Album Review: Eboni Fondren- The Journey: To Kansas City with Love

Eboni Fondren laments she was “born in the wrong decade” on the opening selection of her new album. Consistent with the nostalgic sentiment, the vocalist basks in a throwback form of jazz on The Journey: To Kansas City with Love. 

Fondren recalls her apprenticeship with the organist Everette DeVan on the autobiographical introductory song. Fondren’s vibrant personality and rich voice have since become widely admired. Kansas City standouts including James Albright, Chris Hazelton and Mark Lowrey help Fondren realize her vision on the live recording made at the Uptown Lounge.

Contemporary accents such as the prominent electric bass on “Angel Eyes” don’t detract from her old-school sensibility. Fondren originals like the Broadway-ready “Hollow” hold their own alongside the standards “Satin Doll,” “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” and “Angel Eyes.”

The album is an agreeable amalgamation of the bluesy form of jazz associated with Kansas City. Fondren aptly subtitled the album “To Kansas City with Love.” The feeling is mutual in the storied jazz town.

Confirmation: Weekly News and Notes

*Smoke Sessions Records created a trailer for Bobby Watson’s forthcoming album Back Home in Kansas City.

*The Marcus Lewis Big Band shared a music video for its new song "You're Very Special".

*Nina Cherry lists a few unconventional venues in Kansas City magazine.

*Joe Dimino documented portions of performances by the Leslie Maclean Trio and the duo of Mark Lowrey and Arnold Young.

*Sean Jones chatted with Steve Kraske on KCUR’s Up To Date program.

*Melissa Aldana, Charles McPherson and Camille Thurman are among the artists praising Charlie Parker in a feature published by The New York Times.

*Tweet of the Week: Kadesh Flow- Bruh.... Sean fn Jones REALLY SAT IN WITH US LAST NIGHT and justcasually went tf off @jazzbonist @kemetcoleman

Confirmation: Weekly News and Notes

*Two recent Bobby Watson shows in Columbia, Missouri, stream on YouTube.  The saxophonist performed with Roger Wilder at Murray’s.  He also dedicated a virtual concert to children.

*Laura Spencer of KCUR checks in with Mark Lowrey.

*Gerald Dunn represents Kansas City at the 85-minute mark of a video honoring recipients of the Jazz Journalist Association’s Jazz Heroes awards.

*Podcast update: James McGee of the Mutual Musicians Foundation appeared on the Center Cuts podcast.  The man behind Plastic Sax observes the 60th anniversary of Ornette Coleman’s Free Jazz album on his In My Headache podcast.

*Tweet of the Week: Charlie Parker KC- Spring into the season with a fresh new look from Bird!  Add this signature Blue Charlie Parker Tie to your wardrobe! GET YOURS TODAY!

*From a press release: Kansas City Area Youth Jazz has announced its 2021 Season Auditions for Fellowships will occur on Sunday, April 25th at BRC Audio Productions, studio A beginning at noon. 2021 Auditions are open to any youth jazz artist in high school or college. In addition to the strategic partnership and alliance with BRC Audio Productions, Kansas City Area Youth Jazz has partnered with The Paseo Academy of Fine and Performing Arts to present its program model.

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*Aryana Nemati, Jackie Myers and Carly Atwood pay tribute to Charlie Parker compositions at the Kansas City Museum.

*The streaming performances of pianist Mark Lowrey caught the attention of KCUR.

*Tweet of the Week: Warta Jazz- Trombonis asal Kansas City Brian Scarborough merilis album SunFlower Song (link)