JAM: February/March 2002 Issue: News and Notes

Bravo, Karrin
Usually when we report the good news of a KC-connected jazz artist receiving a Grammy nomination, the subject is guitarist Pat Metheny, whose total nominations and trophies are now well into double digits. A new name just added to this elite list is none other than Karrin Allyson, a former Kansas Citian now based in New York. The singer and Concord recording artist has received her first Grammy nomination (in the category of "Best Jazz Vocal Album -- Solo Vocals and Duos or Groups with Vocals") for her 2001 release Ballads: Remembering John Coltrane, and she's in good company. Other nominees in the same category include Mose Allison, Kurt Elling, Shirley Horn and Dianne Reeves. Says Karrin:

"I am very thrilled and honored to be among these nominees. It is a nice nod to some very hard work and I really appreciate it. Even though I do not expect to win, I feel that, in a way, just by being nominated I already have. I'm continually grateful to my whole 'family' -- literally and figuratively -- for all the love and support."

For more about this high honor, see Dean Hampton's column, "Hampton's Hot Licks."

New Releases
Back on the home front, the area recording scene remains alive and well, what with new releases coming out almost monthly. Guitarist Jay EuDaly has just finished his Channeling Harold, a CD that, according to the leader, consists of "nine tracks of organ trio jazz and three of guitar/vocal duets." Featured are EuDaly (guitar, vocals), Rich Van Sant (Hammond B3 organ), Ian Sikora and Kevin Johnson (drums), and Diane "Mama" Ray (vocals). Look for a review in the April/May JAM; and for more info about the CD, visit the web site at masterguitar.com/notes/. cdbaby.com is the place to buy.

Also fresh off the press is new music from pianist Tim Whitmer, who will christen his Kansas City Standard Time on Wednesday, February 6 with a CD release at Unity Temple on the Plaza, 707 W. 47th. The festivities get underway at 7:00 p.m. Admission is $6 for adults, students under 16 will be admitted for free. This is Whitmer's first studio recording in over a decade and, as he recently told us, it "spotlights my fascination with and enjoyment of the Kansas City jazz tradition." Included are four Whitmer originals that were premiered at Carnegie Hall in 1998, and featured artists are Whitmer on piano, Jim Mair and Art Jackson (saxophones), James Albright and Lucky Wesley (bass), Jurgen Welge and Rusty Tucker (drums), Rod Fleeman (guitar), Chico Battaglia (percussion) and Myra Taylor on vocals. Says Whitmer, "Rusty and Myra each take a vocal turn, then on 'When the Saints Go Marching In,' they harmonize and wail on their first ever duet."

The CD will be played in its entirety on the 6th, autographed copies will be available, and there will be a reception afterward.

A Radio Milestone
In February 1982, two longtime jazz fans pooled their passion, personalities and expansive resources to start a weekly radio show on KCUR. Now, 20 years later, Ginney Coleman and Ruth Rhoden, the hosts of "Just Jazz" every Sunday from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m., are one of the most venerable -- and memorable -- teams in Kansas City jazz radio history. Will there be any kind of celebration of this milestone?

"Well, I guess we probably should!," says Rhoden. "But we really haven't planned anything. We'll probably just do our regular show, and thank everyone for hanging in there with us and for being really great all these years -- especially on our fund drives."

Coleman is also grateful for so many years jazz community rapport and support.

"I've so enjoyed sharing my jazz collection with all of our jazz listeners over the past 20 years on KCUR. Also, I will always treasure the many friendships as well as the respect I will always have for the Kansas City jazz musicians I've met by doing the show."

Congratulations, ladies. Let's hear it for longevity.

Jazz at the Symphony

Ann Hampton Callaway

The wide variety that comes with a Kansas City Symphony season almost always includes a nice helping of jazz. 2001-2002 is no exception. Up and coming are these special jazz-related events:

• Friday-Saturday, February 8-9 -- "To Ella with Love," featuring the award-winning singer/songwriter/recording artist Ann Hampton Callaway in a tribute to jazz great Ella Fitzgerald. Showtime both nights at the Music Hall is 8:00 p.m.

• Friday, March 8 -- The Count Basie Orchestra at the Midland Theater, 8:00 p.m. (rescheduled from Sept. 14-15, and now one night only). And don't forget, featured with the Basie band will be KC's own Will Matthews on guitar. (See the August/September 2001 JAM for a profile.)

• Friday-Saturday, April 26-27 -- Trumpeter (and Smooth Jazz fan) Arturo Sandoval in concert with a mixture of jazz, big band swing and traditional classics. He was awesome last summer at the Blues & Jazz fest; expect more of the same with the Symphony. Showtime both nights at the Music Hall is 8:00 p.m.

Like to know more about these and other Kansas City Symphony events? Call 816-471-0400, or log on to the website at www.kcsymphony.org.

A Centennial Celebration Jams at the Gem
As we reported last issue, 2002 marks the centennial of the birth of the acclaimed poet and playwright Langston Hughes (1902-1967), whose early years were spent in Lawrence, Kansas. To commemorate this milestone, the University of Kansas will present "Let America Be America Again: An International Symposium on the Art, Life & Legacy of Langston Hughes," Thursday-Sunday, February 7-10. Included on the long list of scholars, poets, performance artists and other dignitaries for this event are such notables as novelist Alice Walker, actor Danny Glover, and Executive Director of the American Jazz Museum, Dr. Rowena Stewart. As matter of fact, KC's Gem Theater will be the site of "Rhapsody in Hughes" -- "...reflecting the life and legacy of Langston Hughes through jazz and poetry..." -- on Sunday, February 10, at 3:00 p.m. Scheduled to appear at this special "Jammin' at the Gem" concert are the actor Val Gray, writer Ishmael Reed, and the Lionel Hampton Orchestra led by the legendary vibraphonist himself.

There are also additional community events scheduled in conjunction with this centennial, including a performance at the Lied Center by award-winning vocalist Nnenna Freelon on February 14, and "Ask Your Mama: 12 Moods for Jazz" on February 16 (also at the Lied Center) hosted by Ronald McCurdy and John S. Wright.

For additional information about this symposium and its related concerts and performances, call 785-864-ARTS (2787), or visit the web site at www.kuce.org/hughes. Tickets for the "Jammin' at the Gem" series can be reserved by calling 816-474-6262.

Great Jazz Just Down the Pike

Wynton Marsalis: Coming to KC (March 18) and Columbia (March 19)

As we always say, it's not that far east on I-70 to Columbia, where the "We Always Swing" jazz series, now in its seventh year, continues to offer an eclectic mix of solid jazz. Here's a look at the remainder of the 2001-2002 season.

• February 10 -- Matt Wilson's "Arts & Crafts" (at Murry's).

• February 24 -- Houston Person, Russell Malone, Hank Marr, Grady Tate (at the Blue Note).

• March 16 -- The Dave Holland Quintet (at the Blue Note).

• March 17 -- The David Berkman Quartet (at Murry's).

• April 21 -- Ray Drummond, Billy Drummond, Renee Rosnes (at Murry's).
It's easy to purchase tickets for these shows on the Ticketmaster charge line at 866-646-8849 or online at www.ticketmaster.com. And for additional information, you can always contact the We Always Swing office at 573-449-3009 (email: jazznbsbl@aol.com) or visit their web site at www.wealwaysswing.org.

Also, internationally renowned trumpet virtuoso Wynton Marsalis is booked at Columbia's Blue Note on Tuesday, March 19 for two shows. (See below for more news about Mr. Marsalis.) Tickets and reserved tables are limited, so it's best to make your reservations now by calling Ticketmaster or the We Always Swing office.

Let's Crawl!
Our friends at the Kansas City Blues Society are gearing up for their 11th annual Mardi Gras Club Crawl, Tuesday, February 12, 8:00 p.m. to midnight, and we wanted to do our part to help spread the word. Much like the annual Jazz Lover's Pub Crawl in June, the Club Crawl features numerous venues, bands and routes; and the good news is: you don't have to drive! Just hop on one of the many buses operating between clubs and leave the shuttling to someone else. For current info call 816-474-4774, or visit the web site at www.kcbluessociety.com.

Alaadeen In Residence
Because of a generous grant from the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation, saxophonist Ahmad Alaadeen will be spreading the good word of jazz throughout the Olathe (KS) School District beginning on Wednesday January 30 and culminating with a gala Black History Month performance on Saturday, February 16 at the Gem Theater, 18th and Vine. Showtime is 7:00 p.m.

Alaadeen will serve as artist-in-residence at Oregon Trail Junior High, Santa Fe Trail Junior High and Olathe North High School during a stay that will include various performances by school jazz bands featuring Alaadeen as soloist. But, of course, the highlight will be on the 16th.

"Many members of the Olathe community will be coming to the 18th & Vine area for the first time," says Ed Colson, director of jazz bands at Oregon Trail Junior High Schools. "And what's better, they will get to hear the students perform with a legendary jazz master."

Also appearing with Alaadeen at the Gem Theater concert will be drummer, Latin percussionist and Chicago-based educator Ruben Alvarez. For more information about this and other Alaadeen endeavors, visit the website at www.alaadeen.com.

These Ladies + the Music = Magic
One of the most popular annual events sponsored by the Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors is "Ladies Sing The Blues," a lively showcase for some of the area's finest jazz and blues singers. On Thursday, February 21, 8:00-11:00 p.m., the tradition continues (it began in 1990) at The Club at Plaza III, 4749 Pennsylvania, when the featured vocalists will be Lisa Henry, Myra Taylor and Sharon Thompson. The scheduled all-star backup band consists of Everette Freeman on piano, Tyrone Clark on bass, and Mike Warren on drums.

Each of these popular KC-based singers bring with them solid credentials. Henry was first runner-up in the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Vocals Competition in 1994 and was named International Jazz Ambassador to Africa in 1994, '95 and '96; Taylor is an established veteran of authentic KC jazz who began her career at 18th & Vine in 1932, traveled with USO tours during World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, and recorded and wrote songs for Mercury Records in 1946-1947, including "The Spider and the Fly;" and Thompson has delighted audiences for years with her jazz-inspired performances, which include roles in "Blues in the Night" at the American Heartland Theater, "High Hat Hattie" at the Quality Hill Theater, and "After Hours" at Union Station.

Tickets for "Ladies Sing the Blues" are $8 in advance, $10 at the door, and can be purchased at The Club at Plaza III. Proceeds from the evening will go to the Jazz Ambassadors' Musicians Emergency Assistance Fund (MEAF) which, for nearly ten years, has helped to assist many of KC's esteemed musicians in times of need. For more information, call 913-967-6767.

Comin' Home

Bob Brookmeyer

Speaking of Grammy nominees with KC ties, it's always big news when trombonist Bob Brookmeyer comes back to town. Brookmeyer, who is also up for a 2002 Grammy (in the "Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album" category), will be in Kansas City in February for a gig at the Blue Room (Thursday, February 21, 7:00-11:00 p.m.) as well as a recording session (at Soundtrek Studios) with longtime colleague, saxophonist Ed Dix. Dix and Brookmeyer have been friends since their days with the Warren Durrett Orchestra in the late '40s, and they remain tight 50 years later.

"Bob and I have been good friends since our teens growing up in Kansas City" Dix told us recently. "We met on Warren Durrett's band and played together in many different groups. In 1950 we organized a quartet that played on the road for several months, and while attending the Conservatory Of Music, we played in the house band at the now infamous Tootie's Mayfair."
In the early '50s, however, life took the two on different paths. Brookmeyer embarked on his now-legendary career in jazz, and Dix opted for the insurance business while still keeping his chops up on the side. Despite time and geography, they've remained in touch.

"Several years ago, Bob mentioned casually that we should play together again -- preferably in Kansas City -- and that we should document it on record. He said 'If not now, when?' and he had a point. He even set a date in his calendar for two years hence. Now, after two years of my insomnia, it's all about to happen."

The all-star band for the Blue Room gig on the 21st and the new CD will be Brookmeyer and Dix along with Paul Smith (piano), Bob Bowman (bass) and Todd Strait (drums). Mark your calendars. And stay tuned to these pages for updates on the arrival of the new CD.

Said Mr. Brookmeyer in an email to us just prior to press:

"Ed and I have been like brothers most of our lives. And he has never lost the feel and the swing. He is my sounding board, and his opinions are always sought and valued."

A Busy Night!
When good things happen on the KC jazz scene, they sometimes happen in bunches. Also on Thursday, February 21, there will be a free concert at the Wyandotte West Library, 1737 N. 82nd Street in KCK, that will feature groups from Kansas City Kansas Community College. Scheduled to perform are KCKCC's Jazz Choirs (I and II) under the direction of Dale Shetler, and the KCKCC Jazz Combos directed by Jim Mair. Featured will be guest pianist, and a longtime fixture on the KC scene, Mike Ning. Like to know more? Call 913-288-7149.

You Want Names?
The Blue Room's Got Names
Have you had a chance to take in the February/March Blue Room calendar on the inside front cover of this magazine? Not since the glory days of the Drum Room (II) in the mid '90s has a local jazz venue trumpeted such a rich lineup of out-of-town marquee names.

In addition to the aforementioned gig with Bob Brookmeyer on February 21, here are some other dates you will want to add to your jazz calendar. Things are certainly heating up at 18th & Vine.

• February 11 -- The Matt Wilson Quartet, with Larry Goldings, Terell Stafford and Dennis Irwin.

• February 25 -- Pat Martino, with Joey DeFrancesco and Billy Hart.

• March 18 -- Wynton Marsalis (IMPORTANT NOTE: This performance was originally scheduled for Wednesday, March 20. As we were going to press, the date was moved to March 18. Please call the Blue Room to confirm.)

• March 22 -- The Bobby Watson Quintet

• March 23 -- The Dave Scott Quintet

• March 25 -- Kenny Garrett

For additional information about these performances as well as the other many jazz-related events happening at 18th & Vine, call the American Jazz Museum at 816-474-8463.

Jazz at UMKC
The winter-spring semester at UMKC's Conservatory of Music includes several important dates for area jazz lovers. They are:

• February 22 when The Conservatory Wind and Jazz Ensembles share the White Hall stage in a 7:30 p.m. concert. Saxophonist (and faculty member) Hal Melia will be featured.

• February 24 -- The 25th Annual George Salisbury Cabaret Concert, from 2:00 until 6:00 p.m. in Pierson Auditorium. Featured at the Silver Anniversary of this important scholarship benefit will be Jazz Studies Director Bobby Watson, Hal Melia, the Scamps, the Conservatory Jazz Ensemble and many other guest performers.

• April 12-13 -- The Conservatory Jazz Festival Concert, featuring special guests Slide Hampton, Jimmy Owens, Ralph Peterson and Arkady Shilkloper. The music begins at 7:30 p.m. in White Hall.

For tickets to any or all of these events, call the Central Ticket Office at 816-235-6222.

Swing is the Thing
The timeless sounds of the Big Band Era are currently the main attraction at the Quality Hill Playhouse, 303 W. 10th. From Friday, January 25 through Sunday February 24, the music of Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Manhattan Transfer and others will be featured in the intimate revue "Cabaret Swings" which spotlights the talents of Alison Sneegas Borberg, Karen Errington, Melinda MacDonald and James Wright. J. Kent Barnhart is serving as pianist and emcee. Like to know more? Call 816-421-1700 or visit the web site at www.QualityHillPlayhouse.com.

And Let's Be Frank,
This Will Swing, Too
Speaking of the swinging sounds of yesteryear, on Friday-Saturday, February 22-23, Yardley Hall at the Johnson County Community College Carlsen Center will be the site of a musical celebration honoring the legacy of the late Frank Sinatra. "Our Sinatra, A Big Band Musical" will feature more than 50 songs made popular by Ol' Blue Eyes including "Come Fly With Me," "Nice 'n' Easy," "The Lady is a Tramp," "Young at Heart" and "My Way" among many others. A talented trio of established Broadway singers will team with an 11-piece band to bring these classics to life, and it promises to be a real walk down memory lane. For tickets call the Carlsen Center box office at 913-469-4445 or visit the web site at www.jccc.net/CarlsenCenter.

The KCJW Resumes
After a short hiatus for the holidays, the Kansas City Jazz Workshop for 2001-2002 resumes on Monday, February 25. Next up is vocalist Shanna Carlson backed by KC all-stars Dan DeLuca (piano), Bob Bowman (bass), and Tommy Ruskin (drums).

Unless otherwise noted, KCJW concerts take place in the Downtown Marriott's 12th Street Rag Room and begin at 7:00 p.m. Call 816-436-0318 or 816-737-3627 for information about this event as well as the two remaining concerts of the series. They are:

• Monday, March 18 -- Harry Allen (tenor sax) and Carl Saunders (trumpet ) with the KC All-Stars

• Sunday, April 28 -- A special bonus concert in the Basie Ballroom at 2:00 p.m. featuring pianist Eldar Djangirov and his trio.

Diana Krall

The Look and the Chops
Singer-pianist Diana Krall first caught local jazz ears years ago as part of the Kansas City Jazz Workshop series. Of course that was then and this is now. Since that KC debut, Krall has dazzled crowds at the annual Blues & Jazz Festival ('99) and the Uptown Theater (May 2000). The Grammy winner, who is currently on tour in support of her most recent release, The Look of Love, will next appear in Kansas City on Wednesday, March 13 at the Midland Theater. Tickets will no doubt go fast. Reserve yours now by calling Ticketmaster at 816-931-3330.

A Good Cause
When it comes to raising money for good causes, Rotary International and the Kansas City jazz community have a lot in common; both have always been very generous with their time and talents. And when the Kansas City Plaza Rotary Club was planning its annual fundraiser for the Bridge Home for Children, the service club approached pianist Tim Whitmer about teaming up for the 2002 event.

On Sunday, March 24, Whitmer and ten KC jazz all-stars will help the Plaza Rotary Club raise some funds -- and have some fun -- on behalf of the Bridge Home for Children. The 2002 Plaza Rotary Jazz Cabaret will feature Master of Ceremonies Whitmer and numerous guest artists who will perform as part of an evening of jazz in the intimate, cabaret-style ambiance of the American Heartland Theater at Crown Center, 2450 Grand. The musicians will include Everette DeVan (keyboards), Jurgen Welge (drums), James Albright (bass), Jim Mair (saxophones) and Rod Fleeman (guitar), with performances by guest artists Rusty Tucker (drums/vocals), Bram Wijnands (piano), Hal Melia (saxophones), Luqman Hamza (vocals/piano) and Ida McBeth (also on vocals).

Tickets for this special event are $50 each, and seating at the American Heartland Theater is limited. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. on the 24th with a reception, including a cash bar and complimentary hors d'oeuvres. Then Whitmer's All-Stars will perform from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Tickets are available from any Kansas City Plaza Rotary Club member, or by calling 1-800-492-4926.

A Reeaally Big Sale
At an April date TBA, Ron Rooks and the whole gang at Music Exchange will be making 40 to 50 thousand (that's right, thousand) recordings available for sale on the store's expanded second floor. We're talking 78s, 45s, LPs... you name it. Look for more about this sale in the April issue of JAM, and in the mean time, why not pay the store a visit. Music Exchange is located at 42nd and Broadway in Westport. Phone 816-931-7560.

Sound Familiar?
This just in from the jazz wires. Trumpeter Fats Navarro (1923-50), whose profound influence and remarkable proficiency as a performer stand in stark contrast to his tragically short lifespan, is buried in an unmarked grave in Linden, NJ. His daughter, Linda Navarro of Washington state, is raising funds to provide a proper headstone for his final resting place.

These funds also will be used to support Linda's travel and lodging to the New York City area for a simple dedication and installation ceremony, to which the public will be invited.

If you are interested in contributing to this effort, you can send a check to: Linda Navarro, 814 30th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98122.

There is also a web site with additional info at: http://csis.pace.edu/~varden/navarro/navarro.html.

Looking Ahead
Now is a good time to pencil into your jazz calendar the 2002 concert series presented by Kansas City Ragtime Revelry. "Ragtime Riches" is this year's theme. All concerts will be held at the Community Christian Church, 4601 Main, and, with exception of the 4:00 p.m. start on April 21, are scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. Here is the lineup; call 816-691-8781 (email: dianecapps@juno.com) for more information.

• Sunday, April 21 -- The Tichenor Family Trio

• Saturday, July 13 -- Brian Holland

• Saturday, September 21 -- Scott Kirby

• Saturday, November 2 -- Mimi Blais

Also For Your 2002 Jazz Calendar...
Every year since 1998 the Topeka Jazz Festival has continued to grow. And for edition #5 the lineup of local and national talent is looking especially strong. Here are some of the talented artists scheduled to appear at the Topeka Performing Arts Center, May 25-27:

Joe Cartwright, Bill Charlap, Bill Cunliffe, Eldar Djangirov, Tamir Hendelman, Russ Long and Ted Rosenthal (piano); Bob Bowman, John Clayton, John Leitham, Jay Leonhart, Christoph Luty, Gerald Spaits and Peter Washington (bass); Joe Ascione, Jeff Hamilton, Tom Morgan, Tommy Ruskin, Todd Strait and Kenny Washington (drums); Bucky Pizzarelli and Rod Fleeman (guitar); Wycliffe Gordon and Dan Barrett (trombone); Ken Peplowski and Bob Kindred (clarinet/tenor sax); Jeff Clayton (alto sax); Terell Stafford and Mike Bennett (trumpet); and Rebecca Parris and Lynn Roberts (vocals).

We'll be reporting more about this major midwestern jazz event in the April/May JAM, but it's not too early right now to reserve your seats. To do so, or just to get additional information, call the festival hotline at 785-234-9800 or visit the web site at www.tpactix.org.