Editor's Corner

by Roger Atkinson

With a somewhat lighter travel schedule I've been able to enjoy hanging out in Kansas City more than I've been able to for quite awhile. That has meant some great tunes at the Blue Room, including a super jam session led by Kevin Cerovich and a too-rare appearance from Doug Talley, with his quartet expanded to five with the addition of Joe Parisi. I also got to Benton 's, which has become an excellent, relaxing listening room (and a wonderful night view just adds to the ambiance). Hadn't been to Y.J.'s Snack Shack for Micah Herman 's Sunday jam since the fall, either. The late nights at Jardine's have also been fun: Mark Southerland's band Snuff Jazz, Mark Lowery and Shay Estes, Micah Herman 's Quartet, and John Brewer have supplied the sounds.

Also not missed was a fabulous evening of entertainment in support of Kansas City Youth Jazz. Angela Hagenbach, Bobby Watson, The McFadden Brothers, Millie Edwards, and the KCYJ Faculty gave a great show. We all missed Clark Terry, who became ill the day before the show. Charles Williams did his version of Terry's “Mumbles” in homage to the master. And to top it off, KCYJ leader Leon Brady got behind the drums and performed “Cute” with the faculty.

This issue we feature two pianists who have more in common than their instrument. Both Roger Wilder and Bram Wijnands chose to move here and be part of our great jazz scene. Enjoy!

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