JAM Magazine: October/November 1999 Issue: Hampton's Hot Licks

by Dean Hampton

More Progress at JAM
During the past year, you may have noticed some significant progress with this magazine, most notably our glossy color cover. And that's not to mention thicker, brighter paper inside, a step above common newsprint stock. More importantly, though, our content remains geared toward a jazz scene that other publications (and recent books) tend to overlook.

With this issue of JAM, we are kicking things up a notch, quite an accomplishment for an all-volunteer organization with a mostly volunteer magazine staff. First, you'll notice the addition of inside color ads. Also, there are now many more display racks around the city, a move that has been applauded by jazz presenters and club managers who have been wanting JAM to be displayed as professionally as it is written. And finally, because of an increased demand for JAM, we are close to doubling the number of copies printed in the past. All because of your favorable response to our new look. We are a work in progress; and the best is yet to come!

Who's Hanging On the Vine
How can you tell who is visiting 18th & Vine to hear live jazz? One way is to check car tags in the area. A few weeks ago, on a Friday and Saturday night, I did just that. Both evenings, the Blue Room had standing room only crowds (there were no concerts at the GEM Theater that weekend) and, for what it's worth, here are the results of my survey: Missouri tags - 48%, Kansas tags - 42% (mostly from Johnson County), out of state - 10% (Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Nebraska, New York, Ohio and Tennessee).

Go Lisa!
Last July 24 through August 7, in conjunction with Aspen Jazz and the Thelonious Monk Institute, vocalist Lisa Henry was a guest artist at Jazz Aspen Snow Mass. She was in good company. Christian McBride, Ray Brown, Lewis Nash, Joe Lovano and many other greats were also on hand. One honor for Lisa at this Colorado jazz outing was the opportunity to appear in workshops with Rosemary Clooney. "I don't really like to sing in front of my idols," Lisa said, "and Rosemary is one of them!" After hearing Lisa, Ms. Clooney calmed Lisa's jitters and offered her some advice: "What can I say? Go get some jobs!"

Another positive result of Lisa's new acquaintance will be an appearance with Ms. Clooney when the singing legend performs with the Kansas City Symphony, October 22-23. "She invited me to join her for a couple of numbers," said Lisa. "I'm very honored." (Incidentally, Lisa has recently accepted a position as Program Director for 18th & Vine's "Sisters in Jazz" artist development program.)

Two More Quick Licks
Saxophonist Jim Mair is back in town after spending the last four years as an instructor at the College of Southern Idaho. Look for more about Jim's return to KC in the December JAM.

And the Kim Park Quartet with vocalist Karrin Allyson performed recently at the Sante Fe (NM) Chamber Music Festival Jazz Series -- and KC Jazz Ambassador Karen Ralston has written a terrific review. (Karen is a resident of that part of the country.) Unfortunately, due to space limitations, we weren't able to fit it in this issue of JAM, but if you have internet access, the full review will soon be available on Karrin Allyson's web site at http://www.karrin.com

RETURN TO OCTOBER 1999 MAIN INDEX

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






	Search our site:		by Dean Hampton More Progress at JAM During the past year, you may have noticed some significant progress with this magazine, most notably our glossy color cover. And that's not to mention thicker, brighter paper inside, a step above common newsprint stock. More importantly, though, our content remains geared toward a jazz scene that other publications (and recent books) tend to overlook. With this issue of JAM, we are kicking things up a notch, quite an accomplishment for an all-volunteer organization with a mostly volunteer magazine staff. First, you'll notice the addition of inside color ads. Also, there are now many more display racks around the city, a move that has been applauded by jazz presenters and club managers who have been wanting JAM to be displayed as professionally as it is written. And finally, because of an increased demand for JAM, we are close to doubling the number of copies printed in the past. All because of your favorable response to our new look. We are a work in progress; and the best is yet to come! Who's Hanging On the Vine How can you tell who is visiting 18th & Vine to hear live jazz? One way is to check car tags in the area. A few weeks ago, on a Friday and Saturday night, I did just that. Both evenings, the Blue Room had standing room only crowds (there were no concerts at the GEM Theater that weekend) and, for what it's worth, here are the results of my survey: Missouri tags - 48%, Kansas tags - 42% (mostly from Johnson County), out of state - 10% (Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Nebraska, New York, Ohio and Tennessee). Go Lisa! Last July 24 through August 7, in conjunction with Aspen Jazz and the Thelonious Monk Institute, vocalist Lisa Henry was a guest artist at Jazz Aspen Snow Mass. She was in good company. Christian McBride, Ray Brown, Lewis Nash, Joe Lovano and many other greats were also on hand. One honor for Lisa at this Colorado jazz outing was the opportunity to appear in workshops with Rosemary Clooney. "I don't really like to sing in front of my idols," Lisa said, "and Rosemary is one of them!" After hearing Lisa, Ms. Clooney calmed Lisa's jitters and offered her some advice: "What can I say? Go get some jobs!" Another positive result of Lisa's new acquaintance will be an appearance with Ms. Clooney when the singing legend performs with the Kansas City Symphony, October 22-23. "She invited me to join her for a couple of numbers," said Lisa. "I'm very honored." (Incidentally, Lisa has recently accepted a position as Program Director for 18th & Vine's "Sisters in Jazz" artist development program.) Two More Quick Licks Saxophonist Jim Mair is back in town after spending the last four years as an instructor at the College of Southern Idaho. Look for more about Jim's return to KC in the December JAM. And the Kim Park Quartet with vocalist Karrin Allyson performed recently at the Sante Fe (NM) Chamber Music Festival Jazz Series -- and KC Jazz Ambassador Karen Ralston has written a terrific review. (Karen is a resident of that part of the country.) Unfortunately, due to space limitations, we weren't able to fit it in this issue of JAM, but if you have internet access, the full review will soon be available on Karrin Allyson's web site at http://www.karrin.com RETURN TO OCTOBER 1999 MAIN INDEX ------------------------------------------------------------------------ © Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors 1996-2001. All rights reserved.