JAM Magazine: April/May 1998 Issue: News and Notes

Hail to the "Fiddler"
On March 9, the last in a series of celebrations commemorating Claude Williams' 90th birthday (see JAM, Feb./Mar. '98) took "Fiddler" to the nation's capital for a concert at the White House. Joined by dancers Savion Glover and Jimmy Slyde, and musicians Bucky Pizzarelli (guitar) and Keter Betts (bass), Williams entertained President and Mrs. Clinton in a special "In Performance at the White House" taped by Public Television & Radio/WETA for future broadcast. Stay tuned for news of when the show will be aired.

Number 10
(and counting...)
Kudos to KC/Lee's Summit native Pat Metheny for picking up Grammy #10 ("Best Jazz Instrumental Performance") at the 40th Annual Grammy Awards in New York on February 25. This time around the award was shared with bassist Charlie Haden for the collaboration that took place on the duo album Beyond The Missouri Sky. "Most of all, I'm happy for Charlie," says the guitarist. It was Grammy #1 for Haden who first achieved prominence in the jazz world nearly 40 years ago as a member of Ornette Coleman's visionary ensemble.

And Speaking of Awards...
On March 27, bassist Bob Bowman and pianist/arranger/band leader Frank Mantooth, two of the area's more prominent jazz artists, were honored by the state of Kansas "for contributions to the arts and education." The awards were given during the duo's concert at the Majestic Theater in Scott City, Kansas. Congrats.

KANU on the Web
Radio station KANU in Lawrence has been a source of great jazz for decades. And one of its programs -- "Jazz in the Night" with host Bob McWilliams -- has a new website. "It features our 'A List' of reviews of recommended new jazz releases, as well as jazz links, concert info and a weekly Jazz CD of the Week giveaway contest," says McWilliams. Finding the site is as simple as going to KANU's URL at www.ukans.edu/~kanu-fm and then clicking on "Jazz in the Night." And you can tune in to Bob's show Monday and Wednesday, 10:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. and every Tuesday and Thursday 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. at 91.5 on the FM dial.

KC Jazz at Carnegie
Pianist Bram Wijnands and vocalist Kevin Mahogany, two of Kansas City's finest jazz artists, will be in good company on Monday, April 6, when they appear at New York's famed Carnegie Hall. "From Harlem to Hollywood" will serve as a tribute to the Nicholas Brothers, legendary tap dancers from numerous Hollywood movies of the 1930s, '40s and '50s. In addition to Mahogany and Wijnands, the show will feature such luminaries as Gregory Hines, Lena Horne, Savion Glover, Maya Angelou, Ben Vereen, Al Grey and the cast of "Bring in 'Da Noise Bring in 'Da Funk." Although Kevin is spending most of his time on the road these days, Bram can still be heard in the KC clubs, most notably every Friday and Saturday night at the Majestic Steakhouse, 931 Broadway. Call the Majestic at 471-8484 for more about that; and good luck to both in The Apple on the 6th.

Special Shows at 427
Several national jazz acts of note are coming to town in April to appear at Club 427 in the historic City Market. On Saturday, April 11, trumpeter-pianist (and KC native/Ruskin alumnus) Dave Scott will bring his L.A.-based band to the 427 stage for a 9:00 show. His recent CD, The Dave Scott-Tony Malarby Quartet (9 Winds) is pianoless interplay, telepathy and empathy at its finest, and it's music that requires big ears -- from musicians and listeners alike.

On Monday, April 13, Boston's Either/Orchestra will return to KC for what is certain to be another memorable evening of little/big band experiments. "...the elegance of Ellington and Basie, the swagger of Thad Jones and Mel Lewis, the go-from-the-gut spirit of Charles Mingus, and the translucent harmonies of Gil Evans..." says Zan Stewart of the Los Angeles Reader. The E/O was nominated for a Grammy in 1992.

And returning from Minneapolis/St. Paul on Saturday, April 18 will be IGMOD recording artists, the Motion Poets, who always dazzle 427 audiences when they come to town. "Straight-ahead to acid-jazz to free... the band is a true collective..." says Down Beat. Two shows are scheduled; the first 5:30 to 8:30, the last, 9 to 1.

Club 427 is located at 427 Main. Call 421-CLUB(2582) for reservations and more info.

Basse Returns
Bandleader, singer, songwriter and drummer David Basse has been a fixture in the KC jazz community since his City Light Orchestra was formed back in 1982. Now a California resident, Basse's local appearances these days are rare, but one such opportunity is fast approaching. On Friday, April 17 at 8:00 p.m., Basse and the CLO will appear in concert at the Liberty Performing Arts Theater, 1600 South Withers Road in Liberty. The emphasis, as always, will be on the unmistakable sound of KC jazz. "I like to make people dance," says David. "It just makes me happy." Call 792-6130 for tickets, directions and additional information, and then on the 17th be reminded of why Ingram's Magazine once said, "Count Basse (is) pure Kansas City jazz."

Hot Jazz At Marina Bay
New Orleans-style Dixieland jazz will be featured at the Marina Bay Resort in Osage Beach, Missouri, Friday, April 17 when the Fidgety Feet Jass Band out of St. Louis performs from 7:00 until 10:00 p.m. The concert will be in the resort's Main Ballroom.

The Ozark Jazz Society -- a non-profit Missouri Corporation dedicated to preserving live jazz performance and to supporting music education -- is the sponsor of the event and is extending an invitation to all jazz fans in the Lake Area and beyond to support and enjoy this fine group. The five members of Fidgety Feet perform on a total of fourteen different instruments. Drummer Don Schroeder doubles on valve trombone and flute, Elmer Feltmer plays baritone, soprano and tenor sax plus clarinet, Glenn Meyer plays clarinet, soprano and alto saxophones, Ralph Smith plays banjo and guitar, and Jim Haislip plays trombone and Sousaphone. Their program includes Dixieland, ragtime and swing music. Tickets ($10 general admission, $7.50 for Ozark Jazz Society members) may be purchased at the door on the 17th.

Marina Bay is 1/2 mile from Highway 54 on Redbud Road. For additional information and a free copy of the Ozark Jazz News, call either (573) 302-5200 or (573) 302-1429.

(Thanks to Richard Crockett of the Lake Ozark Jazz Festival for this news tip. -- Ed.)

Jazz Brunch = Good Cause
On Saturday, April 18, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Inroads, Inc. will hold its annual fundraiser to increase support and funding for its Kansas City parent support group. Money raised will be utilized to provide scholarships for high school and college students who are members of Inroads/Kansas City. This Jazz Brunch will take place within the Museums at 18th & Vine and will feature different area jazz bands including the Kenny James Trio. Like to know more? Call 781-7918.

27 Years of Great Jazz
One of the longest running jazz festivals anywhere happens to take place right down the pike every year about this time. The Wichita Jazz Festival, now in its 27th year, is again ready to roll the week of April 19-26 with headliners such as the Gene Harris Quartet, the Frank Mantooth Quartet with Karrin Allyson, drummer Matt Wilson and his quartet, and the Wichita Jazz Orchestra with guests Bobby Watson and guitarist Greg Skaff. As always, the festival takes place at the Century II Convention Hall. Tickets can be reserved through the Central Ticket Agency at 316-263-4717.

Supporting French Cultural Arts
For the second year, Alliance Francaise is presenting vocalist Karrin Allyson in a concert of "French Jazz" at the Folly Theater in support of French cultural arts in Kansas City. The Sunday, April 26 show is from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. and will feature Allyson singing French cabaret and jazz favorites. Also featured will be Bob Bowman (bass), Rod Fleeman (guitar), Todd Strait (drums), Paul Smith (piano) and Pat Bunch (accordion). This too is a good cause, and also a chance to hear fine local jazz musicians in an ideal listening situation. Call the Folly at 474-4444 for ticket information.

One Mo' Time
Contrary to what your jazz calendar may say, the Kansas City Jazz Workshop's 1997-98 season didn't end with the Tiger Okoshi-Cercie Miller show in March. There will be a KCJW encore on Monday, May 11 featuring Karrin Allyson (vocals) backed by pianist Paul Smith and Interstring (Bob Bowman, Rod Fleeman, Danny Embrey and Todd Strait). As always, the concert will be at UMKC's Pierson Hall starting at 7:00 p.m. For ticket information, call 436-0318 or 737-3627.

"Jazz Is Dead"
No, not another spin on this issue's cover story... "Jazz Is Dead" is actually the name of an upcoming all-star concert featuring drummer Billy Cobham that will offer "explorations into the music of The Grateful Dead." On Tuesday, May 12, Cobham will be joined by Jimmy Herring (guitar), Alphonso Johnson (bass) and T Lavitz (keyboards) for a one-nighter at the Beaumont Club, 4050 Pennsylvania in Westport. Showtime is 8:00 p.m., it's an 18 & over event, call either 576-7900 or 800-771-3666 for tickets and/or info.

Topeka Jazz Fest '98
After months of planning and preparation, Topeka Jazz Festival 1998 is right around the corner. "(It) will be one of the major straight-ahead jazz festivals in the nation," says co-presenter Jim Monroe. "And if you're coming in from the Kansas City area, now is the time to reserve your tickets. Good seats are going fast."

The festival, set for Memorial Day weekend, May 23-25, will feature an outstanding lineup of internationally known jazz artists including Monty Alexander, Alan Broadbent and John Bunch (piano), John Clayton and Jay Leonhart (bass), Jeff Hamilton and Jackie Williams (drums), Bucky Pizzarelli (guitar), John Allred and Dan Barrett (trombone), Gary Foster (alto sax), Bobby Shew and Warren Vache' (trumpet/cornet), Kenny Davern and Ken Peplowski (clarinet), Bob Kindred (tenor sax), and Nancy King (vocals). Topeka and KC-based musicians have also been invited to perform. They include: Karrin Allyson (vocals), Bob Bowman, Gerald Spaits and Bob Branstetter (bass), Danny Embrey (guitar), Paul Smith and Russ Long (piano), and Tom Morgan, Tommy Ruskin and Todd Strait (drums).

Harold Hansen, executive director of the Topeka Performing Arts Center, and Monroe, president of the Topeka Jazz Workshop are co-presenting the three-day event, which will be held at the TPAC, 8th and Quincy streets, downtown Topeka. There are several levels of tickets and/or sponsorships available. For tickets, call 1-800-949-TPAC; for additional information, call Jim Monroe at 785-267-1315.

Good News from KCJI
Much to the delight of the KC jazz community, Steve Irwin and Jo Boehr of Kansas City Jazz International have announced that the 3rd Annual Kansas City International Jazz Festival is on for the summer of '98. But there have been some changes from past festivals, most notably the earlier dates (Friday and Saturday, June 26-27), and the venue (Crown Center). "Everybody knows where Crown Center is," says Boehr, "there's free parking, the ticket prices will be lower, and the dates make much more sense." Confirmed at press time as headliners are vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater (also a '98 Grammy winner), saxophonist Joe Lovano, the Brian Blade band, clarinet legend Pete Fountain, pianist Brad Mehldau, vocalist/flutist Andrienne Wilson (from Seattle), the Kol Simcha Group (from Switzerland), and Take 6. Local artists invited to perform include the Boulevard Big Band, vocalist Julie Turner, saxman Ahmad Alaadeen, and pianist Bram Wijnands. See the June/July JAM for the specifics. Call the KCJI hotline at 1-888-FEST-111 for additional information.

Got News? Got Notes? Please send to: Editor/JAM, P.O. Box 36181, Kansas City, MO 64171-6181. Deadline for all submissions is the 15th of each odd numbered month.

RETURN TO APRIL/MAY 1998 MAIN INDEX

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






	Search our site:		Hail to the "Fiddler" On March 9, the last in a series of celebrations commemorating Claude Williams' 90th birthday (see JAM, Feb./Mar. '98) took "Fiddler" to the nation's capital for a concert at the White House. Joined by dancers Savion Glover and Jimmy Slyde, and musicians Bucky Pizzarelli (guitar) and Keter Betts (bass), Williams entertained President and Mrs. Clinton in a special "In Performance at the White House" taped by Public Television & Radio/WETA for future broadcast. Stay tuned for news of when the show will be aired. Number 10 (and counting...) Kudos to KC/Lee's Summit native Pat Metheny for picking up Grammy #10 ("Best Jazz Instrumental Performance") at the 40th Annual Grammy Awards in New York on February 25. This time around the award was shared with bassist Charlie Haden for the collaboration that took place on the duo album Beyond The Missouri Sky. "Most of all, I'm happy for Charlie," says the guitarist. It was Grammy #1 for Haden who first achieved prominence in the jazz world nearly 40 years ago as a member of Ornette Coleman's visionary ensemble. And Speaking of Awards... On March 27, bassist Bob Bowman and pianist/arranger/band leader Frank Mantooth, two of the area's more prominent jazz artists, were honored by the state of Kansas "for contributions to the arts and education." The awards were given during the duo's concert at the Majestic Theater in Scott City, Kansas. Congrats. KANU on the Web Radio station KANU in Lawrence has been a source of great jazz for decades. And one of its programs -- "Jazz in the Night" with host Bob McWilliams -- has a new website. "It features our 'A List' of reviews of recommended new jazz releases, as well as jazz links, concert info and a weekly Jazz CD of the Week giveaway contest," says McWilliams. Finding the site is as simple as going to KANU's URL at www.ukans.edu/~kanu-fm and then clicking on "Jazz in the Night." And you can tune in to Bob's show Monday and Wednesday, 10:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. and every Tuesday and Thursday 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. at 91.5 on the FM dial. KC Jazz at Carnegie Pianist Bram Wijnands and vocalist Kevin Mahogany, two of Kansas City's finest jazz artists, will be in good company on Monday, April 6, when they appear at New York's famed Carnegie Hall. "From Harlem to Hollywood" will serve as a tribute to the Nicholas Brothers, legendary tap dancers from numerous Hollywood movies of the 1930s, '40s and '50s. In addition to Mahogany and Wijnands, the show will feature such luminaries as Gregory Hines, Lena Horne, Savion Glover, Maya Angelou, Ben Vereen, Al Grey and the cast of "Bring in 'Da Noise Bring in 'Da Funk." Although Kevin is spending most of his time on the road these days, Bram can still be heard in the KC clubs, most notably every Friday and Saturday night at the Majestic Steakhouse, 931 Broadway. Call the Majestic at 471-8484 for more about that; and good luck to both in The Apple on the 6th. Special Shows at 427 Several national jazz acts of note are coming to town in April to appear at Club 427 in the historic City Market. On Saturday, April 11, trumpeter-pianist (and KC native/Ruskin alumnus) Dave Scott will bring his L.A.-based band to the 427 stage for a 9:00 show. His recent CD, The Dave Scott-Tony Malarby Quartet (9 Winds) is pianoless interplay, telepathy and empathy at its finest, and it's music that requires big ears -- from musicians and listeners alike. On Monday, April 13, Boston's Either/Orchestra will return to KC for what is certain to be another memorable evening of little/big band experiments. "...the elegance of Ellington and Basie, the swagger of Thad Jones and Mel Lewis, the go-from-the-gut spirit of Charles Mingus, and the translucent harmonies of Gil Evans..." says Zan Stewart of the Los Angeles Reader. The E/O was nominated for a Grammy in 1992. And returning from Minneapolis/St. Paul on Saturday, April 18 will be IGMOD recording artists, the Motion Poets, who always dazzle 427 audiences when they come to town. "Straight-ahead to acid-jazz to free... the band is a true collective..." says Down Beat. Two shows are scheduled; the first 5:30 to 8:30, the last, 9 to 1. Club 427 is located at 427 Main. Call 421-CLUB(2582) for reservations and more info. Basse Returns Bandleader, singer, songwriter and drummer David Basse has been a fixture in the KC jazz community since his City Light Orchestra was formed back in 1982. Now a California resident, Basse's local appearances these days are rare, but one such opportunity is fast approaching. On Friday, April 17 at 8:00 p.m., Basse and the CLO will appear in concert at the Liberty Performing Arts Theater, 1600 South Withers Road in Liberty. The emphasis, as always, will be on the unmistakable sound of KC jazz. "I like to make people dance," says David. "It just makes me happy." Call 792-6130 for tickets, directions and additional information, and then on the 17th be reminded of why Ingram's Magazine once said, "Count Basse (is) pure Kansas City jazz." Hot Jazz At Marina Bay New Orleans-style Dixieland jazz will be featured at the Marina Bay Resort in Osage Beach, Missouri, Friday, April 17 when the Fidgety Feet Jass Band out of St. Louis performs from 7:00 until 10:00 p.m. The concert will be in the resort's Main Ballroom. The Ozark Jazz Society -- a non-profit Missouri Corporation dedicated to preserving live jazz performance and to supporting music education -- is the sponsor of the event and is extending an invitation to all jazz fans in the Lake Area and beyond to support and enjoy this fine group. The five members of Fidgety Feet perform on a total of fourteen different instruments. Drummer Don Schroeder doubles on valve trombone and flute, Elmer Feltmer plays baritone, soprano and tenor sax plus clarinet, Glenn Meyer plays clarinet, soprano and alto saxophones, Ralph Smith plays banjo and guitar, and Jim Haislip plays trombone and Sousaphone. Their program includes Dixieland, ragtime and swing music. Tickets ($10 general admission, $7.50 for Ozark Jazz Society members) may be purchased at the door on the 17th. Marina Bay is 1/2 mile from Highway 54 on Redbud Road. For additional information and a free copy of the Ozark Jazz News, call either (573) 302-5200 or (573) 302-1429. (Thanks to Richard Crockett of the Lake Ozark Jazz Festival for this news tip. -- Ed.) Jazz Brunch = Good Cause On Saturday, April 18, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Inroads, Inc. will hold its annual fundraiser to increase support and funding for its Kansas City parent support group. Money raised will be utilized to provide scholarships for high school and college students who are members of Inroads/Kansas City. This Jazz Brunch will take place within the Museums at 18th & Vine and will feature different area jazz bands including the Kenny James Trio. Like to know more? Call 781-7918. 27 Years of Great Jazz One of the longest running jazz festivals anywhere happens to take place right down the pike every year about this time. The Wichita Jazz Festival, now in its 27th year, is again ready to roll the week of April 19-26 with headliners such as the Gene Harris Quartet, the Frank Mantooth Quartet with Karrin Allyson, drummer Matt Wilson and his quartet, and the Wichita Jazz Orchestra with guests Bobby Watson and guitarist Greg Skaff. As always, the festival takes place at the Century II Convention Hall. Tickets can be reserved through the Central Ticket Agency at 316-263-4717. Supporting French Cultural Arts For the second year, Alliance Francaise is presenting vocalist Karrin Allyson in a concert of "French Jazz" at the Folly Theater in support of French cultural arts in Kansas City. The Sunday, April 26 show is from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. and will feature Allyson singing French cabaret and jazz favorites. Also featured will be Bob Bowman (bass), Rod Fleeman (guitar), Todd Strait (drums), Paul Smith (piano) and Pat Bunch (accordion). This too is a good cause, and also a chance to hear fine local jazz musicians in an ideal listening situation. Call the Folly at 474-4444 for ticket information. One Mo' Time Contrary to what your jazz calendar may say, the Kansas City Jazz Workshop's 1997-98 season didn't end with the Tiger Okoshi-Cercie Miller show in March. There will be a KCJW encore on Monday, May 11 featuring Karrin Allyson (vocals) backed by pianist Paul Smith and Interstring (Bob Bowman, Rod Fleeman, Danny Embrey and Todd Strait). As always, the concert will be at UMKC's Pierson Hall starting at 7:00 p.m. For ticket information, call 436-0318 or 737-3627. "Jazz Is Dead" No, not another spin on this issue's cover story... "Jazz Is Dead" is actually the name of an upcoming all-star concert featuring drummer Billy Cobham that will offer "explorations into the music of The Grateful Dead." On Tuesday, May 12, Cobham will be joined by Jimmy Herring (guitar), Alphonso Johnson (bass) and T Lavitz (keyboards) for a one-nighter at the Beaumont Club, 4050 Pennsylvania in Westport. Showtime is 8:00 p.m., it's an 18 & over event, call either 576-7900 or 800-771-3666 for tickets and/or info. Topeka Jazz Fest '98 After months of planning and preparation, Topeka Jazz Festival 1998 is right around the corner. "(It) will be one of the major straight-ahead jazz festivals in the nation," says co-presenter Jim Monroe. "And if you're coming in from the Kansas City area, now is the time to reserve your tickets. Good seats are going fast." The festival, set for Memorial Day weekend, May 23-25, will feature an outstanding lineup of internationally known jazz artists including Monty Alexander, Alan Broadbent and John Bunch (piano), John Clayton and Jay Leonhart (bass), Jeff Hamilton and Jackie Williams (drums), Bucky Pizzarelli (guitar), John Allred and Dan Barrett (trombone), Gary Foster (alto sax), Bobby Shew and Warren Vache' (trumpet/cornet), Kenny Davern and Ken Peplowski (clarinet), Bob Kindred (tenor sax), and Nancy King (vocals). Topeka and KC-based musicians have also been invited to perform. They include: Karrin Allyson (vocals), Bob Bowman, Gerald Spaits and Bob Branstetter (bass), Danny Embrey (guitar), Paul Smith and Russ Long (piano), and Tom Morgan, Tommy Ruskin and Todd Strait (drums). Harold Hansen, executive director of the Topeka Performing Arts Center, and Monroe, president of the Topeka Jazz Workshop are co-presenting the three-day event, which will be held at the TPAC, 8th and Quincy streets, downtown Topeka. There are several levels of tickets and/or sponsorships available. For tickets, call 1-800-949-TPAC; for additional information, call Jim Monroe at 785-267-1315. Good News from KCJI Much to the delight of the KC jazz community, Steve Irwin and Jo Boehr of Kansas City Jazz International have announced that the 3rd Annual Kansas City International Jazz Festival is on for the summer of '98. But there have been some changes from past festivals, most notably the earlier dates (Friday and Saturday, June 26-27), and the venue (Crown Center). "Everybody knows where Crown Center is," says Boehr, "there's free parking, the ticket prices will be lower, and the dates make much more sense." Confirmed at press time as headliners are vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater (also a '98 Grammy winner), saxophonist Joe Lovano, the Brian Blade band, clarinet legend Pete Fountain, pianist Brad Mehldau, vocalist/flutist Andrienne Wilson (from Seattle), the Kol Simcha Group (from Switzerland), and Take 6. Local artists invited to perform include the Boulevard Big Band, vocalist Julie Turner, saxman Ahmad Alaadeen, and pianist Bram Wijnands. See the June/July JAM for the specifics. Call the KCJI hotline at 1-888-FEST-111 for additional information. Got News? Got Notes? Please send to: Editor/JAM, P.O. Box 36181, Kansas City, MO 64171-6181. Deadline for all submissions is the 15th of each odd numbered month. RETURN TO APRIL/MAY 1998 MAIN INDEX ------------------------------------------------------------------------ © Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors 1996-2001. All rights reserved.