JAM: August/September 2002 Issue: Folly Jazz News

by Doug Tatum

The Folly Jazz Series for 2002-2003

The opening concert of the 2002-2003 Folly Jazz Series will feature Art Baron and "The Duke's Men" with guest soloist, Harold Ashby, on Saturday, September 14. "The Duke's Men" is an octet of musicians who are steeped in the Ellington tradition. They lovingly recreate his music while at the same time they bring a new freshness to it.

The band is led by trombonist Art Baron, who played in the Duke Ellington Orchestra during the last year that Duke led the group until shortly before his death in 1974. Following Duke's death, Baron continued to perform in the Ellington Orchestra under the leadership of Duke's son, Mercer Ellington. About "The Duke's Men," noted jazz writer Gary Giddins stated that this band "conveys the punch, spirit and finesse of Ellington… a first class jazz ensemble."

The great tenor saxophonist, Harold Ashby, who is from Kansas City, will be making a special homecoming appearance. Harold joined the Duke Ellington Orchestra as a featured soloist in 1968. The New York Times wrote, "Harold Ashby has a tone and sound like a tall tale, oversized and magnificent... his playing has personality to burn."

The Phil Woods Quintet will perform on Saturday, October 12. For several generations of jazz fans, Phil Woods probably comes to mind most often as being the quintessential bebop alto saxophonist. For many years, Woods virtually defined the sound of the alto in jazz. His musical lineage is clearly rooted in Charlie Parker, Benny Carter and Johnny Hodges. His credits include work with Quincy Jones, Dizzy Gillespie, Benny Carter, Clark Terry, Bill Evans, Michel Legrand, Oliver Nelson, Charlie Barnet and Thelonious Monk, in addition to countless dates working as a studio musician
for just about every type of project. His intense tone, driving rhythmic conception and free-spirit improvisations grab listeners by the throat and never let go.

Rene Marie

With the presentation of Jane Monheit last October, we inaugurated the "Folly Jazz Spotlight," a feature each season in which a rising jazz talent is presented in his or her Kansas City premiere. This season, my "Spotlight Pick" is singer René Marie, who will appear on Friday, November 15 with her quartet. Last year, Marie's second recording, Vertigo (MaxJazz) was voted "Top Vocal CD" in the JazzTimes Critics Poll. Jazz critic Stuart Broomer stated, "...René is a major event in the jazz vocal ranks. She has passion and technique to spare... unfaltering pitch and articulation... (she) sets her standards by Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan but still makes her own statements."

The Gonzalo Rubalcaba Trio will appear on Friday, December 6. Cuban-born pianist Gonzalo Rubalcaba is one of the most important figures to emerge over the past decade. Born in 1963 into a musical family in Havana, Rubalcaba began studying piano at age eight, and grew up jamming with such Latin jazz giants as Machito, Chico Hamilton, and Paquito D'Rivera. In 1985, he was discovered by Dizzy Gillespie. He made his first US appearance in 1993 at New York's Lincoln Center. His 2001 recording, Supernova (Blue Note), was nominated for three Grammy Awards for Composer, Arranger and Best Latin Jazz CD. A recent NPR jazz review stated "Playing with impeccable virtuosity, Cuban pianist Gonzalo Rubalcaba has become a master improviser, who can keep you on the edge of your seat with his refined sense of delicacy and grandeur."

The John Pizzarelli Trio will perform a special Valentine's Day concert on Friday, February 14. John Pizzarelli has been playing guitar since age six, following in the tradition of his father, jazz guitar legend Bucky Pizzarelli. Today, John Pizzarelli has been hailed by critics as one of the most accomplished interpreters of the Great American Songbook, having produced eighteen recordings and gaining international recognition. Known for his brilliant guitar work and smooth vocals, John has brought classic standards and late night ballads to a new generation. From Carnegie Hall to Melrose Place, John has gained a wide following from his numerous stage,
screen and television appearances and is setting the standard for stylish, modern jazz.

Veteran jazz master Dave Brubeck makes a return appearance to the Folly on Saturday, March 8. Without a doubt, Dave Brubeck is a legendary jazz icon. Throughout his career, his joy in performing has continued to excite multiple generations. When the Dave Brubeck Quartet with Paul Desmond was first formed in 1951, it caused quite a stir in the jazz world, launching what later became known as "West Coast Jazz" or "Cool" Jazz. The Quartet's recordings and concert appearances on college campuses probably introduced more new fans to jazz than any other group in jazz history. Brubeck's innovative talent led the Chicago Tribune to call him "a musician who always has delighted in crossing musical boundaries the lesser artists fear."

The James Moody Quartet will perform on Saturday, April 26 in the closing concert of the series. Saxophonist James Moody is probably most associated with his many years as a sideman with Dizzy Gillespie, however, his jazz credentials also include time working with Max Roach, Miles Davis and Tadd Dameron, among many others. Whether he's playing the tenor sax, the alto, soprano or flute, James Moody does so with the fluidity, deep resonance and wit that have made him one of the most consistently expressive and enduring figures in jazz.

In addition to the concerts listed above, there will also be a Folly Jazz concert in January. Because the booking is not yet finalized as this goes to press, I must entice you with a "To be Announced."

In closing, I wish to make an appeal to the Kansas City jazz community. For a variety of factors, program underwriting that the Folly Theater has customarily received each year from the Missouri Arts Council has been reduced by more than half. (This situation is not unique to the Folly; it is my understanding that every organization receiving such funding has also been affected.)

Thus, to sustain the Folly's programming, we are dependent
upon ticket sales now more than ever. So, I simply ask that you help us in our efforts by purchasing tickets to Folly Jazz concerts. We certainly do need your support. (A reminder: Members of the Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors receive ticket discounts.)

For more information about the Folly Jazz Series or to request a brochure, please call the Folly Theater: (816) 474-4444.