JAM: October/November 2000 Issue: News & Notes

Changes On the Air...
Effective September 7, evening jazz on KCUR-FM came to an abrupt end when it was replaced with classical programming, apparently a direct result of classical station KXTR-FM's relocation to the AM side of the dial.

It was a nice long run for jazz on KCUR in that time slot, dating back to the days of "The Jazz Place" in the 1970s up through the now-terminated "Take Five," first hosted by Robert Moore, then Dr. Mike Pettengell. Moore, who is KCUR's Assistant Program Director and Music Director, says the change in programming centered around numbers.

"There were several factors and reasons (for the change). We'd always felt that if KXTR-FM did go under -- and the feeling the last couple of years was that it could -- we'd have to address the fact that we've been receiving several letters every month for the last six years about how KCUR no longer carried classical music. Also, in terms of numbers, from 9 to midnight on weeknights, KXTR had been killing us in the ratings; jazz was only averaging 1800 to 1900 listeners an hour, (their) classical was over 7000. It was one of the only areas where we were getting beat! Jazz just wasn't doing well, or bringing in a lot of money; and over the six years I've been here, it never really picked up."

And Mike Pettengell's thoughts?

"My thoughts are more about radio in general. Radio is really all about money. It's a business. And public radio seems to straddle the line between what's good for the community and what's good for business. The problem is that public radio really has no idea of what's good for the community, except judging by what's good for business in terms of money brought in during the fund drives. So, if you're looking for radio that's pure public service, you're gonna have to look some place other than public radio. To be honest, that may not even be possible."

And what about the format switch itself?

"Classical music is just as important as jazz, even if it is a little less 'American' and more European in its roots and history. The danger is that classical music often becomes simply background music instead of an artistic idea from an individual. If it's 'pretty' you might hear it on the air, but if it's challenging it battles the same prejudices as avant garde jazz.

"But I'm happy with the three years I put in at KCUR. I think I gave listeners what they wanted to hear, and what I thought they should hear in order to get a good sense of what jazz is all about."

...and Changes at The Star

Calvin Wilson

His tenure at The Kansas City Star wasn't without controversy, but jazz critic Calvin Wilson brought a depth of knowledge and articulate discourse to the newspaper that will be hard to match. On September 22, Wilson left The Star for a new position as an editor at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. There he will edit the paper's weekend guide and write for the Arts & Entertainment desk.

Before he left town, Wilson shared some of his thoughts about seven years on the KC jazz beat. He is fully aware of the mixed reviews.

"I don't think some people ever understood my position. They expected me to behave like a promoter or a flack. I'm a critic. The fact is, some of the musicians in this city are first-rate, and some are just coasting. And I think everybody knows that, but almost no one will admit it."

About his role at The Star, Wilson minces few words.

"I've been a consistent advocate for jazz in this city. Unfortunately, some people seemed to think that my role was to get them work, which it never was. And frankly, some showed me a lot of disrespect, considering that my background in this music is extensive. If it means nothing to people that I've raised jazz awareness in this town, and helped to illuminate the music's history and importance, that's their business. But I believe that the more you know about jazz, the more you'll want to hear it, regardless of who's playing it."

And who will take his place? As we went to press, Wilson wasn't sure.

"I don't know. (But) I assume that jazz will be regarded in much the same way as it has been, as more of a diversion than a serious art form. Certainly, covering jazz is not accorded the same importance as covering classical music, nor is it likely to be."

Ida Wows the Dems...
Talk about major exposure. Last August, KC blues and jazz great Ida McBeth was flown to Los Angeles by the Democratic National Convention to sing "The Star Spangled Banner" on the convention's final day, August 17. For McBeth, it was a career highlight.

"I was used to doing (the national anthem) a cappella," McBeth told us recently. "But the conductor of the orchestra, Harold Wheeler, who's won several Tony and Grammy awards, did a special orchestral arrangement of it just for me! Kind of a gospel sort of thing. It was just fabulous."

It was also a chance for Ida to rub elbows with some pretty impressive names.
"Well, I did get to meet Tipper. And Maria Shriver. And Boyz II Men, who also were performing. That was fabulous, too."

Weeks after the fact, however, Ida sees this grand gig on a larger scale.

"It was an honor just to be there, and to be asked to sing. It's all kind of a blur now. It was over much too quickly."

...and Basse Welcomes Gore
It's not that JAM has a Democratic spin when it comes to its news coverage, but maybe KC jazz and the Republicans have yet to hook up in a way we're hearing about. (Although Gov. Bush did make an appearance at 18th & Vine on September 18.) When Vice President Al Gore visited KC's Allis Plaza last summer for some midwestern stumping (3000 raucous fans and supporters were on hand), the music that played him on and off was the title song from vocalist/drummer/bandleader David Basse's newest CD, Strike When Your Iron Is Hot. Basse was joined on stage by Ahmad Alaadeen (tenor sax), Bob Bowman (bass) and young Eldar Djangirov (piano) for this moment in the sun.

"Strike When Your Iron Is Hot" is also the theme song of the new "Carl Peterson Show" on the Fox Radio Network. Mr. Peterson, president and general manager of the Kansas City Chiefs, is using Basse and his New Point Grille group as the house band for the weekly show heard on 70 stations across the Midwest. "Kansas City is known for jazz, and I wanted to add some to the show," said Peterson on the air recently. "Who better than David Basse for the job?"

Basse's new CD, recorded in Hollywood in June and July of this year, will be released on October 22. Call 800-811-CITY(2489) for additional information.

The KCJW Continues (to Swing)

Stacy Rowles

If you've been experiencing a straightahead jazz shortage in your life, get thee to a Kansas City Jazz Workshop concert. The 2000-2001 season continues this fall-winter on the heels of a well received September 11 opener with the Four Freshmen. (See "Hampton's Hot Licks.") Here is what's next:

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 singer Rob Richardson.

Note: KCJW concerts take place in the Downtown Marriott's 12th Street Rag Room on Monday nights and begin at 7:00 p.m. For additional information about tickets and/or the current season, call 816-436-0318 or 816-737-3627.

Congrats, Alaadeen!
The Missouri Humanities Council has announced the statewide winners of the 2000 Governor's Humanities Awards and one of the lucky recipients is none other than KC jazz artist Ahmad Alaadeen.

The awards, now in their sixth year, are given annually "to recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the humanities." Alaadeen was honored with the Community Heritage Award, which recognizes "a person who has made a special contribution to a community's understanding of its heritage."

The awards are to be conferred on Wednesday, October 18, at the Governor's Mansion in Jefferson City.

Respect for Alaadeen is not limited to the state of Missouri. Noted jazz critic Scott Yanow once wrote in L.A. Jazz Scene that the saxophonist/educator/composer was "one of the most significant musicians based in the Kansas City area in the 1990s." And Jazz Times has stated that Alaadeen is "one of those Midwest gems who stardom eludes because of geographics."

For more information about this honor, contact Fanny Dunfee at Alaadeen Enterprises, Inc., 913-831-4396.

Jazz at UMKC...
The University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music has a couple of good shows on its fall-winter jazz calendar. First up is the Conservatory debut of alto saxophonist and newly appointed professor of jazz studies Bobby Watson. Watson will be appearing with the Conservatory Jazz Ensemble on Wednesday, October 4, 7:30 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center, White Hall. For reservations, call the Central Ticket Office at 816-235-2700. Also, the Conservatory Jazz Ensemble will offer its annual winter concert on Friday, December 1, at UMKC's Pierson Hall. Showtime that night is 7:30 p.m.

...JCCC...
The ever-popular Johnson County Community College Jazz Series is in full swing this fall. Each concert begins at noon on Tuesdays in the Carlsen Center Recital Hall and lasts for 50 minutes. Up and coming: the Bill Meynier Trio (Oct. 3), the Frank Patterson Quartet (Oct. 10), the Rich Hill/Brian Hicks Trio (Oct. 17), the Jack Lightfoot Quartet (Oct. 24) and Four Bass Hits (Oct. 31). Admission is free and open to the public. Call 913-469-8500, extension 3689 for additional info.

Also, don't miss trumpet great Doc Severinsen and his big band when they appear as part of the 10th Anniversary Carlsen Center Series on Thursday-Friday, November 9-10. Both Yardley Hall shows start at 8:00 p.m. Call 913-469-4445 for reservations.

...and PVCC
Penn Valley Community College jazz studies prof Steve Dekker is inviting KC jazz fans to two free concerts at the school this fall, one featuring PV's Uptown Jazz Combo and special guests the Boulevard Big Band, Thursday, October 26, 8:00 p.m. in the Penn Valley Theater, and another celebrating the holiday season, Thursday, December 7, 7:00 p.m., also in the Theater. Penn Valley Community College is located at the corner of 32nd and Southwest Trafficway. Ample parking is available and free. Like to know more? Call Steve Dekker at 816-759-4456.

And this just in. Trombonist Rick Culver, who will be in town for a Nelson-Akins concert the next day (see below) will be on hand for a guest spot on October 26. Assuming Dekker will also have his horn nearby, plan on hearing some worldclass trombone playing at Penn Valley on the 26th.

A Benefit Gala
"Jazz 2000!", a benefit gala for Renaissance West, Inc., will be held Thursday, October 5, 8:00-11:00 p.m. at the Club at Plaza III, 4749 Pennsylvania. Hosted by Renaissance West and Comprehensive Mental Health Services, Inc., the event will raise money for one of KC's longest standing residential, outpatient and aftercare substance abuse programs. Prizes will be awarded for Best Attire and Best Dance Couple, music will be provided by Ida McBeth & Friends. To order tickets, call 816-254-3652, extension 265.

Two More Good Causes
Last issue we ran a sneak preview of a jazz event that will not only benefit your ears, but a good cause as well. It's a news item worth repeating. On Saturday, October 7, the Gem Theater in the 18th and Vine Jazz District, will reverberate with the sounds of "Soul of the City," a jazz celebration to benefit the Kansas City Church Community Organization (CCO). 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. Call 816-444-5585 to find out more.

Also on Saturday, October 7, Starlight Theater's New Community Stage House will be the site of a collaborative benefit sponsored by the Swope Corridor Renaissance and the Charlie Parker Memorial Foundation in cooperation with Starlight Theater. On the menu of activities: dinner, dancing, music by the Kansas City New Breed Orchestra, selected duets with veteran KC jazz musicians and their youthful counterparts, and other special guests. Says event spokesman, Jerry McEvoy: "Proceeds from the event will go toward providing musical instruments and scholarships that will allow at-risk children in the Swope Corridor to attend music and arts classes in the newly renovated Charlie Parker Foundation facility at Covenant Presbyterian Church." It all gets underway at 7:00 p.m. Call 816-363-3819 for more information.

The Joy of Sax...
The American Jazz Museum has announced another generous donation from a respected jazz great. Native Kansas Citian and former tenor saxophonist with Duke Ellington Harold Ashby has contributed his horn to the museum's growing collection of jazz memorabilia. Ashby also donated numerous albums and photographs accumulated during an illustrious career dating back to 1946. The American Jazz Museum is located at 18th and Vine. Call 816-474-8463 for more information.

...and the Gift of Music

Harold Ashby

In conjunction with his October 10 Folly Theater show, Pat Metheny will be donating a guitar and a copy of the new Pat Metheny Songbook to Children's Mercy Hospital. KCJA Director of Education (and also Down Beat magazine Special Projects Coordinator) Tom Alexios explains.

"Down Beat is working together with Donnell Bennett of the Kansas City Chiefs and his 'Clearing the Way Foundation,' and that team is working with music therapists at Children's Mercy Hospital to enhance and create unique musical opportunities for the young patients. We are thrilled that Pat has agreed to be a part of this."

The pilot program was launched on September 19, and according to Alexios, many other musical instruments have already been donated to help the program.

"The Kansas City Blues & Jazz Festival has collected instruments; drum pads have been built by woodshop students at Lawrence (KS) High School and Truman High School in Independence (MO). And we have other sponsors like Zildjian & Pro-Mark."

Alexios also tells us that Paseo Academy students, led by director of jazz studies Clarence Smith, will be participating in various parts of the music programs at the hospital. But it's that guitar that's getting the attention now.

"Down Beat and the 'Clearing the Way Foundation' are very grateful for Pat Metheny's generous donation. In the near future, we will be looking to expand this type of project to hospitals in other NFL cities."

Solid Piano Jazz
If you remember the KC jazz scene of the late '70s you will remember a fine local pianist named Phil DeGreg. DeGreg has since gone on to big things in both the world of jazz education (he is an Associate Professor of Jazz Studies at the University of Cincinnati) and performance (he has backed the likes of J.J. Johnson, Mark Murphy and Carl Fontana, and that's just the short list).

DeGreg has also released several excellent CDs including Table for Three (reviewed in JAM, April/May '97), The Green Gate (JAM, June/July '99) and now Whirl Away, fresh off the press and a catalyst for some upcoming support appearances in KC. Catch DeGreg and old friends Bob Bowman (bass) and Tim Davis (drums) on Saturday, October 14 when they perform at the Blue Room, 18th & Vine.

Phil also tells us he plans to sit in at Tommy Ruskin's Fedora jazz jam earlier that day, an added treat for fans of solid jazz piano. 210 at Fedora is located at 210 W. 47th. The jam runs from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. every Saturday.

Happy Sounds

Dick Wright at KANU in 1987

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. Professor Wright passed away last November at the age of 68. 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 the former broadcaster and beloved KU music instructor. Gary Foster, Bob Kindred, Karrin Allyson, Eldar Djangirov, and numerous KC-based jazz artists are scheduled to appear. Contact Jim Monroe at 785-267-1315 for more information or email him at vjmonroe@prodigy.net.

A Brand New Exhibit
Fresh on the heels of its entertaining and informative exhibit, "The Jazz Age in Paris: 1914-1940," UMKC's Miller Nichols Library is gearing up for an encore. Beginning on Thursday, October 26 and running until Friday, December 15, the library will offer a special exhibition titled, "Kansas City: Paris of the Plains, 1920-1940." The seven-week display will open with an evening program on the 26th featuring the noted jazz producer, writer, and photographer Frank Driggs, and Chuck Haddix, Sound Archives Specialist and KCUR-FM radio host. The Thursday evening kick-off begins at 7:30 p.m. in Room 106 of the University Center.

"'Kansas City: Paris of the Plains, 1920-1940' chronicles life in Kansas City during the Jazz Age," says library spokesperson Marilyn Carbonell. "(It was) a time when the city was one of the most dynamic arts centers in America... (and) a mecca for artists and musicians, writers and inventors, grifters and tycoons. Kansas City and the City of Lights, though worlds apart geographically, shared a creative vitality that made them Jazz Age icons."

In addition to its temporary home on the library's second floor, "Kansas City: Paris of the Plains, 1920-1940" will also be available online. The web exhibit, designed by Robert Ray, Special Collections librarian and linked to the UMKC Libraries' web site, will feature audio selections from the Marr Sound Archives, links to other points on the Internet, and additional images and expanded narratives. The web exhibit will be a permanent contribution to Kansas City's heritage and for its sesquicentennial celebrations.

Like to know more? Contact Marilyn Carbonell at 816-235-1580 (fax 816-333-5584) or email at CarbonellM@umkc.edu.

Well Polished Brass
Rick Culver is one of the finest jazz trombonists you may never have heard of. That is unless, you're familiar with the recordings of Larry Elgart, Buddy DeFranco's Glenn Miller Orchestra, Buddy Rich, Bill Holman, Dave Pell, Bob Florence, Bob Curnow, Kim Richmond, Lew Tabackin/Toshiko Akiyoshi and many, many others.

A graduate of Julliard (bachelor's and master's in performance) and Michigan State (a second master's in theory and composition), Culver also spent 18 years in L.A. as a free-lance musician performing, recording, teaching, writing jazz and classical music and backing everyone from Elvis Presley to Mel Torme' and Ella Fitzgerald.

Rick will be making a rare Kansas City appearance on Friday, October 27, when he teams with Ken Kehner (piano) and Gerald Spaits (bass) for a concert at the Nelson-Atkins Museum, 5:30-8:30 p.m. "It will be the same instrumentation -- trombone, piano, bass -- as my new CD, 'Painted Scarves,'" says Culver. And trust us, that is a fine collection of standards and originals.

Culver also says that he is interested in picking up some clinics and workshops while he is in town, October 23-27. If that sounds tempting, drop him an email at plus-one@torchlake.com. And if you'd like to know more about the concert on the 27th, call 816-751-1248.

Music History & the MMF
When you walk through the front door at the Mutual Musicians Foundation, it's impossible not to feel a sense of noble antiquity. After all, more jazz greats than we could ever list have played there. So, what better place than the MMF to kick off a series of classes in jazz and blues history? It makes perfect sense.

On Saturday, October 28, Pittsburg State University professor and director of jazz studies Robert Kehle will offer a 7:00 p.m. presentation looking back at 100 years of jazz and blues styles. Then, approximately once a month afterward new topics and/or eras will be examined, with local and national talent on hand to illustrate the styles under discussion. It's a good opportunity for students, fans and pros alike to get acquainted with the roots of these enduring forms of music.

The Mutual Musicians Foundation is located in the 18th & Vine Historic District at 1823 Highland. Call 816-471-5212 for additional information.

Take a Seat
Like jazz? Like collectibles? Then a jazz collectible awaits your bid. On Saturday, November 11 at 7:00 p.m. Ethan Allen of Overland Park and Independence will present "Chairs That Care," a benefit celebrating the grand reopening of the Children's Museum of Kansas City at its new location. "Fourteen child-sized Ethan Allen chairs, designed and signed by celebrities will be auctioned to the highest bidders," says museum spokesperson Susan Selders Bondurant. "The celebrity designers include: Ida McBeth and "Women in Jazz," Patch Adams, the George Brett family, Walter Cronkite, the Kansas City Royals, KU's Roy Williams and many more." Emcee of the event will be Kris Ketz, news anchor on KMBC TV. Like to know more? Call 913-287-8888 or visit the web sites at www.ethanallen.com and www.kidmuzm.com.

Input Requested
Know of some favorite blues and jazz musicians you'd like to hear at the 2001 Kansas City Blues & Jazz Festival next July? Now is the time to put together your wish list and send it in.

Believe it or not such suggestions actually play an instrumental (and vocal) role in the final selection of talent. The Programming Committee for next year's event has already started to meet and is asking for input (by the end of October). Send your dream lineup of 10 regional/international acts and two local groups to:

   Programming Committee
   4200 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 230
   Kansas City, MO 64111

You can also fax in your suggestions at 816-531-2583, or send them by email to connie@kcbluesjazz.org.

DB's KC Clams
Any kind of national recognition for KC jazz is good recognition, but you'd think mention of the area scene in an august publication like Down Beat (October 2000) would be free of goofs. Not that JAM has a spotless, typo-free record, but "guitarist" Eddie Saunders? And why misspell the names of outstanding local players like Kim Park and Brian Harman? At least "The Elbow Room" (which closed months ago) was spelled correctly, as was "Blayney's" (which rarely features live jazz).

"No rose without a thorn," as the proverb goes. Or as Dan Quayle once said, "The future will be better tomorrow."

Got News? Got Notes? Please EMAIL US or send your letter 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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