Album Review: Tim Whitmer Good Time Quartet- Double Live at Black Dolphin

Tim Whitmer has specialized in giving jazz fans in Kansas City exactly what they’ve wanted for more than forty years. The veteran’s joy-infused, smile-inducing and foot-stomping music delivers the goods for listeners preferring old-fashioned fun to high-brow innovation.

The cheerful sensibility of the pianist and bandleader isn't static. The new album Double Live at Black Dolphin shows how his celebratory sound continues to evolve. Saxophonist Michael Herrera II, bassist Chase McRoy and drummer Ray DeMarchi match Whitmer’s exuberance while avoiding excessive sentimentality.

“Back Alley Bluz” epitomizes the approach. Herrera’s slow, stirring solo and Whitmer’s evocation of Jay McShann on the original composition are conclusively Kansas City. “Brookside Boogie” and “Basie’s Back in Town” are similarly buoyant. Yet the album isn’t a nonstop party. A refreshed reading of “Dancing with Theresa” is among the solo piano statements adding depth to the nearly two-hour recording. 

Whitmer frequently quotes the phrase “these are the good old days” in his social media posts. In this instance, the axiom is spot-on. City Light Orchestra’s classic 1984 album Raised Spirits excepted, Double Live at Black Dolphin is the definitive Whitmer album.

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The album release party for Double Live at Black Dolphin will take place at Black Dolphin from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m on Saturday, November 2.

Album Review: Michael Pagán- Paganova

“Deep in My Soul”, the second track on Michael Pagán’s latest album Paganova, is magnificent. The melody written by the Kansas City pianist, composer and bandleader is worthy of Bill Evans. The compelling playing of Pagán’s bandmates does the sublime composition justice.

Saxophonists David Chael and Michael Herrera, bassist Louie Pagán and drummer Ray DeMarchi enrich five original Pagán pieces and arrangements of works by Clare Fisher, Steve Swallow and Kenny Wheeler.

The dual saxophones of Chael and Herrera are reminiscent of classic dates of Al Cohn and Zoot Sims. Yet partly because five of the eight tracks feature an electric bass, Paganova contains more surprises than most mainstream jazz sessions.

Fisher’s “Gaviota” is a funky romp. “Guess Whose Blues” evokes the eccentricities of Charles Mingus. The old-world zest of “Napoli” closes the album. Yet the most valuable aspect of Paganova may be allowing the rest of the world to Chael and Herrera. The saxophonists are precisely the type of unheralded players who make Kansas City’s jazz scene vibrant.

Album Review: Rod Fleeman- Saturday Afternoon Live at Green Lady Lounge, Volume 3

There are two types of people in the Kansas City area: those who recognize Green Lady Lounge as a civic treasure and those who have yet to enjoy one of the region’s most indelible experiences. Rod Fleeman’s longstanding Saturday afternoon residency is the most sublime of the weekly showcases at the popular jazz club.

The guitarist is joined by bassist Gerald Spaits and drummer Ray DeMarchi on Saturday Afternoon Live at Green Lady Lounge, Volume 3. Memorable compositions, exquisite group interplay and astonishing sonic clarity make Volume 3 the best release yet in the series.

Fleeman became an extraordinarily accomplished jazz classicist after forgoing a career in jazz fusion. His thorough mastery of jazz guitar from Django Reinhardt through Wes Montgomery is evident throughout Volume 3.

Spaits is given plenty of room to showcase his prodigious talent. The tactful DeMarchi never overwhelms his bandmates. The relaxed ambiance of Saturday afternoons at Green Lady Lounge also contributes to the recording’s worth. Yet the album isn’t merely a local souvenir. The music on Volume 3 would impress audiences in mainstream jazz venues from New York City to Tokyo.

Saturday Afternoon Live at Green Lady Lounge, Volume 3 is available at streaming services and at digital retailers. The official CD release event takes place at Green Lady Lounge from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, July 27.

Album Review: Rod Fleeman- Saturday Afternoon at Green Lady Lounge, Volume 2

Many people would agree with the proposition that the most delightful hours of the week transpire on Saturday afternoon.  Looking back on Friday night’s fun while anticipating the impending evening’s revelry often results in several carefree hours.  

An astute group of discerning jazz fans in Kansas City savor Saturday afternoons for an additional reason.  Rod Fleeman, the elite Kansas City guitarist named Plastic Sax’s 2021 Person of the Year, leads a trio every Saturday afternoon at Green Lady Lounge.

Partly because Ray DeMarchi replaces drummer Todd Strait, the new Saturday Afternoon at Green Lady Lounge, Volume 2 has a slightly jauntier feel than the first volume.  The impeccable bassist Gerald Spaits appears on both sets.

Although all 13 selections are original compositions, much of the fun consists in hearing Fleeman weave in, out and around famous riffs, licks and melodies.  His quotes range from Duke Ellington to The Beatles.  Yet Fleeman isn’t a mere punster.

While playful, the references are just one element in the pretense-free, good-time music that just incidentally happens to be magnificent art.  The effervescent Saturday Afternoon at Green Lady Lounge series makes that undiluted joy accessible anytime and anywhere.