by Doug Tatum

Extraordinary Talent at the Folly
On November 15, the Folly Jazz Series presented singer René Marie in her Kansas City debut. I don't usually "review" Folly concerts in this space, but I am compelled to get the word out about this artist, who has been on the jazz scene only a few years.

To put things in perspective, I think most would agree that a list of the greatest female jazz singers of all time would include Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Carmen McRae, Betty Carter and Sarah Vaughan. OK, now pay attention: Added to that list belongs the name of René Marie. Yes, she really is that good. But you don't need to take my word for it. Just ask anyone who was in the audience at the Folly Theater on November 15. It was truly an extraordinary concert, and René Marie is truly an extraordinary talent. I am confident that it is only a matter of time and exposure before this becomes evident to all who hear her. To learn more about René Marie, visit her website at www.renemarie.com. René has recently completed a live club recording in New York City; watch for the CD's release on the MaxJazz label. By the way, if you're not familiar with them, MaxJazz is an independent label based in St. Louis that has released some very impressive recordings over the past several years. Check them out at on the internet at www.maxjazz.com.

For the next Folly Jazz concert, the Gonzalo Rubalcaba Trio will appear on Friday, December 6. The Cuban-born Rubalcaba is a remarkably versatile pianist who blends strands of Cuban music and the American jazz tradition into a fresh, modern whole. Born into a musical family in Havana in 1963, Rubalcaba began studying classical piano at age eight, honing his technique in that area for the next 12 years while playing around Havana by night. He grew up jamming with such Latin jazz giants as Machito, Chico Hamilton, and Paquito D'Rivera. In 1985 Rubalcaba was "discovered" by Dizzy Gillespie, but was prevented from performing in the United States for many years due to political complications. Rubalcaba was finally able to play for American audiences beginning in 1993, including a star-making appearance 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 jazz review on National Public Radio 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."

Jimmy Cobb

Jimmy Cobb and "Cobb's Mob" will appear at the Folly on Saturday, January 11. Featured soloists in the group that evening will include trumpeter Randy Brecker, guitarist Peter Bernstein, and pianist Richard Wyands. A while back, I had a revelation that had never really occurred to me before. I realized that quite a few recordings universally regarded as "jazz classics" had something in common -- they all featured the talents of drummer Jimmy Cobb. This list of classic recordings includes Miles Davis' Kind of Blue, Sketches of Spain and Porgy and Bess. Others include Giant
Steps by John Coltrane and Smokin' At the Half Note by the Wynton Kelly Trio and Wes Montgomery. Over the years, Cobb has served as the anchor of countless, outstanding sessions with Billie Holiday, Dinah Washington, Sarah Vaughan, Nancy Wilson, Cannonball Adderley, Stan Getz, Dizzy Gillespie, Kenny Burrell, Sonny Stitt, among many others. Without a doubt, Jimmy Cobb is one of the hardest swinging drummers of all time. Today, Cobb's playing is still as precise and exciting as ever. Jimmy chuckles and says, "Well, that's about all I got, I guess. That's just the way I play. It's the only thing I know how to do… but I never thought that I'd be 70. I thought by now my ass would be grass." What good fortune for all of us that such is not the case!

For more information about the Folly Jazz Series, please call the Folly Theater at 816-474-4444. Oh, and one other thing. I must report that so far this season, our sales are far below budgeted projections. Jazz fans, where are you? The Folly Jazz Series cannot run on "fumes." No joke! We need your support!Doug Tatum is the Executive Director of the Folly Theater.

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