All Night Trio may be Kansas City’s best band. The wavy convergence of Matt Villinger, Peter Schlamb and Zach Morrow applies elite jazz chops to funky electro-pop. What could be better? Why, the addition of Hermon Mehari, of course! The trumpeter appears on “Echo Cycle,” the second track on the new album Yeah Sun. The gloriously woozy title track is a worthy follow-up to All Night Trio’s 2022 banger "All Faded". “The Next Gen” is centered on Morrow’s uplifting rap. The title of “Thunder Step” seems to be a nod to the crossover star Thundercat. A thirty-minute party, Yeah Sun is contemporary club music for people who collect Bobby Timmons records on vinyl.
Album Review: Hermon Mehari and Tony Tixier- Soul Song
Inspired musical partnerships have characterized the signature sound of Kansas City for a century. Among the fruitful pairings featuring one or two notable Kansas City musicians are Count Basie with Eddie Durham, Andy Kirk with Mary Lou Williams, Pat Metheny with Lyle Mays and more recently, Bobby Watson with Curtis Lundy.
Hermon Mehari and Tony Tixier have enjoyed a similarly productive artistic relationship for the past 15 years. Upon forging a friendship with the French pianist, the trumpeter invited Tixier to Kansas City in 2011.
The old friends deepen their bond on Soul Song, a duet album recorded in France on November 12, 2024. With Tixier on Fender Rhodes, the duo investigates four compositions from the 1970s- Stanley Cowell’s “Maimoun,” George Duke’s “The Black Messiah,” Bobby Hutcherson’s “Now” and Marius Cutler’s “Laini.”
A pair of original pieces and two improvisations round out the impeccably spartan and sensitively performed set of spiritual jazz. As the careers of Mehari and Tixier continue to ascend the duo is likely to continue refining an artistic pact that’s an estimable extension of a hallowed Kansas City tradition.
Album Review: Henry Scamurra- Urban Forum
Diverse’s 2009 debut album is a significant landmark in Kansas City jazz history. In addition to heralding the arrival of a vital new youth movement, the self-titled album was the first major statement by Hermon Mehari, the trumpeter who has since achieved international acclaim.
It’s entirely appropriate that Mehari contributes to two tracks on Henry Scamurra’s first album Urban Forum. The new recording announces a fresh round of auspicious young Kansas City based jazz musicians.
The outstanding saxophonist Scamurra is joined by vibraphonist Isaiah Petrie, bassist Spencer Reeve and drummer Jade Harvey on eight selections that connect to Kansas City jazz tradition by way of the recent innovations of Mehari, Logan Richardson and Peter Schlamb.
“Top of My Head” is among the new tracks that may become Kansas City standards. Based on the artistic promise displayed on Urban Forum, the album is likely to become at least as momentous as the arrival of Diverse.
The Top 25 Kansas City Jazz Albums of the Past 25 Years
Despite enduring constant turbulence during the first 25 years of the new millennium, Kansas City’s jazz musicians never ceased creating timeless art. The following list highlights a fraction of the vital recordings released since 2000. The recency bias on display reflects Plastic Sax’s founding in 2007 as well as the uptick in the quantity and quality of releases in recent years. A corresponding non-jazz albums ranking is here.
1. Peter Schlamb- Tinks (2004)
2. Logan Richardson- Shift (2016)
3. Bobby Watson- Back Home in Kansas City (2022)
4. Hermon Mehari- Asmara (2022)
5. Bob Bowman- Songs for Sandra (2014)
6. Pat Metheny- Orchestrion (2010)
7. Ahmad Alaadeen- And the Beauty of It All (ASR 2007)
8. Karrin Allyson- Imagina: Songs of Brasil (2008)
9. Steve Cardenas- Panoramic (2002)
10. Mike Dillon- Inflorescence (2023)
11. Deborah Brown- Songbird (2003)
12. Adam Larson- With Love, From Kansas City (2022)
13. Myra Taylor- My Night to Dream (2001)
14. Matt Otto and Ensemble Ibérica- Ibérica (2017)
15. The People’s Liberation Big Band of Greater Kansas City- The People’s Liberation Big Band of Greater Kansas City (2010)
16. Kevin Mahogany- Pride & Joy (2002)
17. Micah Herman- The Ship, Vol. 1: The Studio Sessions (2011)
18. EMAS Quartet- EMS (2022)
19. Eddie Moore and the Outer Circle- Kings & Queens (2016)
20. Rod Fleeman Trio- Saturday Afternoon Live at Green Lady Lounge, Volume 3 (2024)
21. Alaturka- Tamam Abi (2010)
22. Betty Bryant- Lotta Livin' (2024)
23. Everette DeVan- For the Love of You (2014)
24. Gregory Hickman-Williams- Passages (2006)
25. Marcus Lewis Big Band- Brass and Boujee (2018)
Album Review: Peter Schlamb- Pliable Consciousness
The jazz community in Kansas City is a victim of negligence. Although it was released in February, Plastic Sax only recently stumbled upon Pliable Consciousness, the latest missive from Peter Schlamb. The excellence of the 22-minute recording compounds the oversight.
The vibraphonist, composer and bandleader has perfected the distinctive approach first documented on Tinks in 2014. The production of Pliable Consciousness is crisper and the guest artists- Hermon Mehari, Mike Moreno and Logan Richardson- are even more inspiring.
Schlamb has long been indifferent to self-promotion. Even so, managing to keep the superlative Pliable Consciousness a secret is a feat. The fact that Pliable Consciousness hasn’t received a smidgen of notice elsewhere doesn’t excuse Plastic Sax’s failure to keep tabs on one of Kansas City’s preeminent artists. I apologize.
Now’s the Time: Hermon Mehari
An audience in Mission Woods, Kansas, will be transported to Europe on Saturday, April 6. The duo of trumpeter Hermon Mehari and pianist Allessandro Lanzoni will perform the sort of elite Continental chamber jazz documented on its 2021 album Arc Fiction at the 1900 Building. Passports aren’t necessary.
Confirmation: Weekly News and Notes
Original image by Plastic Sax.
*Eddie Moore is featured in a University of Kansas publication. Joe Dimino uploaded footage of Moore’s piano trio performing at Johnson County Community College.
*Hermon Mehari’s appearance at the 1900 Building is among KCUR’s April concert recommendations.
*From a press release: Kansas City Jazz Alive is thrilled to announce two exciting events in April... On April 27th, join us for a walking tour of one of Kansas City's most historic neighborhoods, the 18th & Vine Jazz District… On April 30th, International Jazz Day, discover how Kansas City has influenced the global jazz scene at our event "April: VividVision".
Plastic Sax’s Favorite Albums of 2023
Top Ten Albums by Kansas City Artists
1. Matt Otto- Umbra
Plastic Sax review.
2. Mike Dillon and Punkadelick- Inflorescence
Plastic Sax review.
3. Adam Larson- With Love, From New York City
Plastic Sax review.
4. Enzo Carniel, Hermon Mehari, Stéphane Adsuar and Damien Varaillon- No(w) Beauty
Plastic Sax review.
5. Matt Otto- Kansas City Trio
Plastic Sax review.
6. Pat Metheny- Dream Box
Plastic Sax review.
7. Torches Mauve- Volume Two
Plastic Sax review.
8. Narrative Quartet- Narrative
Plastic Sax review.
9. Count Basie Orchestra- Swings the Blues
Plastic Sax review.
10. Danny Embrey- Orion Room
Plastic Sax review.
Top Ten Albums by Artists From Elsewhere
1. Sebastian Rochford and Kit Downes- A Short Diary
2. Jason Moran- From the Dancehall to the Battlefield
3. Sylvie Courvoisier- Chimaera
4. Kassa Overall- Animals
5. Joe Lovano, Marilyn Crispell and Carmen Castaldi- Our Daily Bread
6. Henry Threadgill- The Other One
7. Aja Monet- When the Poems Do What They Do
8. Laura Schuler Quartet- Sueños Paralelos
9. Cécile McLorin Salvant- Mélusine
10. Irreversible Entanglements- Protect Your Light
Plastic Sax’s Favorite Performances of 2023
Original image of Artemis at the Gem Theater by Plastic Sax.
Top Ten Performances by Kansas City Artists
1. Mike Dillon, Brian Haas and Nikki Glaspie at the Brick
Plastic Sax review.
2. Hermon Mehari at the Folly Theater
Plastic Sax review.
3. Adam Larson, Matt Clohesy and Jimmy Macbride at Westport Coffee House
Instagram clip.
4. Rod Fleeman at Green Lady Lounge
Instagram clip.
5. Pat Metheny’s Side-Eye at Muriel Kauffman Theatre
Plastic Sax review.
6. Drew Williams, Alex Frank, Ben Tervort and Brian Steever at Westport Coffee House
Plastic Sax review.
7. Cynthia van Roden at the Market at Meadowbrook
Instagram snapshot.
8. Chalis O’Neal at the Blue Room
Instagram clip.
9. Alan Voss, Benjamin Baker, Forest Stewart and Evan Verploegh at Swope Park Pavilion
Plastic Sax review.
10. Rich Hill, Arnold Young and Rob Whitsitt in Volker Park
Instagram clip.
Top Ten Performances by Artists from Elsewhere
1. Samara Joy at the Folly Theater
Plastic Sax review.
2. Devin Gray and Maria Elena Silva at the Firehouse Gallery
Plastic Sax review.
3. Bill Frisell, Greg Tardy, Gerald Clayton and Johnathan Blake at the 1900 Building
Plastic Sax review.
4. Artemis at the Gem Theater
Plastic Sax review.
5. CRAG Quartet and Joshua Gerowitz at the Bunker Center for the Arts
Instagram clip.
6. Miguel Zenón Quartet at the Folly Theater
Plastic Sax review.
7. Henrique Eisenmann and Eugene Friesen at the 1900 Building
Plastic Sax review.
8. Robert Stillman at the Midland Theater
There Stands the Glass review.
9. Jack Wright and Ron Stabinsky at Charlotte Street Foundation
Instagram clip.
10. Rob Magill and Marshall Trammell at Farewell
Plastic Sax review.
(Last year’s survey is here.)
Album Review: Matt Otto- Umbra
Umbra, the Matt Otto album released in August by Origin Records, is an understated masterpiece. Imbued with quiet grace, Umbra reflects the subtle magnanimity associated with Otto, a Kansas City saxophonist with a cool West Coast approach.
Yet the vaguely threatening “Little Things” opens Umbra. The core trio of saxophonist Otto, bassist Jeff Harshbarger and drummer Kizilarmut is supplemented by shadowy contributions from trumpeter Hermon Mehari, keyboardist Matt Villinger and guitarist Alex Frank.
The musicians seem intent on pursuing peaceful resolutions on the remainder of the album. Otto promptly sets about addressing the quandary on the gorgeous second selection “Hawk.”
“Paw Paw,” perhaps Umbra’s best track, mirrors the excellence of Otto’s previous 2023 album Kansas City Trio. Kizilarmut’s sly playing indicates he’s become one of the elite drummers in improvised music.
The elastic “Melisma” concludes Umbra by alluding to the tension presented in “Little Things.” Profound equanimity, paired with extraordinary musicianship, gracefully resolve the album’s intellectual and spiritual challenges.
Confirmation: Weekly News and Notes
Original image by Plastic Sax.
*The author of Plastic Sax included releases featuring Mike Dillon, Adam Larson and Hermon Mehari in his ranking of The Best Jazz Albums of 2023 (So Far).
Album Review: Enzo Carniel, Hermon Mehari, Stéphane Adsuar and Damien Varaillon- No(w) Beauty
Hermon Mehari is on a roll. A week after thrilling a rapturous crowd at a homecoming concert at the Folly Theater on February 18, the trumpeter and three of his fellow European collaborators released the extraordinary No(w) Beauty.
The album might be even better than Asmara, the artistic breakthrough Mehari released in 2022. No(w) Beauty is distinguished by a friendly tussle between pianist Enzo Carniel and the tandem of bassist Damien Varaillon and drummer Stéphane Adsuar.
Carniel repeatedly pulls the quartet toward the center as Varaillon and Adsuar tug outward. The competitive interplay opens an accommodating space for Mehari’s slightly unconventional sensibility.
Martial rhythms and Mehari’s feathery tone occasionally evoke Sketches of Spain, Miles Davis’ landmark 1960 collaboration with Gil Evans. Yet with bits of electronica and sonic experimentation, No(w) Beauty’s is entirely in keeping with the European jazz of today.
Yet many of Mehari’s longtime fans in Kansas City will focus on a straightforward reading of "For All We Know". Mehari’s heart-melting statement on the ballad verifies his growing international reputation as an elite musician.
Concert Review: The Hermon Mehari Quartet at the Folly Theater
Original image by Plastic Sax.
Citywide celebrations following the Kansas City Chiefs’ victory in the Super Bowl earlier this month included school cancellations and a parade. Yet the sense of joy throughout Hermon Mehari’s concert at the Folly Theater on Saturday, February 18, may have been an even truer expression of hometown pride.
The evening possessed the giddiness of a high school dance at which Mehari had been elected prom king. The musician’s personal friends seemed to outnumber committed jazz enthusiasts among the more than 600 celebrants. All the better. Monitoring newcomers’ awestruck reactions to Mehari’s outstanding band underscored the excitement.
Even though he didn’t play the electric vibraphone that’s his most distinctive instrument, Peter Schlamb’s statements on piano and acoustic vibraphone were characteristically stupendous. An evocation of McCoy Tyner in a thunderous solo on “Anthem for Independence” awed the unsuspecting audience.
The tactful bassist Rick Rosato was paired with the muscular drummer Zach Morrow. The tandem elevated Mehari’s demonstrative solo on “All Alone” and tenderly accentuated the leader’s gorgeous trumpet work on “I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face.”
Mehari’s stellar musicianship was matched by his dazzling repertoire. Many of the memorable compositions he and Schlamb have written are admirably unconventional. Explaining that he “dived into my Eritrean heritage” for the 2022 album Asmara, Mehari has clearly come into his own while living in France the past several years.
Mehari told his admirers that while he enjoys life in Paris, Kansas City is never far from his mind. “When I’m there I like to represent Kansas City, he said. “I’m not here, but I’m with you.” That sense of loyalty- along with his prodigious talent- made Mehari’s appearance in the Folly Jazz Series a heartwarming homecoming.
Set list: Call Me Habesha, Tatra, Melsi, All Alone, A Conversation with My Uncle, Eritrea, Anthem for Independence, Call Me Habesha, If I Were a Bell, Awakening, Soul Chant, I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face, Tenafaquit, Shenandoah
Confirmation: Weekly News and Notes
Original image by Plastic Sax.
*Geneva Price, a vocalist best known in recent years as a member of the Wild Women of Kansas City, has died.
*Hermon Mehari chatted with Steve Kraske on KCUR’s Up To Date program.
*Joe Dimino interviewed Jack Mouse and posted footage of performances by Joanna Berkebile and Hermon Mehari.
**Tweet of the Week: Chris Burnett- @KCStar needs to have a weekly Jazz column that actually covers the thriving jazz music scene (businesses, performing artists, educational events, and historical documentation) in the greater KC area. Jazz music is part of the historical DNA of Kansas City. @QuintonLucasKC
*From a press release: (The)“Tribute to Black Composers” concert will be presented at Unity Temple on the Plaza… on Sunday, March 19, at 4 p.m. in conjunction with the 15 and the Mahomies Foundation… (P)erformers include Angela Hagenbach, David Basse, Lori Tucker, and City Light Jazz Orchestra with… JWB... The show… is a history of Black songwriting and publishing in the 20th century. (Tickets are available here.)
Now’s the Time: Hermon Mehari
Two legendary musicians are performing in downtown Kansas City on Saturday, February 18. The rock icon Bruce Springsteen returns to the arena currently known as the T-Mobile Center. The new music innovator Laurie Anderson performs with Filharmonie Brno at Helzberg Hall. Meanwhile, a legend-in-the-making is featured at the Folly Theater. Hermon Mehari, Plastic Sax’s 2009 Person of the Year, is an ascendant star.
Confirmation: Weekly News and Notes
Original image by Plastic Sax.
*A band led by Hermon Mehari performed for the influential Seattle radio station KEXP.
*Late Night Basie, an all-star reimagining of the music of Count Basie, will be released on April 7.
*Butch Miles, a longtime drummer for the Count Basie Orchestra, has died.
*Tweet of the Week: MidContinent Library- Explore the “golden era” of Kansas City Jazz through historic images and audio recordings with Kent Rausch of the Vine Street Rumble Jazz Orchestra. Learn how unique circumstances in the 1930s and 40s led to an enduring Kansas City legacy….Jazz! Register: (link)
Confirmation: Weekly News and Notes
Original image by Plastic Sax.
*Paula Saunders, Amber Underwood and Angela Ward anticipate a cultural exchange in Chile in a television news report.
*Hermon Mehari looks forward to his performance in the Folly Jazz Series in a Kansas City magazine feature.
*Following a month-long stoppage, The Blue Room reopens with a jam session led by Matt Villinger on Monday, January 30.
*The Pitch relays an update from Chaz on the Plaza.
*Jakob Baekgaard composed an overview of Mary Lou Williams’ career for All About Jazz.
*Portions of the Miguel Zenón Quartet’s concert at the Folly Theater were captured by Joe Dimino.
*Tweet of the Week: Green Lady Lounge- In 2022, Green Lady Lounge & Black Dolphin musicians earned $942,582.81 in performance pay & credit card tips from fans. By the merit of their performances & demand from fans, these Kansas City jazz musicians showed their success & robust viability in the free market.
Confirmation: Weekly News and Notes
Original image of Judith Shea’s “Storage” by Plastic Sax.
*Rod Fleeman discussed his new album with Steve Kraske on KCUR’s Up to Date program.
*Nina Cherry caught up with Marilyn Maye.
*A television station reports on concerns related to the latest round of development plans for the Jazz District.
*Snippets of a Jackie Myers performance at Ophelia’s were captured by Joe Dimino.
*More than 500 albums received votes in the 17th Annual Francis Davis Jazz Critics Poll. Kansas City is represented by Bobby Watson’s Back Home in Kansas City (#106), Steve Cardenas’ Healing Power: The Music of Carla Bley (#125), Pat Metheny’s Side-Eye NYC (#347) and Hermon Mehari’s Asmara (#414). My ballot is here.
*No Kansas City establishments are among the 106 venues listed in Downbeat’s 2023 International Jazz Venue Guide.
*Tweet of the Week: StrayhornProject- Congratulations to Caden Bradshaw from Kansas City, winner of our ‘Strayhorn; An Illustrated Life’ book raffle. Caden is an up and coming jazz pianist himself. We will continue to wish him well on his musical journey! (photo)
Confirmation: Weekly News and Notes
Original image by Plastic Sax.
*Rod Fleeman chats with Ken Lovern about his debut album, his relationship with Pat Metheny, working with notable vocalists and Kansas City’s jazz legacy in a set of five videos: one, two, three, four and five.
*Joe Dimino discussed the Uptown Lounge with Alan Stribling and shared footage of a youth jazz performance.
*Tweet of the Week: Menace- Enzo Carniel returns to MENACE alongside Hermon Mehari, Stéphane Adsuar and Damien Varaillon as No(w) Beauty. The self-titled album will be released on February 24, however, the first single 'The Art of Four' is available today on all platforms. (link)
Plastic Sax’s Favorite Albums of 2022
The Top Ten Kansas City Jazz Albums of 2022
1. Bobby Watson- Back Home in Kansas City
2. Hermon Mehari- Asmara
3. Steve Cardenas- Healing Power: The Music of Carla Bley
4. Adam Larson Trio- With Love, From Kansas City
5. Adam Larson Trio- With Love, From Chicago
6. Krista Kopper and Evan Verploegh- For the Trees
7. Arnold Young and the Roughtet- Fear Is the Mind Killer
8. Rod Fleeman Trio- Saturday Afternoon: Live at Green Lady Lounge
9. Matt Villinger’s All Night Trio- All Faded
10. Stephen Martin- High Plains
The Top Ten Jazz Albums of 2022 by Artists from Elsewhere
1. Moor Mother- Jazz Codes
2. Mary Halvorson- Belladonna
3. Nate Wooley- Ancient Songs of Burlap Heroes
4. Dave Douglas- Songs of Ascent: Book 1- Degrees
5. Anat Cohen- Quartetinho
6. Matthew Shipp Trio- World Construct
7. Tyshawn Sorey- The Off-Off Broadway Guide to Synergism
8. Nduduzo Makhathini- In The Spirit of Ntu
9. Gerald Clayton- Bells on Sand
10. Daniel Villarreal- Panamá 77
Links to previous annual surveys begin here.