MATTHEWS CD REVIEW
The Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors Magazine (JAM) has reviewed COUNT ON SWININ' (ARC-2109) by Will Matthews in their latest issue. We send our sincere thanks to Tristan Smith for the thoughtful and descriptive narrative of this outstanding recording found on page 33 and 34 in their classy regional magazine. JAM is published bi-monthly by the non-profit organization dedicated to the development and promotion of Kansas City jazz. The publication is available in both print and .pdf formats, both editions are free.
“TRADING POST” SOUTHERN EXCURSION QUARTET (ARC) * * * *
In addition to charting on jazz radio, this expressive release by the Southern Excursion Quartet continues to garner positive reviews at all levels of the media. Personnel are: Don Aliquo tenor or soprano saxophones; pianist, Michael Jefrey Stevens; bassist, Jonathan Wires and drummer, Tom Giampietro.
PRESS AND MEDIA INQUIRIES WELCOME
Please contact ARC to initiate your request for:
> Artist Interviews via telephone and email
> Jazz Radio Programmer requests for CDs for airplay
> Published Journalist requests for CDs to review
> Music Licensing Inquiries
ARC CONTINUES TO GROW
The recent addition of new members, Matt Otto (tenor saxophonist, composer, and educator) and Grammy nominated saxophonist, Loren Pickford highlight the continued positive growth of the Artists Recording Collective. There is considerable interest among the worldwide music community at large in joining the ARC roster.
Stay tuned for more to follow...
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GRAMMY - CHICAGO CHAPTER NEWS
On Monday night, October 5th, the New Music Seminar will hold their opening night reception from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. at Smart Bar (3730 N. Clark Street, Chicago). Chicago Chapter members are invited to network with other music people from the area and around the country who are attending the Seminar the following day. You don't need to be registered for the conference to attend the mixer.
MR. BRADY SELECTED - A "BEST OF" KANSAS CITY
Honorary ARC Member, Leon Brady was recently honored and recognized by The Pitch magazine in Kansas City. Congratulations to Mr. Brady and the Kansas City Youth Jazz (KCYJ) organization from ARC. Thanks for the vital work you do to perpetuate the American musical artform. Visit Mr. Brady and KCYJ at:
www.KCYouthJazz.org
Check out the full article link after this exerpt...
Arts & Entertainment - The Teacher
STORY BY: C.J. Janovy (The Pitch)
(Photo by Angela C. Bond)
Leon Brady knows what people say about the art form that put Kansas City on the world's map.
"I tell people: If you think jazz is dying or dead, visit 1317 Central."
Throughout the year, Kansas City Youth Jazz bands will play constantly, taking as many gigs as Brady and his wife, Linda, can book — at the Blue Room at 18th Street and Vine; at private parties; at the gritty Kansas City, Kansas, Street Blues Festival in late June; at the Red Cross annual Red Ball fundraiser at the Sprint Center.
The Bradys started this project eight years ago, but Leon has been teaching music in Kansas City since he got here in 1957. He had grown up in New Orleans, standing outside clubs and listening to the music inside, then he joined the Air Force. The way he tells it, he didn't want to peel potatoes, so he lied and said he could play the drums. He went to military music school and ended up in a combo with other players who went on to be superstars, though Brady won't divulge them to Pitch readers because he doesn't want to look like a name-dropper.
By the time he got to Kansas City, lured by its jazz reputation, the heyday was fading. He took teaching jobs at Northeast Junior High School in KCK and, later, at Sumner High School. Often, big touring acts passing through town hired him to sit in on drums. In return, Brady strong-armed them into visiting his classes. That's how generations of young Kansas City players got face time with Clark Terry, Maynard Ferguson, Max Roach, Cannonball Adderley, Stan Kenton, Grover Washington Jr. and Dizzy Gillespie.