JAM: April/May 2004 Issue: Hear and There

A Medley of Live Reviews

The Mutual Musicians Foundation celebrated its and Count Basie's 100th year in style on April 24. Eddie Saunders opened with his quartet ( Allen Monroe bringing out his best on the first floor white grand piano, Lucky Wesley on bass, and Kevin Frazee on drums). The party then moved upstairs, where current Basie bandmates Will Matthews and Chris Murrell led a lengthy set. Ably supported by pianist Harold O'Neal , drummer Mike Warren , and bassist Theo Wilson , Murrell sang a superb set which allowed him to step out of the Basie songbook. Highlights included an a capella version of Leon Russell's “A Song for You,” a beautiful rendition of “Wee Small Hours” supported only by Will's guitar, and tributes to Billy Eckstine (“Lonesome Lover Blues,” which Billy recorded with the Basie band) and Johnny Hartman (“My One and Only Love”), and Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson (“Hold It Right There”). Chris made a lot of fans at the Folly Basie concert, and this only added to his reputation in Kansas City .

Speaking of Harold O'Neal , he mentioned that he is forming a trio, after which I heard names like bassist Robert Hurst and drummer Jeff “Tain” Watts …wow! Let's hope that this happens and that Harold finds a way to bring such a trio to Kansas City . Harold will be in and out of town this summer as his young career continues to take off.

Another local band that seems to be getting out with increasing frequency is the Malachy Papers : I noted their presence at a club in New Orleans while I was at the Jazz and Heritage Festival.

After New Orleans I was in Chicago , and as I was walking into my hotel was surprised to see Paul Smith and Karrin Allyson walk out, on their way to their 6-day gig at the renowned Jazz Showcase. It was great to catch Karrin with Paul and, of course, Todd Strait , Danny Embrey , and Bob Bowman

Jardine's has added a Sunday brunch to its slate of musical offerings. I caught Candace Evans in a solo outing the day after the MMF/Basie event , and she proved to be the perfect accompaniment to a continental breakfast. I walked in during her reading of “The Nearness of You,” was reminded of Doris Day's rendition of “Mean To Me” in the movie “Love Me or Leave Me,” and enjoyed her piano on Jose Feliciano's “Affirmation.” And if you haven't seen Jardine's since the most recent changes (a bandstand and wonderful black and white paintings that jump off the wall), trust me, the room looks fabulous.

Sharon Thompson is among the top vocalists in town, and she celebrated in style at a Blue Room bash on May 13. It is Sharon 's 30th year of performance, and she arrived in a white 1951 Rolls Royce, and then proceeded to give an electrifying performance of standards and blues with Everette DeVan's trio.

Word at the Piano Room is that the eclectic guitarist and vocalist Doc Fuller will be performing every other Friday, starting June 4, and continuing during the summer season.

I hadn't heard pianist Chris Clarke or guitarist Monte Muza in quite some time, and was pleased to hear them with Lisa Henry at the Blue Room after the great CODA concert on May 15. After the gig, Chris stayed at the piano and treated the few remaining patrons to wonderful solo readings of “My Romance” and “Blame It On My Youth . ” The question on the cover of April's JAM , whether KC is ready for a subscription-based jazz orchestra, would seem to be positive based on the performance and audience response to the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra's May 14 concert at Unity Temple on the Plaza. This performance was first-class all the way. The orchestra fulfilled its promise – a well-rehearsed group of the best in the region. Guests Byron Stripling and Deborah Brown were electric.

-- Roger Atkinson

Guitarist Steve Cárdenas and saxophonist Dave Brandom came home to Kansas City , bringing percussionist Kenny Wollesen in from New York for a date at the Blue Room on April 8. The lineup was fleshed out by Bob Bowman, and Stan Kessler pitched in for the closing numbers of the final set. The material was weighted towards the material on Cárdenas' trio CDs, with some standards thrown into the mix (though always with an original turn).

A full house was treated to some of New York and Kansas City 's top players at a decidedly Kansas City price. For reference, a couple of weeks earlier, you could have caught Cárdenas with Paul Motian's Electric Bebop Band at the Village Vanguard for a $20 cover and $10 drink minimum per set . And of course, the Blue Room doesn't have subway trains vibrating its floors every ten minutes, and you can park right by it for free.

--Rod McBride






	Search our site:		A Medley of Live Reviews The Mutual Musicians Foundation celebrated its and Count Basie's 100th year in style on April 24. Eddie Saunders opened with his quartet ( Allen Monroe bringing out his best on the first floor white grand piano, Lucky Wesley on bass, and Kevin Frazee on drums). The party then moved upstairs, where current Basie bandmates Will Matthews and Chris Murrell led a lengthy set. Ably supported by pianist Harold O'Neal , drummer Mike Warren , and bassist Theo Wilson , Murrell sang a superb set which allowed him to step out of the Basie songbook. Highlights included an a capella version of Leon Russell's “A Song for You,” a beautiful rendition of “Wee Small Hours” supported only by Will's guitar, and tributes to Billy Eckstine (“Lonesome Lover Blues,” which Billy recorded with the Basie band) and Johnny Hartman (“My One and Only Love”), and Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson (“Hold It Right There”). Chris made a lot of fans at the Folly Basie concert, and this only added to his reputation in Kansas City . Speaking of Harold O'Neal , he mentioned that he is forming a trio, after which I heard names like bassist Robert Hurst and drummer Jeff “Tain” Watts …wow! Let's hope that this happens and that Harold finds a way to bring such a trio to Kansas City . Harold will be in and out of town this summer as his young career continues to take off. Another local band that seems to be getting out with increasing frequency is the Malachy Papers : I noted their presence at a club in New Orleans while I was at the Jazz and Heritage Festival. After New Orleans I was in Chicago , and as I was walking into my hotel was surprised to see Paul Smith and Karrin Allyson walk out, on their way to their 6-day gig at the renowned Jazz Showcase. It was great to catch Karrin with Paul and, of course, Todd Strait , Danny Embrey , and Bob Bowman Jardine's has added a Sunday brunch to its slate of musical offerings. I caught Candace Evans in a solo outing the day after the MMF/Basie event , and she proved to be the perfect accompaniment to a continental breakfast. I walked in during her reading of “The Nearness of You,” was reminded of Doris Day's rendition of “Mean To Me” in the movie “Love Me or Leave Me,” and enjoyed her piano on Jose Feliciano's “Affirmation.” And if you haven't seen Jardine's since the most recent changes (a bandstand and wonderful black and white paintings that jump off the wall), trust me, the room looks fabulous. Sharon Thompson is among the top vocalists in town, and she celebrated in style at a Blue Room bash on May 13. It is Sharon 's 30th year of performance, and she arrived in a white 1951 Rolls Royce, and then proceeded to give an electrifying performance of standards and blues with Everette DeVan's trio. Word at the Piano Room is that the eclectic guitarist and vocalist Doc Fuller will be performing every other Friday, starting June 4, and continuing during the summer season. I hadn't heard pianist Chris Clarke or guitarist Monte Muza in quite some time, and was pleased to hear them with Lisa Henry at the Blue Room after the great CODA concert on May 15. After the gig, Chris stayed at the piano and treated the few remaining patrons to wonderful solo readings of “My Romance” and “Blame It On My Youth . ” The question on the cover of April's JAM , whether KC is ready for a subscription-based jazz orchestra, would seem to be positive based on the performance and audience response to the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra's May 14 concert at Unity Temple on the Plaza. This performance was first-class all the way. The orchestra fulfilled its promise – a well-rehearsed group of the best in the region. Guests Byron Stripling and Deborah Brown were electric. -- Roger Atkinson Guitarist Steve Cárdenas and saxophonist Dave Brandom came home to Kansas City , bringing percussionist Kenny Wollesen in from New York for a date at the Blue Room on April 8. The lineup was fleshed out by Bob Bowman, and Stan Kessler pitched in for the closing numbers of the final set. The material was weighted towards the material on Cárdenas' trio CDs, with some standards thrown into the mix (though always with an original turn). A full house was treated to some of New York and Kansas City 's top players at a decidedly Kansas City price. For reference, a couple of weeks earlier, you could have caught Cárdenas with Paul Motian's Electric Bebop Band at the Village Vanguard for a $20 cover and $10 drink minimum per set . And of course, the Blue Room doesn't have subway trains vibrating its floors every ten minutes, and you can park right by it for free. --Rod McBride RETURN TO JUNE/JULY 2004 MAIN INDEX © Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors 1996-2004. All rights reserved.