JAM Magazine: February/March 1998 Issue: First Take

by Mike Metheny
JAM Editor

IN THIS ISSUE...
What can be said about the incredible Claude Williams. A local, national and international jazz treasure now about to celebrate his 90th birthday (February 22), "Fiddler" continues to amaze with longevity, authentic swing and worldclass jazz from the heart. In this issue of JAM, guest contributor Michael Renner does the honors with a commemorative cover story about the great jazz violinist. May we have the opportunity to do a similar feature when Claude turns 100.

Before musicians in search of employment ended up on cruise lines, they got jobs on ships like the Titanic. But on a fateful night back in 1912 (when jazz was just a glimmer in Louis Armstrong's eye), there was one such gig at sea that ended a bit early. Guest contributor, and noted Kansas City journalist Chuck Saults is onboard this time with a timely and historically fascinating look at the musicians who kept playing right up to the end. Much like the new film, it's a powerful and ironic tale.

This plus a tour of the new Jazz Museum at 18th & Vine, reviews of CDs by guitarist Pat Metheny and bandleader Dean Stringer, Paul Hofmann's tribute to the noted post-bop pianist, Sonny Clark, and a new installment of "Contemporary Jazz" from Jeff Charney, host of "The Sunday Jazz Brunch" on KPRS.

MORE POWER TO 'EM!
As expected (and probably desired), The Kansas City Star's gossipy report in mid-December of an area venue that has declared itself a "jazz-free zone" raised a few eyebrows. And that's not to mention the reaction in the jazz community to the venue's -- and columnist Hearne Christopher's -- inability to connect jazz and "swing," which apparently (and inexplicably) is music the venue seems to endorse. But let's look at the bright side of this silly annoyance. There's a chance this could be the beginning of a whole new trend, spawning jazz clubs across the area that are "hooting-yackers-from-hell-free zones," "cackling-wankers-in-heat-free zones" and "Muffy-Buffy-Biff-'n-Barbie-free zones." In the meantime, may all the anti-jazzers (who only mess up the vibe in KC's jazz clubs anyway) make a beeline for that place down south where they will be able to meet, mate, reproduce and eat their own young. Then, at long last, maybe the true jazz aficionados -- who have long since given up on the local club scene for a variety of reasons -- will be inspired to get back out and return to the jazz venues where they are so sorely missed.

What a wonderful world it will then be.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
"At least it's a solo that can be easily transcribed." -- A comment posted on the Internet following Kenny G's 1-note, 45 minute, 47 second circular breathing marathon in December.

RETURN TO FEBRUARY/MARCH 1998 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... What can be said about the incredible Claude Williams. A local, national and international jazz treasure now about to celebrate his 90th birthday (February 22), "Fiddler" continues to amaze with longevity, authentic swing and worldclass jazz from the heart. In this issue of JAM, guest contributor Michael Renner does the honors with a commemorative cover story about the great jazz violinist. May we have the opportunity to do a similar feature when Claude turns 100. Before musicians in search of employment ended up on cruise lines, they got jobs on ships like the Titanic. But on a fateful night back in 1912 (when jazz was just a glimmer in Louis Armstrong's eye), there was one such gig at sea that ended a bit early. Guest contributor, and noted Kansas City journalist Chuck Saults is onboard this time with a timely and historically fascinating look at the musicians who kept playing right up to the end. Much like the new film, it's a powerful and ironic tale. This plus a tour of the new Jazz Museum at 18th & Vine, reviews of CDs by guitarist Pat Metheny and bandleader Dean Stringer, Paul Hofmann's tribute to the noted post-bop pianist, Sonny Clark, and a new installment of "Contemporary Jazz" from Jeff Charney, host of "The Sunday Jazz Brunch" on KPRS. MORE POWER TO 'EM! As expected (and probably desired), The Kansas City Star's gossipy report in mid-December of an area venue that has declared itself a "jazz-free zone" raised a few eyebrows. And that's not to mention the reaction in the jazz community to the venue's -- and columnist Hearne Christopher's -- inability to connect jazz and "swing," which apparently (and inexplicably) is music the venue seems to endorse. But let's look at the bright side of this silly annoyance. There's a chance this could be the beginning of a whole new trend, spawning jazz clubs across the area that are "hooting-yackers-from-hell-free zones," "cackling-wankers-in-heat-free zones" and "Muffy-Buffy-Biff-'n-Barbie-free zones." In the meantime, may all the anti-jazzers (who only mess up the vibe in KC's jazz clubs anyway) make a beeline for that place down south where they will be able to meet, mate, reproduce and eat their own young. Then, at long last, maybe the true jazz aficionados -- who have long since given up on the local club scene for a variety of reasons -- will be inspired to get back out and return to the jazz venues where they are so sorely missed. What a wonderful world it will then be. THOUGHT FOR THE DAY "At least it's a solo that can be easily transcribed." -- A comment posted on the Internet following Kenny G's 1-note, 45 minute, 47 second circular breathing marathon in December. RETURN TO FEBRUARY/MARCH 1998 MAIN INDEX ------------------------------------------------------------------------ © Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors 1996-2001. All rights reserved.