JAM: April/May 2003 Issue: News & Notes

Congratulations, Jay!
It's hard not to include the term "jazz treasure" in any sentence that mentions KC jazz treasure Jay McShann (see, we did it twice). The acclaimed Mr. McShann, now 87 years young, has been honored once again (the list includes "The Kansas City Hall of Fame," an NEA "American Jazz Masters Fellowship," and the "Jazz Master Award" from the Afro-American Museum in Philadelphia), this time by the Missouri Arts Council. At ceremonies held February 5 at the State Capitol Building in Jefferson City, Jay received the 2003 Missouri Arts Award for Individual Artist. Said Representative Karen McCarthy, "This recognition acknowledges your exemplary efforts in generating interest in the arts locally and nationally to preserve the blues and jazz tradition." OK, a jazz and blues treasure. And one of the all-time greats.

. ..and Carol!
Kansas City Young Audiences, the largest arts education provider in the region and one of Kansas City's largest arts organizations, has announced that Carol Comer -- composer, teacher, journalist, pianist, jazz vocalist, and co-founder of the Women's Jazz Festival (25 years ago in March, believe it or not) -- has been named the recipient of the Lighton Prize, recognizing her as the "Artist of the Year." This award, given in memory of Gertrude Woolf Lighton, honors Ms. Comer "for her outstanding work in the schools conducting vocal and instrumental workshops for students in grades kindergarten through 12." Carol will receive the award as part of Young Audiences' annual Arts for Learning and Living Luncheon, Wednesday, April 30, 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. at the Fairmont Hotel. Former KC mayor and American Jazz Museum Board Chairman, the Reverend Emanuel Cleaver will be the keynote speaker.

Today, in addition to her ongoing work in the schools, Carol serves as a private vocal coach for area jazz singers and is a contributing reviewer for this publication. But in her earlier days, she sang radio and TV commercials produced by the late Warren Durrett (Carol and jazz legend Marilyn Maye were part of a sextet that recorded scores of jingles heard throughout the region), and over a career now spanning 40 years she has been named "Jazzwoman of the Year" by the late Leonard Feather, once served (for ten years) as Down Beat's regional correspondent, and has appeared with a variety of jazz greats including Pat Metheny and Bill Evans.

All in all, it has been a productive journey now aptly rewarded, and one that has influenced students throughout Missouri, Kansas, and Utah as well as a long list of admiring jazz musicians.

For ticket information for the Arts for Learning and Living Luncheon on April 30th, contact Suzanne Nelson at 816-531-4022. RSVP by or before April 16.

Norman Brown

KC's Grammy Ties
Last year it was singer (and former Kansas Citian) Karrin Allyson who was up for a couple of Grammys (see "Q&A"). This year it was two internationally known guitarists with strong KC ties, both of whom came away winners. First, Grammy newcomer (nomination #1) Norman Brown took home an award for "Best Pop Instrumental Album" (Just Chillin' on Warner Bros.), then perennial favorite Pat Metheny claimed his 15th Grammy for "Best Contemporary Jazz Album" (Speaking of Now, also on Warner Bros.) Like JAM staff writer Tim Cross said last issue in our cover story, "...the musical fertility of this city has produced an abundant yield of guitarists." And plenty of good ones!

JCCC Jazz
The spring Jazz Series at Johnson County Community College continues in April with two of KC's most popular jazz artists and their bands. On Tuesday, April 1, B-3 master Everette DeVan will bring his trio to the Carlsen Center's Recital Hall. DeVan is one of the country's finest jazz organists and has shared top billing around the world with such artists as Hank Crawford, Lou Donaldson and Jack McDuff. The following Tuesday, April 8, saxophonist/jazz educator Doug Talley and his quartet, featuring percussionist Collin Thomas, will appear. Thomas is the first recipient of the Frank Smith Jazz Scholarship at JCCC. These concerts are free, open to the public and begin at noon. Call 913-469-8500 (ext. 3689) for additional information.

Also of note on the JCCC jazz calendar are upcoming performances by the college's Midnight Blues Vocal Jazz Ensemble, including a noontime concert on Wednesday, April 2 in the aforementioned Recital Hall, and on Tuesday, May 13, 7:30 p.m., in the Theater of the Carlsen Center. The group will be in the studio during the month of April working on a new CD. 913-469-8500 (ext. 3275) is the number to call for updates and info.

And on Friday, April 25, Yardley Hall at JCCC will have everyone in the mood for the big band sounds of the Glenn Miller Orchestra when the band (currently under the direction of trombonist Larry O'Brien) takes the stage for an 8:00 p.m. show. Even though Miller was never found after his plane went down over the English Channel in 1944, his legacy has continued in the nearly 60 years since. For tickets call 913-469-4445, or visit the website at www.jccc.net/CarlsenCenter.

"Live Music Tonite"...
...is the title of an exhibit of jazz photography by KC's own Beverly Rehkop that will begin on Thursday, April 10, 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. at WRS Architects, 110 Armour Road in North Kansas City. Ms. Rehkop has been one of the most prolific photographers of area jazz musicians for the past 10 years and now has quite an impressive body of work. Regular exhibit hours will be 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, call 816-221-9300.

Happenings on The Vine
The "Jammin' at the Gem" concert series concludes on Thursday, April 3, when the always-exciting Latin percussionist Poncho Sanchez heats up the Gem Theater, 18th and Vine, with the same scorching rhythms that have earned him three Grammy nominations. The show begins at 8:00 p.m.; call 816-474-VINE (8463) for tickets and additional information.

Jazz and the spoken word continue to blend in the Historic Jazz District. "One Mic, Two Rhythms and Poetic Pieces," the American Jazz Museum's free open mic jazz poetry series for teens, will present its grand finale, "Roc, Rule & Pass the Mic," at the Gem Theater on Saturday, April 19. Call 816-474-8463, ext. 221 for more info about this midnight Grand Slam event.

And the AJM's Jazz Storytelling sessions, which are designed to introduce kids to the concepts of jazz, will continue in April with two more Friday morning, 10:00 a.m. events. For more information about "Do Watcha' Like: Jam Session," scheduled for April 11 and April 25, call 816-474-8463, ext. 208.

UMKC Jazz
With profs Bobby Watson and Hal Melia leading a newly formed stable of area jazz stars as adjunct faculty, there is never a shortage of solid sounds from either staff or students at the University of Missouri/Kansas City. In April there will be two opportunities to enjoy good jazz at UMKC. On Monday, April 21, Watson's Conservatory Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combo will be in concert at White Hall at 7:30 p.m. And the following night, Tuesday, April 22, Melia's Conservatory 11 O'clock Jazz Band will perform, also at White Hall, and also at 7:30 p.m. Call 816-235-6222 for tickets and info.

A Special Evening...
Genius comes in many forms, but you might not expect it from a 10-year-old boy suffering from autism. As a baby, certain sounds -- including music -- would make Matt Savage cry. A proper diagnosis at age four pinpointed the problem (audio spectrum disorder) and, as a result of special therapy, young Matt began finding interest in the family piano. By 8 he was not only playing and composing jazz, but leading his own trio, which he will bring to the historic Folly Theater on Wednesday, April 23, for a Kansas City debut that will also serve as a benefit for the Marillac Center's "Expressive Therapies Programs: Music & Art." Rest assured, Matt Savage is the real deal, as appearances on ABC's "20/20" and NBC's "Today Show" will attest. And to top things off, he will be joined at the Folly by KC's own Bobby Watson for the 8:00 p.m. show. "Amazing..." said Dave Brubeck after hearing Savage in late 2001. For tickets call the Folly Theater box office at 816-474-4444

.... a Special Mentor
Bari saxophonist Kerry Strayer will celebrate the release of his latest CD, The Kerry Strayer Septet featuring Gary Foster: Mentor, with a performance on Thursday April 24, 7:00 -11:00 p.m. at the Blue Room, 18th and Vine. Admission is $10. Joining Kerry and Gary will be the all-star line up of Frank Mantooth (piano), Bob Bowman (bass), Ron Vincent (drums), Barry Springer (trumpet) and Earlie Braggs (trombone).

Strayer wrote the music for this recording to feature his mentor, world renowned jazz saxophonist and LA studio musician Gary Foster, with whom Kerry studied while a student at the UMKC Conservatory of Music. Strayer and Foster will also perform with the same septet at the John Knox Kirk Presbyterian Church, 11430 Wornall Road, on Friday April 25, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. and with Strayer's quintet on Wednesday April 23, 7:00 - 11:00 p.m. at the New Point Grille, 917 W. 44th St. Call 816-941-4817 for more information about all of the above.

Gary Sivils

....and a Sivilized CD
There is always plenty of talk about the glory days of Kansas City jazz back in the '30s and '40s. And that's important. But another chapter has yet to be etched in the history books that recognizes a later era of KC jazz, of which cornetist Gary Sivils is an essential part. Sivils got his first break sitting in with singer Marilyn Maye in the early '60s, and in the 40 years since, he has led many a notable small group, always hiring the best players in town. On Saturday, April 26, Sivils will be joined by longtime pal Paul Smith (piano), saxophonist Hal Melia, bassist Bob Bowman, and former Kansas Citian/drummer Ron Vincent for a CD release party at the Blue Room, 18th and Vine. Copies of Songs Forgotten in the Morning will be on sale, and Gary might even reminisce a bit about the original Blue Room in the old Street's Hotel.

KCKCC Jazz
Saxophonist/jazz educator Jim Mair (see "Jazz Snaps") will be leading jazz groups from Kansas City Kansas Community College (where he pilots the Jazz Studies program) twice this spring. On Monday, April 28, at 7:30 p.m. the KCKCC Jazz Band, the KCKCC Blue Devils Big Band and guests the Lansing High School Jazz Band will be in concert at the KCKCC Performing Arts Center. There's a $3 admission. Then on Wednesday, May 7, 7:00 p.m. the KCKCC Blue Devils Big Band will perform with guest soloist Mike Metheny (flugelhorn, cornet, bug sprayer) and the KCKCC Jazz Choir at Unity Temple on the Plaza, 47th and Jefferson. $6 admission for this one. Like to know more? Call 913-288-7149 or email jmair@toto.net.

Eldar in Concert
Opportunities to hear piano sensation Eldar Djangirov in a live setting are rare. (Maybe because he's just a kid, has to do his homework, and must get up early for school!) On Saturday, May 3, catch this bona fide virtuoso when he appears in concert with bassist Craig Akin and drummer Todd Strait (visiting from the west) at the Atonement Lutheran Church, 99th and Metcalf in Overland Park. Tickets are $5, the music starts at 7:00 p.m., call 913-897-6874 for additional information.

It's Time for the TJF!
No sooner had last year's Topeka Jazz Festival concluded than artistic Director Jim Monroe was hard at work booking the talent for this year's Memorial Day weekend event, May 24-26. As always, Monroe has invited the cream of the straightahead jazz crop. Here's the lineup as we go to press:

Headlining bands: Frank Capp & Juggernaut, Banu Gibson & Topeka Hot Jazz, the Eldar Djangirov Trio, the Jay Leonhart Trio. Piano: Derek Smith/Joanne Brackeen, Shelly Berg/Mike Wofford (duos), David Boeddinghaus, Joe Cartwright, Eldar Djangirov, Ted Rosenthal. Bass: Bob Bowman, John Clayton, Jay Leonhart, Lynn Seaton, Gerald Spaits. Drums: Joe Ascione, Frank Capp, Sylvia Cuena, Tommy Ruskin, Todd Strait. Guitar: Joe Cohn, Rod Fleeman. Vibes: Peter Appleyard. Trombone: Jim Cann, Wycliffe Gordon, David Newberry, Paul Roberts. Reeds: Claire Daly, Gary Foster, Bob Kindred, Ken Peplowski, Gene Redman, Craig Treinen. Trumpet: Jerry Herring, Danny Jackson, Bill Leifer, Fred Mulholland, Tiger Okoshi. Flute: Holly Hoffman. Vocals: Banu Gibson, Tierney Sutton.
Also, on Friday, May 23, there will be a free "Yard Party" beginning at 4:30 p.m. featuring the music of pianist Bram Wijnands, an all-star Clinicians Band, and a student combo from Washburn University.

As Monroe explained to JAM readers last August/September ("Correspondence") it's crunch time for the festival with much riding on this year's event. Call 785-234-2787 for tickets and more information.

Ragtime Revelry 2003
The annual concert series presented by Kansas City Ragtime Revelry is now underway with three shows remaining for 2003. They are...

* Sunday, June 1 (4:00 p.m.) -- Ophelia Ragtime Orchestra
(w/Morten Gunnar Larsen)

* Sunday, September 28 (4:00 p.m.) -- Mont Alto Ragtime & Tango Orchestra (followed by the silent film, "The Waiter's Ball")

* Saturday, November 1 (7:30 p.m.) -- Mimi Blais

All concerts take place at the Community Christian Church, 4601 Main. Call 816-691-8781 or email: dianecapps@juno.com for more information.

Think "Summer"
We know the summer festival season is right around the corner when word first arrives of the annual Corporate Woods Jazz Festival, now in its 14th year. The 2003 edition, "Jazz in the Woods," will take place June 13-15 at Corporate Woods Park (North) and will feature a wealth of local talent including: The New Red Onion Jazz Babies, Doug Talley, Angela Hagenbach, Al Pearson, Dog House Band, The Mid America Youth Rotary Jazz Band, Joe Cartwright, Vince Bilardo's Big Band (featuring Hal Melia and Rod Fleeman) and others TBA. Look for additional details and final schedules in the June/July JAM, or call 913-661-5475 for the latest info. There is also a website at www.jazzinthewoods.com.

QUOTE OF NOTE "The Grammys unfortunately have degenerated into a teen-age freak show." -- Bill Creelman, Musicians Local 47 in Los Angeles (Source: The Kansas City Star, Feb. 22, 2003)

Note: The Grammy Awards, held in New York on February 23, were minus a live house orchestra for the first time in a bazillion years. That's the bad news. The good news is that a soulful and sincere Norah Jones was able to do pretty well up against some sounds that are to music what asbestos is to breathable air. -- MM

Got News? Got Notes? Please send to: Editor/JAM, P.O. Box 36181, Kansas City, MO 64171-6181. Deadline for all submissions is the 15th of each odd numbered month.