Gerald Clayton, Igmar Thomas, Johnny O'Neal & Wes Montgomery

As we gear up for the Count Basie at 90 Celebration right here in Kansas City on International Jazz Day 2025, featuring none other than the legendary Count Basie Orchestra, we kick things off in style—with a nod to one of the true greats. We open the show with Wes Montgomery, spinning a track from his iconic 1960 Trio album. Why Wes? Because during our recent interview with former Kansas City Mayor and long-time Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, he lit up talking about Basie—and how hearing Wes for the first time was his own personal jazz awakening. A perfect way to start. From there, we slide into some rich tones and timeless grooves from heavyweights still shaping the scene: Johnny O'Neal, Gerald Clayton, Bobby Selvaggio, Nancy Kelly, and Charlie Ballantine all bring the goods. We also spotlight the undeniable KC talent of pianist and vocalist Jackie Myers, who's dropping new music that's as fresh as it is soulful. On the cutting edge, we highlight new releases from boundary-pushers like Igmar Thomas, the Medler Sextet, and Jed Levy—artists who are stretching the jazz form in all the right ways. And to close out this hour of deep grooves and high vibes, we bring in the shimmering brilliance of Hendrik Meurkens, joined by the CCCN Jazz Orchestra. So sit back, dig deep, and enjoy all the tasty jazz this hour has to offer, my friends.

Playlist

• Wes Montgomery "The End of a Love Affair" The Wes Montgomery Trio (Concord Records) 0:00
• Host talks 3:32
• Johnny O'Neal "Destination Moon" Everybody Loves Johnny O'Neal (Cellar Live) 6:27
• Igmar Thomas Revive Big Band "Speak No Evil" Live a Tree It Grows (Soulspazm) 10:40
• Host talks 16:35
• Gerald Clayton "Angel's Speak" Ones and Twos (Blue Note) 17:27
• Jackie Myers "Brown Dirt Shuffle" What About the Butterfly (577 Records) 20:23
• Host talks 25:52
• Medler Sextet "Night Party" River Paths (OA2 Records) 26:51
• Bobby Selvaggio "Four Past Midnight" Stories Dreams Inspirations for my Boy (Hidden Cinema Records) 33:16
• Host talks 39:06
• Nancy Kelly "Be Bop Lives (Blopicity)" Be Cool (Origin) 40:19
• Jed Levy "St. Simons" Faces and Places (SteepleChase) 44:25
• Host talks 49:53
• Charlie Ballantine "Storyteller" East by Midwest (Origin) 50:29
• Host talks 512:52
• CCCN Jazz Orchestra and Hendrik Meurkens "Brigas Nunca Mais" Big Band Brasil (Drumit Records) 53:32