JAM: October/November 2005 Hear and There

Snuff Jazz featuring pianist Brian Haas had an exhilarating evening at the Blue Room in early August. Haas is not boxed in by conventions; his music has elements of stride, mainstream, classical, and avant-garde. Add in the creativity of Mark Southerland, Bill McKemy, and Arne Young, all of who were at the top of their games, and the result was one of the top shows of the season.

More creative Blue Room sounds came from the more mainstream view of Roger Wilder and his quartet, which featured Paul McKee on trombone. Even the standards had interesting arrangements that made them sound new.

Bob Bowman's Bowdog is another fairly recent entry. Bowdog features pianist Wayne Hawkins and guitarist Jake Blanton, and they stress originals from Bob (some from the Interstring days) and Jake (interesting lines, much like what Jake wrote for the Westport Art Ensemble). Bowdog appeared at Jardine's and at the Blue Room.

Stan Kessler's TV is on the surface a novelty, but after a third listen I still find them engaging. They remain in the regular rotation at Jardine's. And, of course, you can continue to catch Stan at the Fairmont of Saturday evenings and with Sons of Brasil regularly at Jardine's.

Word is that the Jazz Disciples are working towards a new CD, which means you'll hear them working out some new material at their regular Blue Room gigs.

- Roger Atkinson

Kim Park appeared with the Tim Whitmer Quartet at Unity on the Plaza. The sound is superb here, making this a great place to listen to jazz. Highlights included a swinging “Things Ain't What They Used to Be”, on which both Park and Jim Mair sizzled; a moody “Quit Nights” where bassist James Albright set the mood with Tim; an uptempo “Autumn Leaves”, and the sizzling closer “Cherokee”. Kathleen Holeman will be featured in the series on October 5.

Also at the Unity on the Plaza was the Whitmer-hosted Keyboard Summit, which also included pianist Bram Wijnands and the piano and organ of Everette DeVan, backed by Albright and the ever-swinging drummer Tommy Ruskin. The format was an opening “The Preacher”, featuring all the players, followed by individual sets for each keyboard player. The finale brought everyone back on stage, where they finished with “St.Thomas”, “Ding Dong Baby”, and “Take the A Train”. The large crowd appreciated the keyboard variety; the players have different styles, the contrasts added to the enjoyment of the concert.

-Don Merker






	Search our site:		Snuff Jazz featuring pianist Brian Haas had an exhilarating evening at the Blue Room in early August. Haas is not boxed in by conventions; his music has elements of stride, mainstream, classical, and avant-garde. Add in the creativity of Mark Southerland, Bill McKemy, and Arne Young, all of who were at the top of their games, and the result was one of the top shows of the season. More creative Blue Room sounds came from the more mainstream view of Roger Wilder and his quartet, which featured Paul McKee on trombone. Even the standards had interesting arrangements that made them sound new. Bob Bowman's Bowdog is another fairly recent entry. Bowdog features pianist Wayne Hawkins and guitarist Jake Blanton, and they stress originals from Bob (some from the Interstring days) and Jake (interesting lines, much like what Jake wrote for the Westport Art Ensemble). Bowdog appeared at Jardine's and at the Blue Room. Stan Kessler's TV is on the surface a novelty, but after a third listen I still find them engaging. They remain in the regular rotation at Jardine's. And, of course, you can continue to catch Stan at the Fairmont of Saturday evenings and with Sons of Brasil regularly at Jardine's. Word is that the Jazz Disciples are working towards a new CD, which means you'll hear them working out some new material at their regular Blue Room gigs. - Roger Atkinson Kim Park appeared with the Tim Whitmer Quartet at Unity on the Plaza. The sound is superb here, making this a great place to listen to jazz. Highlights included a swinging “Things Ain't What They Used to Be”, on which both Park and Jim Mair sizzled; a moody “Quit Nights” where bassist James Albright set the mood with Tim; an uptempo “Autumn Leaves”, and the sizzling closer “Cherokee”. Kathleen Holeman will be featured in the series on October 5. Also at the Unity on the Plaza was the Whitmer-hosted Keyboard Summit, which also included pianist Bram Wijnands and the piano and organ of Everette DeVan, backed by Albright and the ever-swinging drummer Tommy Ruskin. The format was an opening “The Preacher”, featuring all the players, followed by individual sets for each keyboard player. The finale brought everyone back on stage, where they finished with “St.Thomas”, “Ding Dong Baby”, and “Take the A Train”. The large crowd appreciated the keyboard variety; the players have different styles, the contrasts added to the enjoyment of the concert. -Don Merker RETURN TO OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2005 MAIN INDEX © Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors 1996-2005. All rights reserved.