Sorry for all the dust around here. The times, they are a changin'. More on that in a later post. In the meantime, let's catch up on recent radio adventures.
Eldar
The Russian-born pianist was in Kansas City at the end of last month for a pair of concerts with the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra. This preview aired on KCUR Friday September 28, but you can listen to it here:
The following Sunday, KC Currents aired this interview with Eldar about his new album, "Re-Imagination," released this summer on Sony Classical. Listen to it here:
I also interviewed Kansas City saxophonist Alaadeen recently about his new album, "And the Beauty of it All - Ballads." A dazzlingly crafted version of it airs on KC Currents tomorrow night (7 October) at 5 PM with a repeat Monday at 8. (Seriously, I was really pleased with the result.) A slightly shorter version will air next week during Morning Edition.
Here are the tracks and links from last Friday's jazz update on Up to Date. I'll update this post with notes over the next few days.
If your eyes are tired, you can listen to the segment instead (runs 11:30).
Louis Armstrong and the All-Stars CD -Live at the 1958 Monterey Jazz Festival (Monterey Jazz Festival Records) Track - Now You Has Jazz The Monterey Jazz festival turns 50 this year (with this year's fest kicking off this weekend). To mark its golden anniversary, the festival has teamed with Concord to release a series of live performances recorded over the last half century. The first batch includes performances by Sarah Vaughn, Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonius Monk, Miles Davis and the aforementioned Satchmo. There's also a festival sampler disc with additional cuts by Jimmie Witherspoon, Pat Metheney, Dave Brubeck and Dianna Krall et alia.
Re-issues bring with them an quandary for the ethical jazz fan: is it better to shell out your hard-earned jazz dollar for music by a past (i.e., dead) master, or to spend it in support of a corporeal artist trying to make a living in the here and now. Concord and MJF Records bridge the gap by donating all the profits from the series to the MJF's jazz education programs. The ethics of jazz education are also a subject of much debate. Ben Franklin has this take; the IAJE would undoubtedly beg to differ.
But I digress... The rest of the selections all have a Kansas City connection, with the first two living and working here, and the second pair spending some of their formative years on the scene (and passing through on a somewhat regular basis). Charles Gatschet CD -Step Lightly Track - Caracas
I had the chance to interview piano phenomenon (see the performance above for proof of that description) Eldar yesterday for a feature that will air next week. No surprise, but the kid's a sharp cookie.
Eldar's parents emigrated to the Kansas City area from Kyrgyzstan in the late 90s, arriving in Prairie Village when he was 10. For the next six years or so, Eldar studied with local jazz pros like Kim Park (and generally dropping jaws around the KC jazz scene) before signing with Sony and heading for New York.
Eldar says he's on the road about half of the time these days, and occasionally that brings him back to his old stomping grounds. Last summer, he simmered at the Corporate Woods festival (see some guy named Bill's review). Next week, he'll be back for a pair of concerts with the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra next week.
I've featured vocalist Sara Gararek here before. She's a young jazz singer developing a fine set of chops. And in case you want to verify that for yourself, she's recently posted the video of "Let's Try This Again" above on YouTube. (As a grouchy side note, the video is also proof that it takes more than software to maintain visual interest.)
Gazarek co-wrote the tune with Josh Nelson, the pianist for her touring combo. Next week, 24-year-old Nelson releases his first CD as a leader, "Let it Go" (Native Language Music). It features a raft of original compositions and support from drummer Matt Wilson and tenor saxophonist Seamus Blake. I think Nelson is mature beyond his years and definitely one to watch.
Wee Jazz, featuring members of the Snuff Jazz collective.
Video via Wayward Blog, where DJ Clem chimes in to notify one and all (i.e., you) that Wee Jazz performs tomorrow (Friday 9/7) at Davey's Uptown in Kansas City, with Mr. Marco's V7, featuring DJ Clem.
If you missed the annual Charlie Parker graveside remembrance, fear not. Documentations of the event continue to arrive.
Steve Paul, the Kansas City Star's writer for all seasons, has put together a collection of images (including the one above) from the event. View a slideshow here or click the image above.
My audio feature aired on KC Currents Sunday (and repeated Monday). You can listen to it here.
The Russian-born pianist was in Kansas City at the end of last month for a pair of concerts with the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra. This preview aired on KCUR Friday September 28, but you can listen to it here:
