Results for "Kansas City"

Javon Jackson, Jonathan Finlayson & More

by Joe Dimino
November 5, 2018

This week's episode begins with the exceptional saxophonist Javon Jackson and music off his latest CD For You. The show revolves around Javon's long jazz journey as we play cuts from legends like Sonny Stitt and Art Blakey. The show goes on to highlight new music from Stefon Harris, Javier Santiago and Freckle Legend.

Playing Changes by Nate Chinen

by Joe Dimino
October 29, 2018

This week we look at a great new book, “Playing Changes" by Nate Chinen. The show begins with a cut by Arthur Blythe, “Jitterbug Waltz" and moves right on into a more recent cut from Kamasi Washington off his CD The Epic. The program goes on highlighting artists featured in each chapter of this groundbreaking book ...

Jay Lawrence, Christian Scott & More

by Joe Dimino
October 22, 2018

Neon Jazz continues to showcase the young talent in jazz today, and this week we profile the great jazz journey of Jay Lawrence, from his 2018 CD, Sonic Parago, to a cut from the legendary Dr. Lonnie Smith off the album Keep on Lovin'. Also featured is the rising Kansas City jazz saxophonist ...

Christopher Burnett

Born: November 2, 1955

Saxophonist, educator, and military band veteran Christopher L. Burnett is known for his warm and lyrical jazz sound. Following a 20-plus year military career during which he taught and performed, Burnett embarked on a fruitful career teaching at a university and became a performer. He continued to perform in his native Kansas, releasing albums like 2013's Time Flies, 2014's Firebird, and 2021's The Standards, Vol. 1.

Born in Olathe, Kansas, Burnett grew up in a military family. Consequently, he moved often before settling in the Kansas City area. Along with his older brother, drummer Richie Pratt, Burnett was exposed to music growing up. His mother introduced him to the piano and he was a member of the youth choir at his church. As part of his school band program, he took up saxophone and clarinet. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Music Program where, along with performing, he continued to pursue higher education, studying at the Armed Forces School of Music, Webster University, Missouri's Columbia College, Berklee College of Music, and American University. Burnett spent over 22 years in the military, rising to the distinguished rank of First Sergeant in the position of Enlisted Bandleader. While in the military he held numerous positions, including a staff and faculty assignment at the Armed Forces School of Music. He was also the Leading Chief Petty Officer of the NATO Band in Naples, Italy. There, he served as NATO Ceremonial Band Conductor, directed the jazz band, and performed as a featured soloist. Other assignments included being selected to play the lead alto saxophone chair with the West Point Military Academy Band's Jazz Knights, selection for assignment as a Jazz Ensemble Rehearsal Conductor at the Armed Forces School of Music, and being a featured soloist with the Hof Symphony Orchestra in Germany. By the time he left the military, he had been awarded both the Department of Defense Meritorious Service Medal and Army Meritorious Service Medal.

Brad Allen

Singer-songwriters are rare in the world of jazz, and even more so when the songwriter is a drummer. “It’s clear to me how everything I’ve done in my life has lead me to where I am right now in my music career,” says Allen. “I spent several years writing songs in other genres including folk, pop, rock, country and alternative. Those experiences definitely influenced my jazz writing. I want to write catchy, fun, interesting tunes that people will remember – tunes that other artists might also want to perform.” “I grew up in a small town in Nebraska. Not exactly a hotbed of jazz

Joel Nichols Joins Kansas City Area Youth Jazz As Spokesperson, Emcee, Consultant

August 10, 2018

KC Area Youth Jazz is pleased to announce the addition of Media Relations Expert and Kansas City area Radio and Television Personality, Joel Nichols as an official Spokesperson, Concert Emcee, and Media Consultant. “I’ve known Christopher [Burnett] for many years and look forward to working with KC Area Youth Jazz,” Nichols said. “I’m looking forward to ...

Meet Jacob Cartwright

by Tessa Souter and Andrea Wolper
August 6, 2018

Our August Super Fan is a visual artist with a special affinity for improvisational music, which has spilled over into his jazz-themed painting series. In jazz, as in art, Jacob Cartwright values the past while embracing the forward momentum of the new. Plus he's really “down with the jazz cats"--read on to see what we mean! ...

5th Annual Charlie Parker Celebration: An Array of Musical Performances, Tributes & Education - 10 Days of Jazz from August 16-25, 2018

July 5, 2018

The Charlie Parker Celebration returns and will celebrate its 5th anniversary. Helping celebrate the 5th anniversary will be a local, multi-talented treasure, who has become a national and international entertainer, while spreading the word of Kansas City jazz. The treasure and one of this year’s Artist-in-Residence is Lonnie McFadden, a singer, trumpeter and tap dancer. Add ...

Matt Otto/Andy Ehling: Reunion

by Don Phipps
November 27, 2017

A Los Angeles import whose left an indelible mark on the Kansas City jazz scene, tenor sax and composer extraordinaire Matt Otto continues his run of successful jazz explorations with Reunion, a collaboration with 30-year friend and Bay Area, CA alto saxophonist Andy Ehling. Otto's music has always seemed a bit out of place ...

Pat Metheny: Driving Forces

by Ian Patterson
November 10, 2017

It's been five years since Pat Metheny was last interviewed by All About Jazz, a not inconsiderable period of time in any working musician's life and particularly in one quite as prolific as the Missouri guitarist/composer. At the time, Metheny was promoting his Unity Band featuring Chris Potter, Ben Williams and Antonio Sánchez. His unconcealed enthusiasm ...