End of an Era
As one jazz era at UMKC begins with the arrival of Bobby Watson, so does another end with the August retirement of John Leisenring, professor of music, trombone and jazz at the Conservatory since 1971.

John Leisenring

Upon Dr. Leisenring's arrival from the University of Texas/Austin in '71, the hot and cold jazz program at UMKC became more formally developed, establishing the foundation for what exists at the Conservatory today.

"Bill Trumbauer and Herb Six had been doing some informal jazz teaching (then)," Leisenring said recently. "And Ozzie Miller and Bill (Trumbauer) led various jazz bands before that in the late '60s. But, when things reached a low ebb in '71-72, I was asked to lead the jazz band starting in the fall of 1972."

By 1983 the jazz program at UMKC had gotten strong enough that additional jazz instructors were needed (including trumpet teachers Terry Sawchuck and David Stephen; future Director of Jazz Studies Mike Parkinson came next), all while Leisenring instigated required courses in jazz history, rock history and jazz pedagogy for all instrumental music education majors.

"We also added a three-semester jazz improvisation course, with the help of local jazz musicians like (guitarist) Brian Harman and (saxophonist) Kim Park."

Looking back over the last 29 years, Dr. Leisenring has many fond memories. "A lot of very fine trombone players have graduated and moved on since 1971; and there was the birthing of the jazz program as it now exists, the festivals we won, and the trip to Montreaux in the summer of 1976.

"There were also the struggles with the dean and with many of the faculty to get a small portion of the Conservatory's spotlight away from white Western European music and onto the true American music -- that of Ellington, Coltrane and Hendrix."

Future plans for Dr. Leisenring include remaining on at UMKC as an adjunct instructor ("for at least a semester or two") teaching jazz and rock history and jazz pedagogy, fulfilling a strong desire to write ("I have at least two books in my head that must get put on paper"), and (we hope) sending in many more contributions to this publication.

And, of course, Dr. Leisenring will be keeping an eye on things at UMKC.

"With the arrival of Bobby Watson, a new chapter is about to be written in the history of the Conservatory. And I am elated about that."

Jazz History For the Collector
It's hard to gaze upon the limited edition prints of Keith Rocco without being drawn into the story each brings to life. Rocco, one of America's most sought after narrative painters (his work can be found in affiliation with the National Park Service, the Andrew Mellon Foundation and the National Guard Heritage Series), has created a series of collector posters inspired by historical figures in jazz. And now, Kansas City jazz is well represented in his work.

"Several years ago I saw Robert Altman's 'Jazz '34 - Remembrances of Kansas City Swing," Rocco told us by phone recently. "As a kid growing up in Chicago, I was familiar with that great music through my father, but I never really knew who the players were. When I saw the Altman film, however, it all came together. And that is what served as the impetus to research these musicians and create paintings of them."

In the artist's series, "Jazz-Kansas City Hot!", the old Hey-Hay Club is depicted with such jazz greats as Herschel Evans, Lester Young, Louis Armstrong, Dickie Wells and "Hot Lips" Page engaging in a mythological jam. Even former club owner Milton Morris is seen looking on with approval.

"Learning about Milton Morris was kind of an accident," Rocco said. "I was doing some research for the series and I learned about Chuck Haddix (at UMKC's Marr Sound Archives) from another museum. Chuck told me all about Milton Morris, and it seemed perfect to include Milton in the painting."

Rocco's work (it can be seen at www.keithrocco.com) also includes various historical military battles, which may seem like an odd juxtaposition with the more sublime portrayals of jazz greats. But, according to Rocco, both have been inspired by the same muse.

"Yes, jazz and the military would seem to be at opposite ends of the spectrum. But the thing that they have in common is that they are both of historical importance. And I have always had a real appreciation for history."

Sister Cities in Jazz
The concept of cities around the world connecting in a special way was launched in 1956 by President Dwight Eisenhower as part of his People-To-People diplomacy initiative. Sister Cities International, originally part of the National League of Cities, then went on to become a separate, nonprofit corporation in 1967 due to the increasing growth and popularity of the program.

Kansas City has many such connections around the world -- 12 to be exact (including one that links Seville, Spain to the Country Club Plaza) -- and its sibling relationship with Hannover, Germany is the impetus behind Kansas City-Hannover Jazzfest 2000, a first attempt to establish an annual exchange of jazz artists between the two cities. "This is our initial effort with this program," says Jon McGraw, chair of the event. "And we want it to continue for years to come."

During Mayor Kay Barnes' planned trip to Germany in October for Expo 2000, a group of selected Kansas City jazz musicians will be on hand for the mayor's official reception in Hannover. And the "premiere event" of the KC-Hannover Committee's agenda will be the festival the week of October 22-29. Designated KC jazz artists were chosen by a five-member committee and will appear throughout the week.

Al Pearson

"The motto for Jazzfest 2000," says KC-Hannover Committee Chair, Lyn Ganzer, "is: From the heartland of America into the hearts of the world." And McGraw adds, "We invite everyone to join us in this citizen ambassadorial effort to extend the universal language of music -- and KC jazz -- to Hannover this fall."

Should you desire to lend a helping hand to this endeavor, call 913-681-9057. For additional information, visit the web sites at www.kchannover.org and www.sister-cities.org.

Oh yes, and let us not forget to announce the designated (and honored) performers who will be taking the message of KC jazz to Hannover. They are: The Scamps (Lucky Wesley, Art Jackson, Eddie Saunders, Rusty Tucker, Allen Monroe and Geneva Price), Everette DeVan, Millie Edwards, Bram Wijnands, Tommy Ruskin, Julie Turner, Hal Melia, Rod Wilson, Jurgen Welge, Ahmad Alaadeen, Al Pearson, Rob Whitsitt and Dave McCubbin.

From Paris with Jazz
The early jazz movement in Europe, its American roots, and the exotic cabaret culture of Paris between the world wars are the focus of the ongoing "The Jazz Age in Paris: 1914-1940," a national traveling exhibition that, as we reported last issue, began a six-week visit at UMKC's Miller Nichols Library on July 27. It concludes on September 7.

Portraits of the artists and performers of the era such as James Reese Europe, Josephine Baker, Sidney Bechet, Ada "Bricktop" Smith and Django Reinhardt appear throughout the exhibition, and there is also a video featuring interviews with surviving artists and their descendants as well as music from the period.

"The exhibit provides a wonderful opportunity to expand awareness of jazz and of the exciting period known as the Jazz Age in both Europe and the United States," says Elizabeth Henry, Assistant Director of Public Services at the library. "We hope everyone who loves jazz will come and enjoy it."

Stay tuned for news about another jazz-related exhibit at the Miller Nichols Library scheduled to open on October 26. And, for more info about all exhibits at the library, call 816-235-5474.

A Premiere Performance

Doug Talley Quartet

One of KC's finest jazz groups, the Doug Talley Quartet, will perform Sunday, August 6, 2:00 p.m., at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 416 W. 12th St. And, it is a special occasion. The concert will feature the premiere performance of an original multi-movement jazz piece by Talley titled "The Kansas City Suite." "Each of the ten movements of the suite reflects a geographic or historic aspect of the city," says the composer. Sounds like good, home-grown jazz to us. Members of the quartet include Talley on saxophones, Wayne Hawkins on piano, Tim Brewer on bass, and Keith Kavanaugh on drums. For more information, call 816-842-0416 or 913-631-6704.

NARAS & KC Jazz
First there was (and still is) the jazz revue "After Hours" (see "Hot Licks"); now Science City and Union Station will be the place for even more jazz-oriented happenings when NARAS (The National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, i.e. the Grammy folks) presents its "Generations of Jazz" educational outreach program at Union Station on Saturday, August 19. "This event will mark the beginning of our educational outreach to the Kansas City area," says Loren Riegelhaupt, Regional Project Manager for the Chicago chapter of NARAS. "Over the next few years we will be providing Kansas City musicians and music professionals with a variety of educational and professional development opportunities, as part of our expansion into cities throughout the Midwest."

KCJA Jazz Education Director Tom Alexios, a member of the original KC/NARAS Steering (now Project) Committee, is excited about the possibilities of this connection. "This is NARAS' way of taking things another step toward having a NARAS influence in Kansas City. And it won't just be a one-time event; NARAS wants to work closely with KC and do things that are good for the local music scene and music education."

There is a real past-present-future feel to the program on the 19th. From 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. there will be a "Masterclass for Kids" at Science City divided into beginner and intermediate levels and taught by Clarence Smith, the award-winning educator and director of the jazz program at Paseo Academy. "These classes," says Riegelhaupt, "are designed to introduce kids to jazz and to better educate them about their proud Kansas City jazz heritage."

Also from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. on the Union Station stage is a panel discussion featuring many past and present notables from the area jazz community. Confirmed panelists as we go to press are: Bobby Watson, Chuck Berg and Dr. Ronnell Bright. Others are to be added.

And then after a half-hour dinner break, a 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. concert by "Bobby Watson & Friends" is sure to have the Union Station stage rockin' and boppin'.

"Generations of Jazz" is free and open to the public. Call 1-800-811-CITY (2489) if you'd like to learn more.

It Ain't Over...
...til the last cup of beer is drawn.

The summer festival season, that is.

On Friday, August 18, you'll want to head to downtown Lee's Summit for the annual Summit Fest. On the 2000 lineup are the Sons of Brasil, Diane "Mama" Ray and Rich Van Sant, G Force, the 39th Street Blues Band, and Brandon Skeens.

Then just a piece or two south on Route 169, the 10th annual Roots Festival will take place Friday-Saturday, August 25-26 at Park Square in Paola, Kansas. Among the groups scheduled to perform on the square's gazebo are the Lonnie Ray Blues Band (Friday), and Measure X Measure, Linda Shell, and Dave Stephens (Saturday). For more info call 913-557-3893 or visit the festival web site at www.rootsfestival.org.

And don't forget about Capitol Jazzfest 2000 in Jefferson City, Friday-Sunday, September 8-10. Among those scheduled to appear are Billy Taylor, Eldar Djangirov, the Paseo Academy All-Stars, Bobby Watson, Jim Widner's Big Band, the Missouri All-Star Jazz Band (directed by David Baker), Steve Turre and many others. Call the festival hot line at 573-681-5301 for more info, and 573-635-5720 for tickets. The festival web site can be found at www.capjazz.org.

A Stellar 2000 Kickoff

The Four Freshmen

The Kansas City Jazz Workshop is gearing up for its annual concert series at the Downtown Marriott, and the lineup for 2000-2001 is looking good.

The kickoff concert on Monday, September 11 will feature the impeccable blends of The Four Freshmen, one of the most enduring vocal groups in jazz. The current edition of the group consists of Greg Stegeman, Kevin Stout, Bob Ferreira and Brian Eichenberger, and there's a solid rumor going around that charter member (from the group's birth in 1948) Bob Flanigan will be on hand for a cameo.

Then, looking ahead to the rest of '00-01, these are the KCJW dates to add to your jazz calendar.

• October 16 -- Tom Ranier (piano), Stacy Rowles (trumpet).
  
• November 13 -- Vocalist Lynn Roberts.
  
• January 15, 2001 -- Pianist Derek Smith.
  
• February 19, 2001 -- Red Holloway (alto saxophone), John Allred (trombone).March 19, 2001 (Special Bonus Concert) -- The Pete Eye Trio, with vocalist Rob Richardson.
  
  

All KCJW concerts take place in the Downtown Marriott's 12th Street Rag Room on Monday nights and begin at 7:00 p.m., with the one exception of September 11, which will be presented in the Marriott's Basie Ballroom. For more information about tickets and/or the new schedule, call 816-436-0318 or 816-737-3627.

Music Without Boundaries
When "Music Without Boundaries 2000" comes to the Music Hall in October, area music fans will be able to sample the exotic styles and sounds of far-off lands. "'Music Without Boundaries 2000' combines the exotica of raag-based Indian classical/folk music with the folk-jazz-Choro styling from Brazil," says Anil Misra, local organizer of the event's KC stop. "The Kansas City concert on October 1 will be part of a 14-city tour of the United States and Canada, a tour that will be a unique celebration of fusion music uniting the world-renowned virtuoso of Indian bamboo flute Pundit Hari Prasad Chaurasia and the genre defying Brazilian guitarist and pianist maestro Egberto Gismonti." Also featured will be percussionist Anandan Sivamani and tabla player Vijay Ghate.

Tickets for the October 1 show are available through the Municipal Auditorium box office, Ticketmaster and online at www.mwb2000.com. For more information visit the web site or call 913-685-4275. "Music Without Boundaries 2000," adds Misra, "promises to be a once in a lifetime experience of evocative music that bring these worldwide offerings closer to home."

A Jazzy Benefit
On Saturday, October 7, the Gem Theater in the 18th and Vine Jazz District, will reverberate with the sounds of KC jazz, all for a good cause. "Soul of the City is a jazz celebration to benefit the Kansas City Church Community Organization (CCO)," says Tom Wells, co-chair of the event as well as a KC Jazz Ambassador. "Homegrown, old-time, swinging jazz will fill the air."

Geneva Price

Musicians scheduled to appear include The Scamps, KC's "Wild Women" featuring the "soul, sass and style" of divas Geneva Price, Millie Edwards, Mary Moore and Myra Taylor, and 13 year old piano wiz Eldar Djangirov. There will also be a pre-concert party from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the American Jazz Museum for patrons and sponsors. Showtime at the Gem is 8:00 p.m.

"The Kansas City Church Community Organization is an interfaith federation that brings people of all races and backgrounds together to address social and economic problems facing their families and communities," says Christy Miller, Soul of the City spokesperson. "The October 7 event will benefit CCO's Parent Involvement Initiative, a program that has enabled parents to close drug houses near schools, introduce in new teaching methods, and start bilingual outreach for Spanish-speaking families."

Miller also says that this year many teachers will be able to begin making home visits as part of an effort to strengthen relationships, all because of CCO.

There are several ways to get involved in this worthwhile endeavor. Call 816-444-5585 to find out more.

For Dick
On Sunday, October 22, 1:00 - 5:00 p.m., the Topeka Performing Arts Center in Topeka, KS will be the site of a special all-star fund raising concert in memory of the late Dick Wright, host of KANU's "The Jazz Scene" for nearly 40 years. The "Dick Wright Memorial Jazz Concert" will raise money for the Dick Wright Memorial Jazz Scholarship Fund and will feature an impressive lineup of local and national talent, all of whom were personal friends and favorites of Dick Wright. Gary Foster, Bob Kindred, Karrin Allyson, Eldar Djangirov, and numerous KC-based jazz artists are scheduled to appear. Like to know more? Contact Jim Monroe at 785-267-1315 or email vjmonroe@prodigy.net. And look for the complete lineup in the October/November JAM. More information may also be found at Webjazz.com.

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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.


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