2014v2Online

EDITOR’S CORNER
ROGER ATKINSON
When we lived in Baltimore, one of our favorite
musicians was pianist Reuben Brown, who lived in
Washington. Reuben was a “first call” pianist who would
play with the musicians who came through Baltimore
and Washington. He was also the “house pianist” at the
One Step Down in Washington, and he was in tenor
legend Buck Hill’s Quartet. Reuben had a bad stroke in
1995 which left him unable to play. I recently found that
he recorded a couple of CDs a year before his stroke for
SteepleChase, and hearing them brought back some great
memories. The CDs are Ice Scape, a trio date with bassist
Rufus Reid and drummer Billy Hart, and the solo Blue
and Brown. I highly recommend both.
Buck and Reuben were just a couple of the great
“local” musicians that made the scene in the Baltimore/
Washington special.
In Kansas City we have an abundance of riches with
the musicians who have chosen to live and work here.
And after a period when the jazz clubs slowly declined in
number, we are now excited to have a renaissance, with
several great venues opening and providing a welcome
outlet for our own local legends, while enabling a future
generation of legends to grow. We are back to a scene where
fans of live jazz have choices – often difficult choices – of
who to go hear. That’s what makes the scene here arguably
as good as any in the USA outside of New York and
Chicago. And when I make that point to folks, I rarely
get an argument.
For these clubs to thrive, we have to show the owners
of the clubs that their faith in us, the fans, is appreciated.
I urge all of our readers to get out and check out the new
venues and to visit the other clubs and restaurants who
present live jazz. And take a friend, too. They may discover
what we all know, that we have some of the best musicians
in the world here, and a night at a jazz club is a great night
of listening and often results in repeat visits. Help spread
the word!
2
Jazzin’ Up the Town!
Take a “PRIVATE JAZZ CRAWL” or “AN EVENING OF JAZZ” customized just for you!
Starting @ $65 per person for groups of 30 or more.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Call (913) 402-8151 or (913) 967-6767 or Email: privatejazzcrawls@kcjazzambassadors.com
APRIL + MAY 2014 • JAZZ AMBASSADOR MAGAZINE