JAM: August/September 2006 Issue: Folly Jazz News

by Doug Tatum

The 2006-2007 Folly Jazz Series will open with the duo of Jim Hall & Geoff Keezer on Saturday, October 7. For over five decades, Jim Hall has been one of the world’s favorite guitarists and one of the most melodic players in jazz. Hall’s partner for this duo outing, pianist Geoff Keezer, complements him in every aspect. As on Jim’s legendary duet recordings with the late Bill Evans, these musical conversations between guitar and piano are so intimate that bass and drums would be an intrusion.

Veteran singer Ernestine Anderson appears with her band on Saturday, November 4. Ernestine Anderson has certainly earned her title of “jazz legend.” Years of singing and living have shaped
a vocalist who can make your heart cry one moment and dance the next. Ms. Anderson is equally superb with poignant ballads, sassy swing, and down-home blues—she is master of them all. About Ernestine, The New York Times stated, “Miss Anderson
combines sophisticated jazz phrasing with musical intelligence in a distinctive, infectiously exuberant personal style.”

The Kenny Barron Trio will take the Folly stage on Friday, December 15. Kenny Barron’s unmatched ability to mesmerize audiences with his elegant playing, sensitive melodies, and infectious rhythms is what inspired Jazz Weekly to call him
“The most lyrical piano player of our time.” Barron consistently wins the jazz critics and readers polls, including Downbeat,
JazzTimes and Jazziz magazines. He has been named Best Pianist by the Jazz Journalists Association every year for the past four years. The Boston Herald stated, “One of the most fertile imaginations and pleasing sounds in jazz. Barron is a great jazz pianist period.”

The Roy Hargrove Quintet appears at the Folly for the first time on Saturday, January 6, 2007. Gifted trumpet and flugelhorn player Hargrove has emerged as one of the most influential artists leading the recent resurgence in acoustic jazz. Hargrove’s clean, soulful stylings are a hallmark of his dazzling solos. Widely recognized as one of the top improvising trumpeters touring today, he has not only wowed crowds throughout the world as
he leads what is arguably one of the hardest working and most exciting bands in jazz, but has also consistently earned rave reviews from the critics.

It is always an honor to present the great Count Basie Orchestra, which will make a return visit to the Folly on Saturday, February 3. The Count Basie Orchestra is truly an American institution.
Although “Count” passed away in 1984, his band remains true to its swinging musical legacy under the skillful direction of trombonist Bill Hughes. It’s all about swing. What more can I say?

On Saturday, March 10, we will be presenting a great Latin Jazz Band in a program billed as The Latin Side of Miles and Trane—An 80th Birthday Celebration. This all-star band will feature Conrad Herwig, trombone, Brian Lynch, trumpet, Mario
Rivera, baritone sax and flute, Ruben Rodriquez, piano, Edsel Gomez, bass, Robby Ameen, drums, and Pedro Martinez, percussion and vocals. This killer Latin Jazz band should prove to be one of the highlights of the season.

To close the series, we will present The Yellowjackets on Saturday, April 28. It’s hard to believe, but The Yellowjackets are celebrating their 25th anniversary this year. Utilizing infectious rhythms and strong melodic structures that define their sound, this band has flourished as one of America’s most loved and top-selling contemporary jazz groups. Comprised of Russell Ferrante, keyboards, Jimmy Haslip, bass, Marcus Baylor, drums, and Bob Mintzer on saxophone, The Yellowjackets
are masters of a wide range of musical styles. Jazz Times stated, “…an exciting and forward-looking fusion of funky and sometimes soulful acoustic and electric jazz.”

Discounted season subscriptions are available, and regular single ticket prices range from $24–30 (Jazz Ambassadors receive discounts). For the third year we continue to offer specially discounted“backbeat seats” priced at $15 for any of
the concerts. These seats are located in the Folly’s upper balcony section, where you can see just fine and the acoustics are great. (The Folly is a small, intimate theater.)

For more information or to request a flier, call the Folly Theater, 816-474-4444, or visit our Web site: www.follytheater.com.

Doug Tatum is the Executive Director of the Folly Theater






	Search our site:		by Doug Tatum The 2006-2007 Folly Jazz Series will open with the duo of Jim Hall & Geoff Keezer on Saturday, October 7. For over five decades, Jim Hall has been one of the world’s favorite guitarists and one of the most melodic players in jazz. Hall’s partner for this duo outing, pianist Geoff Keezer, complements him in every aspect. As on Jim’s legendary duet recordings with the late Bill Evans, these musical conversations between guitar and piano are so intimate that bass and drums would be an intrusion. Veteran singer Ernestine Anderson appears with her band on Saturday, November 4. Ernestine Anderson has certainly earned her title of “jazz legend.” Years of singing and living have shaped a vocalist who can make your heart cry one moment and dance the next. Ms. Anderson is equally superb with poignant ballads, sassy swing, and down-home blues—she is master of them all. About Ernestine, The New York Times stated, “Miss Anderson combines sophisticated jazz phrasing with musical intelligence in a distinctive, infectiously exuberant personal style.” The Kenny Barron Trio will take the Folly stage on Friday, December 15. Kenny Barron’s unmatched ability to mesmerize audiences with his elegant playing, sensitive melodies, and infectious rhythms is what inspired Jazz Weekly to call him “The most lyrical piano player of our time.” Barron consistently wins the jazz critics and readers polls, including Downbeat, JazzTimes and Jazziz magazines. He has been named Best Pianist by the Jazz Journalists Association every year for the past four years. The Boston Herald stated, “One of the most fertile imaginations and pleasing sounds in jazz. Barron is a great jazz pianist period.” The Roy Hargrove Quintet appears at the Folly for the first time on Saturday, January 6, 2007. Gifted trumpet and flugelhorn player Hargrove has emerged as one of the most influential artists leading the recent resurgence in acoustic jazz. Hargrove’s clean, soulful stylings are a hallmark of his dazzling solos. Widely recognized as one of the top improvising trumpeters touring today, he has not only wowed crowds throughout the world as he leads what is arguably one of the hardest working and most exciting bands in jazz, but has also consistently earned rave reviews from the critics. It is always an honor to present the great Count Basie Orchestra, which will make a return visit to the Folly on Saturday, February 3. The Count Basie Orchestra is truly an American institution. Although “Count” passed away in 1984, his band remains true to its swinging musical legacy under the skillful direction of trombonist Bill Hughes. It’s all about swing. What more can I say? On Saturday, March 10, we will be presenting a great Latin Jazz Band in a program billed as The Latin Side of Miles and Trane—An 80th Birthday Celebration. This all-star band will feature Conrad Herwig, trombone, Brian Lynch, trumpet, Mario Rivera, baritone sax and flute, Ruben Rodriquez, piano, Edsel Gomez, bass, Robby Ameen, drums, and Pedro Martinez, percussion and vocals. This killer Latin Jazz band should prove to be one of the highlights of the season. To close the series, we will present The Yellowjackets on Saturday, April 28. It’s hard to believe, but The Yellowjackets are celebrating their 25th anniversary this year. Utilizing infectious rhythms and strong melodic structures that define their sound, this band has flourished as one of America’s most loved and top-selling contemporary jazz groups. Comprised of Russell Ferrante, keyboards, Jimmy Haslip, bass, Marcus Baylor, drums, and Bob Mintzer on saxophone, The Yellowjackets are masters of a wide range of musical styles. Jazz Times stated, “…an exciting and forward-looking fusion of funky and sometimes soulful acoustic and electric jazz.” Discounted season subscriptions are available, and regular single ticket prices range from $24–30 (Jazz Ambassadors receive discounts). For the third year we continue to offer specially discounted“backbeat seats” priced at $15 for any of the concerts. These seats are located in the Folly’s upper balcony section, where you can see just fine and the acoustics are great. (The Folly is a small, intimate theater.) For more information or to request a flier, call the Folly Theater, 816-474-4444, or visit our Web site: www.follytheater.com. Doug Tatum is the Executive Director of the Folly Theater RETURN TO AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2006 MAIN INDEX © Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors 1996-2006. All rights reserved.