Album Review: Kevin Mahogany- Gem Theater Live

While it’s almost certainly legitimate, Gem Theater Live possesses a few peculiarities associated with bootleg recordings. The sketchy album art and complete absence of publicity are among the traits making the July release of an undated recording by the late Kevin Mahogany  seem unauthorized. The music, however, is beyond reproach.

The Kansas City vocalist is joined by an elite band worthy of the late artist’s massive talent. Saxophonist Red Holloway, guitarist Phil Upchurch, pianist Norman Simmons, bassist Tyrone Clark and drummer Grady Tate enhance the blues-steeped set.

The concert probably transpired in the mid-1990s when Mahogany was beginning to be recognized internationally. The excellence of the performance and the emphasis on material not featured on his official releases makes Gem Theater Live an essential addition to Mahogany’s discography. In fact, the album is so intoxicating it should be illegal.

Plastic Sax’s Favorite Performances of 2023

Top Ten Performances by Kansas City Artists
1. Mike Dillon, Brian Haas and Nikki Glaspie at the Brick
Plastic Sax review.

2. Hermon Mehari at the Folly Theater
Plastic Sax review.

3. Adam Larson, Matt Clohesy and Jimmy Macbride at Westport Coffee House
Instagram clip.

4. Rod Fleeman at Green Lady Lounge
Instagram clip.

5.  Pat Metheny’s Side-Eye at Muriel Kauffman Theatre
Plastic Sax review.

6. Drew Williams, Alex Frank, Ben Tervort and Brian Steever at Westport Coffee House
Plastic Sax review.

7. Cynthia van Roden at the Market at Meadowbrook
Instagram snapshot.

8. Chalis O’Neal at the Blue Room
Instagram clip.

9. Alan Voss, Benjamin Baker, Forest Stewart and Evan Verploegh at Swope Park Pavilion
Plastic Sax review.

10. Rich Hill, Arnold Young and Rob Whitsitt in Volker Park
Instagram clip.

Top Ten Performances by Artists from Elsewhere
1. Samara Joy at the Folly Theater
Plastic Sax review.

2. Devin Gray and Maria Elena Silva at the Firehouse Gallery
Plastic Sax review.

3. Bill Frisell, Greg Tardy, Gerald Clayton and Johnathan Blake at the 1900 Building
Plastic Sax review.

4. Artemis at the Gem Theater
Plastic Sax review.

5. CRAG Quartet and Joshua Gerowitz at the Bunker Center for the Arts
Instagram clip.

6. Miguel Zenón Quartet at the Folly Theater
Plastic Sax review.

7. Henrique Eisenmann and Eugene Friesen at the 1900 Building
Plastic Sax review.

8. Robert Stillman at the Midland Theater
There Stands the Glass review.

9. Jack Wright and Ron Stabinsky at Charlotte Street Foundation
Instagram clip.

10. Rob Magill and Marshall Trammell at Farewell
Plastic Sax review.

(Last year’s survey is here.)

Now’s the Time: Alexa Tarantino

Alexa Tarantino’s headlining performance at the Folly Theater on Saturday, November 11, will be her third appearance in Kansas City this year. The saxophonist joined Artemis at the Gem Theater in March. (Plastic Sax review.) She played with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra at the Folly Theater last month. Tarantino will be accompanied by pianist Steven Feifke, bassist Felix Moseholm and drummer Charles Goold on Saturday.

Concert Review: Artemis at the Gem Theater

I fixated on an unsold ticket in the center of the front row for Artemis’ appearance at the Gem Theater during the first two weeks of March.  Two factors kept me from immediately pulling the trigger.  

At $81.20 including fees, it’d be among the most expensive concert tickets I’ve purchased.  Furthermore, the band’s mainstream jazz isn’t my favorite form of improvised music.  I’m glad I bought the ticket in a foolhardy moment.

My heart sank moments after sitting in the best seat in the house on Saturday, March 18.  A forest of music stands cluttered the stage, an indication my apprehensions were warranted.  Sure enough, the musicians buried their noses in charts for much of the 90-minute performance.

Yet the sextet won me over with prodigious talent, good cheer and unusual dynamics.  The latter element is epitomized by the contrast between pianist Renee Rosnes, a meticulous craftsperson, and the robustness of the charismatic drummer Allison Miller.  

Artemis’ comradery led to something I’d never seen on a bandstand: reed player Alexa Tarantino and bassist Noriko Ueda blew kisses to one another.  Trumpeter Ingrid Jensen cheered the impressive solos of her bandmates.  Razor-sharp blasts from her horn threatened to decapitate the otherwise fortunate fans up front.

The straight-ahead grounding of the music was balanced by occasional bursts of dissonance and plenty of sublime surprises.  Tarantino and saxophonist Nicole Glover successfully employed the sneaky tactic of beginning monumental statements with affected tentativeness.

Satisfied the monetary investment provided a priceless artistic experience, I joined the audience of more than 250 in giving the sextet a standing ovation.  Exceeding my entertainment budget was justified even if it means missing the next concert in the American Jazz Museum’s Jammin’ at the Gem series.

Original image by Plastic Sax.

Confirmation: Weekly News and Notes

*Angela Hagenbach spoke to Nick Spacek in advance of last weekend’s A Tribute to Black Composers concert.

*A blogger assessed a performance of improvised music at the Bunker Center for the Performing Arts.

*Northeast News published a press release about an extended jam session at the Blue Room on April 27.

*Joe Dimino filmed portions of Artemis’ concert at the Gem Theater.

*An editorial in The Kansas City Star proposes “18th & Vine International Airport” as the new name for the city’s airport.

*Tweet of the Week: Farewell- Extemporaneous Music and Arts Society presents a show with New Mexico’s La Practica, the EMAS Electro-Acoustic Ensemble, and Iris Appelquist on April 5.

Now’s the Time: Artemis

Six heavy hitters are in the current touring version of the prominent jazz ensemble Artemis.  Saxophonists Nicole Glover and Alexa Tarantino, trumpeter Ingrid Jensen, pianist Renee Rosnes, bassist Noriko Ueda and drummer Allison Miller perform at the Gem Theater on Saturday, March 18.

Confirmation: Weekly News and Notes

*Herbie Hancock, Robert Glasper, Thundercat and The Comet is Coming are among the jazz and jazz-adjacent artists performing at the inaugural Format Festival in Bentonville, Arkansas, in September.

*Drew Williams created an enhanced performance video filmed during his trio’s recent appearance at Westport Coffee House.

*A local television station reported on high school band performances at the Gem Theater.

*Joe Dimino shared a taste of a Preston Portley show at the Blue Room.  He also interviewed Miguel de Leon, Alyssa Murray and Anita Dixon and Robert Farmer.

*The author of this site lists his favorite albums, songs and performances of April at There Stands the Glass.

*Tweet of the Week: Pat Metheny- Exciting Side-Eye News We are thrilled to welcome a fantastic new player to the ongoing evolution of Pat's Side-Eye project. 24-year-old keyboard phenom Chris Fishman will be featured on the upcoming European tour (tour date graphic)

*From the Mutual Musicians Foundation: On Saturday, April 30 members will host an Open House to commemorate the 105th anniversary of the Mutual Musicians Foundation— the oldest jazz house in the world. The event, which coincides with International Jazz Day, will celebrate the history of the Foundation and its contributions to the art form. The general public is invited to sit in on live jam sessions, learn about upcoming events for the year-long tribute and the relaunch of KOJH; the Foundation's community radio station. (9:30 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.)

Now’s the Time: Kansas City Jazz & Blues: Past, Present & Future

Kansas City Jazz & Blues: Past, Present & Future was released to great fanfare in 2010.  Marilyn Maye performed at the premiere of Sue Vicory’s documentary at the Gem Theater.  The entire film now streams at YouTube.