JAM: October/November 2003 Issue: President's Corner

by Kathy Feist-Vescovi

The More Things Change…

Nine years ago I handed off the responsibilities of this magazine to Mike Metheny. I left to start my own publication and eventually a family. So much has changed with the magazine and with the jazz community since then.

When I was involved with the Jazz Ambassadors—both as editor and president—Eddie Baker was talking to anyone who would listen about a future Jazz Hall of Fame. We all secretly rolled our eyes when we saw him coming. The idea seemed like such a pipe dream.

Now here it is, The American Jazz Museum--a realization of one man's dream.

There are so many exciting things happening with the jazz community now. It fascinates me. In February, Angela Hagenbach (an amateur vocalist only 10 years ago) releases her newest CD nationally. Writer Tim Cross captures that first step in this issue. Will she soon be in the national spotlight only to return for occasion concerts? We'll see.

Vocalist and businessman David Basse has ties to the Grammys this year. His friend, pianist Mike Melvoin, recorded his nominated solo “It's Always You” on David's City Light label. If Mike wins on February 8, what will that do for City Light? Kevin Rabas gets to the bottom of the story when he interviews both David and Mike. (By the way, Pat Metheny is also up for a Grammy.)

And Marilyn Maye is back in town! Not just for a night, but nine nights in April at Jardines. She hasn't had that kind of club engagement here since Colony Steakhouse some 40 years ago. I had the honor of interviewing her…and believe me, she razzle-dazzles on the phone as well!

The only thing not so exciting in the jazz community is Mike Metheny's resignation as editor of JAM . Mike did a fabulous job with the publication. He expanded it, improved the look, gave thought-provoking interviews and found top-notch writers. He worked tirelessly to get the word out about local jazz. He became synonymous with JAM . We salute Mike in this issue. And for once he's on the receiving end of the interview. Tom Fredericks gets the answers everyone wants to know.

So many lament over the death of jazz in Kansas City . But what I see is just an ever-changing life form. And it is very viable. My suggestion for those who lament, is embrace what we have now. And make a difference….like Eddie Baker did. It only takes one.






	Search our site:		by Kathy Feist-Vescovi The More Things Change… Nine years ago I handed off the responsibilities of this magazine to Mike Metheny. I left to start my own publication and eventually a family. So much has changed with the magazine and with the jazz community since then. When I was involved with the Jazz Ambassadors—both as editor and president—Eddie Baker was talking to anyone who would listen about a future Jazz Hall of Fame. We all secretly rolled our eyes when we saw him coming. The idea seemed like such a pipe dream. Now here it is, The American Jazz Museum--a realization of one man's dream. There are so many exciting things happening with the jazz community now. It fascinates me. In February, Angela Hagenbach (an amateur vocalist only 10 years ago) releases her newest CD nationally. Writer Tim Cross captures that first step in this issue. Will she soon be in the national spotlight only to return for occasion concerts? We'll see. Vocalist and businessman David Basse has ties to the Grammys this year. His friend, pianist Mike Melvoin, recorded his nominated solo “It's Always You” on David's City Light label. If Mike wins on February 8, what will that do for City Light? Kevin Rabas gets to the bottom of the story when he interviews both David and Mike. (By the way, Pat Metheny is also up for a Grammy.) And Marilyn Maye is back in town! Not just for a night, but nine nights in April at Jardines. She hasn't had that kind of club engagement here since Colony Steakhouse some 40 years ago. I had the honor of interviewing her…and believe me, she razzle-dazzles on the phone as well! The only thing not so exciting in the jazz community is Mike Metheny's resignation as editor of JAM . Mike did a fabulous job with the publication. He expanded it, improved the look, gave thought-provoking interviews and found top-notch writers. He worked tirelessly to get the word out about local jazz. He became synonymous with JAM . We salute Mike in this issue. And for once he's on the receiving end of the interview. Tom Fredericks gets the answers everyone wants to know. So many lament over the death of jazz in Kansas City . But what I see is just an ever-changing life form. And it is very viable. My suggestion for those who lament, is embrace what we have now. And make a difference….like Eddie Baker did. It only takes one. RETURN TO FEBRUARY/MARCH 2004 MAIN INDEX © Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors 1996-2004. All rights reserved.