JAM Magazine: June/July 1998 Issue: News and Notes

Lisa's Travels
Jazz vocalist Lisa Henry has been on the move. And moving in good company. From April 12 to 26 the KC-based singer toured South America with none other than pianist Herbie Hancock. She returned nearly breathless with good memories. "'Herbie Hancock and the Thelonious Monk Jazz Ensemble' was how it was billed. And I can't begin to describe what a thrill it was to work with Herbie every night. I learned so very much about music, and about life!" The tour, sponsored by the U.S. State Department, coincided with The Second Summit of the Americas -- also known as "Expo Cumbre" -- and it took the entourage to Chile (Santiago), Argentina (Buenos Aires) and Peru (Lima). "My appearance (on this tour) was the result of my placing at the 1994 Monk Competition," says Henry, who won the "International Jazz Ambassador" award that year. "And the Monk Jazz Ensemble was actually a new off-shoot of the Monk Institute, which has really grown since I did the competition. This group is based at the New England Conservatory in Boston and is led by Dr. Carl Atkins." About the members of the band, Henry also has high praise. "They are technically 'students,' but then they're not. These are people going for their masters degrees and their doctorates; I didn't consider them students at all, just fantastic players." Still, it was the collaboration with Hancock that made the most enduring impression. "Herbie Hancock is just the cat's meow," says Lisa with reverence and respect. "I considered it a real honor to work with him, not just because he's Herbie Hancock, but because he's a real musical explorer. During the whole tour he never played a tune the same way twice. He was also very generous about sharing his philosophies about music with me. I learned so much about what's possible in jazz. And it all had a profound effect."

Ed. note: The 1998 Monk Competition, set for Sept. 25-27 in Washington D.C., is once again open to jazz vocalists, and this time there is no age limit (it was 35). For application information, contact Michelle Day or Shelby Fisher at 202-364-7272.

Wayne Hawkins, Film Composer
The music of KC jazz pianist, composer and recording artist Wayne Hawkins is to be prominently featured in a new film titled "9th Street" starring Martin Sheen, Issac Hayes and Kansas City singer/actress Queen Bey. The film will have its premier at the GEM Theater on Friday, June 5. "When I first saw the movie, I was really struck by it," says Hawkins. "It's basically about a street in Junction City (Kansas) in the late 1960s that was sort of like what 18th & Vine once was here, really jumpin' all the time. But the movie also touches on the social conditions in 1968, when the movie is set, and the way black people felt about a lot of things; you know, just the way things were then." The music Hawkins wrote for the film is diverse and covers several styles. "There's gospel, blues, R&B and jazz. Issac even wrote a couple of tunes." Hayes is expected to attend the GEM premier, Sheen is still undecided. The event is also a fund-raiser for the African-American Film Society, according to the film's producer, Rick Cowan, as well as for the Film Society of Greater Kansas City. "It's the kick-off event for the Kan Film Fest," says Cowan. "At 5:30 p.m. on the 5th, there will be a gala at the GEM featuring a live performance by Wayne Hawkins; then there's a first screening of the film at 7:00 p.m. with a ticket price of $25, and a second screening at 8:45 p.m. for $10."

Like to know more about this premier? Call the Kan Film Fest at 333-0814.

The Contemporary Beat
Fans of contemporary jazz have two evenings upcoming to look forward to. On Saturday, June 6 the traveling ensemble of "Guitars & Saxes" comes to Starlight Theater for an 8:00 p.m. show. Featured artists will include Jonathan Butler, Richard Elliot, Marc Antoine and Kirk Whalum. Then on Friday, June 19, Spyro Gyra returns to KC for an 8:00 p.m. show at the Folly Theatre. Tickets for both events can be purchased by calling 576-7900. Outside the metro area, 800-771-3666.

From Russia With Chops
If you attended a concert on May 11 at the Country Club Christian Church called "Jazz From East to West," or if you've been at Fedora and/or The Club at Plaza III at the right time in recent weeks, you've probably found yourself rubbing your eyes in disbelief at the sight of 11 year old Eldar Djangirov at the piano. Young Eldar is quite worthy of the term "prodigy," and his passion for jazz has taken him and his family from their homeland in Kyrgyzstan straight to one of America's jazz cradles, Kansas City. As the story goes, Eldar's mother, a music literature professor, was up on how so many jazz musicians had gotten their starts in KC. Once Eldar's gifts became apparent, it was a matter of pulling up stakes and heading for the American heartland. This summer Eldar will be attending Michigan's Interlochen Center for the Arts. But then look for him to return to Kansas City to further amaze area jazz fans. Stay tuned. It could be the beginning of a brilliant career. (This just in: Catch Eldar on consecutive Saturdays, June 6 and June 13, at Club 427. His sets are 5:30-8:30 p.m. Bedtime is at 9.)

Saluting Coleman Hawkins
On Saturday, June 6, the third annual Coleman Hawkins Neighborhood Festival will be held in downtown Topeka in the open air of 8th & Tyler streets. This year's "Hawk Fest" will feature Dan St. Marseille (tenor sax) and Cecelia Coleman (piano) out of L.A., the Dennis Mitcheltree Quartet from New York, percussionist Barnett Williams from Washington D.C., and from KC, saxophonists Horace Washington, Gerald Dunn and Todd Wilkinson. Also on the bill is Dan Kozak Jazz which features Irving Curtis, Rick Bruner, Tommy Johnson, Lane Chazdon and Jon Allen. Admission is free. Call 785-234-6029 for more info.

A Century of Swing
Believe it or not, Claude "Fiddler" Williams will not be the oldest musician playing The Club at Plaza III this summer. At 96, saxophonist Benny Waters makes Claude (90) seem like a youngster. Waters will be in town in mid-July for an appearance at the annual Blues & Jazz Fest (Heritage Tent, July 18) and while he's here he'll be gigging at The Club, Thursday, July 16 and Friday, July 17 with an all-star KC band. Call 753-0000 for reservations. And catch the kid, Claude, when he appears at the festival (on the Jazz Stage, July 18), at The Club on Saturday, July 11, and at the Blue Room, Friday July 3. These two gentlemen are treasures, and have both made priceless contributions to the history of jazz.

Study With the Pros
Penn Valley Community College, 3201 Southwest Trafficway, is currently the site of private music lessons with some of KC's best known jazz musicians. All levels from beginning to advanced are welcome, and all musical styles will be taught. Among the instructors are Donald Cox (piano), Gerald Dunn (sax, flute, clarinet), Ricky Anderson (electric/acoustic bass), Sam Johnson, Jr. (drums) and Tom DeMasters (guitar). Instruction on brass and other instruments is also available, and recital and small group performances are offered. To enroll, or for more information, contact Modene McConnell at 759-4339, e-mail mcconnem@pennvalley.cc.mo.us.

The '98-99 KCJW Season is Announced
The Kansas City Jazz Workshop (in conjunction with its siblings in Topeka and St. Joseph) has announced its lineup for 1998-99. And another swinging season of jazz it promises to be. Here's the news, fresh off the press.

September 14 -- Junior Mance (piano), Keeter Betts (bass) and Jackie Williams (drums)
October 5 -- Harry Allen (tenor), Terry Harrington (tenor/clar.), Danny Embrey (guitar), Paul Smith (piano), Bob Bowman (bass), Tommy Ruskin (drums)
November 9 -- The Skip Peck Quartet
February 8, 1999 -- Phil Wilson (trombone), Jim Seeley (trumpet), Paul Smith (piano), Danny Embrey (guitar), Bob Bowman (bass), Tommy Ruskin (drums)
March 16 -- The Ted Rosenthal Trio

An additional concert will be added at a later date. As in past seasons, all concerts will be at UMKC's Pierson Hall and will start at 7:00 p.m. For season ticket information, call (816) 436-0318 or (816) 737-3627.

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 JUNE/JULY 1998 MAIN INDEX

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






	Search our site:		Lisa's Travels Jazz vocalist Lisa Henry has been on the move. And moving in good company. From April 12 to 26 the KC-based singer toured South America with none other than pianist Herbie Hancock. She returned nearly breathless with good memories. "'Herbie Hancock and the Thelonious Monk Jazz Ensemble' was how it was billed. And I can't begin to describe what a thrill it was to work with Herbie every night. I learned so very much about music, and about life!" The tour, sponsored by the U.S. State Department, coincided with The Second Summit of the Americas -- also known as "Expo Cumbre" -- and it took the entourage to Chile (Santiago), Argentina (Buenos Aires) and Peru (Lima). "My appearance (on this tour) was the result of my placing at the 1994 Monk Competition," says Henry, who won the "International Jazz Ambassador" award that year. "And the Monk Jazz Ensemble was actually a new off-shoot of the Monk Institute, which has really grown since I did the competition. This group is based at the New England Conservatory in Boston and is led by Dr. Carl Atkins." About the members of the band, Henry also has high praise. "They are technically 'students,' but then they're not. These are people going for their masters degrees and their doctorates; I didn't consider them students at all, just fantastic players." Still, it was the collaboration with Hancock that made the most enduring impression. "Herbie Hancock is just the cat's meow," says Lisa with reverence and respect. "I considered it a real honor to work with him, not just because he's Herbie Hancock, but because he's a real musical explorer. During the whole tour he never played a tune the same way twice. He was also very generous about sharing his philosophies about music with me. I learned so much about what's possible in jazz. And it all had a profound effect." Ed. note: The 1998 Monk Competition, set for Sept. 25-27 in Washington D.C., is once again open to jazz vocalists, and this time there is no age limit (it was 35). For application information, contact Michelle Day or Shelby Fisher at 202-364-7272. Wayne Hawkins, Film Composer The music of KC jazz pianist, composer and recording artist Wayne Hawkins is to be prominently featured in a new film titled "9th Street" starring Martin Sheen, Issac Hayes and Kansas City singer/actress Queen Bey. The film will have its premier at the GEM Theater on Friday, June 5. "When I first saw the movie, I was really struck by it," says Hawkins. "It's basically about a street in Junction City (Kansas) in the late 1960s that was sort of like what 18th & Vine once was here, really jumpin' all the time. But the movie also touches on the social conditions in 1968, when the movie is set, and the way black people felt about a lot of things; you know, just the way things were then." The music Hawkins wrote for the film is diverse and covers several styles. "There's gospel, blues, R&B and jazz. Issac even wrote a couple of tunes." Hayes is expected to attend the GEM premier, Sheen is still undecided. The event is also a fund-raiser for the African-American Film Society, according to the film's producer, Rick Cowan, as well as for the Film Society of Greater Kansas City. "It's the kick-off event for the Kan Film Fest," says Cowan. "At 5:30 p.m. on the 5th, there will be a gala at the GEM featuring a live performance by Wayne Hawkins; then there's a first screening of the film at 7:00 p.m. with a ticket price of $25, and a second screening at 8:45 p.m. for $10." Like to know more about this premier? Call the Kan Film Fest at 333-0814. The Contemporary Beat Fans of contemporary jazz have two evenings upcoming to look forward to. On Saturday, June 6 the traveling ensemble of "Guitars & Saxes" comes to Starlight Theater for an 8:00 p.m. show. Featured artists will include Jonathan Butler, Richard Elliot, Marc Antoine and Kirk Whalum. Then on Friday, June 19, Spyro Gyra returns to KC for an 8:00 p.m. show at the Folly Theatre. Tickets for both events can be purchased by calling 576-7900. Outside the metro area, 800-771-3666. From Russia With Chops If you attended a concert on May 11 at the Country Club Christian Church called "Jazz From East to West," or if you've been at Fedora and/or The Club at Plaza III at the right time in recent weeks, you've probably found yourself rubbing your eyes in disbelief at the sight of 11 year old Eldar Djangirov at the piano. Young Eldar is quite worthy of the term "prodigy," and his passion for jazz has taken him and his family from their homeland in Kyrgyzstan straight to one of America's jazz cradles, Kansas City. As the story goes, Eldar's mother, a music literature professor, was up on how so many jazz musicians had gotten their starts in KC. Once Eldar's gifts became apparent, it was a matter of pulling up stakes and heading for the American heartland. This summer Eldar will be attending Michigan's Interlochen Center for the Arts. But then look for him to return to Kansas City to further amaze area jazz fans. Stay tuned. It could be the beginning of a brilliant career. (This just in: Catch Eldar on consecutive Saturdays, June 6 and June 13, at Club 427. His sets are 5:30-8:30 p.m. Bedtime is at 9.) Saluting Coleman Hawkins On Saturday, June 6, the third annual Coleman Hawkins Neighborhood Festival will be held in downtown Topeka in the open air of 8th & Tyler streets. This year's "Hawk Fest" will feature Dan St. Marseille (tenor sax) and Cecelia Coleman (piano) out of L.A., the Dennis Mitcheltree Quartet from New York, percussionist Barnett Williams from Washington D.C., and from KC, saxophonists Horace Washington, Gerald Dunn and Todd Wilkinson. Also on the bill is Dan Kozak Jazz which features Irving Curtis, Rick Bruner, Tommy Johnson, Lane Chazdon and Jon Allen. Admission is free. Call 785-234-6029 for more info. A Century of Swing Believe it or not, Claude "Fiddler" Williams will not be the oldest musician playing The Club at Plaza III this summer. At 96, saxophonist Benny Waters makes Claude (90) seem like a youngster. Waters will be in town in mid-July for an appearance at the annual Blues & Jazz Fest (Heritage Tent, July 18) and while he's here he'll be gigging at The Club, Thursday, July 16 and Friday, July 17 with an all-star KC band. Call 753-0000 for reservations. And catch the kid, Claude, when he appears at the festival (on the Jazz Stage, July 18), at The Club on Saturday, July 11, and at the Blue Room, Friday July 3. These two gentlemen are treasures, and have both made priceless contributions to the history of jazz. Study With the Pros Penn Valley Community College, 3201 Southwest Trafficway, is currently the site of private music lessons with some of KC's best known jazz musicians. All levels from beginning to advanced are welcome, and all musical styles will be taught. Among the instructors are Donald Cox (piano), Gerald Dunn (sax, flute, clarinet), Ricky Anderson (electric/acoustic bass), Sam Johnson, Jr. (drums) and Tom DeMasters (guitar). Instruction on brass and other instruments is also available, and recital and small group performances are offered. To enroll, or for more information, contact Modene McConnell at 759-4339, e-mail mcconnem@pennvalley.cc.mo.us. The '98-99 KCJW Season is Announced The Kansas City Jazz Workshop (in conjunction with its siblings in Topeka and St. Joseph) has announced its lineup for 1998-99. And another swinging season of jazz it promises to be. Here's the news, fresh off the press. September 14 -- Junior Mance (piano), Keeter Betts (bass) and Jackie Williams (drums) October 5 -- Harry Allen (tenor), Terry Harrington (tenor/clar.), Danny Embrey (guitar), Paul Smith (piano), Bob Bowman (bass), Tommy Ruskin (drums) November 9 -- The Skip Peck Quartet February 8, 1999 -- Phil Wilson (trombone), Jim Seeley (trumpet), Paul Smith (piano), Danny Embrey (guitar), Bob Bowman (bass), Tommy Ruskin (drums) March 16 -- The Ted Rosenthal Trio An additional concert will be added at a later date. As in past seasons, all concerts will be at UMKC's Pierson Hall and will start at 7:00 p.m. For season ticket information, call (816) 436-0318 or (816) 737-3627. 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 JUNE/JULY 1998 MAIN INDEX ------------------------------------------------------------------------ © Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors 1996-2001. All rights reserved.