KCUR Band of the Week: Kansas City Jazz Orchestra | KCUR 89.3
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Kansas City Jazz Orchestra is the region’s foremost big band, dedicated to preserving and advancing the tradition of Kansas City’s iconic jazz ensembles led by William “Count” Basie, Andy Kirk and Bennie Moten. After all, guest singer Marilyn Maye performed at the group’s first concert in 2003.
Currently led by artistic director and conductor Clint Ashlock, the large ensemble includes many of Kansas City’s most accomplished musicians. Longtime members of the aggregation include Jay Sollenberger, a trumpeter who performed in Stan Kenton’s breakthrough group and with the 70s jazz-rock ensemble Chase; and Charles Williams, a lyrical pianist who leads a popular soul group.
Wednesday’s concert list includes a variety of old and new holiday favorites, from the opening “Good Swing Wenceslas” to most of Vince Guaraldi’s “A Charlie Brown Christmas”. Kathleen Holeman, the singer who duets with David Bass in this version of “Baby It’s Cold Outside”, is also expected to perform:
Kansas City Jazz Orchestra A Christmas in Kansas City, 7 p.m. Wednesday, December 13, at Helzberg Hall, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, 1601 Broadway, Kansas City, Missouri, 64108; 816-994-7200. Clint Ashlock participates in a “jazz chat” at 6pm
KCUR contributor Bill Brownlee writes about the Kansas City jazz scene at Plastic saxophone.
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