JAM: April/May 2002 Issue: Correspondence

Kudos I
I commend John Anthony Brisbin on a superbly written article, ("Flying Home with Mr. Red Top," JAM, February/March 2002) that concerned Ben D. Kynard.

Mr. Brisbin has clearly placed himself in an elite class of a fewwriters I have observed who possess the unique ability to capture through the interview process the true life essence and contributions of an individual while presenting it both in a concise yet thorough manner.

Since Mike Metheny's arrival in 1994, JAM magazine has focused, and deservedly so, on many home grown Kansas City jazz legends who also happen to be Elder Statesmen. A few articles that stand out over the years include: "Carmell Jones: Spontaneous Creation," written by Dean Hampton (June/July 1990); "Richard Ross: A Gentleman Sings the Blues," written by John Leisenring, (December/January 1995); "The Musical Odyssey of Sonny Kenner," written by Bart Swartz (April/May 1996); "Claude 'Fiddler' Williams: Still Swinging at 90," written by Michael J. Renner, (February/March 1998); and Oliver Todd's "Bullets was Flyin' All Over the Bandstand," also written by John Anthony Brisbin, (October/November 2001).

Although there have been several other articles that have appeared in JAM magazine with similar themes, none in my opinion have covered an individual so eloquently as "Flying Home with Mr. Red Top," thanks to John Anthony Brisbin.

Thank you JAM for contributing editors such as Brisbin who, along with editor Mike Metheny, keep the history of jazz alive and thriving in Kansas City. JAM has focused on those who love jazz and who still dedicate their lives to it.

Sincerely,
Brett D. Kynard

Brett Kynard is Ben Kynard's son. He lives in Kansas City, MO. -- Ed.

Kudos II
My sincere compliments for your feature on my uncle Ben Kynard in your February issue of JAM. Although I've known him all my life, I learned more about Uncle Ben and highlights about my father, B.C., than I have ever known!

The style of interview in the first person gave a sense of sitting in the living room listening to him talk. I also remember reading some liner notes on how Pat Metheny learned from my brother, Charles Kynard.

Keep up the great work. I am pointing many people to your web site from here in Los Angeles.

All the best,
Gary Kynard
Los Angeles, CA

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	Search our site:		Kudos I I commend John Anthony Brisbin on a superbly written article, ("Flying Home with Mr. Red Top," JAM, February/March 2002) that concerned Ben D. Kynard. Mr. Brisbin has clearly placed himself in an elite class of a fewwriters I have observed who possess the unique ability to capture through the interview process the true life essence and contributions of an individual while presenting it both in a concise yet thorough manner. Since Mike Metheny's arrival in 1994, JAM magazine has focused, and deservedly so, on many home grown Kansas City jazz legends who also happen to be Elder Statesmen. A few articles that stand out over the years include: "Carmell Jones: Spontaneous Creation," written by Dean Hampton (June/July 1990); "Richard Ross: A Gentleman Sings the Blues," written by John Leisenring, (December/January 1995); "The Musical Odyssey of Sonny Kenner," written by Bart Swartz (April/May 1996); "Claude 'Fiddler' Williams: Still Swinging at 90," written by Michael J. Renner, (February/March 1998); and Oliver Todd's "Bullets was Flyin' All Over the Bandstand," also written by John Anthony Brisbin, (October/November 2001). Although there have been several other articles that have appeared in JAM magazine with similar themes, none in my opinion have covered an individual so eloquently as "Flying Home with Mr. Red Top," thanks to John Anthony Brisbin. Thank you JAM for contributing editors such as Brisbin who, along with editor Mike Metheny, keep the history of jazz alive and thriving in Kansas City. JAM has focused on those who love jazz and who still dedicate their lives to it. Sincerely, Brett D. Kynard Brett Kynard is Ben Kynard's son. He lives in Kansas City, MO. -- Ed. Kudos II My sincere compliments for your feature on my uncle Ben Kynard in your February issue of JAM. Although I've known him all my life, I learned more about Uncle Ben and highlights about my father, B.C., than I have ever known! The style of interview in the first person gave a sense of sitting in the living room listening to him talk. I also remember reading some liner notes on how Pat Metheny learned from my brother, Charles Kynard. Keep up the great work. I am pointing many people to your web site from here in Los Angeles. All the best, Gary Kynard Los Angeles, CA RETURN TO APRIL/MAY 2002 MAIN INDEX © Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors 1996-2002. All rights reserved.