jam magazine - april-may 1990

8/7/2019 JAM Magazine - April-May 1990

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April/May 1990

~ _ U _ '-W _ '-UK C J A Z ZA M B A S S A D OKansas City's Guide to JAZZ

The McFadden Brothers

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M O N D AYtbru fRIDAY"The JazzPlace" 8:30 pm - I,00 am1UESDAY"LeJazzClub from Paris" 8:30 - 9:30 pmW E D N E S D AY"American Radio JazzFestival" 8:30- t 0130 pmfRIDAY

Marian McPartland's Plano Jazz 8:30 - 9:30 pmSATURDAY

1ust Jazz" noon - 2 pm"Saturday Afternoon Swing Club" 2 - 4 pm"Saturday NIght fish Fry" 8:30 pm midnightSUNDAY"Nlghtndes" to pm - t am


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$11.99

$6.99

Sale prices good thru April 30!

MORE NEW RELEASES

April/May 1990


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Letters of N ote

Jazz History DayThank you for your kind words

about Jazz History Day, February 13,1990. The project was the result ofwork by the Kansas City Jazz Com-mission, UMKC and the Kansas City,Missouri SchoolDistrict.

The Jazz Commission assisted withfunding for video tapes for classroomuse, copies of "Goin' to Kansas City,"and printing costs. Many thanks toDoug Alpert, Executive Director, andJack Kay, President. Mike Parkinsonfrom UMKCassisted with booking thebands and coordinating the music.George Alter, Music ResourceTeacher, and Stephanie Norby, Social

Studies Coordinator, Kansas City,Missouri SchooIDistrictwrotethe cur-riculum and oversaw the project forthe school district.

Thanks also to the City for use ofthe Music Hall. City wide projectssuch as this promote Jazz and enablesour young people to understand theJazz Heritage of our city and the con-tributions of Blackmusicians.

Irv in g B . P hillip sK ansa s C ityMo School Distr ic t

Jazz GrapevineThe Kansas City music scene and

musicians in general are lucky tohavethe support of organizations such as

the Ambassadors which keep news ofour gigs and various affairs flowing"through the grapevine" to the net-work of interested individuals, insti-tutions and businesses.

2

On behalf of the 49/63 Neighbor-

hood Coalition, the Riffs, other localmusicians and myself, thanks! You'redoing a great job!

Since re best wishes,R ich H ill

Confessin' the BluesThe article about Mr. McShann in

your February/March issue of KC J a z zAmbassador was super!

M arilyn S tubb sA sso cia te D ire cto r, S he rw oo d C en ter

I finally got around to reading themost recent copy of KC JAZZ AM-BASSADORand want to thank you

for the great feature on Jay McShannas well as the articles on his andMarian's show and the upcomingshow with Toshiko.

J . R ola nd Wilso nE xec utive D irec to r, F olly T he ate r

"Letters a/Note" is a /0 TU m to comment onmaterial in the KC Jazz Ambassador or

other issues concerning Kansas City jazz.Please send your letters to KC Jazz Ambas-sador, Box 36181, Kansas City, Mo 64111.The editor reserves the right to edit lettersfor space considerations.

KC Jazz Ambassador


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ContentsApril/May 1990 Volume 5 0 Number 2

Letters of Note 2

News 'n Notes 4All That Jazz 7Storyville 8Club Scene 10Center Stage 12Ambassador Accents 16

Club Profile The Phoenix Piano Bar & Grill 18Music Mart 22On the Air 24

L t t L t U J J J JK C J A Z ZA M B A S S A D O RKansas City's Guide to JAZZ

The KG Jazz Ambassador is pub-lished bi-monthly. All rights reserved.Reproduction of any materials is pro-hibited without consent of the pub-lisher. For advertising information, call942-3349. Letters should be ad-dressed to: KG Jazz Ambassador,P.O. Box 36181, Kansas City, MO64111-6181 or phone (816) 942-3349.All article contributions should be sub-mitted by the 10th of each odd-numbermonth.

E d ito r-in -C h ie f K a th y F e is t

S enio r E dito r M a rilyn Wim pA ss oc ia te E dito r D au ph in eS ow e ll

C ove r P ho to M arilyn Wim pTyp es ettin gJ La yo ut M a tt Q u in n

P rin tin g A lm a r P r in tin g

April/May 1990

K.C.'s PremierJazz Restaurant

A Kansas CityTradition

7425 Broadway (Wornall)Kansas City, M O

444-6969

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N ews 'n Notes / Kathleen Feist

Jazz Pub Crawl To Be HeldMay 10

This year, the Kansas City JazzCommission is holding its annual JazzLover's Pub Crawl on a Thursday,May 10, starting at 8 p.m.

The popular pub crawl, which in-corporates over 15jazz clubs and sev-eral buses to haul participants from

one club to the other, has become ananticipated event.The price of admission is $10. The

clubs will receive 20%of admissions.

Wynton Marsalis Blows AwayAt Grand Emporium

Speaking of being blown away, theGrand Emporium does it again.

Nationally acclaimed trumpeter

Wyn to n M a rsa lis, tru mp eter extra ord in aire

Wynton Marsalis, certainly one of thebiggest names in jazz at this time, willbe performing at the Grand Empo-

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rium, 3832 Main, on April 19 for two

shows, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.The 28-year-oldhorn player has al-

ready won eight Grammy awards inhis career and has released 13 albumssince 1982. He is without question ajazz superstar who is highly regardedfor his stand on jazz as an art form. Tolisten toWynton Marsalis is tolisten tojazz in its purest form.

Ticketsare $15in advance. Call531-7557for reservations.

Dirty Dozen Performs forFestival Benefit

Catch the Dirty Dozen Brass Bandat the Grand Emporium, 3832 Main,on April 2 when they will perform in

a benefit for the Kansas City Jazz Fes-tival Committee. The show starts at 9p.m. Tiekets are $9in advance and $10at the door.

Musicians:Make It Your Business

Though musicians may know theirart, the world of business is often aconfusing one.

Attorneys for the Arts are offeringa morning seminar called "The Beautyand the Beast:The Artist and the Law"at the Law School on the UMKC cam-pus on April 7 starting at 8:30 a.m.Topies include contracts, copyrights,business and tax planning, and the

state of the arts in Kansas City andlegal-related problems in the arts.The seminar is free. Call (816)474-

6460or474-7400for more information.

KC Jazz Ambassador


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Saxophonist David Murray atGrand Emporium

Saxophonist DavidMurray will be at the

Grand Emporium, 3832Main, on April 11 at 9p.m. He will be appear-ing with pianistHicks, bassistDrummond, anddrummerdrew Cyrille ...Tickets are $10 iT'lladvance and $12the door. The con cert was postponedfrom its originalMarch 29 date. Call531-7557 for moreinforma tion.

City Light RestaurantCelebrates 10 Years

An all-star jazz jam will highlight10 years of prosperous business for

Kansas City's premier jazz club, CityLight Restaurant, 7425 Wornall, onApril 16 starting at 8 p.m. In additiontohearing top notch performers intheKansas City jazz scene, drinks will belowered to 1980 prices. There is nocharge at the door.

Joe Williams Sings at FollyBlues and jazz vocalist Joe Wil-

liams,who gained popularity by sing-ing with the Count Basie Band andmost recently by appearing on theCosbyShow,will be performing at theFolly Theater, 300 W. 12th Street, onApril 21at 8 p.m.

JAZZ ON KKFI 90.1 FM.../~

/

~ to . . "fkl'fV~" dai4 at10:30 a.m. ~ K K F I. . . ~ M e

" ? c d 1s~" ~ f4rl

Help support Community Radio inKansas City ...Subscribe to KKFI![] Sign me up as a KKFI subscriber and send

me the quarterly program guide. as well asother premiums. My tax-deductibledonation is enclosed.

[] Listener $25[J Sustainer $60[] Patron $120[] Founder $500

,'iame _

"ddress _

City State __ Zip _

Mali /0. KKFi 90.1 FM, 1627 Main Street. Kansas City. MO 64108

Bill me monthly:o $10/montho S20/month

I

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April/May 1990 5


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Though every bit as effective asKansas City's own Big Joe Turner,Williams carries with him a very so-phisticated style of singing the blues

and jazz. In the 50s, he brought theBasie Band to new popularity beforebranching off on his own. He has beenhighly regarded by critics and jazzfans who have followed his solocareersince. Williams also appears on theCosby Show as the maternal grandfa-ther.

Tickets are $15 and $20. Call 474-4444for more information.

ll-Piece Either/Orchestraat City Lights

They are neither big band nor smallcombo. They are Either/Orchestra, an'l l-piece band, who will perform fortwo shows at City Light Restaurant,7425 Broadway, on April 28 at 8 p.m.and 10:30p.m.

The band, based out of Cambridge,Mass., is in the tradition of Mingus-El-lington-Gil Evans-Abdullah Ibrahim-Sun Ra. They will perform at theWichita Jazz Festival the followingevening.

Tickets are $10. Call 444-6969 for

more information.

Pianist David Benoitat Grand Emporium

Contemporary jazz pianist DavidBenoit will perform at the Grand Em-porium, 3832 Main, on May 1 at 7:30and 10:30p.m.

Benoit's recent recording Waitingfor Spring has been on Billboard's topten jazz charts for several months. Hehas also recorded Happy Annioerearf,Char lie Brown.

6

Tickets are $14in advance. Call531-7557.

"Fiddler" At City LightsKansas Ci ty' s own legendary

Claude "Fiddler" Williams will per-form at City Light Restaurant, 7425Broadway, April 13 and 14 starting at8p.m.

Williams has received a lot of na-tional recognition of late, having ap-peared in the Broadway play, "Blackand Blue"and having had several doc-

umentaries made concerning his lifeand music.

Cover charge is $5; $2 if dining atthe restaurant.

UMKC Jazz Vocalists PerformConnection, a vocal jazz ensemble

at UMKC, will perform in the style ofManhattan Transfer at 7:30p.m., April19, at White Recital Hall, 50th andCherry streets, on the UMKCcampus.Tickets are $4. For more information,call 276-2700.

Gary Foster and Clare FischerPerform at UMKC

Saxophonist Gary Foster and pia-nist/ composer Clare Fischer will per-form with the UMKCJazz Orchestra,May 4, at 7:30 p.m. at White RecitalHall, 50th and Cherry streets on theUMKC campus. This will markUMKC's final jazz performance forthe season.

Both Foster and Fischer have beenvisiting artists for the winter semester

at UMKC. Tickets are $6. For moreinformation, call 276-2700. .:.

KC Jazz Ambassador


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Jazz Organ iza tions

KANSAS CITY JAZZ

AMBASSADORSP.O. Box36181,Westport AnnexKansas City, Missouri 64111(816)942-3349

Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors is anon-profit, all-volunteer organizationdedicated to promoting jazz and jazzmusicians through such projects as thebi-monthly K C Jazz A mb assa dormaga-

zine, radio programs, jazz events, anddiscounts to members to various jazznightclubs and businesses.

KANSAS CITY JAZZ COMl'vllSSIONCity HallKansas City, Missouri 64106(816)274-2700

Given such a rich legacy of out-standing contributions and continuedinfluence, Mayor Richard L. Berkleyand the City COW1cilestablished theKansas City Jazz Commission. TheCommission is supported by its ownauxiliary group, the Jazz Society. TheCommission seeks to preserve, per-petuate and promote jazz right herewhere it all began. The Commission isdistinguished as the only one of itskind in the nation.

CHARLIE PARKERMEMORIAL FOUNDATION4605PaseoKansas City, Missouri 64110(816)924-2200

The Charlie Parker Foundation is anon-profit educational and culturalinstitution that was incorporated in1971. The foundation sponsors teach-ing facilities with divisions in instru-

April/May 1990

mental music, dance and voice. Be-

sides sponsoring local and nationaltalent, the Foundation is dedicated tothe preservation of Charlie Parker'snumerous contributions to jazz.

KANSAS CITY JAZZ FESTIVALCOMMITTEE, INC.P.O. Box26264Kansas City, Missouri 64105

(816)753-3887The Kansas CityJazz Festival Com-

mittee isa non-profit, all-volunteer or-ganization that was formed in 1983bya group of local business, civic andentertainment leaders. In August ofthat year, the group presented KansasCity Jazz '83,a week-long festival thatattracted more than 100,000 people.Since that time the Festival has be-come an annual event and has fea-tured such jazz greats as DizzyGillespie, Sarah Vaughan, the ModernJazz Quartet and Wynton Marsalis.

MUTUAL MUSICIANSFOUNDATION

1823HighlandKansas City, Missouri 64108Many jazz legends have graced the

rosters of Local 627since it was estab-lished in 1904. Its current site at 1823Highland is on the National HistoricRegister and was renovated and re-stored. Throughout the years, the Mu-tual Musicians Foundation has been

an important part of the legacy of Kan-sas City jazz.

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5foryville / J.P. Mokus .

D ia log ues In S win g:

Intim ate C onversations w ith the S tarsof the Big Band Eraby Fred Hall, Foreword by Artie Shaw

Pathfinder Publishing, 1989,$18.95 hard cover, $12.95 soft bound,

223 pages, 458 Dorothy Ave" Ven-tura, California 93003.

Itgoes without question th~t ~h~

Big Band era was a truly signifi-

cant and remarkable time inAmerican history. Throughout theDepression and World War II, themusic closely identified with the hun-ger, hope and happiness of a countryundergoing growth and change.Around the late 3~' s and into the early40's big bands had such an appeal.Groups like Glenn Miller, TommyDorsey and Benny Goodman werepopular and recognized names of theera. From their bands and others rosea number of stars. For almost 50years,the songs from the period continue tohave an 1/ evergreen" and lastingcharm.

D ialogues in Swingis a nice way to

get back in touch with this golden ageof American popular song. Producedas a transcription of recorded inter-views, the book covers the likes of BobCrosby, Dick Haymes, Paul Weston,Jo Stafford, Mel Torme, Woody Her-man, Peggy Lee,Maxine Andrews andArtie Shaw. The author compiledmany of the interviews in recent years,thus the range of the topics center notonly around the BigBand era, but alsooffer personal impressions on the cur-rent state of music today.

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I think you'll find this book to be an

insightful look at the recordings thatmade an impact, the songs that wereassigned as signature pieces, the im-portance of the right collaboration ofwriter, lyricist and performer, recordcompanies and politics, as well as in-formative reflections on the industryasa whole.

Most of the discussions are basicand to the point. Hall's interview styleis unpretentious and comfortable.There's nothing here that implies orsuggests his need to control the con-versation by emphasizing his exper-tise on the subject at hand. He leadsthe conversation in a purposeful way.Allowing the artists to speak and artic-

ulate their ideas, in and of itself main-tains the integrity of this format.These transcribed interviews pro-

vide a way to discover the artistthrough his or her own words. Thereading experience becomes more im-mediate and real. This affords thereader a better perspective of whothey are and what they have come to

know.

The profile on Artie Shaw exem-plifies this idea the most. Notonly does he supply the neces-

salYhistorical sketch, Artie readily ex-presses his feelings about today'saudiences, past and present demandsand what has become important to

him as a writer and artist today. Asense of knowing him a little morethrough his introspective commen-tary makes this chapter the strongestin the book.

KC Jazz Ambassador


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The overall brevity of the inter-views creates its own limitations.Since Dialogues in Swingmay be re-stricted in the amount of elderstates-

men and elderstateswomen availableto be interviewed from this era, thework is still a refreshing change ofpace. This could be a promising startfor a future volume inclusive of otherstars who have contributed to the BigBandera.

Having a background in broadcast-ing and recorded conversation, I real-ize the constraints associatedwith thisexercise. Time, contacts, artist avail-ability, organizational planning, alongwith cooperative willingness on thepart of the potential interviewee are allpart of the process. Asking questionsthat facilitate the direction and partie-

ipation of the interviewee is still an-other consideration.

Hall is a veteran broadcaster andsyndicated radio show host. He dis-

cretely restrains his personal ideolo-gies and subject knowledge thusupholding professionalism and audi-ence (reader) concern. This indicatesan interviewer who is sensitive andresponsible for the outcome.

Also included in D ialog ues in Sw ingare chapters on Wild Bill Davison,George Shearing and Jimmy VanHeusen. Comments by Tex Beneke,BillyMay, RayAnthony and other keymembers of the Glenn Miller bandsare featured in a tribute to Miller. Fi-nally, a resource section covers vari-ous music sources, books anddiscography. .:.

April/May 1990 9


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Club Scene A G uide to KC 's hottest jazz in A prii& May

Jazz Hotline

The Jazz Hotline provides a completelisting of live jazz in the Kansas Cityarea.Call (816) 931-2888

Downtown/North SuburbsAllis Plaza Hotel12th Street Bar421-6800

Auditorium Bar & Grill217 W. 14th Street421-8483

Boulevard Beat320 Southwest Boulevard421-7207

Birdland19th& Vine842-8463

Eblon1601 East 18th, 221-6612

Fitzpatrick's931 Broadway, 474-1468

Hyatt Regency Hotel2345 McGee, 421-1234

Maxines14816 E. 40 Hwy.478-0960

Mutual Musician's Foundation1823 Highland421-9229

Nightmoves5110 Vivion452-4393

APRIL at Nightmoves5 Main S1.Rhythm Devils

6-7 Frankie Lee12 Suburban Blues Band13 Rhythm Kings from Lawrence

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14 Little Hatch & the Houserockers

19 Horizontal Mambo20-21 Oliver Riley & the Blues Notions26 Nightcrawlers

27-28 39th S1.Blues Band

MAY3 Dan Doran Band

4-5 Nightcrawlers10 Lonnie Ray & the Alistars

from Lawrence

11-12 Benders from Columbia17 Rhythm Kings from Lawrence18 Little Hatch & the Houserockers19 Oliver Riley & the Blues Notions24 Main St. Rhythm Devils

25-26 Dangerfield McNally Bandfrom Topeka

31 Little Hatch

The Phoenix Piano Bar & Grill8th & Central472-0001

The Tuba333 Southwest Blvd.471-6510

Midtown

Cajun Seafood Restaurant404 E. 31st St.756-FISH

Grand Emporium3832 Main, 531-1504

APRIL at Grand Emporium2 Dirty Dozen Brass Band3 Leon Russell

(Grand Emporium continued)5 Chris Cain

6-7 Johnny Reno10 Southern Soul Review with

Johnny Adams, Wayne Bennett,Nappy Brown, Sam McClain

11 David Murray Quartet

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13 Joe "King" Carrasco14 Lazy Lester17 BuckwheatZydeco18 Tony Brown19 Wynton Marsalis20 Bon Ton Soul Accordion Band21 Professor Blues Review with

Jimmy DawkinsLittle Charlie & the NightcatsDuke Tumatoe & Power Trio

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MAY13

458

910

David BenoitEddie KirklandMajor HandyW.C. ClarkBCR (tent.)Bonedaddy'sJazz Lover's Pub Crawl(Dan Doran)Valerie WellingtonUptown Rhythm KingsJames Harman BandChristopher Hollyday (tent.)Bel Airs

Bel Airs & the Jimmy Valenen& the Heart Murmurs Reunion

Jimmy's Jigger39th & State Line753-2444

11-1215192225

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Milton's39th & Southwest Trfwy.753-9384

Mondays - Gerald Spaits QuartetThe Point917 W. 44th531-9800

Harlings Upstairs Bar and Grill3941-A Main531-0303April 7 - Alteranty

WestportHurricane's4048 Broadway753-0884

April/May 7990

E.hwlThe Levee16 W. 43rd561-2821

The Bristol Bar

4740 Jefferson, 756-0606Harry Starker's200 Nichols Rd.753-3565

Plaza BarPlaza Marriott - 4445 Main531-3000

South/South SuburbsCity Light7425 Broadway, 444-6969Monday-Blue Monday Jam Sessions

Host Tommy RuskinTuesday - Joe Cartwright TrioWed. & Thurs. - Richard Ross

w/ Joe Cartwright TrioFri.-Sat. - City Light EnsembleAPRIL at City Light

13-14 Claude "Fiddler" Williams16 All-Star Jazz Jam-10th Anniv.28 Either/Orchestra

Homer's214 W. 85th363-0900

Kelly's Lounge8245 Wornall Rd.444-3707

The Epicurean Restaurant & Lounge7502 Troost333-4541

Maxie's Bar & Grill9962 College Blvd.451-8805

Sunset Grill12921 State Line942-1234

Tatler's9617 W. 87th St.642-1949

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Center stage I Marilyn Wimp

Tapping Into Kansas City Talent WithThe McFadden Brothers

The McFadden Brothers are en-tertainers in step with familytraditions and Kansas City's

jazz heritage.The multi-talented duo are musi-

cians, singers, and tap dancers whohave been entertaining audiencessince they were four and five. "We'rea good team. What I don't want to dohe will," Lonnie said. Lonnie, 34, playstrumpet, flugelhorn, piano, and Ron-nie, 35, plays alto and soprano saxo-phones, flute and piano.

The brothers feel fortunate to havebeen introduced to the business froma veteran performer, their father,"Smiling" Jimmy McFadden. "Our fa-ther always held the opinion that,being a tap dancer was right up there

12

with president. President, doctor, tapdancer," Lonnie said.

Their father, a contemporary ofCount Basie, loved to dance, sing andtell jokes, they recalled. Mcf-adden

taught his sons how to hop, skip, andjump to Basie records.

They performed gigs with their fa-ther and were partofhisact at the agesof nine and ten. The tap dances theylearned from their father remain thenucleus of their routines.

Between the ages of eight and 13,both brothers studied the piano. Theyalso began studying the trumpet andsaxophone.

Their father had a special way ofencouraging their musical studies."Every time we would even look at our

KC Jazz Ambassador


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On the Air .Where to tune for jazz In the area

KANU FM91.5National Public RadioUniversity of Kansas"Jazz in the Night"Monday-Friday: 8 p.m, - midnight"Jazz Overniqht"Tuesday-Sunday: midnight - 5 a.rn."The Vintage Jazz Show"Saturday: 9 -10 a.m."The Jazz Scene," Dick Wright

Saturday: 10 a.m. -1 p.m."Marian McPartland's Piano Jazz"Wednesday: 8:05 - 9:05 p.m."Blues in the NighrSaturday: 8-11 p.m.

KCMW FM 90.9National Public RadioCentral Missouri State UniversityThe Only Real Jazz in Town"Monday-Friday: noon - 5 p.m."Call-In Request Show"Tuesday-Thursday10 p.m. - midnight"Marian McPartland's Piano Jazz"Friday: 10- 11 p.m."Worldwide Jazz"Friday: 11 p.m. - midnight

KCUR FM 89.3National Public Radio - UMKC"The Jazz Place"Monday-Friday: 8:30 p.m. - 1 a.m."Just Jazz""American Jazz Festival"Wednesday: 8:30 - 9:30 p.m.Friday: "Marian McPartland" 8:30-9:30 pmSaturday: noon - 2 p.m.

"Saturday Afternoon Swing Club"Saturday: 2 p.m. - 4 p.m."The Saturday Night Fish Fry"Saturday: 9 p.m. - midnightSunday: "Night Tides" 10 pm - 1 am

24

KCXL AM 1140"Jazz Break"Monday-Friday: noon - 1 p.m.

KKFI FM 90.1"The Jazz Venue"7 Days a Week:10:30 a.m. - noonMon: Mutual Musicians FoundationTues: The DonWed: Jazz Ambassador Showcase

with Mable G.

Thurs & Fri.: Ahmad AlaadeenSat: O.U.B. (10 a.m. - noon)Sun: Mable G. (10 a.m. - noon)

KLSI FM 93.3"Sunday Brunch Jazz"Sunday: 10 a.m. - noon

KPRS FM 103.3"The 7th Heaven Jazz Hour"Sunday: 5 - 6 p.m.

KPRT AM 1590"The Jazz Connection"Monday-Saturday: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m."CBS Masterpiece Series"Last Saturday of each month 4 - 5 p.m.

KYYS FM 102.1"The Jazz Show with David Sanborn"Sunday: 9 - 11 p.m.

American Cablevision Channel 30"Kansas City Jazz with Ruth Rhoden"Wednesdays: 6 and 7 p.m."Ruth's Music Corner"Friday: 5 p.m.

KZKC TV Channel 62

"Night Music with David Sanborn"Sunday: 10:30 - 11 :30 p.m.

KC Jazz Ambassador


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SAXQ~I:lQ~ISIS Bonnell Bright Michael T. McGrawSteven Greene 561-2140 262-2911(alto sax, clarinet, harmonica)

Joe Cartwright Sauna Beif321-7719756-2697 436-2442

Kim Park

333-0289Donald Cox John Selzer523-3733 432-6002

Eddie Saunders231-8624 Bill Erby James "Duck- Warner

861-7528 342-7819,274-0146Horace Washington

VIBRA~I:lQNE531-7759 Rich Hill363-3821 Marsha C. Bland

GUITARISTS (vibraphone, vocals, & dance)Charlie Gatchet Russ Long 923-1390523-6537 831-3631

VIQLlNISTTom DeMasters Steve Miller Pat Ireland287-8532,421-0093 722-0887 287-8412

Bod Fleeman Steve Million VQCALIST363-0530 361-6147 Jackie Anderson

472-1869Sonny Kenner Luther Norman924-3807 753-3415 Queen Bey

541-1674Mark St. John Michael Thomas531-2199 931-5655 Sherry Jones

TRQMBONISTS 436-0318Willie Matthews 274-8002(guitar & guitar synthesizer) Taswell Baird, Jr.221-2685, ext. 74 931-1805 Ruth Rhoden

IBUM~!;IIEL.U~!;L.I:lQB~441-1488

PIANISISStep-Buddy Anderson Step-Buddy Anderson Sharon Thompson753-3224 753-3224 231-2907

Eddie Baker Stan Kessler Julie Turner924-2200 531-6881, 931-1873 432-6885

WORLDHEADQUARTERS

835 W , 39thKansas City, M o,

5313635

SOUTHWEST SOUTHEAST

8 8 7 5 R o se hillLe ne xa, K s,

8880006

9 60 7 E lm w oo dKansas City, M o,

7630070

April/May 7990

4016 State UneKansas City, KS 66103

Ja zz. Im po rte d M usic

C om pa ct D iscs& Casset tesLargest jazz video collection

JAMES DeRIGNE(913)432-8783

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Music Mart. .. KC's Finest Music ians

2 2 KC Jazz Ambassador


18/28

K A N SA S C ITYJAZZ Become A Part Of It

Join the KC Jazz A m bassad ors Jazz Parties Monthly meetings Monthly Calendar of Jazz Ambassador

Events magazine Discounts to over 20 Volunteer opportunities

jazz-related businesses Participation in jazz Monthly newsletter events

KKFI's "Jazz Ambassador Showcase" everyWednesday, 10:30 a.m. to noon, with Mable G.

Ll l l_ l l l l_ lUK C J A Z ZA M B A S S A D O RKansas City's Guide to JAZZ

For more informationcall 942-3349or write to Box 36181 ,Kansas City, MO64111.

r . - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ,To become a Kansas City Jazz Ambassador, complete theapplication below and return it with your tax-deductiblecontribution to:

KCJAZZAMBASSADORP.O. Box 36181, Westport AnnexKansas City, MO 64111

Name __Address _

City/State/Zip _

Phone (home) (work) _

o STUDENT ($6) 0 ACTIVE CONTRIBUTOR ($12) 0 PATRON($25)(Patron Gets Membership Badge and Jazz Ambassador Subscription Free)

o YEAR SUBSCRIPTION KC Jazz Ambassador $1 0o $5 with Student and Active Contributor MembershipI would like to volunteer for the following committee(s):o Membership 0 Publication (Jazz Ambassador) 0 Socialo Publicity 0 Advertising CommitteeL ~

April/May 1990 21


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Phoenix from page 18

ated this mood anywhere else butdowntown. It just fits here."

The Phoenix offers the downtown

professional lunch crowd a full menu,from appetizers to entrees. The menualso includes soups, salads, sand-wiches and burgers. Schnoonover at-tributes his after hours patronage tothe lunch crowd.

If A lot of people that come here atnight are from north of the river andJohnson County," he explained.

"They get to know the Phoenix duringlunch and decided to try us for dinnerand entertainment."

Entertainment at the Phoenix isheaded by regulars Russ Long onpiano and vocalist David Basse or

Sharon Stein-and whoever else isthere. There's a fine line between whois entertaining and who is being enter-

tained at the Phoenix. The crowd clapsrhythm and even belts out spiritedecho to what is fast becoming a Phoe-nix favorite, Basse's rendition of"Mack the Knife".

"One of our goals was that every-one feel comfortable here," explainedSchoonover, customer and musician.

A mural, "Jazz Greats of Kansas

City", painted by local artist Jeff Rob-inson hangs at the Phoenix. "

"Kansas City has a great jazz heri-tage," said Schoonover, "And we'dlike to keep it going." .:.

r - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - .

A 32-page compilation ofthe Kansas City Jazz & Blues Scene.V' Jazz & Blues AppreciationV' History of Kansas City Jazz & BluesV' List of JamsV' List of MusiciansV' Listing of Clu bsV' Discography

By popular demand! Used in KC JaszAmbassador/Communiversity's "Jarzin'

Up The Town" tour.

Call 942-3349for more information.Please send me my copy of the Kansas City'sJazz & Blues Nightlife Survival Kit for $3.50.

Send your name, address and city/state/zip and $3.50 check KC Jazz Ambassador,Box 36181, Kansas City, MO 64111.L ~

2 0 KC Jazz Ambassador


20/28

~aH4a4- ~ flaf1 ~'P~

1 J 1 . C ' e 1 &e'f' S

Tickets available at all TicketMaster outletsincluding the Jones Store.

To charge tickets by phone, call 816-931-3330For more information, call the Jazz Hot Line 816-931-2888

or the Jazz Commission 274-2700

April/May] 990 19


21/28

Club Pr()file / Dauphine Sowell

ROil Schoonouer, ow ner of the Phoenix P iano Bar& GrillPhoto: Marilyn Wimp

The Phoenix SoarsAgain

"A downtown hotel a century ago,THE PHOENIX RETURNS ... as aPiano Bar & Grill," reads the cover onthe menu at the newest jazz spot indowntown Kansas City, Mo.

The Phoenix Piano Bar and Grill,like mythical bird of its namesake, hasrisen, renewed from the ashes. Lo-cated at 302 W. 8th. Street, The Phoe-nix is typical of other renovatedbuildings in the garment district. Highceilings, bare brick walls and archedfloor to ceiling windows construct the

18

"perfect feelfor a Piano Bar," said RonSchoonover, owner.

"My partner, Kevin Heaton and I

looked two years for the right locationand atmosphere for a piano bar," saidSchoonover, "I fell in love with thiscorner locale the minute I saw it."

Schnoonover had a good idea ofwhat he wanted from years ago work-ing in the Playboy Club in Chicago.Across the street from the club wassmall piano bar he has never forgot-ten.

"I love downtown," Schnoonoversaid, "1' m not sure I could have ere-

Continued on page 20

KC Jazz Ambassador


22/28

JOIN TH E JA Z Z A MBA SSA DOR S A ND R EC EIVEY O U R ...

Dirt CheapWestport & MainII

CLASSESPenn Valley Community College3201 Southwest TrafficwayIlT $5.00 off cost of jazz history courses offered

by Continuing Education

,/ Monthly newsletter of Calendar of Events,/ Monthly meetings with guest speakers,/ Jazz jams/social functions

,/ Jazz Ambassador subscription with Patronmembership

,/ Volunteer opportunities for jazz events.

April/May] 990 17


23/28

Ambassador Accents

Hostility Among Jazz Groups??!!Kath leen Feist

P resid en t, K C Ja zz A mba ssad orsSometimes people will approach

me to voice their view on the state ofjazz in Kansas City - particularly thepolitical state of jazz. "Infighting,"they say. "Too many jazz organiza-tions that don't get along." "Too many

jazz organizations; too little unity."And when finally someone asks mewhy it is the jazz organizations don'tget along, I just say "Hah! We do getalong!"

There are around six to seven dif-ferent jazz groups in town: the JazzCommission, the Jazz Festival Com-mittee, The [azz Ambassadors, the

Jazz Society, the Charlie Parker Me-morial Foundation, the MutualMusicians' Foundation, and suppos-edly, the Friends of Jazz (which isreally Friends of the Folly). Normally,these groups would all be under oneroof, or, more specifically, one tax-ex-empt number. But, they are not. Eachoperates in its own manner toward itsown unique goal. And, quite honestly,had these different groups been onlycommittees within one organization, Idon't think they would operate anydifferently. The Festival Committeewould still put on the festival, theCharlie Parker Foundation would stilleducate children, the Jazz Ambassa-

dor would continue to drum up mem-bership, etc. in the same manner asthey currently do.

We work together. All groups arerepresented regularly at Jazz Commis-

16

sion meetings, which acts as an um-brella organization. Jazz Ambassa-dors, the largest membershiporganization, are called on for volun-teer help, promotion and public turn-out. The Jazz Festival Committeepromotes the various jazz groups atthe festival. The Charlie Parker FoW1-dation is currently rallying supportfrom all organizations for the Interna-tional Jazz Hall of Fame.

As president of the Jazz Ambassa-dors, I get calls everyday from onegroup or another asking for support.Rarely have we declined. And rarelyhave I heard of any group decline sup-port for the other or even exchange

harsh words. We all want to see jazzsucceed in Kansas City.

We get along. Believe me, I know. Ihave been involved in the Kansas Cityjazz scene and its politics for threeyears now, and never have I seen amore positive influx of energy put to-ward jazz as there is right now,

*******************

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KC Jazz Ambassador


24/28

Micheal of Micheal Pojazz Networkwho handles recording and bookinggroups.

"Jazz is like a conversa-tion, you choose the

words, the song is the

subject, and the chord

changes are like topics."

- Ronnie McFaddenAll songs will be written by the

brothers and will include ballads, gos-

pel, and contemporary jazz. "Thesound will be a mix of Kenny G, Mi-chael Franks, and Weather Report ifyou are brave enough to imaginethat," Lonnie said. He explained that

they are going to make it "the modemway" using computer technology forsome tracks.

They want Kansas City to knowthat they are still working hard al-though it may not be here. Ronnie be-lieves Kansas City's 12th Street RagBallroomin Barney Allis Plaza wouldbe an ideal stage for them. He believesthe decor and wooden floors lendthemselves to their style. .:.

GRAND EMPORIUMThe Hearl and Soul of the City

3832 MAIN * 531-1504Jazz Acts in the coming months ...

A PRIL 2 Dirty Dozen Brass Band. KC Jazz Festival Fun Raiser

A PRIL 11 Dav id Murray Q uartet(co-founder World Saxophone Quarte t)featu ring John Hicks, W ilber Morris& Andrew Cyrille(NY City 's p remier jazz p layers)

All Shows on sale at TicketM aster outlets and the G rand Em porium

April/May] 990 15


25/28

Lonnie has three daughters whichhe hopes to share his routines withsomeday soon. "After they learn thefundamentals it will be time to turn onBasie," Lonnie said.

The McFaddens have shared theirenthusiasm and talent in Kansas Citythrough their work with Young Audi-ences programs. "We thought of howour dad made it so simple and howexcited we were," Ronnie said.

"We wanted them to enjoy it ratherthan think it was this heavy thing,"Ronnie said. And this goes for all their

"We're a good team.

What I don't want to do

(Ronnie)will."

- Lonnie McFadden

audiences."Music is something to enjoy. We

feel all our audiences are intelligentbecause they know what entertainsthem," Ronnie said.

Memorable Performances

One of their funniest adventures inentertaining was the rehearsals thatlead up to their television debut on"Incredible Sundays." Kansas Cityhad the chance to see the show whenit aired last summer.

Although home viewers were un-able to tell, the McFaddens workedthrough a number oflast minute prob-lems. They had been assured severaldays of practice on the piano used inthe movie "Big"before the show; how-ever, it did not arrive until the morn-ing of the performance.

14

"The piano was so slick it was likedancing on ice," Lonnie said. Theyused a trick of BillRobinson days andcovered the piano with cola. "It driesclear and makes the surface sticky,"

Lonnie explained.They had worked out "You're No-

body TilSomebody Loves You" in thekey of G flat and had to re-arrange itbecause the black keys did not work.It was early afternoon before the pro-ducer looked at the number and thenhe asked them to add another choruswith piano and drop the horns. TIleyrevised their number again, with twohours to spare.

When they returned to the studiothe crewhad just finished washing thepiano. They again poured cola overthe piano and started to practice usingthe studio's sound system thatwasnotin tune with the piano. While waiting

for a tape player they treated the audi-ence to a pre-show performance.Tap is an art form that suffers from

lack of exposure although GregoryHines among others have recentlyhelped to popularize it. They believetheir work has helped to promote tapand jazz.

The audience's response to theirdancing keeps them on their toes (nopun intended). Watching the brotherschallenge one another is a favorite oftheir fans. "Everybody likes a fight,"Lonnie said.

A more critical audience has beenthe" old-time hoofers," friends of theirfather who let them know, "you better

be able to swing."

Sounds of the FutureA record deal is in the works which

includes their younger brother

KC Jazz Ambassador


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horn, he put a record on," Ronnie said."Armstrong, Parker and Basie wereour major influences when we weregrowing up," Lonnie said.

Their first recitals hold fond mem-ories, but the McFaddens knew theywere leading the life of real KansasCity performers when their fathertook them to play at the Mutual Musi-cians Foundation after a gig. "Thatwas our dad's way of teaching. He letus see the results and decide for our-selves," LOIUliesaid.

The Early YearsWhile in high school they decided

that it was not fashionable to be a tapdancer. Although they valued themusic they grew up with such as Arm-strong and Parker, they also liked themodern sounds of the Beatles, James

Brown, and Kool and the Gang.Sammy Davis was another performerwhom they admired. Davis playeddrums, danced, tapped, and sung.

During the 1970s, it was a struggleto find a niche, so their solution was toform "Lonnie and the Band." It was atop 40 and variety show band led byLonnie with Ronnie as the sax playerand managed by their father. Theband was unusual in that they tapdanced. They toured the Uni tedStates, Canada and Japan because itwas hard finding a gig in Kansas City.The band stayed together for 10 years.

Dynamic Duo Fonned

After the band broke up, the broth-ers toured with other groups beforedeciding to form "The McFaddenBrothers," a jazz and tap duo. Theydiscovered when touring Europe as

April/May 1990

jazz artists how Kansas City is widelyrecognized for jazz.

"They made us proud of who weare as jazz musicians," Lonnie said.

They recalled European audiencesthat could talk at length on CharlieParker, Count Basie, and BennieMoten. They are even familiar withlesser know musicians who neverachieved Parker's fame. "Europeanteenagers turn out for jazz concertslike American teenagers turn out forrock and rap concerts," they ex-plained.

Ronnie believes tha t Kansas City isa good place to learn, but maybe notto practice. Although they may haveto work outside of Kansas City theywill always consider it home becausetheir roots are here. One of their goalsis to further "Kansas City jazz, not just

jazz."

"Our father always held

the opinion that, being a

tap dancer was right up

there with president. Pres-

ident, doctor, tap

dancer." - Lonnie McFadden

"Jazz is like a conversation, youchoose the words, the song is the sub-

ject, and the chord changes are liketopics," Ronnie said. "Parker set a newprecedent for music. He could takeone chord change and make it three,"he said.

13


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A M

~-The Jeff Charney Jazz Show

T h e n e w e s t& b e s t in c o n te m p o ra ry ja z z .

EX C ITING FEATU R ES

INSPIRING INTERVIEW S

N ational news at the topof each hour .

Traffic reports during drivetime

2440 Pershing R d., Suite 1183 Crown Center

_~~ Kansas City, M O 64108

4711481


28/28

~~9~T R A D I T I O N A L

JAZZ JAMSW EEKEN D S W ITH U VE JA ZZ

M ID N IGHT TIL THE LA ST PLA Y ER LEA VES

TO BOOK PRIVATE PARTIES,

CALL OR COME BY

471-5212 1823 HIGHLAND KCMO

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jam magazine - april-may 1990

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