JAM: JUNE/JULY 2007 Issue: Editor's Corner

by Roger Atkinson

Yes, it is summertime again, and that means jazz is everywhere in the Kansas City area, from festivals to farmers' markets, downtown to the ‘burbs. It's a great time to be out and about and visit neighborhoods close to home and across town. It is also the perfect time to check out artists who are new to you, a chance to expand your ears a little, see old friends, and make new acquaintances. At no other time can you see how important the music is to this town. Ed Fenner provides a survey of the many summer events around town.

It is also a time to recognize all of the talented musicians who have made the Kansas City their home and take pride in our rich and continuing heritage. You don't have to go back to the 1930's and 1940's to see the contributions that Kansas City musicians have made. It has been a continuum, with Bob Brookmeyer, Gary Foster, Bobby Watson, Pat Metheny, Karrin Allyson, Kevin Mahogany, and many others who continue have an international following. Kansas City has been, and still is, a great place to develop, grow, and play.

In this issue we are starting a series of profiles of many of our great saxophone players. I hope that this series will introduce you to some names that may be new to you, and hopefully you will look for their gigs around town. We'll continue this series for the next two issues.

Thanks to Shar Valleau for her article on Eddie Saunders and Glenn Stewart. I was at Jardine's that evening, and Eddie's appearance brought a big smile. Eddie has this huge spirit, and nothing has diminished it. Thank you, Glenn, for all you do.