JAM: December 2002/January 2003 Issue: Correspondence

He Played Beautifully
Many years ago, while I was riding with a teen-age son, he asked if I knew the name of the vocalist singing on the car radio. I did not. He told me it was Michael Jackson and admonished, "Mom, you should know that."

Well, all these years later maybe I should have known about Mark Pender, but I did not. I did, however, read that he was to play at the Blue Room (JAM, August/September) and also earlier in the day at a concert at Indian Springs Shopping Center. Not wanting to be clueless forever, my husband and I trekked over to Kansas City, Kansas to hear this (now) New York artist.

The hall was immense, the crowd minuscule. Before the group even began to play I was embarrassed by the turnout. It did not seem to bother Mr. Pender, however. He played so beautifully and so enthusiastically we could have been at a sold-out Carnegie Hall.

We appreciate JAM's interview, and now that we know who Mark Pender is, we look forward to his next visit!

Sincerely,
Martha Sharp
Prairie Village, KS

A Generous Donation
Dear JAM,
It gives me great pleasure donating the enclosed Pat Metheny Group tickets to JAM. I would like to suggest that you offer the tickets to two students (most likely high school or college level) who will appreciate, learn, and benefit from the experience of seeing a live jazz concert. Maybe these tickets can find their way into the hands of someone who typically would not be able to afford admission to such a show but who would like to attend. My hope is that these tickets provide a valuable opportunity for two enthusiastic and interested individuals.

Your JAM cover stories that emphasize the importance of music education have not gone unnoticed. I commend you for your attention to the importance of music education in the schools. I have witnessed first hand the benefits of a school's music program, especially with at-risk individuals.

Thank you, JAM, for your continued efforts in focusing your readers on music education and in linking generations of jazz enthusiasts.

Ann Stanfield
School Psychologist
Oceanside Unified School District
Oceanside, CA

Editor's Note: KCJA Director of Jazz Education Tom Alexios had little difficulty finding two eager and deserving young students to attend the PMG's Uptown Theater show on Nov. 8 (see below). Thanks, Ann!

The lucky recipients, Dan Lash and Ryan Howard (kneeling), with Pat Metheny and Tom Alexios after the concert.

Kudos
Congratulations on an excellent (October/November) issue. I was especially interested in the ASCAP vs. Majestic Steakhouse controversy. I will follow that with interest. Thanks for taking the time to report that for your readers.

We look forward to every issue and keep up with the Jazz Ambassadors through JAM. You are an inspiration to other jazz societies.

Thanks for keeping us on your complimentary mailing list.

Yours for jazz--America's Music,
F. Norman Vickers
Volunteer Executive Director
Jazz Society of Pensacola, Inc.
Pensacola, FL

In Defense of Karrin
I just heard Karrin Allyson's treatment of "Moanin'" again on KSDS "Jazz 88" radio in San Diego (the host had great things to say about this cut) and it's high time I deal with the feeling of dismay caused by Michael Ragan's comments in the October/November issue of JAM. I particularly like her "unison lines and scatting," not just on the In Blue album, but also on previous CDs; e.g., "Cherokee" from Collage, "Naima" from Ballads, and many more.

I believe my opinion goes deeper than friendship (Karrin certainly has many in KC) and even beyond Paul Smith's comments about the KC jazz family. I don't play or sing anymore, but have enough musical background to recognize the dead-nuts-on pitch in Karrin's unison singing and in her impeccable timing and the excellence in her artistic expression. There are many fine jazz vocalists performing today. Jazz singing is an art form that takes superior musical skill and knowledge and marries those domains with creative expression. Karrin is unique in this regard and among the very best performing anywhere. In Blue is yet another sampling of Karrin Allyson's great talent.

I hope she didn't read Ragan's critique. She puts so much of herself into her art and so much energy into presenting it that I believe her feelings would be hurt.

Any chance Ragan will be moving back to Chicago?

Regards to all,
Steve Pate
San Diego, CA

We're not sure of Michael Ragan's future plans, but whether we agreed or disagreed with the opinions expressed in his contributions during his brief tenure on the JAM masthead, Ragan's talent with the written word combined with an expansive knowledge of subject matter always made for provocative reading. -- Ed.