JAM: April/May 2007 Hear and There

Karrin Allyson in Omaha

The Omaha Symphony blended their classical sound with Karrin Allyson's throaty, yet smooth, jazz vocals at the Holland Performing Arts Center in Omaha , Nebraska , on February 17 .

Her band of 15 years (Bob Bowman – bass, Rod Fleeman – guitar, Paul Smith – piano, and Todd Strait – drums) added their lively jazz sound to the symphony. Bill McGlauglin, who conducted with grace and enthusiasm, integrated both genres flawlessly. Each distinct sound within the orchestra and the jazz band complemented one another while creating the perfect musical background for Karrin's enrapturing voice.

As always, the chemistry between Karrin and her band was airtight. She danced to the genuine solos flowing from the hearts of each band member. Her energy fed them and they gave it right back to her, which created an even stronger vibe that invigorated everybody on stage.

The exquisite sound of the symphony only added to the rare and mesmerizing music that flowed from her jazz quintet. Although Bill's role on-stage was to conduct the symphony, it was clear that he was an integral player in the melding of the two genres. His back was to the quintet while he conducted, but the jazz musicians didn't have to look at him to be directed.

The combination of classical and jazz music was outside the box. With his innate knowledge of Karrin's style and vocal range; his fabulous ability to arrange, compose, and conduct; and his desire to break musical barriers, Bill made the combination work. He made it look easy, but it could have been a recipe for disaster.

Bill credits the long relationship with Karrin and the band for pulling off the concept with perfection. “Familiarity is a huge boost for creativity,” he said. “If you're familiar and you're comfortable, then you can invent. If you're not familiar, you're busy taking care of business, counting, and being careful.”

- Laura Harman

Sounds from the Blue Room, Jardine's, and the Folly

Let's start with Dennis Winslett, who has returned to Kansas City has appeared occasionally at the Blue Room. Dennis has an appealing style that can run from mainstream through more current grooves and be a little “out”, too. He led the March 12 jam, and his energy filled the room. Dennis seemed to inspire the jam session participants. Tyrone Clark was on bass this evening, providing the support he his known for, right in the pocket. Dennis was still playing when Gerald Dunn locked the doors.

Bob Bowman and Bow Dog had the stage the week prior, and continue to be on top of the list of must-listen bands in the area. Their repertoire is always fresh, featuring compositions from Bob, pianist Wayne Hawkins, and guitarist Jake Blanton, and then they will find the perfect ballad for Bob to dig into.

There were some fun evenings at Jardine's as well. The Russ Long Memorial Band, led by Gerald Spaits, was on hand March 11. Russ' daughter Jenny gave a beautiful rendition of “Save That Time”, and of course the band and arrangements are perfect for Russ' music. And it's always a treat when Charles Perkins pulls out his bass clarinet, as he did this evening for a tune. There are few who play this instrument, and Charles is a master.

Stan Kessler was heard in many settings at Jardine's recently, from the Russ Long Tribute to the Sons of Brasil and his Horace Scope band (performing the Horace Silver book) and his ongoing TV band. Another band he sounds fine in is Bram Wijnands Majestic 7, with its four horn front playing some fine small group swing. There's lots of Basie here. The bands players are all “modern”, so it sounds like an updated version of the music that made Kansas City famous.

The February Best of Kansas City show featured Loren Pickford, the multi-talented veteran from New Orleans who moved to Kansas City after Katrina. Loren showed it all here – his great alto sax playing, singing, occasionally giving Joe Cartwright a break on piano, and playing some beautiful flute.

Of course, there was a pair of special evenings at the Folly. The Count Basie Orchestra has not lost any of its power, and has fine soloists in every chair, especially in the sax section. But the highlight of the evening was our own Will Matthews getting some rare solo space, playing with the band's rhythm section for an extended set-within-a-set. This was a very welcome feature, and Will tore it up! Bobby Watson was a sub in The Latin Side of Miles and Trane band, but the evening was another reminder that Brian Lynch belongs on the “A” list of trumpeters. And you have to love how the classic Davis and Coltrane material works in a Latin setting.

- Roger Atkinson