The Top 25 Kansas City Jazz Albums of the Past 25 Years

Despite enduring constant turbulence during the first 25 years of the new millennium, Kansas City’s jazz musicians never ceased creating timeless art. The following list highlights a fraction of the vital recordings released since 2000. The recency bias on display reflects Plastic Sax’s founding in 2007 as well as the uptick in the quantity and quality of releases in recent years. A corresponding non-jazz albums ranking is here.

1. Peter Schlamb- Tinks (2004)
2. Logan Richardson- Shift (2016)
3. Bobby Watson- Back Home in Kansas City (2022)
4. Hermon Mehari- Asmara (2022)
5. Bob Bowman- Songs for Sandra (2014)
6. Pat Metheny- Orchestrion (2010)
7. Ahmad Alaadeen- And the Beauty of It All (ASR 2007)
8. Karrin Allyson- Imagina: Songs of Brasil (2008)
9. Steve Cardenas- Panoramic (2002)
10. Mike Dillon- Inflorescence (2023)

11. Deborah Brown- Songbird (2003)
12. Adam Larson- With Love, From Kansas City (2022)
13. Myra Taylor- My Night to Dream (2001)
14. Matt Otto and Ensemble Ibérica- Ibérica (2017)
15. The People’s Liberation Big Band of Greater Kansas City- The People’s Liberation Big Band of Greater Kansas City (2010)
16. Kevin Mahogany- Pride & Joy (2002)
17. Micah Herman- The Ship, Vol. 1: The Studio Sessions (2011)
18. EMAS Quartet- EMS (2022)
19. Eddie Moore and the Outer Circle- Kings & Queens (2016)
20. Rod Fleeman Trio- Saturday Afternoon Live at Green Lady Lounge, Volume 3 (2024)

21. Alaturka- Tamam Abi (2010)
22. Betty Bryant- Lotta Livin' (2024)
23. Everette DeVan- For the Love of You (2014)
24. Gregory Hickman-Williams- Passages (2006)
25. Marcus Lewis Big Band- Brass and Boujee (2018)

Concert Review: Steve Cardenas at Westport Coffee House

The singular sensibility of Steve Cardenas has made the guitarist a distinctive voice in the international jazz scene for more than 25 years. Balancing exquisite prettiness with intimations of uneasiness, Cardenas exemplifies the dynamic Thelonious Monk characterized as "Ugly Beauty".

The New York based guitarist from Kansas City exhibited the latest refinements of his sound at Westport Coffee House on Wednesday, May 22. About 75 people paid $20 apiece to take in the first of two sets.

As at his previous headlining show in Kansas City at recordBar in 2022, Cardenas was joined by bassist Forest Stewart and drummer Brian Steever. The duo accentuated the quiet ferocity embedded in Cardenas’ understated approach. 

The peculiar way in which Cardenas plays pretty was showcased throughout the seven selections. The serenity of the opener, John Coltrane’s “Trane’s Slo Blues,” was adulterated by a slightly sinister touch. The swinging take on Steve Swallow’s “Ladies in Mercedes” that closed the set contained a correspondingly delectable element of danger.

Set list, first set: Trane’s Slo Blues; Lost and Found; How Deep Is the Ocean; Everything I’m Not; Blue Language; House of Jade; Ladies in Mercedes

Album Review: Ben Allison, Steve Cardenas and Ted Nash- Tell the Birds I Said Hello: The Music of Herbie Nichols

Drummers are the worst. That’s a natural response to the flawless new album by the drummer-less trio of bassist Ben Allison, the one-time Kansas City guitarist Steve Cardenas and saxophonist Ted Nash. Without a drummer muddying the waters with percussive clatter, the chamber jazz of Tell the Birds I Said Hello: The Music of Herbie Nichols shimmers with undiluted clarity. Allison explains the set consists of “eight tunes that Herbie never recorded.” Nichols died in 1963, but the trio’s interpretations of his compositions are entirely up to date. The addition of a drummer would have broken the delicate spell cast on Tell the Birds I Said Hello.

Album Reviews: Steve Cardenas- Drop the Rock and New Year

Steve Cardenas, the New York based guitarist who developed his exquisite sound on Kansas City’s jazz scene, is featured on a pair of new albums released by Sunnyside Records.

The New York City drummer Greg Joseph makes his recording debut as a leader on Drop the Rock. Joseph, Cardenas, and Larry Goldings play an intellectually elevated and artistically ambitious form of organ jazz.

Cardenas’ playing is all substance and no flash. Goldings may be the most accomplished organist of his generation. Joseph oversees selections ranging from greasy grooves in the tradition of Jack McDuff to the sort of psychedelic jams associated with Medeski Martin & Wood.

The trio pauses from good-time juking for an exquisite ballad. The breathtaking “Nina’s Lullaby” resembles an appreciative elegy. Cardenas’ contribution is particularly thoughtful.

“Nina’s Lullaby” aside, Drop the Rock sounds like the soundtrack at a rowdy summer barbecue. New Year, Cardenas’ duo album with guitarist Jim Campilongo, might serve as a hushed meditation ideally suited to the following morning.

A campfire folk reading of “Home On the Range” is indicative of the contemplative and organic tone of New Year. Singular takes on “Cherokee” and “Caravan” will appeal to fans of innovators like Julian Lage and Marc Ribot.

Drop the Rock and New Year extend Cardenas’ winning streak. Healing Power: The Music of Carla Bley (2022) and Blue Has a Range (2020) are minor classics. He’s a guitar hero for listeners who appreciate subtle displays of brilliance.

Album Review: Alan Voss Quartet- Baobab

Alan Voss recognizes that louder isn’t better.  The Kansas City guitarist plays with subtle restraint on Baobab.  Opting for contemplative elegance on a debut album is a bold artistic choice during an era dominated by brash volume.  His affinity for quietude makes Voss an artistic descendent of the one-time Kansas City guitarist Steve Cardenas.  The impression is enhanced by the contributions of bassist Forest Stewart, a frequent Cardenas collaborator.  Baobab also features saxophonist Benjamin Baker and drummer Evan Verploegh.  Hearing the two fiery musicians in a subdued context is intriguing.  The quartet’s circumspect interaction is the most rewarding element of the serene Baobab.

Confirmation: Weekly News and Notes

*Rod Fleeman discussed his new album with Steve Kraske on KCUR’s Up to Date program.

*Nina Cherry caught up with Marilyn Maye.

*A television station reports on concerns related to the latest round of development plans for the Jazz District.

*Snippets of a Jackie Myers performance at Ophelia’s were captured by Joe Dimino.

*More than 500 albums received votes in the 17th Annual Francis Davis Jazz Critics Poll.  Kansas City is represented by Bobby Watson’s Back Home in Kansas City (#106), Steve Cardenas’ Healing Power: The Music of Carla Bley (#125), Pat Metheny’s Side-Eye NYC (#347) and Hermon Mehari’s Asmara (#414). My ballot is here.

*No Kansas City establishments are among the 106 venues listed in Downbeat’s 2023 International Jazz Venue Guide.

*Tweet of the Week: StrayhornProject- Congratulations to Caden Bradshaw from Kansas City, winner of our ‘Strayhorn; An Illustrated Life’ book raffle. Caden is an up and coming jazz pianist himself. We will continue to wish him well on his musical journey! (photo)

Plastic Sax’s Favorite Albums of 2022

The Top Ten Kansas City Jazz Albums of 2022

1. Bobby Watson- Back Home in Kansas City

Review.

2. Hermon Mehari- Asmara

Review.

3. Steve Cardenas- Healing Power: The Music of Carla Bley

Review.

4. Adam Larson Trio- With Love, From Kansas City

Review.

5. Adam Larson Trio- With Love, From Chicago

Review.

6. Krista Kopper and Evan Verploegh- For the Trees

Review.

7. Arnold Young and the Roughtet- Fear Is the Mind Killer

Review.

8. Rod Fleeman Trio- Saturday Afternoon: Live at Green Lady Lounge

9. Matt Villinger’s All Night Trio- All Faded

Review.

10. Stephen Martin- High Plains

Review.

The Top Ten Jazz Albums of 2022 by Artists from Elsewhere

1. Moor Mother- Jazz Codes

2. Mary Halvorson- Belladonna

3. Nate Wooley- Ancient Songs of Burlap Heroes

4. Dave Douglas- Songs of Ascent: Book 1- Degrees

5. Anat Cohen- Quartetinho

6. Matthew Shipp Trio- World Construct

7. Tyshawn Sorey- The Off-Off Broadway Guide to Synergism

8. Nduduzo Makhathini- In The Spirit of Ntu

9. Gerald Clayton- Bells on Sand

10. Daniel Villarreal- Panamá 77

Links to previous annual surveys begin here.

Plastic Sax's Favorite Performances of 2022

Top Performances by Kansas City Artists

1. Logan Richardson + Blues People at the Ship

Review.

2. Adam Larson, Clark Sommers and Dana Hall at Westport Coffee House

Review.

3. Black Crack Revue at Westport Coffee House

Review.

4. Steve Cardenas, Forest Stewart and Brian Steever at recordBar

Review.

5. Arnold Young and the RoughTet at the Ship

Instagram clip.

6. Bob Bowman and Peter Schlamb at Second Presbyterian Church

Review.

7. Evan Verplough and Ben Baker at World Culture KC

Review.

8. Rod Fleeman at Green Lady Lounge

9. Alter Destiny at Charlotte Street Foundation

Review.

10. Drew Williams, Ben Tervort and Brian Steever at Westport Coffee House

Review.

Top Performances by Artists from Elsewhere

1. Nduduzo Makhathini at the Blue Room

Review.

2. Ohma at the Midland theater

Review.

3. Livia Nestrovski and Henrique Eisenmann at the 1900 Building

Review.

4. High Pulp at recordBar

Review.

5. Phillip Greenlief at Bushranger Records

Review.

6. Terence Blanchard at Atkins Auditorium

Review.

7. Keefe Jackson, Jakob Heinemann and Adam Shead at Black Dolphin

Instagram photo.

8. Esthesis Quartet at the Blue Room

Instagram clip.

9. Kind Folk at the Black Box

Instagram clip.

10. Bill Summers and Forward Back at Dunbar Park

Review.

Confirmation: Weekly News and Notes

*Eddie Moore chatted with Steve Kraske on KCUR’s Up To Date.  His portion of the segment begins around the 12-minute mark.

*Skateboard celebrity Sean Malto cites Green Lady Lounge as one of his favorite Kansas City haunts in a Thrillist feature.

*Tim Whitmer’s letter praising the late Charlie Wheeler was published by The Kansas City Star.

*Joe Dimino interviewed Deborah Brown and shared footage of a performance by the JCCC Faculty Jazz Quintet.

*Footage of Leon Brady’s 90th birthday party was uploaded to YouTube.

*Wyandotte Daily published a press release for m-pact’s activities at Kansas City Kansas Community College.

*Tweet of the Week: Steve Paul- "Healing Power: The Music of Carla Bley," by Steve Cardenas, Ben Allison, Ted Nash.

Album Review: Steve Cardenas, Ben Allison and Ted Nash- Healing Power: The Music of Carla Bley

Gullible listeners who mistake volume for quality are unlikely to appreciate Healing Power: The Music of Carla Bley. The new album doesn’t contain deafening drum solos or screeching vocals. Instead, the trio of guitarist Steve Cardenas, bassist Ben Allison and saxophonist/clarinetist Ted Nash interpret nine Bley compositions with solemn quietude. Cardenas, a former Kansas City resident who performed at recordBar four months ago, consistently flirts with silence. Nash, best known for his affiliation with Jazz at Lincoln Center, and Allison, one of the leading bassists of the new millennium, match Cardenas’ serenity on their third recording as a trio. Their sublime restraint is, in fact, restorative.

Concert Review: Steve Cardenas at recordBar

Giovanni Russonello’s "Where Jazz Lives Now" treatise in The New York Times generated a kerfuffle in jazz circles last week.  The controversial article asserts that most performances of groundbreaking improvised music no longer transpire in venues dedicated to jazz.

The claim rings true in Kansas City.  A significant portion of adventurous jazz programming in the region during the past 15 years has been presented under the auspices of the Jeff Harshbarger Presents series at the rock-oriented venue recordBar.

Members of an attentive audience of about 100 paid $15 to hear a homecoming concert by the New York based guitarist Steve Cardenas at recordBar on Sunday, March 20.  Cardenas was joined by bassist Forest Stewart and drummer Brian Steever in the series’ first presentation since the onset of the pandemic.

In spite of its unconventional setting, little of the internecine contention generated by Russonello’s feature applied to the outing.  The trio’s elevated musicianship was beyond destructive turf wars.  They implied avant-garde wooliness even as they evinced Kansas City-style swing.

Renditions of original compositions by Cardenas and Stewart were as potent as the standards performed by the trio.  The strong show of support, superlative sound and exceptional music made debate irrelevant.  Kansas City’s jazz scene seemed entirely cohesive, healthy and robust at a rock club last Sunday.

First set: Wail (Bud Powell), Newer Normal (Forest Stewart), Lost and Found (Steve Cardenas), Fleurette Africaine (Duke Ellington), Don Formation (Forest Stewart), untitled (Steve Cardenas), Ladies in Mercedes (Steve Swallow)

Confirmation: Weekly News and Notes

*The Kansas City musician Marvin Jones has died.

*Johnnie’s Jazz Bar & Grille in downtown Kansas City will transform into a Harry Potter-themed space for seven days in April.

*Steve Paul filmed a portion of Steve Cardenas’ appearance at recordBar.  Joe Dimino documented Angela Ward Trio’s recent midday show at the Blue Room.

*Marc Myers admires Frank Foster at JazzWax.

*Tweet of the Week: Michael Eaton- I'm in Kansas City on April 20, playing with Second Nature Ensemble for the EMAS series at @CharlotteStreetaround 8:30pm. A great concert series worth your support! SN is a mix of free jazz, new music, and electronic music, aiming to do something different in KC jazz + improv.

Now's the Time: Steve Cardenas

EDIT: THIS PERFORMANCE HAS BEEN POSTPONED

The accomplished guitarist Steve Cardenas performs with pianist Jon Cowherd, bassist Ben Allison and drummer Allan Mednard in the embedded video. Cardenas will be joined by bassist Forest Stewart and drummer Brian Steever at recordBar on Tuesday, December 28.

Album Review: Steve Cardenas- Charlie & Paul

Newvelle Records has an intriguing business model.  The high-fidelity albums released by the French label are initially available only as premium vinyl offerings.  The digital moratorium on Steve Cardenas’ 2017 album Charlie & Paul ended last week.  The rest of the world can finally hear the elite improvistations a cadre of audiophile enthusiasts have relished for several years.  Intended as a tribute to Charlie Haden and Paul Motian, the album features the former Kansas City resident Cardenas (guitar), Loren Stillman (saxophone), Thomas Morgan (bass) and Matt Wilson (drums).  The quartet’s freewheeling interpretations of compositions by the late bassist and drummer are extraordinary.  Cardenas magnanimously provides ample space for his colleagues.  Morgan sounds particularly magnificent.  The closing track "There in a Dream" is representative of the refined tone of Charlie & Paul.

Album Review: Steve Million- What I Meant to Say

Musicians have long been required to play with tactful quietude if they intend to find steady work in Kansas City’s jazz venues.  Three outstanding musicians who performed together in Kansas City in the late 1970s and early 1980s subtly subvert the low-key approach on an instructive new album.

Joined by bassist John Sims, pianist Steve Million, guitarist Steve Cardenas and drummer Ron Vincent play straight-ahead jazz with exacting brilliance on What I Meant to Say.  The album’s low simmer is unobtrusive enough to augment the plush ambience of the lounge of an upscale Kansas City hotel.  Yet attentive listeners will appreciate the quartet’s conspiratorial embellishments.

Cardenas flashes a tantalizing glimpse of his wild side on “The Company.”  “Missing Page” contains stirring shades of John Coltrane’s “Naima.”  “Old Earl” is a melodic gem.  Seemingly recalling the strictures of Kansas City gig life, What I Meant to Say is a modestly triumphant exercise in transforming limitation into liberation.

Now’s the Time: Steve Cardenas

The subdued nature of Steve Cardenas’ music is almost certainly correlated to his relatively low profile. The guitarist who once called Kansas City home is among the most underappreciated artists in improvised music.

Confirmation: Weekly News and Not

*From a press release: Acclaimed Ailey dancer and Resident Choreographer Jamar Roberts’ A Jam Session for Troubling Times was unveiled yesterday, inspired by saxophonist and composer Charlie “Bird” Parker as part of the Bird100 centennial celebration. At a time in our world rife with chaos and uncertainty, Jamar Roberts uses the energy, nuance, and virtuosity of the ‘bebop’ sound as a vehicle to lift our spirits and demonstrate that we are stronger than our circumstances in an upbeat, quirky, and accessible work filmed by Emily Kikta and Peter Walker... Film can be viewed now through December 21.

*Tweet of the Week: PopMatters- Steve Cardenas - Blue Has a Range (@SunnysideRec) is one of the 20 Best Jazz Albums of 2020 Cardenas' latest is witty and fun and playful in the extreme.

Plastic Sax’s Favorite Albums of 2020

The pandemic failed to forestall a strong slate of new albums by Kansas City’s jazz musicians.  A ranking of the year’s top live performances is missing for sadly obvious reasons.

Favorite Albums by Kansas City Artists

1. Bobby Watson- Keepin' It Real (My review.)

2. Molly Hammer- I'm Feeling Mellow

3. Mike Dillon- Rosewood (My review.)

4. Steve Cardenas- Blue Has a Range (My review.)

5. Pat Metheny- From This Place (My review.)

6. Brian Scarborough- Sunflower Song (My review.)

7. Guitar Elation- Double Live at Green Lady Lounge (My review.)

8. Matt Otto- Alliance (My review.)

9. Flutienastiness- This Is Me (My review.)

10. Purna Loka Ensemble- Metaraga

Favorite Albums by Artists From Elsewhere

1. Jyoti- Mama, You Can Bet!

2. Jennifer Curtis and Tyshawn Sorey- Invisible Ritual

3. Ambrose Akinmusire- On the Tender Spot of Every Calloused Moment

4. Bill Frisell- Valentine

5. Kaja Draksler Octet- Out For Stars

6. Jeremy Pelt- The Art of Intimacy, Vol. 1

7. Angelica Sanchez and Marilyn Crispell- How to Turn the Moon

8. Sara Serpa- Recognition

9. Rudresh Mahanthappa- Hero Trio

10. Brad Mehldau- Suite: April 2020

I conducted the same exercise at Plastic Sax the each of the last ten years. Expanded rankings of my favorite albums of 2020 by Kansas City musicians are published at my nondenominational music site There Stands the Glass.

Confirmation: Weekly News and Notes

*Steve Cardenas is featured on the October 6 episode of the GuitarWank podcast. (Tip via PF.)

*Jim Mair chatted with Joe Dimino.

*Kevin Collison reports on an ambitious new proposal for the vacant, city-owned Boone Theater in the Jazz District.

*Tweet o’ the Week: The Independent- Suddenly, classical radio is back. Almost exactly 20 years after its disappearance from the FM dial, the music that KC is becoming known for worldwide has made its way onto local airwaves again. On June 30th, 91.9 Classical KC went live.