Album Review: Stan Kessler- Two’s Company

Two's Company may be the most valuable release of the year to emerge from Kansas City’s jazz community. While the elite mastery of trumpet and flugelhorn Stan Kessler displays on the album is hardly news, his decision to showcase three generations of Kansas City pianists provides a crucial service.

Pianists Joe Cartwright, ​​Brant Jester, Andrew Ouellette, Brian Ward, Roger Wilder and Charles Williams don’t possess the relatively higher profile of the garrulous Kessler, a fixture on Kansas City’s jazz scene. Two’s Company is a welcome corrective.

As the title suggests, Two’s Company consists solely of duets. Jester’s lively melodicism makes “Blue Silver” an ideal opening track. Cartwright’s sensitivity highlights a heartbreaking rendering of “Chelsea Bridge.” Williams’ sprightly elegance propels “Way Down Yonder in New Orleans.” 

“Berlin November” spotlights Wilder’s mainstream mastery. Ouellette’s contribution to “New Moon” shows why he’s among Kansas City’s most sought after accompanists. Ward’s maturity balances Kessler’s childlike glee on “Cosmic Latte.” 

Kessler’s distinctive tone and improvisational dexterity sparkle on Two’s Company. Yet it’s his eagerness to share the spotlight with six of Kansas City’s under-documented pianists that makes Kessler’s album essential.

Concert Review: The Adam Larson Quartet at the Blue Room

Adam Larson lamented that his children prefer the music of the Epic Sax Guy to that of their father during the interview portion of the Blue Room’s noon jazz series on Thursday, June 6. Assuming a sardonic tone of exasperation, Larson joked “I’m the epic sax guy!” 

In fact, each member of Larson’s quartet displayed heroic artistry at the Blue Room. Pianist Roger Wilder and drummer John Kizilarmut may never have sounded better. The Chicago based Clark Sommers conjured bassist Jimmy Garrison on an excerpt of “A Love Supreme”.

Propulsive renditions of the classics “Conception”, “Punjab” and “Light Blue” were rendered with astounding sophistication. Larson’s kids will eventually recognize what dedicated jazz fans already know: during June 2024, Larson and his colleagues were truly epic jazz guys.

Album Review: Christopher Burnett- Originals

Christopher Burnett is a paragon of taste. His new album Originals is characterized by sprightly melodies and amiable swing. The stately jazz is ideally suited for background music at an elegant dinner party or as the center of attention in a ritzy supper club. The saxophonist is joined by prominent Kansas City musicians including vibraphonist Greg Carroll, bassist Gerald Spaits, guitarist Will Matthews and pianist Roger Wilder. The funky guitar effect on the alternate take of “Yesteryears” closing the album is the only deviation from the immaculately polite tone. One last thing: Burnett is the one of the few Kansas City based jazz artists utilizing Spotify Canvas. It’s typical of the meticulous attention to detail Burnett displays throughout Originals.

Album Review: Brian Scarborough- We Need the Wind

A gentle breeze elevates We Need the Wind. Brian Scarborough’s second album as a leader soars on an uplifting current of optimism. The trombonist is joined by four prominent Kansas City jazz musicians. Saxophonist Matt Otto, keyboardist Roger Wilder, bassist Jeff Harshbarger and drummer Brian Steever assent to Scarborough’s innate cheerfulness. The Fender Rhodes wielded by Wilder adds a jaunty texture to the session. Otto adds characteristically thoughtful commentary to Scarborough’s melodies. The sturdy resolve of Harshbarger and Steever bolster the nine tracks. As for Scarborough, the multiplicity of his lofty talent continues to necessitate comparison to the Kansas City jazz icon Bob Brookmeyer.

Now’s the Time: Kristin Korb

The Denmark based vocalist and bassist Kristen Korb performs at Uptown Lounge on Sunday, March 26.  She’ll be joined by pianist Roger Wilder and drummer Sam Wisman.

Now’s the Time: Seth Lee

Seth Lee will lead a jam session when live music returns to the Blue Room on Monday, January 31, following a month-long hiatus. The bassist performs with pianist Roger Wilder and drummer Brian Steever at the Blue Room in the embedded video.

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.

Album Review: Christopher Burnett Quintet- The Standards, Vol. 1

January is a month of new beginnings.  Polite music ill-suited to the turbulent societal and political chaos of four months ago can be properly appreciated with fresh ears.  That’s partly why The Standards, Vol. 1, the new album by the Christopher Burnett Quintet, acts as a restorative balm.

Burnett, one of the most industrious figures on Kansas City’s music scene, treats jazz as refined chamber music in his capacities as a saxophonist, bandleader, educator and record label executive.  His genteel sensibilities are beautifully showcased on The Standards, Vol. 1.

The core band of Burnett, pianist Roger Wilder, bassist Bill McKemy and drummer Clarence Smith perform five standards and one Burnett composition with seasoned reverence.  Even though the quintet and several guest artists maintain a consistently gracious tone, several moments stand out.

An imaginative arrangement breathes new life into “Corcovado.”  Stan Kessler’s shimmering trumpet solo elevates “Dolphin Dance.”  “Freedom Flight,” a sprightly original Burnett composition, features a sterling guitar solo from Charles Gatschet.  Burnett soars throughout.

Burnett’s tactfulness extends the album’s length.  At just 39 minutes, the album leaves the appreciative listener wanting more.  That’s why the Vol. 1 addendum in the album’s title is an early ray of hope in the new year.