JAM: February/March 2006 Issue: Feature Story

Kansas City Plays for New Orleans

Sharon Valleau

The musical benefit Jazz Aid: Kansas City Plays for New Orleans began with a surprise phone call from Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors president Bill Paprota. Usually the calculating, aloof attorney, Bill was clearly shaken as he said, “Our brothers and sisters are suffering in New Orleans – they're dying down there and we've got to help them!”

When the levee gave way, flooding parts of Louisiana , trapping thousands of people in unsafe and unsanitary quarters, our nation glimpsed Armageddon in our midst. We watched in helpless horror as the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina devastated not only our blood relatives and friends, but also our jazz family.

It's difficult enough these days for jazz musicians to sustain themselves and their families under optimal conditions. We seldom think about the fact that American artists sacrifice the security and regularity of set pay and medical benefits to give our country a culture. Because Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors is dedicated to supporting Jazz artists by promoting live jaz, and providing emergency financial assistance to jazz musicians and their families, we knew we had to help New Orleans jazz musicians. We wanted to send money, but we also felt moved to respond as one jazz community to another -- with a live jazz tribute. Jazz Aid: Kansas City Plays for New Orleans sent a message to Louisiana jazz musicians - to say we stand in solidarity with you and, through our music, we bear witness that the spirit of jazz is indestructible .

Bill contacted the Folly Theater of Kansas City, and they agreed to contribute the theater and staff for a jazz concert on November 27th , the Sunday after Thanksgiving. With additional support from Fed Ex/Kinko's Corporation, the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation, videographers Mike Strong and Nicole English, Kansas City artists Jason Crosby and Cynthia Hudson, and jazz historian and radio personality Chuck Haddix, who served as MC, Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors produced the first concert to benefit jazz artists outside of Kansas City. Six Kansas City based jazz bands and artists donated their time and talent to give a once-in-a-lifetime performance. Proceeds from Jazz Aid: Kansas City Plays for New Orleans will benefit the New Orleans Musicians Foundation and the Jazz Foundation of America. (See the profiles at the end of this article.)

Little did anyone know, but the weather in the Kansas City area on November 27, 2005 would set an uncanny record. The area was hit by freak storms that spawned tornadoes throughout the region. Many Kansas Citians kept vigil for children returning to school and relatives heading home that Sunday from Thanksgiving gatherings. Still, several hundred Kansas Citians braved the heavy rains and high winds to experience Jazz Aid: Kansas City Plays for New Orleans .

The jazz extravaganza opened with Kansas City jazz heirs, The Leon Brady Jazz Band. Brady's diverse band of “kids” jam complex jazz arrangements with all the seriousness once witnessed in young Charlie Parker or Count Basie in Kansas City . Unfortunately, Wyandotte County , Kansas has become known for violence and economic struggles, but Leon and Linda Brady's dedication to jazz and kids has hope rising faster than the crime rate. The only requirement to be a Brady jazz kid is to maintain grades, a positive attitude, and a desire to play jazz. (Go to http://kcyouthjazz.com for more information, or to sponsor a youth.)

Dan Thomas is a former jazz student, who apprenticed under the legendary Bobby Watson at the UMKC Conservatory of Music. Today, Dan is giving back big time as Assistant Adjunct Professor at the Conservatory. The Dan Thomas Quintet gave the audience a taste of magic to savor as Dan played radical riffs on saxophone, and innovative harmonies with Joe Parisi on horn. (Check out the Dan Thomas Quintet recordings Musical Sanctuary, and City Scope ; both can be purchased online at http://www.danthomasjazz.com - Fair warning! Jazz lovers will find them addictive!)

The New Vintage Big Band under the direction of Jack Taylor is a group of professional musicians dedicated to maintaining the “big band” style in Kansas City . The Folly Theater was the perfect venue to experience the musical feast -- a rich, full, undeniably satisfying WOW of a sound. Kansas City audiences are fortunate to have one of the few remaining organized professional big bands in the country performing here. (Check out the groups' latest CD Always and Forever – a collection of big band sound that will make you want to dance. Order online at http://www.bigbandjazz.com/cd.htm . Catch the big band live at BBs Lawnside BBQ and Cafe Sevilla)

The Scamps have been performing longer than any other jazz group in Kansas City – charming audiences with their unique brand of sizzle and cool. The Scamps, like New Orleans , are all too familiar with loss these days as two of their long-time members, saxmen Eddie Saunders and Art Jackson, recover from illness. There are as many recordings as there are reincarnations of the Scamps, but don't miss their current CD - the first recording with the current crop of jazz masters. SWINGING WITH THE SCAMPS --JAZZ, KANSAS CITY STYLE is a collector's must have. ( For a copy of their current CD, and to find out where to send well wishes to Art and Eddie, catch The Scamps at The Phoenix Bar and Grill – 8 th & Central in Kansas City, Saturdays from 4 to 8 pm,.)

In addition to being a major organizer behind the scenes of the benefit, Bram Wijnands with his Majestic Seven played for New Orleans . Wijnands, who regularly dazzles audiences around the world with a demanding style of piano performance known as stride , wrote and arranged most of the compositions played by the seven piece band. The unique vibrato of featured vocal soloist Laura Glaeser, and the timeless talent of internationally renown dancer Billie Mahoney flavored the Majestic Seven performance with a pinch of sugar and a dash of spice. (Treat yourself to The Majestic Seven CD Kansas City Swings -- available online at http://www.bwjazz.com . It'll have you coming back for more! Catch the Bram Wijnands trio live at The Majestic Steakhouse -Fridays and Saturdays, and The Majestic Seven live at Jardine's on the 2 nd Wednesday of each month.)

Wijnands displayed his range of musical talent as he donned a full sized bass and joined strolling troubadours, replicating the soulful sounds of a New Orleans Dixieland band. Wijnands and a volunteer troupe of musicians, including some from the New Red Onion Jazz Babies , strolled through the audience “second line” style in between acts. (See http:// www.newredonionjazzbabies.com . for more jazz with a Big Easy flavor.)

And then there was Marilyn Maye, commanding the stage with her grace and stately presence, her melodic voice flowing smooth and sweet like sugar frosting over the musical feast. Yes, her sound is different from the Marilyn Maye of old. Her voice is richer, her inflections tinged with color and nuance that only come with the seasoning of experience and good taste cultivated over time. Yet, make no mistake, Marilyn Maye still has that clear, ringing resonance that sets a formidable standard for anyone who aspires to sing. (Call 816-591-1114 for information about CDs and performances for Marilyn Maye, or just google her and follow any of the more than 57,000 results under her name!)

Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors will continue to channel donations to the jazz communities throughout the gulf coast. Jazz artists there continue to struggle with day to day needs, as well as long-range recovery. Please send tax-deductible donations to Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors, and note for benefit of Jazz Aid to New Orleans .

These are the organizations that will distribute proceeds from Jazz Aid: Kansas City Plays for New Orleans to serve the Gulf Coast jazz musicians in need. Jazz musicians note the organizations that regularly offer assistance to the jazz community nationwide.

National Jazz Musicians Emergency Assistance Centers The New Orleans Musicians Clinic
"The NOMC Emergency Fund" was established to keep Louisiana Music Alive. NOMC plans to relocate New Orleans musicians into the Lafayette/Acadiana community where they can remain a life force after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Many musicians have lost everything... NOMC will fund efforts to help rebuild the lives of musicians who can't access any of their NOMC accounts.

The Jazz Foundation of America
Addressing the longer term needs of jazz and blues artists, JFA raises funds and distributes money for musicians to get new apartments, or rooms for rent, helping musicians start over in a place to live. This is what they normally do on a daily basis for musicians across the country who become sick and can't pay their rent. JFA also keeps food on the table and gets employment for hundreds of elderly musicians through their Jazz in the Schools program. Operations normally assist 35 musicians a week.

JFA will also attempt to help New Orleans musicians by replacing the thing that matters most and the only way they can ever work again: their instruments. To those who lost their instruments, like drummers and bassists who could not carry their heavy equipment, and guitarists with their amps, JFA will make an effort to work with manufacturers and music stores to replace those instruments for as many as possible.
JFA says, "Remember, New Orleans was only " New Orleans " because of the musicians..."

MusiCares
The MusiCares Hurricane Relief Fund has been set up so music people impacted by Hurricane Katrina can get help. Assistance includes basic living expenses such as shelter, food, utilities, transportation; medical expenses including doctor, dentist and hospital bills, medications; clothing; instrument and recording equipment replacement; relocation costs; school supplies for students; insurance payments and more.

Established in 1989 by The Recording Academy, MusiCares has been helping people across the country cope with personal, medical and financial hardships. MusiCares provides totally confidential crisis intervention, health care referrals and financial assistance. MusiCares' confidential and caring approach allows those in need to seek help with dignity and confidence.






	Search our site:		Kansas City Plays for New Orleans Sharon Valleau The musical benefit *Jazz Aid: Kansas City Plays for New Orleans* began with a surprise phone call from Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors president Bill Paprota. Usually the calculating, aloof attorney, Bill was clearly shaken as he said, “Our brothers and sisters are suffering in New Orleans – they're dying down there and we've got to help them!” When the levee gave way, flooding parts of Louisiana , trapping thousands of people in unsafe and unsanitary quarters, our nation glimpsed Armageddon in our midst. We watched in helpless horror as the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina devastated not only our blood relatives and friends, but also our jazz family. It's difficult enough these days for jazz musicians to sustain themselves and their families under optimal conditions. We seldom think about the fact that American artists sacrifice the security and regularity of set pay and medical benefits to give our country a culture. Because Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors is dedicated to supporting Jazz artists by promoting live jaz, and providing emergency financial assistance to jazz musicians and their families, we knew we had to help New Orleans jazz musicians. We wanted to send money, but we also felt moved to respond as one jazz community to another -- with a live jazz tribute. Jazz Aid: Kansas City Plays for New Orleans sent a message to Louisiana jazz musicians - to say we stand in solidarity with you and, through our music, we bear witness that the spirit of jazz is indestructible . Bill contacted the Folly Theater of Kansas City, and they agreed to contribute the theater and staff for a jazz concert on November 27th , the Sunday after Thanksgiving. With additional support from Fed Ex/Kinko's Corporation, the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation, videographers Mike Strong and Nicole English, Kansas City artists Jason Crosby and Cynthia Hudson, and jazz historian and radio personality Chuck Haddix, who served as MC, Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors produced the first concert to benefit jazz artists outside of Kansas City. Six Kansas City based jazz bands and artists donated their time and talent to give a once-in-a-lifetime performance. Proceeds from Jazz Aid: Kansas City Plays for New Orleans will benefit the New Orleans Musicians Foundation and the Jazz Foundation of America. (See the profiles at the end of this article.) Little did anyone know, but the weather in the Kansas City area on November 27, 2005 would set an uncanny record. The area was hit by freak storms that spawned tornadoes throughout the region. Many Kansas Citians kept vigil for children returning to school and relatives heading home that Sunday from Thanksgiving gatherings. Still, several hundred Kansas Citians braved the heavy rains and high winds to experience Jazz Aid: Kansas City Plays for New Orleans . The jazz extravaganza opened with Kansas City jazz heirs, The Leon Brady Jazz Band. Brady's diverse band of “kids” jam complex jazz arrangements with all the seriousness once witnessed in young Charlie Parker or Count Basie in Kansas City . Unfortunately, Wyandotte County , Kansas has become known for violence and economic struggles, but Leon and Linda Brady's dedication to jazz and kids has hope rising faster than the crime rate. The only requirement to be a Brady jazz kid is to maintain grades, a positive attitude, and a desire to play jazz. (Go to http://kcyouthjazz.com for more information, or to sponsor a youth.) Dan Thomas is a former jazz student, who apprenticed under the legendary Bobby Watson at the UMKC Conservatory of Music. Today, Dan is giving back big time as Assistant Adjunct Professor at the Conservatory. The Dan Thomas Quintet gave the audience a taste of magic to savor as Dan played radical riffs on saxophone, and innovative harmonies with Joe Parisi on horn. (Check out the Dan Thomas Quintet recordings Musical Sanctuary, and City Scope ; both can be purchased online at http://www.danthomasjazz.com - Fair warning! Jazz lovers will find them addictive!) The New Vintage Big Band under the direction of Jack Taylor is a group of professional musicians dedicated to maintaining the “big band” style in Kansas City . The Folly Theater was the perfect venue to experience the musical feast -- a rich, full, undeniably satisfying WOW of a sound. Kansas City audiences are fortunate to have one of the few remaining organized professional big bands in the country performing here. (Check out the groups' latest CD Always and Forever – a collection of big band sound that will make you want to dance. Order online at http://www.bigbandjazz.com/cd.htm . Catch the big band live at BBs Lawnside BBQ and Cafe Sevilla) The Scamps have been performing longer than any other jazz group in Kansas City – charming audiences with their unique brand of sizzle and cool. The Scamps, like New Orleans , are all too familiar with loss these days as two of their long-time members, saxmen Eddie Saunders and Art Jackson, recover from illness. There are as many recordings as there are reincarnations of the Scamps, but don't miss their current CD - the first recording with the current crop of jazz masters. SWINGING WITH THE SCAMPS --JAZZ, KANSAS CITY STYLE is a collector's must have. ( For a copy of their current CD, and to find out where to send well wishes to Art and Eddie, catch The Scamps at *The Phoenix* Bar and Grill – 8 th & Central in Kansas City, Saturdays from 4 to 8 pm,.) In addition to being a major organizer behind the scenes of the benefit, Bram Wijnands with his Majestic Seven played for New Orleans . Wijnands, who regularly dazzles audiences around the world with a demanding style of piano performance known as stride , wrote and arranged most of the compositions played by the seven piece band. The unique vibrato of featured vocal soloist Laura Glaeser, and the timeless talent of internationally renown dancer Billie Mahoney flavored the Majestic Seven performance with a pinch of sugar and a dash of spice. (Treat yourself to The Majestic Seven CD Kansas City Swings -- available online at http://www.bwjazz.com . It'll have you coming back for more! Catch the Bram Wijnands trio live at The Majestic Steakhouse -Fridays and Saturdays, and The Majestic Seven live at Jardine's on the 2 nd Wednesday of each month.) Wijnands displayed his range of musical talent as he donned a full sized bass and joined strolling troubadours, replicating the soulful sounds of a New Orleans Dixieland band. Wijnands and a volunteer troupe of musicians, including some from the New Red Onion Jazz Babies , strolled through the audience “second line” style in between acts. (See http:// www.newredonionjazzbabies.com . for more jazz with a Big Easy flavor.) And then there was Marilyn Maye, commanding the stage with her grace and stately presence, her melodic voice flowing smooth and sweet like sugar frosting over the musical feast. Yes, her sound is different from the Marilyn Maye of old. Her voice is richer, her inflections tinged with color and nuance that only come with the seasoning of experience and good taste cultivated over time. Yet, make no mistake, Marilyn Maye still has that clear, ringing resonance that sets a formidable standard for anyone who aspires to sing. (Call 816-591-1114 for information about CDs and performances for Marilyn Maye, or just google her and follow any of the more than 57,000 results under her name!) Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors will continue to channel donations to the jazz communities throughout the gulf coast. Jazz artists there continue to struggle with day to day needs, as well as long-range recovery. Please send tax-deductible donations to Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors, and note for benefit of Jazz Aid to New Orleans . These are the organizations that will distribute proceeds from Jazz Aid: Kansas City Plays for New Orleans to serve the Gulf Coast jazz musicians in need. Jazz musicians note the organizations that regularly offer assistance to the jazz community nationwide. National Jazz Musicians Emergency Assistance Centers The New Orleans Musicians Clinic "The NOMC Emergency Fund" was established to keep Louisiana Music Alive. NOMC plans to relocate New Orleans musicians into the Lafayette/Acadiana community where they can remain a life force after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Many musicians have lost everything... NOMC will fund efforts to help rebuild the lives of musicians who can't access any of their NOMC accounts. The Jazz Foundation of America Addressing the longer term needs of jazz and blues artists, JFA raises funds and distributes money for musicians to get new apartments, or rooms for rent, helping musicians start over in a place to live. This is what they normally do on a daily basis for musicians across the country who become sick and can't pay their rent. JFA also keeps food on the table and gets employment for hundreds of elderly musicians through their Jazz in the Schools program. Operations normally assist 35 musicians a week. JFA will also attempt to help New Orleans musicians by replacing the thing that matters most and the only way they can ever work again: their instruments. To those who lost their instruments, like drummers and bassists who could not carry their heavy equipment, and guitarists with their amps, JFA will make an effort to work with manufacturers and music stores to replace those instruments for as many as possible. JFA says, "Remember, New Orleans was only " New Orleans " because of the musicians..." MusiCares The MusiCares Hurricane Relief Fund has been set up so music people impacted by Hurricane Katrina can get help. Assistance includes basic living expenses such as shelter, food, utilities, transportation; medical expenses including doctor, dentist and hospital bills, medications; clothing; instrument and recording equipment replacement; relocation costs; school supplies for students; insurance payments and more. Established in 1989 by The Recording Academy, MusiCares has been helping people across the country cope with personal, medical and financial hardships. MusiCares provides totally confidential crisis intervention, health care referrals and financial assistance. MusiCares' confidential and caring approach allows those in need to seek help with dignity and confidence. RETURN TO FEBRUARY/MARCH 2006 MAIN INDEX © Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors 1996-2006. All rights reserved.