Doug Talley:
From Sideman to Leader

© 1997 William Buchanan III

Doug Talley

For over a decade, saxophonist Doug Talley has worked in and around the Kansas City area and has earned a reputation as one of the area's finest sidemen; a musician whose integrity is as strong as it is broad. Doug's musical resume includes such notables as Jay McShann, Bob Mintzer and Claude "Fiddler" Williams, but it would seem that his work with such area bands as Paul Gray's Gashouse Gang (later known as the Vista Orchestra), the Trilogy and Boulevard big bands, and Kerry Strayer and the New Kansas City Seven are each important contributors to Talley's evolution from sideman to leader.

Doug grew up in the Kansas City area, attended the University of Kansas, and subsequently received his masters degree from North Texas State University. He is currently working as a teacher in the Shawnee Mission school district as well as a clinician for Selmer saxophones. As Talley looks every bit the part of a young junior high school band director, one might be excused for underestimating the maturity of Talley the player. But only a short time listening to Doug play corrects the image. He is indeed a man who has mastered the horn and the music and is always searching for new avenues of expression.

I recently sat and talked with Doug about his current activities as well as his aspirations for the future, particularly in light of the release last year of Town Topic, his first CD as a leader. "The Doug Talley Quartet," he says, "arose out of a need by all four players for individual expression beyond that afforded us in the confines of the larger ensembles in which we often found ourselves playing together. This quartet tries to play a mix of standards and originals, and present the familiar in new and interesting ways."

Wayne Hawkins, the quartet's pianist, describes Talley as "a humble person" who, despite being the leader, "relies on a democratic approach with the quartet." And drummer Keith Kavanaugh adds, "I've never before been so encouraged to contribute as an arranger and composer." Bassist Tim Brewer rounds out the group. The result of this collaboration effectively demonstrates the combined desires of these four musicians to move jazz music forward without leaving the audience behind. This is also exhibited by Doug's dedication to his role as educator and his participation in a program of jazz jams for local junior and senior high school students. "All the players are welcome and encouraged," says Talley of these sessions in which kids get an opportunity to perform with professionals in a night club atmosphere. "With these jams, we have a twofold purpose: to give young musicians a chance to taste the reality of live performance, and to help educate and increase the audience for jazz."

With the evolution from sideman to leader complete, Doug Talley is busier than ever. He continues to conduct educational clinics (a current project is presenting the music of Cole Porter), and his quartet is scheduled to appear at a number of upcoming regional events including the "Plaza Live" series, and Weston's "Summer in the Park" series in June. You can also catch the Doug Talley Quartet Wednesday nights at the Boulevard Cafe, 703 Southwest Blvd, and stayed tuned for a homecoming with fellow Louisiana, Missouri native, pianist Paul Smith.

Doug Talley: sideman, leader, educator... and Topic of the Town.


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