JAM: February/March 2002 Issue: First Take

Mike Metheny

In This Issue...
At 7300 words, the length of our cover story sets a record. But then the musical career of saxophonist Ben Kynard is far too rich for anything less. Among many things, Mr. Kynard is every bit an Elder Statesman of Kansas City Jazz. For more than 60 years this happy journeyman has played a vital role in the heritage of the music we continue to honor. And even though his hitch with the Lionel Hampton Orchestra ended nearly 50 years ago, that vibrant chapter of Kynard's life continues to stand tall along with his ongoing contribution to the area scene.

For his interview with Kynard, special contributor John Anthony Brisbin approached the challenge in much the same way as he did with the late Oliver Todd (see the October/November 2001 JAM) -- Brisbin lets the subject speak at length in the first person, without interruption. So, what you will read in "Flying Home with Mr. Red Top" is Ben Kynard in his own words, looking back on a long life in music. We are very pleased to have Ben's story told in this issue of JAM. It's a real page-turner.

A Perfect Moment
One of the freshest new groups to arrive on the KC scene in recent years (in addition to the cutting-edge Malachy Papers) is the Westport Art Ensemble featuring Gerald Spaits (bass), Josh Sclar (tenor sax), Roger Wilder (piano), Jake Blanton (guitar) and Todd Strait (drums). JAM contributor Roger Atkinson will tell you more about this forward-looking band, but from the "You Had To Be There Department" comes this priceless anecdote.

At a December 20th Blue Room gig, pianist Wilder was deep into a meditative opening cadenza when a cell phone in the audience suddenly went off at the worst possible time. For many it would have been a concentration-breaker, but for Wilder it afforded the opportunity to weave the pitch of the phone -- perfectly -- into the song's free-spirited intro. If you've ever wondered what was meant by the expression "great ears," this was a textbook example.

Saluting "The Mayor"
You may have read the impassioned words of KCJA President John Leisenring in the last issue of JAM. If so, it is good to be able to report here that John's forthright, courageous and generous efforts have helped to stimulate the resources of our wounded yet rebounding organization. (And yes, there is still more work to be done.)

John will have more to say about this in his "President's Corner," but from this vantage point it seems more than appropriate to deem Dr. Leisenring the Rudy Giuliani of the Jazz Ambassadors. Under such dire circumstances, others would have thrown in the towel and hit the road, but John has held firm, leading the KCJA through some of its toughest times. From the editor of JAM comes this salute, and a heartfelt appreciation.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
"You don't violate the rules until you know the rules. Then you can violate them and make new rules out of the violation." -- Artie Shaw (at age 91) in Down Beat, November 2001.

RETURN TO FEBRUARY/MARCH 2002 MAIN INDEX

© Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors 1996-2002. All rights reserved.






	Search our site:		Mike Metheny In This Issue... At 7300 words, the length of our cover story sets a record. But then the musical career of saxophonist Ben Kynard is far too rich for anything less. Among many things, Mr. Kynard is every bit an Elder Statesman of Kansas City Jazz. For more than 60 years this happy journeyman has played a vital role in the heritage of the music we continue to honor. And even though his hitch with the Lionel Hampton Orchestra ended nearly 50 years ago, that vibrant chapter of Kynard's life continues to stand tall along with his ongoing contribution to the area scene. For his interview with Kynard, special contributor John Anthony Brisbin approached the challenge in much the same way as he did with the late Oliver Todd (see the October/November 2001 JAM) -- Brisbin lets the subject speak at length in the first person, without interruption. So, what you will read in "Flying Home with Mr. Red Top" is Ben Kynard in his own words, looking back on a long life in music. We are very pleased to have Ben's story told in this issue of JAM. It's a real page-turner. A Perfect Moment One of the freshest new groups to arrive on the KC scene in recent years (in addition to the cutting-edge Malachy Papers) is the Westport Art Ensemble featuring Gerald Spaits (bass), Josh Sclar (tenor sax), Roger Wilder (piano), Jake Blanton (guitar) and Todd Strait (drums). JAM contributor Roger Atkinson will tell you more about this forward-looking band, but from the "You Had To Be There Department" comes this priceless anecdote. At a December 20th Blue Room gig, pianist Wilder was deep into a meditative opening cadenza when a cell phone in the audience suddenly went off at the worst possible time. For many it would have been a concentration-breaker, but for Wilder it afforded the opportunity to weave the pitch of the phone -- perfectly -- into the song's free-spirited intro. If you've ever wondered what was meant by the expression "great ears," this was a textbook example. Saluting "The Mayor" You may have read the impassioned words of KCJA President John Leisenring in the last issue of JAM. If so, it is good to be able to report here that John's forthright, courageous and generous efforts have helped to stimulate the resources of our wounded yet rebounding organization. (And yes, there is still more work to be done.) John will have more to say about this in his "President's Corner," but from this vantage point it seems more than appropriate to deem Dr. Leisenring the Rudy Giuliani of the Jazz Ambassadors. Under such dire circumstances, others would have thrown in the towel and hit the road, but John has held firm, leading the KCJA through some of its toughest times. From the editor of JAM comes this salute, and a heartfelt appreciation. THOUGHT FOR THE DAY "You don't violate the rules until you know the rules. Then you can violate them and make new rules out of the violation." -- Artie Shaw (at age 91) in Down Beat, November 2001. RETURN TO FEBRUARY/MARCH 2002 MAIN INDEX © Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors 1996-2002. All rights reserved.