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 by Doug Tatum Selecting the artists that appear on the Folly Jazz Series is certainly among the most rewarding aspects of my work at the Folly Theater, and over the past 13 years I have had the pleasure and honor to bring many, many great jazz masters to Kansas City . Once in a while, I am in a position to facilitate a unique combination of musicians that has resulted in a truly extraordinary concert. One such concert that comes to mind was the memorable duo appearance several years ago of soprano saxophonist Steve Lacy with pianist Danilo Perez. Because the next concert of the Folly Jazz Series combines two of the most distinctive voices in jazz, I believe it also will prove to be among the most important in my career as a jazz presenter. On Saturday, February 11th, the Lee Konitz Trio plus Bill Frisell will combine for a rare joint appearance. Over the course of a remarkable career in jazz (spanning over 55 years!), Lee Konitz has remained devoted to melodic jazz improvisation in its purest form. Konitz has consistently sought new challenges and remained on his own cutting edge as a jazz improviser. At the time he emerged in the late 1940s when the overwhelming influence in jazz was Charlie Parker, Lee Konitz was one of the few saxophonists who was able to develop a completely personal style. Before leading his own bands, Konitz was a veteran of many notable groups, including the Claude Thornhill big band, the Stan Kenton Orchestra, Miles Davis's Birth of the Cool nonet, and various ensembles led by Lennie Tristano and Gerry Mulligan. His recordings cover the full spectrum from big bands and nonets to trios, duos, an unaccompanied saxophone session and work with a string quartet. Notable collaborations include those with Elvin Jones, Paul Motian, Joe Henderson, Bob Brookmeyer, Jim Hall, Ray Nance, Warne Marsh, Charlie Haden, Steve Swallow, Bill Evans, Martial Solal, and Brad Mehldau, among many others. Those that have followed the work of Bill Frisell over the past decade know that he has established himself as one of the most brilliant guitarists in the history of jazz, developing a sound and approach to the music that is unmistakable. About Frisell, Stereophile magazine stated, “For over ten years Bill Frisell has quietly been the most brilliant and unique voice to come along in jazz guitar since Wes Montgomery.” Spin magazine wrote, “…Frisell coaxes and slams his hovering split-toned ax into shapes of things to come.... But besides being a guitar genius, he's turned into a terrific songwriter. Like Monk, Frisell's harmonic and melodic ideas form a succinct, seamless mesh….”
In a rare solo piano appearance, the great Chick Corea will close out the Folly Jazz Series on Saturday, April 1. Chick Corea's musical odessey is legendary; along the way he has earned the highest critical acclaim and garnered 12 Grammy awards. After first rising to national prominence with Miles For each of the concerts, single tickets start at $15.00; members of the Jazz Ambassadors also receive a special discount. For more information, call the Folly Theater at 816-474-4444 or visit our Web site at www.follytheater.com. Doug Tatum is the Executive Director of the Folly Theater
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The Regina Carter Quintet will return to the Folly stage on Saturday, March 4. Since her last appearance at the Folly four years ago, the jazz violinist's career has continued to build, with no signs of slowing down. About Carter, Time magazine stated, “Regina Carter creates music that is wonderfully listenable, probingly intelligent and, at times, breathtakingly daring…taking the listener into the future of jazz.” 
Davis's band, Chick went on to form his own group, Return to Forever, which propelled him to the top as a leader. Throughout his four-decade career, Corea's creative genius as a pianist and improviser has consistently dazzled jazz fans around the world.