JAM: October/November 2005 Issue: Editor's Corner

by Roger Atkinson

Again we are humbled by the forces of nature that have changed how we think of everyday life. Many have left us; hundreds of thousands have uncertain tomorrows.

Our generosity is important. It will take time for those who lived on the Gulf Coast to find some control of their lives. They'll need our help. Short term it was for survival. But continued assistance will be needed for these people to have an everyday life again.

The Jazz Ambassadors will be holding a benefit concert in November, with proceeds going towards helping the people of New Orleans . It is through the generosity of Doug Tatum and the Folly Theater and the musicians who will donate their time and joy that this event can occur. It will also be up to the generosity of jazz fans in this area to make this concert as successful as it can be. Mark your calendar, the concert is scheduled November 27, the Sunday after Thanksgiving.

In News and Notes there is a request for input for December/January's planned feature, “What Makes Kansas City a Good (If Not Great) Jazz Town ”. Some suggested reasons are provided. Our unselfishness was not one that that I had originally considered, but the success of the CODA concerts and other fundraising efforts, and our assistance to hurricane victims, has reminded me that this is another reason why we are a good, and maybe great, jazz city.

We thank all of you who have sent kind words after the last issue. Tammy Buckner and Rod McBride, plus our many writers and contributors, did an exemplary job of holding this novice editor's hand to bring it together; I thank you all very much. I also thank former editor Mike Metheny for his encouragement during the process. It's great to have a pro like Mike in your corner as a friend and mentor.

We have also enjoyed the work of several new writers. Tristan Smith's first review appeared last issue, and adds two more in this month's group of CD reviews. Charlton Price makes his debut with this issue. We met Kevin Rabas over the summer at the Piano Room, and he has become an active contributor once again. And check out the work of illustrator Jason Crosby, who makes his debut this month with the Double Bass cover and the drawing of Bobby's Hangout II.

Gail and I are currently on the Jazz Club at Sea cruise in Alaska , on the Norwegian Sun. I highly recommend this to jazz and cruise fans. The music is wonderful; it's a chance to hang out with the musicians and with fans from around the world. Not to mention, it's a great, relaxing place to complete the preparation for this issue of JAM. I may try to work this into the next contract with the Jazz Ambassador Board! Contract? What's that?






	Search our site:		by Roger Atkinson Again we are humbled by the forces of nature that have changed how we think of everyday life. Many have left us; hundreds of thousands have uncertain tomorrows. Our generosity is important. It will take time for those who lived on the Gulf Coast to find some control of their lives. They'll need our help. Short term it was for survival. But continued assistance will be needed for these people to have an everyday life again. The Jazz Ambassadors will be holding a benefit concert in November, with proceeds going towards helping the people of New Orleans . It is through the generosity of Doug Tatum and the Folly Theater and the musicians who will donate their time and joy that this event can occur. It will also be up to the generosity of jazz fans in this area to make this concert as successful as it can be. Mark your calendar, the concert is scheduled November 27, the Sunday after Thanksgiving. In News and Notes there is a request for input for December/January's planned feature, “What Makes Kansas City a Good (If Not Great) Jazz Town ”. Some suggested reasons are provided. Our unselfishness was not one that that I had originally considered, but the success of the CODA concerts and other fundraising efforts, and our assistance to hurricane victims, has reminded me that this is another reason why we are a good, and maybe great, jazz city. We thank all of you who have sent kind words after the last issue. Tammy Buckner and Rod McBride, plus our many writers and contributors, did an exemplary job of holding this novice editor's hand to bring it together; I thank you all very much. I also thank former editor Mike Metheny for his encouragement during the process. It's great to have a pro like Mike in your corner as a friend and mentor. We have also enjoyed the work of several new writers. Tristan Smith's first review appeared last issue, and adds two more in this month's group of CD reviews. Charlton Price makes his debut with this issue. We met Kevin Rabas over the summer at the Piano Room, and he has become an active contributor once again. And check out the work of illustrator Jason Crosby, who makes his debut this month with the Double Bass cover and the drawing of Bobby's Hangout II. Gail and I are currently on the Jazz Club at Sea cruise in Alaska , on the Norwegian Sun. I highly recommend this to jazz and cruise fans. The music is wonderful; it's a chance to hang out with the musicians and with fans from around the world. Not to mention, it's a great, relaxing place to complete the preparation for this issue of JAM. I may try to work this into the next contract with the Jazz Ambassador Board! Contract? What's that? RETURN TO OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2005 MAIN INDEX © Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors 1996-2005. All rights reserved.