the unthinking lemming

By Request: Charlie Hunter Trio

2010-02-28T10:35:00.000-08:00

I have been a fan of Charlie Hunter since I first heard his recording with the group, T.J. Kirk. ([T]helonius Monk, [J]ames Brown and Rahsaan Roland [Kirk].) Hunter's efforts have always been Fusion based and broadly inspired. Such was the performance at Kansas City's Blue Room this past Saturday evening.

For the most part, Hunter's music is mostly Funk/Groove Jazz Fusion. Playing on custom made 7 & 8 string guitars, he has made a name for himself with an ability to play simultaneously the bass and lead as well as rhythm guitar. One could easily assume from his CD's that he might be recording these parts on separate tracks. Even watching him in person, I kept looking for those other two players, such is the prestidigitation that is Hunter's technique.

Joined on stage by Curtis Fowlkes on trombone and drummer Eric Kalb, Hunter's trio played two non-stop sets of music that ranged from his funky originals to New Orleans Jazz, in the form of Just A Closer Walk With Thee, and what seemed to be a tune loosely based on Gershwin's I've Got Rhythm. The second set was ended by a funkified version of Leiber and Stoller's Kansas City.

It was good to see that the Blue Room was full with a very appreciative crowd. Although not all of Hunter's recordings are as rewarding as his live appearances, I strongly recommend him to guitar nerds and jazz afficionados. My personal experience ranged from fascination to giddiness to disbelief. The man can play.

Sweeping Up

2009-11-16T10:08:00.001-08:00

Having put on a new roof and painted the exterior of my little farm house, I am ready for the approaching winter climate. Time to turn inward.

The deconstruction phase of the inside of the house is just about finished. All of the wallpaper is gone and only one stubborn sheet of paneling remains. A "skim coat" will provide the last step in stretching a blank canvas upon the house's interior frame.

It is a wonder how wide the bids have been on this job. I was quoted the rate that a "union" contractor would ask at $20,000. A more reasonable bid came in somewhere less than half of that. The winner was under $2K. Go figure. I have seen his work in a similar restoration project just up the street from my place and I know the man can deliver.

I'm hoping he has a friend that refinishes floors.

What do you do with the kitchen sink?

2009-10-12T09:06:00.000-07:00

What do you do with an old country kitchen sink? It is still in good shape but... It does not really fit in with my vision of the modern kitchen. In an age of dish washing machines, five feet and six inches seems an awful lot of counter space to dedicate to the sink.

Should it stay or should it go?

2009-10-01T17:00:00.000-07:00

I've stripped a good portion of the wallpaper from the walls of my rehab house. I've upgraded the electrical. Now in the throes of updating the ... ahem... sanitary fixtures. Do I go for the standard crapper or do I need a toilet with an elongated bowl? Is wood paneling in or out?

In the Key of Broken (The Danger In Cargo Pants)

2009-09-28T06:33:00.001-07:00

The result of catching my pants on the valve key of my favorite tuba. It isn't fatal, one might compare it to a broken finger, but my big horn is currently listed as "unable to perform".

Goin' Ahead

2009-09-16T05:56:00.000-07:00

I wrote this response to an e-mail from my mother about my availability for lunch:

Mom-

Got a few irons on the fire today. My "rental" house needs lots of work. So much so that I am going to move into it and rent out my current house. Since the "rental" is 2 bdrm/1 bath and my current house is essentially 3 bdrm/2 bath, I can make a lot more rent on it and take my time renovating the smaller house. There are a few things that need to be done before I can make the move. Like updating the kitchen that currently is a mish-mash of decor from the 40's through the 70's. Or the 1 bath that hasn't seen new fixtures in at least 50 years. Fortunately, the Heating/AC and plumbing infrastructure are all new since I bought the house. The electricity, on the other hand, is mostly still the original installation.

There are up sides and down sides to most things in all of this. The smaller house, once I do some renovation, is probably a better fit for me. There are rooms I never go into in my current place. Unfortunately, I have filled those unfrequented rooms with stuff(junk) which will now have to be moved and stuffed into a smaller house. Although, the smaller house has a large garage in which to store things or, better yet, out of which to hold a garage sale. But since the garage sits 150 feet back from the street and the gravel drive, now disallowed by the city of Overland Park, needs to be repaved and the first estimate is $5,000.... It better be one dandy of a garage sale. It might have to be a full blown yard sale. The yard is also large, which is good. The dog will be happy accept that the yard is not fenced at this time. At least Dirkie has short legs, he couldn't jump over a jackrabbit, so the fence doesn't need to be too tall.

So it all depends... If all else fails, you can come over and give me a bid on some roof repair or an asphalt driveway or you can give me a call and see what my status is closer to lunch time.

Your loving son

Conch Fritters

2009-01-05T17:26:00.000-08:00

Ahhhh! Conch fritters and a cold beer. That is all I wanted out of my recent cruise to the Bahamas. Forget the prime rib. Did you say lobster tail? Never mind the shrimp cocktail. Don't even mention the chocolate melting cake. Another glass of wine? ... Just give me a beer and some fritters. ... Oh! OK! I'll have all the rest as well.

Enjoy the images.

30 Year Circle

2008-11-14T11:40:00.000-08:00

In 1978 I began playing the tuba. Although I had played a number of marching band shows on Sousaphone during my junior year at Westlake HS in Austin, TX, I was thrust into the principal tubist's role at the beginning of the concert band season. My first performance in that position was of Rimsky-Korsakov's Scheherezade.

Thirty years on and I am still playing the bass horn. On November 23, I will be reprising my initial preformance of the very same band arrangement of Scheherezade with the Kansas City Wind Symphony. The concert begins at 7pm at the Village Presbyteriean Church in Prairie Village, KS. Please come and join us. Admission is free.

I'm In The Army Now

2008-06-30T11:55:00.000-07:00

A long-time acquaintance of mine recruited me to join the Fourth Army Reunion Band. It is an honor to participate in this group that has been officially decomissioned since 1991 but lives on due to the efforts of its former membership.

"Members of the US 4th Army Band stationed in San Antonio, TX have met for reunions the past 20 years. They will visit Kansas City landmarks, enjoy a banquet, and fellowship. They will be assisted by community musicians to present a free public concert with music by jazz band, orchestra, chorus, and concert band at the Community Christian Church, Kansas City. The US Fourth Army was decommissioned in 1991--the group prides itself as the active remnant of the US Fourth Army. We expect 150 musicians and spouses to attend."

Come join us for some fabulous music Tuesday, 7/1 starting at 7pm.

Big Girl

2008-06-25T16:05:00.000-07:00

I've been a bit distracted the last few days. One of my cats has been feeling poorly. Her name is Alceste but most everyone knows her as "Big Girl" or "Big Red".

She hadn't eaten for 3-days. But she was finally enticed to consume some raw tuna this afternoon.

We'll see how she feels tomorrow.

C-Melody Saxophone

2008-06-18T11:31:00.000-07:00

I recently posted about Dave Pietro and his appearance in Kansas City. In that post I mis-identified the instrument Pietro was playing that night. He was not playing an alto sax. He was playing a C-Melody horn. I realized my mistake once I read the liner notes of the Pietro CD's I bought subsequent to hearing him play. I feel embarrassed by my failure to correctly recognize the instrument.

I have a C-Melody Saxophone.

To not recognize this instrument at first blush is not a surprise. It could easily be confused with both the Alto and Tenor saxophones and hasn't been made since the 1930's.

I do not know the precise provenance of this particular instrument beyond the facts that it has been in my possession for well over 20 years and in my family since the mid-70's, perhaps longer considering my father's long-ago exploits as a dance band leader in Des Moines, Iowa.
According to the C.G. Conn company's serial numbers, this horn dates to 1921. Other then replacing a few pieces of cork and a new reed, this horn is still good to go. My neighbors may think I have adopted some geese but I'm having fun honking on this old thing.

Missed Call

2008-06-16T11:13:00.000-07:00

The other morning my phone rang early in the morning. Five-thirty-one, to be exact. Although I am usually an early riser, I was not so cognizant as to recognize my mother's ring tone until it had stopped. Then the voice-mail tone chimed. Understand that my mother is tech-savvy for a woman with grandchildren graduating from college and like all of us, technology sometimes gets the better of her. My mother's phone has called and left messages before. Usually they are unintelligible mumblings muffled from the inside of a purse. That is what I heard once I got up and checked my phone. I giggled a bit and thought nothing more of the incident for I knew they were to be traveling to London explaining the early hour of the missed call.

The next day I get another call from my mother's phone except that it was later in the day and I was able to answer prior to going to voice-mail mode. "Hello?" I hear the familiar sounds of the interior of my mother's purse. I persisted a little louder, "Hello?!" More rustling. I vaguely hear my father giving an apparent address, ".... Nrfumberland ...mfmpl....off Trafalger Sqrmllmmm...". I'm so glad my mother's phone has decided to take me on this vicarious trip. I wonder if it can send me a pint of Old Speckled Hen?

White/Pietro Quintet

2008-06-07T08:35:00.000-07:00

For those of you that did not attend the Friday night appearance at Kansas City's Blue Room of the Darryl White/Dave Pietro Quintet, you missed out on some truly fabulous jazz.

The two leaders come to the stage with impressive credentials as seasoned performers. Dave Pietro has played in New York for 20 years and with the likes of Toshiko Akiyoshi and her big band.

Darryl White comes to the stage via Lincoln, Nebraska where he holds the position as associate professor of trumpet at the University of Nebraska School of Music.

The rhythm section for this duo is anchored by Denver's Jeff Jenkins on piano and Moog synthesizer.

Craig Akin, formerly of Kansas City, handled the bass chores while current KC resident Brandon Draper played the drum set and a variety of percussive noise makers.

For me, this quintet represents the best of contemporary jazz. Offering up Monk's Straight, No Chaser to Too High by Stevie Wonder.

Sophisticated and high energy music was delivered by all of the players. Well worth the $10 cover charge. About 75 other patrons agreed. I've already added recordings from Jenkins and Pietro to my collection.

Spring Fever

2008-05-23T07:24:00.000-07:00

Spring is finally here. Just in time for summer.

Bram Wijnand's Majestic 7

2008-05-16T09:34:00.001-07:00

Fresh from a week of gigging in Holland, Bram Wijnand joined his Majestic Seven recently at Jardines. If you like your jazz to have some swing and for it to be a little bit raucous this is the group for you. Definitely in the mold of Louis Armstrong's Hot Fives and Hot Sevens.

Of particular note from this group is the outstanding alto sax of Dan Thomas. Besides performing regularly, Thomas, along with Wijnands, is also involved with UMKC teaching a variety of jazz curricula.

Jurgen Welge ably holds down an impressive drumset with all the bells and whistles and horns and cymbals and wood blocks....

You can catch Bram Wijnand's trio at The Majestic Steakhouse every Friday and Saturday night. The Majestic Seven play Jardines every second Wednesday of the month.

Downtown Revival

2008-05-13T08:29:00.000-07:00

On my weekly Saturday visit to Overland Park's Downtown Farmers Market I stopped to listen to Doug Talley's quartet play. The past few years have been tough for this commercial area. Two big fires in as many years. Too many vacant store fronts. But as you can see from the photo above, things seem to be looking up. In the background is the beginnings of an ambitious project of mixed use development. Promised are retail, office and condominium spaces in the property that once was the Gil Rumsey Art Gallery. Plus, I've heard rumors and noticed that the For Sale/For Lease sign is gone from the defunct eatery, Tonic. Still lots of space open.

Two In A Row

2008-05-09T20:33:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday evening I had the pleasure of seeing one of my favorite Kansas City Jazz combos. Since 1995, the Doug Talley Quartet has remained a consistent bright spot upon the local scene.

For those of you new to the area or up to now have not been paying attention to jazz, The DTQ features Doug Talley on saxophone, Wayne Hawkins playing keyboards and Keith Kavanaugh on drumset. On this night, their usual bassist, Tim Brewer was replaced by the ever enjoyable, James Albright. Joining the group was trumpet/fluglehorn player, Joe Parisi.

This performance at The Blue Room was well attended. As I have noticed in the past, Doug and the group seem to attract a younger crowd than I experience with other groups. I have always attributed this to the fact that Talley is a music educator with the Shawnee Mission school district. I also suspect that Joe Parisi's position as assistant director of bands at UMKC brought in students as well. The crowd was also bolstered by an influx of listeners off of a tour bus from Topeka. Along with these fresh patrons came Todd Wilkerson and his alto sax sitting in on a tune or two.

2008-05-09T10:24:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Plastic Sax for turning me on to this gig. Killer Strayhorn has shown to me that perhaps KC's Jazz scene still has a heartbeat.

In thier first foray onto the public scene, the "Killers" took no prisoners. Backed by longtime KC Jazz denizen David Basse, this group has legs and mighty chops.

Don't be confused by their name. Strayhorn's music is certainly not there main focus. A good mix of mainstream standards and originals. The leadership is split between keyboardist Chris Lewis and James Isaac on a variety of woodwinds. Bob Harvey plays trumpet and flugle with Dave Luvine on bass and Todd Crookston banging the drums. Basse came up to sing a tune during one set. Definitely worth a trip down to your local jazz club to hear.

A Night At Birdland

2008-04-20T11:22:00.000-07:00

I recently had the opportunity to hear Karrin Allyson at New York City's Birdland. I had been anxious to see Karrin and other old friends who either currently or formerly plied their trade from the Kansas City area. I got more than I had expected.

I managed to see three sets over two nights. The performances were mainly devoted to songs from Karrin's most recent album, Imagina: Songs of Brazil. Karrin was joined on stage by a slightly altered and pared down version of the grouping from Iamagina, Rod Fleeman playing guitar, Todd Strait on drums, vibist Steve Finley and Ed Howard, replacing David Finck, standing up with the bass. Karrin split her time standing in front of the band and at the piano.

Both evenings the first set was opened with A Felicidade, a fitting starting point for an evening's musical journey through Karrin's take on Brazilian jazz interspersing a number of favorites from previous recordings.

Throughout the evening the rest of the group got plenty of room to romp. Rod Fleeman received a number of roars of approval from the crowd. Also well received during the second Friday night set was the appearances of KC jazzers Randy Weinstien and Eldar Djangirov joining the group on harmonica and piano respectively.

Sorry but I'm having trouble getting the photos to format properly. Enjoy the pictures anyway.

How To Make A Buck

2008-04-14T21:39:00.001-07:00

My friend HIB often questions the efforts (or lack thereof) of many of todays jazz musicians marketing plans. My recent trip revealed some of the cruder ways of soliciting the buck from fan or curious tourist.

Although the CD in the bag was recognized by iTunes.

The day's entertainment (less beer cost) was $20 and I get a CD out of the deal. At least one other person enjoyed the music. A lot different then the $40 cover + $10 minimum per person per set rules at most NYC clubs. More on that experience later.

I Was Thinking I Was A Little Behind

2008-04-13T16:04:00.000-07:00

My contribution to the internet. My niece has been doing a study of Rodin's Thinker. Curiously, no views from the *ahem* rear perspective seem to be available on the internet. Just hope the tulips nearby will survive the frigid temperatures predicted for tonight.

How Do You Get To Carnegie Hall?

2008-04-08T11:37:00.000-07:00

How do you get to Carnegie Hall? The answer used to be "Practice, practice, practice." You may still have to practice to get there but the hall does do a good bit of tourist business renting out the space for any number of student or amateur organizations. I'd rather not have had to pay for the experience this past weekend but I was happy to pay for the privilege. (I still practiced quite a bit.)

Spent my money on beer, street musicians and pedacabbies who didn't know Westside from Eastside. He did manage to cross Times Square three times on the way to our destination. I made better headway on foot.

Now, back home, time for reflection and plenty of rest. Time to start practicing for the ensemble's next performance. Come hear the group at the Village Presbyterian Church on Sunday, April 27th, 7pm.

Mouthpieces

2007-06-29T11:43:00.000-07:00

Mouthpieces

The object that comes between lip and horn
Sometimes a shallow cup
Others, a deep chasm

Gold plate

Years of tarnish and wear

Still it takes more than this to make music

Even more to make beautiful music

An awkward contrivance

Capable of such sprit or dark calamity

Required equipment

Kvetching, isn't it?

2007-05-24T12:15:00.000-07:00

Have you seen these purple wristbands people have been wearing? I only recently became aware of this campaign that promises happiness as the result of not complaining. Started by the Rev. Bowen of North Kansas City’s Christ Church Unity, the concept is quite simple. Wear the purple wristband and complain no more for 21 days. Complain and you must switch the band to your other wrist and turn over your 21-day hourglass. Apparently gossip and criticism are forms of complaining because you also have to switch your wristband for committing these acts. I can go along with criticism as a form of ‘complaining’. But gossip? If I was wearing one of those wristbands I guess I would have to switch arms at this point. Anyway… It is allowed to point out when someone else complains but by rule you have complained and yourself must switch your bracelet from one arm to the other. If you should complete the 21 days you will be rewarded by “finding that your entire life is happier, more loving, more positive and more abundant.” I am all for all of those things but I would like the campaign’s organizers to prove these claims will come as a result of their little exercise.

Now don’t get me wrong. I’m all for getting rid of much of the kvetching and griping in which all too many of us revel. Much of it is an unnecessary yet genuine expression of annoyance or discomfort. But lets be real. Where would this US be without some colonists complaining about an unfair tax on teas? Where would the Civil Rights Movement be without Rosa Parks’ complaints about her place on the bus? This campaign gives complaining an unjustified bad rap. I can assure you that if someone is standing on my foot, I will complain. I will probably try to keep it positive. Perhaps, “You are crushing my toes. Can you please move?” I cannot see how I would be “happier, more loving, more positive and abundant” by not complaining. I would at least have the potential of restoring my toes to some sense of reasonable comfort. On the other hand, if my response were, “Hey lard ass. Are you blind and stupid? Get off of my @# toe, %&!” and then realize that I have insulted some large and muscled gentleman’s blind lady friend, I might expect to feel some additional pain. It is all in the delivery. The campaign is mistitled. It may have been better titled “A Kvetch Free World.”

If we really want a better world we need to embrace and act positively to resolve complaints, not on all out suppression of them. I’m going to start my own campaign that better focuses our energies toward positive change. Go ahead and complain. But don’t stop there. Make an effort to alleviate your situation. In the end it isn’t about complaining as much as it is the negative ways that complaining can often manifest itself. Everyday, we have police issuing complaints against people that violate any number of laws. I know that I feel happier for the sense of security that is provided by these actions. Rev. Bowen’s own reactive ‘another day in paradise’ mantra is little more than a veiled complaint but congratulations to him for at least adopting a fairly benign approach towards things that annoy him. Instead of disciplining ourselves for complaining we should be disciplined in how we complain. Complaining can be a part of positive change and I see no valid reason to excise the practice from my everyday life.

No complaining? No way. It is the very nature of a working society.