Confirmation: Weekly News and Notes
Original image by Plastic Sax.
Concert Review: Bill Summers and Forward Back at Dunbar Park
Original image by Plastic Sax.
“Summer’s heat- smell my feet!” Bill Summers exclaimed at Dunbar Park on Tuesday, June 21. The legendary percussionist and his new band Forward Back overcame stifling conditions in a free 65-minute set sponsored by Creative City KC in conjunction with Make Music Day.
Acknowledging the disappointing size of the audience of less than 100, Summers noted “it doesn’t matter how many people are here or not here- we’re going to throw the funk down.” The sextet did- kind of. In stark contrast to the jazz and African orientation of Summers’ concert last year in the same location, Saturday’s show was rooted in pop.
At its best, Forward Back resembles an exciting reboot of the Fugees. In lesser moments, Forward Back sounds like a sketchy Black Eyed Peas tribute band. A disappointing reliance on backing tracks belied the talent on stage. Drummer Jamal Batiste (yes, he’s Jon Batiste’s brother) was particularly constrained.
Forward Back doesn’t attempt to replicate Summers’ rarified artistic achievements with the Headhunters and Los Hombres Calientes. Yet the infectious exuberance of the group compensated for its stylistic limitations. Summers proclaimed “we are not musicians- we are physicians.” The sextet administered spiritual healing on Saturday.
Now’s the Time: The Glenn Miller Orchestra at Muriel Kauffman Theatre
A mention of Charlie Parker at a concert featuring members of the Kansas City Symphony last week elicited a smattering of applause. Dozens of people heartily cheered when Glenn Miller was cited a few minutes later. Some of those enthusiasts of the late bandleader will almost certainly be on hand when The Glenn Miller Orchestra performs at Muriel Kauffman Theatre on the afternoon of Saturday, June 25.
Confirmation: Weekly News and Notes
Original image by Plastic Sax.
*Green Lady Lounge is featured in a new Kansas City-themed listicle.
*Eleven titles reviewed at Plastic Sax are included in a ranking of The Top Kansas City Albums of 2022 (So Far) list at There Stands the Glass.
*Snippets from a performance by Bram Wijnands and Dave Chael were shared by Joe Dimino.
*Tweet of the Week: Stockton Helbing- We are back at the Kitchen Cafe in Dallas this Friday night to play the music of Mr. Kansas City Lightning: Charlie Parker. I hope you will join us. Every show of 2022 has sold out quickly, so hit those reservations asap! See you there!
Album Review: Jeff Shirley- Blue Gold
Jeff Shirley holds down a longstanding residency at Green Lady Lounge, but the guitarist ventures well beyond the popular Kansas City club’s venue’s signature sound on his new album Blue Gold. Assisted by an able cast of colleagues, Shirley demonstrates a mastery of a myriad of jazz styles.
The swinging “Crestfallin’” and “Oneology” convey the jaunty atmosphere of the dimly lit Green Lady Lounge. Yet “Terrarium” is a tasty slice of throwback smooth jazz. The meditative “Nila Suvarna Hamsa” evokes Ralph Towner’s work for ECM Records.
Saxophonist Max Levy and trumpeter Bryan Foote help make the funky “Planet 22” a throwback to the heyday of the Brecker Brothers. “Eastborn” is among the tracks filled with Metheny-isms. The greasy fusion “Halothane” is countered by the old-school vocalese of Misha Roberts on "2n+1".
Kansas City’s jazz scene contains different and often uncongenial camps. The members of the smooth jazz, mainstream swing, noisy improvisation, soul jazz, organ jazz and post-bop factions of the town don’t always interact with one another. Shirley easily bridges those divides on the eclectic Blue Gold.
Now’s the Time: Alan Voss
The versatile guitarist Alan Voss is among the throngs of musicians participating in the citywide Make Music Day festival on Tuesday, June 21. Voss will appear in Swope Park at noon and at the Folly Theater at 2 p.m.
Confirmation: Weekly News and Notes
Original image by Plastic Sax.
*NPR’s Weekend Edition featured Julia Lee’s “Snatch and Grab It” on the 75th anniversary of the bawdy song.
*Dave Scott checked in with Joe Dimino.
*The lineup of the 2022 edition of The Charlie Parker Jazz Festival in New York City includes Jason Moran, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Archie Shepp and Buster Williams. (Tip via LK.)
*Tweet of the Week: KCMO Parks and Rec- It’s official! @MayorLucasKC has declared June 21st #MakeMusicKC Day in #KCMO! Join us #OneWeekFromToday as @KansasCity joins the global celebration of music with 100+ free live music performances by 60+ artists at venues all over the metro!! Listings at makemusicday.org/kcmo
Album Review: Seth Andrew Davis and Evan Verploegh- Hunter
Hunter is an all-out assault on civility. The sonically perverse and tremendously prolific Kansas City duo of Seth Andrew Davis and Evan Verploegh outdo themselves on the belligerent instrumental album released on cassette and digitally in March.
Davis approximates a reckless version of the intrepid jazz guitar hero Mary Halvorson during much of the 18-minute “In the Moon 100 Years Ago Or in the Middle of Kansas Now.” The whimsically harrowing epic lives up to its title.
“Americus” could be mistaken for a pernicious remix of a deep cut from Jimi Hendrix's Electric Ladyland. Countering Verplough’s decisive drumming, Davis commits to an intentionally funkless evocation of Eddie Hazel on “(Un)Controlled Burn.”
The livid “Where Are the Buffalo” and the relatively serene “Let the States Tremble, Let the Nations Weep” complete the assault on established Kansas values. Why is the duo picking on Kansas? Davis and Verplough are likely responding to any one of many regrettable developments in the state on their furious protest album.
Now’s the Time: Rod Fleeman
Rod Fleeman, Plastic Sax’s 2021 Person of the Year, leads a trio every Saturday afternoon at Green Lady Lounge. The guitarist performs with a band led by drummer John Armato in the embedded video.
Confirmation: Weekly News and Notes
Original image by Plastic Sax.
*A band led by Adam Larson featuring Terell Stafford will headline The Prairie Village Jazz Festival on September 10.
*The new piano bar Uptown Lounge will showcase performances of “show tunes, jazz standards, classic rock, blues, and songs from famous artists such as Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, The Beatles, the Eagles, Billy Joel, Elton John and more” according to Joyce Smith’s feature for The Kansas City Star.
*Nina Cherry recalls Tiny Davis for Kansas City magazine.
*Portions of recent performances by Jazzy Jazz and Nduduzo Makhathini were documented by Joe Dimino.
*Soul vocalist Peabo Bryson headlines the American Jazz Walk of Fame’s July 2 concert.
*Tweet of the Week: Coleman Hawkins Jazz- This weekend HawkFest returns to downtown St. Joseph MO. Come out and join us for a great weekend of music and fun!
Concert Review: Nduduzo Makhathini at the Blue Room
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Gerald Dunn of the American Jazz Museum told an audience of about 50 at the Blue Room on Friday, June 3, that the first set of Nduduzo Makhathini’s two-night residency at the Blue Room would be briefly delayed because Lonnie Plaxico’s bass “exploded.” The South African pianist, Kansas City saxophonist Logan Richardson and Cuban drummer Francisco Mela ultimately opted to begin without the storied bassist.
The mishap was quickly transformed into an advantage. In one of many astounding moments, Makathini placed his hands on his knees and swayed back and forth as Mela’s explosive drumming propelled Richardson’s ascending solo into the stratosphere. Explaining his intent a few minutes later, Makhathini said he’s committed to “pushing toward the unknown” with a sound that “escapes the realm of definitions.”
His 11 albums as a leader can be characterized as spiritual jazz. Makathini insisted his music also reflects South Africa’s “dysfunctionality and displacement” and “violent historical past.” With the aid of a replenished Plaxico in the second half of the 65-minute set, the quartet forged spiritually transcendent and intellectually illuminating art of the highest order.
Now's the Time: Snarky Puppy
Snarky Puppy returns to Muriel Kauffman Theatre on Thursday, June 9. The band’s 2019 concert at the glitzy venue was one of the most auspicious jazz-adjacent shows to transpire in Kansas City in recent years.
Confirmation: Weekly News and Notes
Original image by Plastic Sax.
*Jeff Shirley posted a lyric video for a track from his forthcoming album Blue Gold.
*Tweet of the Week: KC Jazz Orchestra- We're stoked to be putting on a FREE big band concert live from Swope Park on June 21! Bring your family, friends and a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy #MakeMusicDay2022 @KCMOParks #kansascity #kcmo
Album Review: Addison Frei- Time and Again
Addison Frei established a reputation as a fine mainstream jazz pianist several years ago. With Time and Again, the former resident of Lawrence, Kansas, seems to have made the daunting leap from good to great. A prestigious rhythm section helps Frei make the significant breakthrough. Bassist Ben Wolfe and drummer Terreon Gully provide impeccable support. Frei’s playing suggests he’s aware of contemporary innovators like Brad Mehldau even as he remains rooted in the classic sound of pianists such as Tommy Flanagan. A rendition of Irving Berlin’s “Remember” is the height of elegance while “Ramble for FK” is a gussied-up blues. The curiously formal and unexpectedly exceptional Time and Again is a timeless statement.
Now’s the Time: Nduduzo Makhathini
Nduduzo Makhathini will perform at the Blue Room on Friday, June 3, and Saturday, June 4. The celebrated South African pianist is touring in support of In the Spirit of Ntu, his new album on Blue Note Records.
Confirmation: Weekly News and Notes
Original image by Plastic Sax.
*Steve Kraske chatted with Eboni Fondren, Leslie Maclean and Aryana Nemati on KCUR’s Up To Date program.
*Kansas City’s jazz landscape is represented in a ranking of Kansas City's Ten Best Music Venues.
*Tweet of the Week: San Diego Reader- Kansas City native Julian Vaughn will be performing at the San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival! Happening June 11 - June 12, 2022, at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. Purchase your tickets now (lineup)
Concert Review: Logan Richardson + Blues People at the Ship
Original image by Plastic Sax.
A perceptible anomaly prior to the homecoming concert of Logan Richardson + Blues People at the Ship on Thursday, May 19, indicated the evening would be memorable. The five musicians swaggered with confidence while socializing in a recently opened annex of the venue at which more than 100 revelers paid a $10 cover charge. Gloating is uncommon among Kansas City jazz musicians.
The men backed up their bold dispositions with a correspondingly towering 80-minute performance. Unapologetically loud and abrasive, the quintet exhibited a remarkable rapport strengthened during a tour that included a five-night stand at New York City’s jazz shrine the Village Vanguard. The potency of the outing was hardly a surprise.
Richardson, Plastic Sax’s 2019 Person of the Year, and vibraphonist/keyboardist Peter Schlamb, Plastic Sax’s 2018 Person of the Year, are arguably Kansas City’s most exciting musicians. They brought out the best in each other. The metal-edged guitarist Igor Osypov, the inventive bassist Dominique Sanders and the thrilling young drummer Nazir Ebo are also standout musicians.
The voice Richardson expresses through his saxophone attack, distinctive compositions and decisive bandleading skill has never been more eloquent. In a heartfelt soliloquy, he name-checked Kansas City jazz forebears including Ahmad Alaadeen, Jay McShann, Eddie Saunders and Claude Williams. Richardson’s bold innovations and rightful self-assurance honor their legacies.
Now’s the Time: The James Ward Band
Plenty of family bands call Kansas City home. The James Ward Band is among the best of them. The trio returns to the Blue Room on Saturday, May 21. The interpretation of Marcus Miller’s “Panther” in the embedded video typifies JWB’s robust approach to contemporary jazz.
Confirmation: Weekly News and Notes
Original image by Plastic Sax.
*Deploring the lack of organic enthusiasm for Kansas City’s jazz scene, Nina Cherry asks “(w)here is the interest in the music being created now?” in an essay published by Kansas City magazine.
*Jon Poses decries the absence of a single proper summer jazz festival in the state of Missouri in The Columbia Daily Tribune.
*Snippets of a midday performance at the Blue Room were captured by Joe Dimino.
*The author of Plastic Sax reviewed a jazz-tangential concert by the British musicologist Samantha Ege.
*Tweet of the Week: Jeff Shirley- Tonight, Jeff Shirley Organ Trio is at Green Lady Lounge, 11:30-2:30, joined by Mark Slimm and Brian Steever!! We're playing all originals, here's a short clip from Mark's tune "Lunar Lander." (video)
Grading the 2022-23 Season of the Folly Jazz Series
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The mere existence of the 41st season of The Folly Jazz Series is reason to celebrate. Without a proper jazz festival during the past five years and the termination of the American Jazz Museum’s Jammin’ at the Gem presentations several years ago, the Folly Jazz Series represents a reliable oasis for jazz fans thirsty for performances by touring musicians.
New York Voices with The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra
October 14, 2022
Grade: C-
The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra seems to be in the midst of a resurgence. Yet the big band’s momentum is hindered by the pairing with the kitschy New York Voices. A collaboration with a representative of the latest wave of cliché-free vocalists exemplified by Cécile McLorin Salvant would have resulted in a very different grade.
Keiko Matsui
November 4, 2022
Grade: C+
Smooth jazz remains the most commercially viable form of jazz. Keiko Matsui has been at the vanguard of the genre since the release of her debut solo album 25 years ago. Ticket sales for the popular keyboardist’s concert might help subsidize the series’ less accessible bookings.
Miguel Zenón Quartet
January 20, 2023
Grade: A-
In addition to being an avid Charlie Parker devotee, the brilliant saxophonist Miguel Zenón is an enthusiastic proponent of the popular music of his native Puerto Rico. Caveat: only 50 people attended Zenón’s 2014 show at the Blue Room. The Folly Theater was half-empty for his 2018 appearance with the all-star SFJazz Collective.
Hermon Mehari Quartet
February 18, 2023
Grade: A-
Since moving to Europe, the one-time Kansas Citian Hermon Mehari has developed into one of the most exciting young innovators in jazz. Should the trumpeter play with the dazzling imagination displayed in his recent work rather than reverting to conventional bop, his concert could be a contender for the show of the year.
Oleta Adams
March 11, 2023
Grade: B+
The warm voice of Oleta Adams embodies the best aspects of her hometown of Kansas City. Each of the Parade of Hearts sculptures around the metropolis should be equipped with an internal speaker playing her heartwarming 1988 hit “Get Here.” Adams’ music is a sophisticated blend of pop, soul, gospel and jazz.
Tia Fuller Quintet
April 22, 2023
Grade: B
The form of jazz favored by the native Coloradan Tia Fuller is closely aligned with the sound associated with Kansas City’s most prominent jazz venues. The fervent swing the saxophonist is likely to exhibit will please habitués of the Blue Room and Green Lady Lounge.
Anat Cohen Quartetinho
May 5, 2023
Grade: B+
The truly global jazz clarinetist Anat Cohen is probably best known for her membership in the all-star band Artemis but her Brazilian-oriented group Quartetinho promises to bring a fresh sound to Kansas City. Caveat: Cohen’s concert at the Gem Theater in 2018 drew 200 people.