Jammin' At the Gem Tickets

I've been an avid jazz fan for 40+ years and have had the privilege of seeing many great artists in venues from NYC to Chicago to New Orleans. But it is without hesitation that I say Saturday night's show in Kansas City's Gem theater (April 16) was amongst the most powerful performances I've ever seen. From Mr. Redmon's solo in the second song to the end of the night, the band was hyper energized in an incisive energy that could wake the dead. Dave King, Ethan Iverson, and Reid Anderson (the Bad Plus) always knock my socks off with their dynamic compositions and artful renditions, but adding Mr. Redmon is the catalytic ingredient that elevates this band (live) to truly epic levels. Hats off to all of you! And I am planning to buy the last remaining seat in St. Louis' Jazz at the Bistro this Wednesday to hear you again!

Patti Austin never disappoints her audience she was spectacular. What a night to remember. No doubt she gets better with age. Patti Austin thank you for coming to Kansas City.

In two hours there were eleven tunes sung and a twenty minute intermission. On top of that an acoustic rhythm section was gratuitously miked to the hilt causing bad sound in the room. Patti talked and talked and talked about everything including her political views. I didn't attend to hear a lecture with a few songs. The whole evening can be described in one word: disappointing.

Another stunning display of jazz, cabaret and showmanship by a master artist, Marilyn Maye. The fact that she is 87 years old and the toast of New York is beside the point. She is not to be missed!

I bought the tickets for my 80+ year old MIL and FIL - they have seen Miss Maye many times over the years and told me they were so very happy to have seen her again on Saturday night. They reported that her voice is still strong and she gave a nearly 2 hour performance - amazing stamina! I was told that Miss Maye's band sounds great and the In-Laws didn't know who had the most energy - the band or Marilyn. The In-Laws also said the GEM Theater was a wonderful, intimate setting for her show.

I had downloaded their first album from iTunes and when I learned they would be at the Gem Theater, I was thrilled. Joe Locke's vibraphone playing was outstanding, beyond category as Duke Ellington might have said, but Kenny Washington's singing was absolutely wonderful. It puts him in the top echelon of male jazz singers. The whole rhythm section, Ryan Cohan on piano, Loren Cohen on bass and Jameo Brown on drums, was outstanding. I am SO GLAD I made my way to the Gem last Saturday night!