JAM: Aug/Sept 2004 Issue: Editor's Corner

by Kathy Feist-Vescovi

Thank You, Count Basie

It was almost 80 years ago that Count Basie arrived in Kansas City as a young pianist accompanying a traveling vaudeville act. When the act disbanded here, Basie was left stranded and penniless. Ultimately, the loss was not only his gain, but Kansas City 's as well.

No one brought Kansas City jazz as much to the forefront as Count Basie. It is something we are immensley proud of and thankful for. And that is why the Count Basie Orchestra is so popular here. Already, in celebration of his 100 th birthday this year, the area has seen five tributes—three included the Count Basie Orchestra or part of its members. A sixth will actually be held on his birthday, August 21, at 18 th & Vine.

Perhaps no one is as happy or thankful about Basie's destiny than local guitarist Will Matthews. Matthews has been playing in the Count Basie Orchestra for the past eight years. He travels the world over with the band doing what he loves best. Roger Atkinson does an excellent job of capturing the humble artist's hard work and pay off.

I am also excited about a personal tribute written by Matthews for “The Chief.”

It seems Kansas City musicians came and went in the Count Basie Band. One was Buck Clayton, originally from Parsons, KS. Chuck Haddix provides photos of the trumpeter's life in his column “News from the Archives” and gives you information on where you can find more.

Finally, I would like to think it was the old-fashioned cutting contests that honed so many musicians' skills here in the ‘20s and ‘30s. The Jazz Ambassadors will be paying homage to that tradition with the Battle of the Saxes, featuring James Carter, Bobby Watson, and Logan Richardson on August 19 at The Blue Room. Hope to “Count” you in!






	Search our site:		by Kathy Feist-Vescovi Thank You, Count Basie It was almost 80 years ago that Count Basie arrived in Kansas City as a young pianist accompanying a traveling vaudeville act. When the act disbanded here, Basie was left stranded and penniless. Ultimately, the loss was not only his gain, but Kansas City 's as well. No one brought Kansas City jazz as much to the forefront as Count Basie. It is something we are immensley proud of and thankful for. And that is why the Count Basie Orchestra is so popular here. Already, in celebration of his 100 th birthday this year, the area has seen five tributes—three included the Count Basie Orchestra or part of its members. A sixth will actually be held on his birthday, August 21, at 18 th & Vine. Perhaps no one is as happy or thankful about Basie's destiny than local guitarist Will Matthews. Matthews has been playing in the Count Basie Orchestra for the past eight years. He travels the world over with the band doing what he loves best. Roger Atkinson does an excellent job of capturing the humble artist's hard work and pay off. I am also excited about a personal tribute written by Matthews for “The Chief.” It seems Kansas City musicians came and went in the Count Basie Band. One was Buck Clayton, originally from Parsons, KS. Chuck Haddix provides photos of the trumpeter's life in his column “News from the Archives” and gives you information on where you can find more. Finally, I would like to think it was the old-fashioned cutting contests that honed so many musicians' skills here in the ‘20s and ‘30s. The Jazz Ambassadors will be paying homage to that tradition with the Battle of the Saxes, featuring James Carter, Bobby Watson, and Logan Richardson on August 19 at The Blue Room. Hope to “Count” you in! RETURN TO AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2004 MAIN INDEX © Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors 1996-2004. All rights reserved