Gil Scott-Heron, 1949-2011

Ever since my friend BGO informed me of the (not unexpected) news of Gil Scott-Heron's death last week, I've had an extraordinarily difficult time processing the loss. I just can't come to terms with the artist's absence. Several passes at providing a brief synopsis of what he meant to me have been inadequate. Alas, my despair "Ain't No New Thing".


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Along with a few friends, generous business and dozens of musicians, my friend C. organized Midcoast Cares: A Benefit For Joplin (Facebook login required). Please join me at Crosstown Station on Wednesday.

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Today's new releases, in order of personal preference: Tom Harrell, The Vaccines, My Morning Jacket, Trin-i-tee 5:7, Robert Pollard, Eliane Elias, John Adams, Playing For Change 2, Black Stone Cherry, Kate Bush, Death Cab for Cutie, Eddie Vedder, The Melvins, J.D. Souther, Flogging Molly and Jim Snidero.

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I reviewed The Kansas City Symphony's Celebration at the Station.

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"Is this live?" Miles Bonny interviewed Dudley Perkins.

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I'm enjoying NPR's free downloads of Aloe Blacc and Bob Mould performances. Grab 'em here.

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Kansas City Click: Buckethead returns to Crossroads KC on Tuesday.

Ha Ha Tonka is one of a dozen or so acts participating in Wednesday's benefit at Crosstown Station.

My favorite Joe Ely song isn't available at YouTube, so I'm forced to "Settle For Love". The Texas troubadour performs at Knuckleheads on Thursday.

(Original image by There Stands the Glass.)

Kansas City Wine

I'd been waiting for the moment for years. I've loved hanging out in the Jazz District for as long as I've been able to drive. In past decade, however, the area's live music offerings have been long on quality and short on quantity. I've typically attended a single event at a time in the 18th & Vine area.

Last night, however, I finally succeeded in experiencing a couple hours of musically rewarding club-hopping on weeknight that wasn't boosted by a festival or a major event. It sounds minor, but I was absolutely euphoric.

I began at the Blue Room, where about 30 people were taking in Makuza. Many in the small but sexy crowd danced. Everyone laughed when the malaprop-prone bandleader referenced "an internal joke." The sound of a blues trio led by Millage Gilbert pulled me in to Danny's Big Easy across the street. An even rowdier crowd was drinking and dancing to covers of familiar hits by Albert King, B.B. King and Slim Harpo.

"You take the drink," a sketchy guy told his wobbly dance partner as "Since I Met You Baby" concluded, "I take the purse."

He wasn't kidding. I decided to head to the Blues & Jazz Juke House before the obligation to thwart theft (or worse) spoiled my fun. The third club was more crowded still. So fun! Join me next time, won't you?

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This think piece by Billboard's editorial director is fascinating.

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Listen to snippets of the new live album by Lee Konitz, Brad Mehldau, Charlie Haden and Paul Motian here.

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Mike Stover's notes on the destruction in Joplin are very moving.

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Kansas City Click: The latest installment of Mark Lowrey vs. Hip Hop takes place Friday at Crosstown Station. It all began here. (I'm one of the Kansas City Skinny guys standing around in the parking lot.)

Janelle Monae and Bruno Mars appear Saturday at Independence Events Center.

Adler's Appetite hits the VooDoo Lounge on Sunday.

Cowboy Mouth play Crossroads KC on Monday.

(Original image of Danny's Big Easy by There Stands the Glass.)

Gabba Gaga: We Accept You, One of Us

"Gabba Gabba, We Accept You, One of Us!"


"Everybody's doing it." That's my excuse for purchasing Lady Gaga's new album for ninety-nine cents at Amazon yesterday. Sometimes a hopeless outsider just wants to feel like a part of something bigger. Pop culture provides an immediate bond with all who choose to participate. I haven't watched a single episode of American Idol this season. I don't go to movies. I only know Charlie Sheen from films about baseball and war. Yet my investment in Born This Way makes me a participant in what may be music's single biggest sales event of the year.

All of the above is at least partially true. I actually wanted to test Amazon's servers. The download literally took three hours. And one song, "Judas," never arrived. (I have yet to receive a response to email to customer service.) (UPDATE : Amazon successfully resolved the issue on May 26.)

The music? Oh yeah, that... Well, I liked Madonna back in the day. And Lady Gaga is probably no better or worse. As far as state-of-the-art disposable pop goes, however, I prefer the Black Eyed Peas and Rhymes-With-Snake.

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This week's other new releases, in order of personal preference: Art Brut, Smod, David Binney, MMG Presents: Self Made, Vol. 1, Sean Jones (album EPK), Joseph Arthur, Los Tigres Del Norte, Stephen Marley, Thurston Moore, Vieux Farka Toure, David Bazan, Ari Hoenig, Boris, Foster the People, Alex Sipiagin, Duff McKagan, Brad Paisley, Jadakiss, White Denim, Chip Taylor and Robin Guthrie.

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I reviewed Vanilla Ice, Jonathan Butler and Warren Haynes over the weekend.

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More acts have been added to Kanrocksas. Here's the revised list.

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I'd never heard of MerQury, but his video for "Rhythm of the Night," shot in Kansas City, looks expensive. (Via Tony's Kansas City.)

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Kansas City Click: Vedera play the Riot Room on Tuesday.

The Riot Room hosts The Givers on Wednesday.

Hermon Mehari oversees a tribute to Miles Davis at Crosstown Station on Thursday.

(Original image by There Stands the Glass.)

On the Clock

When smoking was prohibited from most of the area's public buildings a few years ago, the most noxious element associated with live music vanished. Finances aside, my new primary obstacle is time, or rather, the lack of it. Just like most civilians, I crawl out of bed around 6 a.m. Standing around in a club after midnight doesn't appeal to me. That's why I rejoiced when a 15-minute countdown clock (pictured) was posted during the intermission of last night's concert by Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Experience. Sure enough, the lights went down when the clock reached 0:00. Such consideration for fans is all too rare. I may never forgive one artist who kept his (former) fans needlessly waiting for over two hours in 2009.

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I may be lonesome, on'ry and mean, but I have nothing but nice things to say about Thursday's outing by Jason Bonham's band.

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Here's a snippet of a new remix of the Blue Riddim Band's "Nancy Reagan." (Via Wayward Blog.)

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Here's a clip from Toumastin, the forthcoming album from Aratan N Tinariwen. (Via BigSteveNO.)

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Bay Area hip hop star Messy Marv allegedly performs Friday at the Scottish Rite Temple.

Hammerlord returns to the Riot Room on Saturday.

Alaturka plays Jardine's on Sunday.

A free jam session takes place every Monday at the American Jazz Museum's Blue Room.

(Original image by There Stands the Glass.)

Review: The Gypsy Folk Circus of Dirty Bourbon River Show

Dirty Bourbon River Show- "Spectacular & Magnificent Day" (video)

In an unsolicited pitch to your humble correspondent, a member of Dirty Bourbon River Show characterized his band's approach as "New Orleans Gypsy Folk Circus." There's no way I could pass on that.

Sure enough, I adore the collective's Volume 2. The new album demonstrates that the members of Dirty Bourbon River Show hold Kurt Weill and Professor Longhair in equally high regard.

While the band's pithy description is unique, Dirty Bourbon River Show is hardly the first act to stumble down the same neon-lit path. The genre's godfather, of course, is Tom Waits. Calexico, Gogel Bordello and Nick Cave are kissing cousins. Honorary influences include Chet Baker, Leonard Cohen, Screamin' Jay Hawkins, Billie Holiday, Edith Piaf, Django Reinhardt and Jimmy Scott.

That's mighty fine company for circus folk.


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This week's new releases, in order of personal preference: Danger Mouse & Daniele Luppi, James Carter, Meredith Monk, Ran Blake, Tinie Tempah, JD Allen, Iggy Pop, Hank III, Killer Mike, Levon Helm, Matraca Berg, New Boyz, Bela Fleck & the Flecktones, Ben Harper, Face to Face, The Elected, Moby and Elvin Bishop.

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Busta Rhymes, Twista and Yelawolf join Tech N9ne on "Worldwide Choppers". Cha!

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Snooky Young has died. (Initial tip from BGO.)

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Here's raw footage of a performance by new Kansas City band BeardKCrazy. It's like a mashup of King Sunny Ade's Syncro System and Miles Davis' On the Corner.

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Rockfest! Here's my review.

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Kansas City Click: Portugal the Man appear at the Record Bar on Tuesday.

Max Justus is on Wednesday's bill at the Record Bar.

Jason Bonham does this Thursday at the Voodoo Lounge.

(Original image by There Stands the Glass.)

Ultraviolence: Tyler the Creator vs. Atmosphere

Atmosphere- "Just For Show" video
Tyler the Creator- "Yonkers" video

I intended to dedicate my listening time on Tuesday to Goblin, the new album by Tyler the Creator. Yet I found it difficult to tear myself away from The Family Sign, the latest release from Atmosphere. Filled with pain songs about death and disappointment, The Family Sign hits close to home.

Atmosphere may be old hat, but Slug and Ant enjoyed hot-new-thing status just a decade ago. Slug now raps convincingly about the travails of adulthood. And while he name-checks Gang Starr, songs like "Who I'll Never Be" show that Slug is also down with the classic rock of Lynyrd Skynyrd.

The nihilistic Goblin doesn't connect with me in the same way. I find Slug's portrait of a "Bad Bad Daddy" far more distressing than Tyler's Clockwork Orange-style tales of ultraviolence.

Besides, Tyler's attempts to shock listeners don't always work in the land of Tech N9ne. Been there. Done that. Anyone can smash something. Only experience allows the ramifications of anarchy to be wholly understood. Slug and Ant get it. Tyler will learn soon enough.


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Here's a new track from Miles Bonny's forthcoming album.

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Kansas City Click: Will Mathews plays guitar Friday at the Blue Room

Friends think I'm kidding when I express enthusiasm for Rockfest. Don't tell anyone, but I'd go to Saturday's festival even if I wasn't being paid to attend.

James Harman, one of the most under-appreciated men in blues, visits BB's Lawnside BBQ on Sunday.

Reptet and Beard Crazy perform at the Record Bar on Monday.

(Original image by There Stands the Glass.)

Review: The Captain Black Big Band

Captain Black Big Band EPK

One thing, as they say, leads to another. Little did I know when I named Bobby Watson's The Gates BBQ Suite my top album of 2010 that I'd soon become immersed in big band jazz. My favorite new album in the form is Orrin Evans' Captain Black Big Band. Evans, as jazz obsessives know (and the rest of the world doesn't care about), is a Watson protege. Boasting a bevy of ringers like saxophonist Tim Warfield, the Philadelphia-based big band is raucous but squarely within the tradition. Evans' arrangement on the first minute of "Inheritance" epitomizes everything that's good about the powerfully soulful groove that only be attained by a big band. "Jena 6," the title of one adventurous composition, reflects the band's contemporary sensibility. The illicit speakeasy atmosphere of live recording on the Posi-Tone label is entirely winning.

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Today's new releases, in the order of my personal preference: Tyler the Creator, Jesu, Raphael Saadiq, Samantha Fish/Cassie Taylor/Dani Wilde, Manchester Orchestra, Randy Newman, Gerald Clayton, Black Label Society, Colin Vallon and Patrice Moret, Okkervil River, Nigeria 70- Sweet Times: Afro-Funk Highlife, Sea & Cake, Booker T. Jones, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Anvil, The Cars, Larry Goldings, Blue October, Bruce Barth Trio, Man Man and Greg Brown.

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I'm genuinely impressed by Samantha Fish and company's take on the Rolling Stones' "B*tch".

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Guitarist Cornell Dupree has died.

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John Walker of the Walker Brothers has died.

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Kansas City Click: Tim Whitmer plays at Accurso's on Tuesdays.

My Life With the Thrill Kill Cult is ostensibly appearing Wednesday at El Torreon.

Jessica Lea Mayfield is at the Record Bar on Thursday.

(Original image by There Stands the Glass.)

Review: Garage a Trois- Always Be Happy, But Stay Evil

Always Be Evil, But Stay Happy EPK

Like many of my associates, I'm prone to occasionally waxing poetic as I recall the ill-fated band Morphine. Nothing will ever replace the work of the late Mark Sandman, but with Always Be Happy, But Stay Evil, the new album by Garage a Trois, sorrowful Morphine fans can find at least a temporary cure for their pain.

Much of the album seems like a tense prelude to unspeakable acts of violence. The atmospheric "Chimp and Flower" would be perfect for the opening credit sequence of a disturbing horror film. The cinematic musicality of the album's quieter moments even brings Ry Cooder's excellent soundtrack work to mind.

Although vibraphonist Mike Dillon (a sometime Kansas Citian) and saxophonist Skerik are members of The Dead Kenny G's and Garage a Trois, the latter band is substantially more polished. The presence of drummer Stanton Moore and new music gadfly Marco Benevento help steer the noirish instrumental band toward the mainstream. I've witnessed the Dead Kenny G's serve as a successful opening act for Primus, but Garage a Trois would fit comfortably on the same bill with Medeski Martin & Wood, Bela Fleck & the Flecktones or the Flaming Lips.

Take heed, my fellow sad sacks- this compelling new album will keep you on the path of evil.


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I reviewed the Moody Blues' concert Thursday at the Midland Theater. I also reviewed a collaboration between NewEar and the Owen/Cox Dance Ensemble last week.

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Here's the tranquil scene at Charlie Parker's grave earlier this week. This is my happy place.

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Who are the cool kids on Kansas City's music scene? Here's an interesting list.

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Kansas City Click: Karrin Allyson will showcase her new album Saturday at the Folly Theater.

The wonderful Ledisi appears with Kem and Donell Jones at Municipal Auditorium on Sunday.

Millie Edwards sings at the Phoenix on Mondays.

The Abel Ramirez Big Band appears at the former site of the Gold Buffet on Tuesdays.

(Original image by There Stands the Glass.)

Here Comes the Water: Dengue Fever's Cannibal Courtship

Cannibal Courtship EPK

Cannibal Courtship, the new album by Dengue Fever, is good. But it's not as good as this. Or this. Or this. A deliberately kitschy homage to vintage Cambodian pop, the album is a lot of fun. Much of it, however, is just plain wacky. Even though I'm down on Cannibal Courtship, I hope I get a chance to see the band this year. I'll be the guy hollering for "Cement Slippers", my favorite song on the new album.

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Today's new releases, in order of personal preference: Shinedown (recorded in Kansas City, 2010), Karrin Allyson, Big Scoob, Loudon Wainwright III (box set), Brandi Carlile, Musiq Soulchild, Beastie Boys, Sixx: A.M., Kelly Price, Fleet Foxes, Galactic, Tara Nevins, Jennifer Lopez and Priscilla Ahn.

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I love the lady, but I absolutely detest Emmylou Harris' latest release. So whiny!

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Kansas City Click: Social Distortion returns to the Beaumont Club on Tuesday.

Danzig plays the VooDoo on Wednesday.

Bob Seger, the "Ramblin' Gamblin' Man" entertains at the Sprint Center on Thursday.

(Original image by There Stands the Glass.)