There's nothing like a jazz jam session to bring people together.

It's like a pot of musical gumbo. You mix a few senior jazz musicians in with a few young ones who will play until dawn. Add in a good cause and some assistance from the Mutual Musicians Foundation, and the get-together leads to a good time had by all.

I'm still trying to catch up on my sleep. From noon Monday until noon Tuesday, I was host of a 24-hour jam session at 18th Street and the Paseo in the Historic 18th and Vine Jazz District. Someone else called it my 24 hours of jazz insomnia.

The jam session, my second, was to draw attention to the Coda Jazz Fund Benefit Concert being held Saturday night at the Gem Theater.

This year's jam session brought together a wide array of talent, ranging from a young girl singer to a band featuring nobody younger than 75.

All the musicians expressed a common theme. They wanted to help the Coda Jazz Fund and play with musicians they had never played with before.

At noon Monday, a small combo featuring singer Arrika Brazil, drummer Sam Johnson Jr. and pianist Murray Fields kicked off the session. It wasn't long before trumpeter Lonnie McFadden and many other musicians started dropping by.

David Abrams, a trombone player, was glad to participate.

"I figured this would be a great opportunity to come down and play with some people I might not play with," Abrams said. "It's a good way to help support jazz in Kansas City."

Abrams was elated to have played a few tunes with McFadden.

"That was quite a thrill," he said. "You just hope some of that skill rubs off on you."

Chris Hazelton, 20, who attends Kansas City Kansas Community College, played organ. He stayed until 3 a.m. and also played bass and guitar.

"I love to play jazz organ," Hazelton said. "I came out because I heard there would be some great players here. I want to help the Coda Jazz Fund.

"It was a fun time, and I met some new people."

Like Abrams, Hazelton savored playing alongside McFadden.

"That was amazing," he said. "I hope I get to do that again."

In the afternoon, a brief spate of rain fell. But just as quickly as the rain cropped up, the sky cleared and the jam session continued. On with the show.

Don Nelson, a trumpet player, brought three of his band members with him.

"This is my passion," Nelson said. "It's so fun not only playing the music but working with the people. Music keeps musicians young. All four of my main members are over 75."

Around 11:30 p.m., the jam session moved to the Mutual Musicians Foundation, 1823 Highland Ave.

In the wee hours, Norman Williams, 68, an alto saxophonist from San Francisco, was playing with a group of young musicians.

"I really enjoyed it," Williams said afterward. "Everybody had a nice feeling for the music. Everybody had a good attitude. And that's the main thing."

By 9 a.m. Tuesday, musicians were back on the corner at 18th and the Paseo. Singer Ray Reed, who helped organize the event, sang a couple of songs before ending the session officially.

I appreciate all the musicians who came out to show they truly care about their own.

To purchase tickets call (816) 931-3330 or (816) 474-6262.
To reach Steve Penn, call (816) 234-4417 or send e-mail to spenn@kcstar.com.

 

 

REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION FROM THE KANSAS CITY STAR