good chicken dinner before or after (as everyone knows, 'Bird's nickname came by way of a barnyard chicken), and then ending the evening at the Spirit Fest? Call me at 816-455-1628, or e-mail me at dhampton@sound.net. if this sounds interesting to you. With enough enthusiasm and participation, we can make it happen!

RETURN TO JUNE/JULY 1997 MAIN INDEX

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






	Search our site:		by Dean Hampton Another KCJA Internet Honor On May 6, the Jazz Ambassadors were notified that the JAM web site (http://www.kansascity.com/kcjazz) had been selected "Jazz Site Of The Week" by Jazzhead Records. As always, thanks to webmaster Brad Lucht for all he's done to make our site one of the country's best. Bernard ("Step-Buddy") Anderson 1919-1997 On Saturday, May 10, Bernard "Step-Buddy" Anderson passed away at the age of 77. Born in Oklahoma City on October 14, 1919, Anderson was a professional trumpet player by the age of 15. His early exposure to the great territory bands of Andy Kirk and Bennie Moten eventually led him to Kansas City where, in the late 1930s, he joined pianist Jay McShann. In addition to being known (mostly by other musicians) as one of the pioneers of bop, Step-Buddy was also noted for introducing Dizzy Gillespie to Charlie Parker at what is now the Mutual Musicians Foundation, then musicians union Local 627. Anderson and Parker later formed one of the first known bebop bands. Charlie Parker also led Anderson to the Billy Eckstine band. It was during a gig in St. Louis with Eckstine that Anderson became ill with tuberculosis and a young Miles Davis just happened to be on hand to take Anderson's place. Also a pianist, composer and writer, Anderson spent his final years in Kansas City. It was during one of his "down times" that community interest led to the formation of the Musicians Emergency Assistance Fund (M.E.A.F.), a Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors-managed resource designed to lend a helping hand to veteran jazz musicians in times of need. 'Bird's Birthday August 29th may be the first day of the '97 Spirit Festival, but it's also Charlie Parker's birthday (he would have been 77). Are you interested in taking part in a Charlie Parker Birthday Bash? Are you a saxophonist who'd like to see (and maybe help organize) a revival of the 21-sax graveside salute of previous years? How about a good chicken dinner before or after (as everyone knows, 'Bird's nickname came by way of a barnyard chicken), and then ending the evening at the Spirit Fest? Call me at 816-455-1628, or e-mail me at dhampton@sound.net. if this sounds interesting to you. With enough enthusiasm and participation, we can make it happen! RETURN TO JUNE/JULY 1997 MAIN INDEX ------------------------------------------------------------------------ © Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors 1996-2001. All rights reserved.