JAM Magazine: October/November 1999 Issue: First Take

by Mike Metheny
JAM Editor

In This Issue...
What kind of formal jazz education awaits the young man on our cover? Will 10-month-old Nicolas (Class of '16) attend a school where jazz is a regular part of the curriculum? Or will he have to learn about it on his own, after hours, through independent study and with kindred spirits? In our cover story, contributor Bill Fogarty talks with several prominent jazz educators about where we've been and where we might be going when it comes to jazz in the schools. And Dr. Wayne Goins, Director of Jazz Studies at Kansas State University, adds his thoughts on jazz education today and in the new century that is just around the corner.

At the Jazz Ambassadors' monthly meeting in March, UMKC professor Dr. John Leisenring offered an informative and entertaining overview of the roots of jazz. As soon as his presentation was over, I asked if he'd be so kind as to transcribe his impromptu oral primer for future publication in JAM. In a matter of days it arrived in an email and now takes its rightful place in an issue with a jazz ed theme.

And speaking of the future of jazz education, about the time you think today's kids are becoming less and less aware of this esoteric art form, along comes a 10 year old with an interest in bop. Young Erin Nicole Horn is onboard this time with her investigation into the life of Charlie Parker.

It's also a pleasure to feature an interview with a behind-the-scenes talent who rarely gets the attention afforded the leaders with whom he works. Keyboardist/composer/arranger Gil Goldstein has collaborated with everyone from Gil Evans to Miles Davis, and earlier this year he made a solid contribution to Karrin Allyson's latest CD, which is reviewed in "For the Record."

... As are new releases from jazz/funk/pop band Boko Maru, pianist-singer Candace Evans, avant-guardists Malachy Papers, and bluesman Larry Van Loon.

A Great Team
It's usually with the advantage of hindsight that people tend to appreciate the full magnitude of good times. But the other day I was telling a friend that "these really are the good old days" at JAM. Why? Because of a very fortuitous alignment of highly talented and motivated individuals who are currently pooling their skills to make this magazine better than it's ever been. Our typographer, Rod McBride, continues to do great work laying out a 48-56 page issue (and believe me, each begins as a veritable jig-saw puzzle); designer/illustrator (and drummer) Keith Kavanaugh never ceases to impress with each new cover he puts together; and our ad rep, Patti Wilkinson, continues to hit the ground running with every new issue, tripling, sometimes quadrupling past sales. And that's not to mention the much appreciated contributions of those listed on every page two masthead, valued teammates all.

So, here's to good times at JAM. This is one editor who is really enjoying the ride.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
"One more kid with a musical instrument in his hands is one less with a gun." -- Phil Woods

RETURN TO OCTOBER 1999 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 kind of formal jazz education awaits the young man on our cover? Will 10-month-old Nicolas (Class of '16) attend a school where jazz is a regular part of the curriculum? Or will he have to learn about it on his own, after hours, through independent study and with kindred spirits? In our cover story, contributor Bill Fogarty talks with several prominent jazz educators about where we've been and where we might be going when it comes to jazz in the schools. And Dr. Wayne Goins, Director of Jazz Studies at Kansas State University, adds his thoughts on jazz education today and in the new century that is just around the corner. At the Jazz Ambassadors' monthly meeting in March, UMKC professor Dr. John Leisenring offered an informative and entertaining overview of the roots of jazz. As soon as his presentation was over, I asked if he'd be so kind as to transcribe his impromptu oral primer for future publication in JAM. In a matter of days it arrived in an email and now takes its rightful place in an issue with a jazz ed theme. And speaking of the future of jazz education, about the time you think today's kids are becoming less and less aware of this esoteric art form, along comes a 10 year old with an interest in bop. Young Erin Nicole Horn is onboard this time with her investigation into the life of Charlie Parker. It's also a pleasure to feature an interview with a behind-the-scenes talent who rarely gets the attention afforded the leaders with whom he works. Keyboardist/composer/arranger Gil Goldstein has collaborated with everyone from Gil Evans to Miles Davis, and earlier this year he made a solid contribution to Karrin Allyson's latest CD, which is reviewed in "For the Record." ... As are new releases from jazz/funk/pop band Boko Maru, pianist-singer Candace Evans, avant-guardists Malachy Papers, and bluesman Larry Van Loon. A Great Team It's usually with the advantage of hindsight that people tend to appreciate the full magnitude of good times. But the other day I was telling a friend that "these really are the good old days" at JAM. Why? Because of a very fortuitous alignment of highly talented and motivated individuals who are currently pooling their skills to make this magazine better than it's ever been. Our typographer, Rod McBride, continues to do great work laying out a 48-56 page issue (and believe me, each begins as a veritable jig-saw puzzle); designer/illustrator (and drummer) Keith Kavanaugh never ceases to impress with each new cover he puts together; and our ad rep, Patti Wilkinson, continues to hit the ground running with every new issue, tripling, sometimes quadrupling past sales. And that's not to mention the much appreciated contributions of those listed on every page two masthead, valued teammates all. So, here's to good times at JAM. This is one editor who is really enjoying the ride. THOUGHT FOR THE DAY "One more kid with a musical instrument in his hands is one less with a gun." -- Phil Woods RETURN TO OCTOBER 1999 MAIN INDEX ------------------------------------------------------------------------ © Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors 1996-2001. All rights reserved.