The Angel of Jazz
Dear JAM,
I would like to get on the mailing list for JAM. I was in Kansas City in the early '40s; I worked Scott's Theater at 18th and Highland; Local 627 was the first union I joined.

(I attended) all the jam sessions on 12th and Paseo... Blue Monday starting at 6 a.m. (and lasting) until 3 p.m. Then to Kansas City, Kansas until 8 p.m., then to the gig from 9 p.m. until they stopped putting money in the kitty.

(Then) 2 a.m. - 3 a.m. Tuesday morning, and back on the gig, 9 p.m. Tuesday night... seven days a week.

I worked the Melody Lane over in Independence (MO) with Charles "Crook" Goodwin, guitar, leader, and vocals. On piano (was) Mrs. Carrie Dillard. She had a son, Booker Dillard, who played trumpet and worked with the group for a little while. He was a very good player and excellent reader. I worked with him again a few years later in Hot Lips Page's big band.

There was also Buddy Drew on alto sax playing like John Jackson and Charlie "Bird" Parker; and I worked with "Hootie" McShann for a while.

I last played Kansas City in the '60s at the Orchid Room, 12th and Vine. It was with "Rudy Pitts and the Tina Dickson Musical Comedy Act." I played vibes; Tina sang and told gags. I joined in with the gags and vocals. Tina had been with Jimmie Lunceford and was the composer of "E-boba-le-bop." In that act, I had my drum solo.

Today I sing bebop like King Pleasure, Eddie Jefferson and Jon Hendricks, and I accompany myself on piano as a single. Or a duo, or a trio. I have charts for (an) 8 piece (band); also charts for an 18 piece "ork." Please pass this information on about "The Angel of Jazz" to any agency that might be interested in booking me. It would be highly appreciated.

Thank you very kindly in advance.

C. Rudolph Pitts
"The Angel of Jazz"
Classical Jazz/Bebop Singer
Long Beach, CA

p.s. I have lots of true stories about Kansas City, 1942-46.
 

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A Reply to Stan's Plea
(The following is in response to Stan Kessler's letter in the February/March JAM expressing concern over poor attendance in many of Kansas City jazz clubs. -- Ed.)

It's real simple Stan: it's the smoke. 75% of your fans don't smoke and do not like to go where there is smoke. I get ill from it and will not patronize clubs that allow smoking (almost all of them).

I like jazz and the blues, but I have to wait until things move outside before I will take in live performances.

Ivan Pechanec
Wichita, KS
 

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Attentive in Lawrence
I never write unsolicited letters; however, I feel compelled to share with all of you a wonderful musical experience.

On February 16, I drove to Lawrence for the release party of Interstring's new CD, "Winter Song." The setting was Harbor Lights, a bar on Massachusetts Avenue and typical KU student hangout. There was a $5 cover charge, which Interstring is definitely worth, but I was a little dubious as to whether the students would appreciate the group's brand of sophisticated jazz. (Especially with the KU-Iowa State basketball game as competition.)

At 8:30 the room was about half filled as Interstring began to weave its magic, which included many of their original compositions. Even though (regular guitarist) Danny Embrey was absent due to a conflicting gig, 21 year old Jake Blanton provided a wonderful spark; and Interstring gave us a very creative first set. It was during this set that I watched in amazement as everyone in the crowd -- primarily students, with a few Kansas City fans sprinkled in -- listened in rapt attention without speaking.

During the second set the room steadily filled to capacity (including standing room) and we were again rewarded with a fantastic performance that, to me, was the epitome of what "club jazz" should be. The creative interplay between Bob Bowman, Rod Fleeman, Todd Strait and Jake Blanton is impossible for me to describe in words.

And again, the audience afforded the second set the same total and appreciative attentiveness as the first.

As the last song ended, the room exploded with a long standing ovation, and we were rewarded with an encore of "Odahoda." Interstring left everyone wanting more!
Question: was the audience attentive because of the wonderful performance, or were the performers "on fire" because the audience was so appreciative? Whatever the answer, thanks for such an exciting and memorable evening!

Beverly Rehkop
Prairie Village, KS
 

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A Successful Festival
Dear JAM,

Thank you very much for helping make the first Music Lovers' Jazz Festival a success. I truly appreciate both your consideration of the festival and the excellent coverage.

We hope to continue a good relationship and to provide you with timely, useful information that meets your needs and your mission.

Sincerely,
Paul Miller
Theatre Coordinator
Liberty Performing Arts Theatre
Liberty, MO
 

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Send written correspondence to:
EDITOR/JAM
P.O. Box 36181
Kansas City, MO 64171-6181

Email:
jamstaff@webjazz.net


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