JAM: June/July 2005 Hear and There

Mondays are the big band night in New York; in fact, 40 years worth of Mondays are being celebrated in May for the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, the band that carries on the tradition and music from the Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra. Tuesday night is OUR big band night, with the Boulevard Big Band pouring their sounds down onto Main Street from Harling's. My last visit showed the breadth of their talent, from their fresh ballad arrangement on "Young and Foolish," with a wonderful piano intro by Wayne Hawkins, to Basie-derived swing and some funky backbeats. Readers who enjoy modern big bands should note: one of the finest in the land is right here in KC.

The Sunday Best of Kansas City series at the Fairmont continues to be a gem on the local scene. Recent guests included Chicago-based vocalist and alto trombonist Brienn Perry and our own Kerry Strayer. Perry promises to make frequent visits to Kansas City, and while not a household name, his is among the smoothest voices you will hear--anywhere. Like Johnny Hartman, Perry lets his voice and great taste in material carry the day, never resorting to excess embellishment. And what can you say about Kerry Strayer? We have one of the world's finest baritone saxophonists in our midst; he is worth an evening whenever you have the opportunity.

Another band that is a blast is Stan Kessler's Television, where Stan and his quintet do their arrangements of television themes, mostly from the1960s and 1970s. Their take on "Dragnet" is typical--the familiar "da, daDA da" is stated briefly before they go into what seems similar to Miles Davis' early 1970s electric sound. Very little is done "straight." You'll find yourself guessing along with the rest of the crowd. The band makes for a fun evening. We hope Jardine's keeps the band in their regular rotation.

Guitarist Jerry Hahn returned to Kansas City in May to appear with the Joe Cartwright trio, with Gerald Spaits and Tommy Ruskin. This trip was for two evenings, a Sunday at the Fairmount as part of Joe's Best of Kansas City Series, and then Monday at the Blue Room. Hahn was at the top of his game, with his unique chording and fine original compositions.

Bobby's Hangout brought in tenor giant Houston Person for a three day (Thursday-Saturday) gig, as guest with the Everett DeVan trio (Matt Hopper and Kevin Frazee completing the group). The first set Thursday set the tone, with Person pushing the trio to new heights; the tempos were off the charts, the ballads dug a little deeper. When Bobby Watson came in during the break, horn in tow, you knew the room's air conditioner would get stressed. Indeed, with Watson's addition the bandstand flames were turned up another notch, and then another when Everett's young tenor, Matt Carillo, helped stoke the fire towards the end of the set. Exhilarating music!

-- Roger Atkinson

Spirituality and All That Jazz at Unity on the Plaza is now in its 11th year, thanks to Tim Whitmer, whose creative programming always guarantees a fun night.

The program featured music by Kansas City-born composer Burt Bacharach and featured vocalist Millie Edwards. All the many top hits were covered, including "I Say a Little Prayer," "Alfie," "Wishin' and Hopin'," and "The Look of Love." Jurgen Welge on drums and James Albright, along with maestro Tim Whitmer, got to stretch out on "Player Piano." The crowd left humming "Do You Know the Way to San Jose?" and a good time was had by all.

On May 11, Jardine's patrons were treated to a sterling concert by pianist Billy Stritch along with Gerald Spaits on bass and Ray DeMarchi on drums.

The musical director for Liza Minelli and Marilyn Maye was in top form as he played a number of tunes from his soon-to-be-released CD of Cy Coleman music. It was easy to see why he has moved into the number-one slot in New York, with regular appearances at Birdland. The trio cooked on "The Best Is Yet to Come" and "Mountain Greenery," yet were able to play beautiful ballads such as "Spins in the Sun," during which Gerald did a lovely solo. Ray DeMarchi was out front with a great solo during their high-octane performance of "Upside Down." They all swung on "I Can't Believe That You're in Love With Me," and finished with a rousing "Shine in Your Shoes."

Don't miss him when he is at the Jazz in the Woods festival in June, with Marilyn Maye. Just another great night of jazz at Jardine's. We are so spoiled!

Marilyn Maye entertained a full house at Jardine's on May 24th with a program of songs that she sane on the Johnny Carson Show. Backed by a powerhouse group that included Rob Fleeman on guitar, Gerald Spaits on bass, Jim Eckloff on drums, and music director-pianist Billy Stritch, she belted out "I Hear Music" and "Come Fly With Me", along with chestnuts such as "The Very Thought of You". She was in fine voice, and the group was very tight.

About half way through, she shifted to a number of Ray Charles songs, including "Born to Lose" and "I Can't Stop Loving You". Rod Fleeman sizzled on "Busted", and they all cooked on "Hallelujah, I Just Love Her So".

Just another great night by a real pro who knows what it takes to put on a real show.

-- Don Merker

Trading Twelves - Grammy Double Whammy

As spring was about to spring, two Grammy® award-winning legends marched on Kansas City for concert appearances on the same night. Given the artists’ broad appeal across typical boundaries, music fans in general and jazz afficionados in particular faced a unique choice.

For those unable to be in two places at one time, here’s a dual view of the highly decorated musicians . . .

Who

Dr. John

Pat Metheny

When

Twelfth of March

Twelfth of March

Where

Folly Theater

Uptown Theater

Born

November 21, 1940

August 12, 1954

Native Son

N'Awlinz
(Translation: New Orleans)

Lee's Summit
(Translation: Kansas City)

Family Ties

Born Malcolm Rebennack

Musical brother Mike

Plays

Piano

Guitar

Sound

Gumbo mix spiced with voodoo funk

Full of jazz yet beyond category

Hot Album

N'Awlinz: Dis Dat or D'Udda
(Blue Note 2004)

The Way Up
(Nonesuch 2005)

Direction

Gets down

Heads up

Crown

Beret or fedora

Mane of hair

Grammy Trophy Case

Wins in four categories:
Blues, jazz, pop, and rock

Record-setting (15+) total and consecutive (7+) wins

-- Tom Frederick