Wednesday MidDay Medley Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org
Wednesday, June 9, 2021
WMM’s Favorite MidCoastal Releases of 2021 …so far (3-part series) + Maria Butler + Marion Merritt + Betse Ellis
WMM Celebrates the hundreds of New MiidCoastal Musical Releases of 2021…so far. This week we bring you part one, of a three-week series, we’ll play recordings from: Cuee, The Roseline, Monta At Odds, Rob Rice with Teri Quinn & Stephen Roper, Knife Crime, Rachel Cion, Eddie Moore, Christena Graves, Approach with Heidi Gluck, Nan + the One Nite Stands, Lee Walter Redding with Stephonne, Alyssa Murray, Stik Figa, Other Americans, Sam Wells, Riley The Musician, and Jillian Riscoe.
At 11:00 we will chat with Marisa Butler the new host & producer of “The Mixtape with Marisa,” airing Friday mornings 6:00 to 8:00 AM on 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio. In 2002, during her senior year of high school, the radio bug bit her, when she did her first Guest DJ at KKFI. Marisa went on to work at her college radio station KTRM, (Kirksville’s TRU Alternative) for 5 years. She produced her own weekly specialty show for 4 years, and served as Station Manager for a year. Marisa produced a weekly interview program where college professors would play their favorite music. Marisa also served as Music Director for a year and a half, putting together the music for the daily format shifts.
One of WMM’s longtime contributors, Marion Merritt of Records With Merritt, a minority owned business in KCMO, joins us as our special guest co-host. We also welcome Betse Ellis, critically acclaimed fiddler, singer, songwriter, and one half of Betse & Clarke who also joins us as special guest co-host. Betse & Marion will encourage our listeners to call 888-931-0901, or visit http://www.kkfi.org to support 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio during our Spring Fund Drive Show.
On your local radio dial 90.1 FM or STREAMING LIVE at: kkfi.org
Wednesday MidDay Medley Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org
Wednesday, June 2, 2021
Bob Walkenhorst + Elexa Dawson + Alisa Jefferson + J Ragland of Quinn’s Laundry Hearse
“Main Title Instrumental – It’s Showtime Folks” from: Orig. Motion Picture Soundtrack All That Jazz / Casablanca / December 20, 1979 [WMM’s Adopted Theme Song]
Bachelor, the new project from Melina Duterte (Jay Som) and Ellen Kempner (Palehound)
Bachelor – “Stay in the Car” from: Doomin’ Sun / Polyvinyl recording Company / May 28, 2021 [Album Notes from http://www.bachelortheband.bandcamp.com: Bachelor, the new project from Melina Duterte (Jay Som) and Ellen Kempner (Palehound), is not a band, it’s a friendship. // You could say the friendship began in 2017 when Duterte and Kempner first met in a Sacramento green room and experienced love at first sight. Having been mutual fans of each other for years at that point, putting each other’s songs on playlists and scouring YouTube for live videos, they both remember starting that night as nervous wrecks intent on making a good impression. That proved extremely easy, and their anxious facades quickly faded into geeky fandom as they unabashedly yell-sang lyrics from the crowd during each other’s sets. // A year later, Kempner visited Duterte’s home studio in Los Angeles to mess around and record for fun. They hadn’t really hung out much since the two shows they did in 2017, but they kept in touch by hesitantly texting and replying to Instagram posts. Now together in LA, the jitters Kempner and Duterte fought the first time they met were back, but this time they weren’t born of insecurity, but of excitement. The two spent a few hours writing and recording their first song together, “Sand Angel,” a seductive slow-burner that unfurls like a lucid dream. Kempner’s arid lead vocals are punctuated by Duterte’s spry harmonies, lending the track a rare dynamism that could only mean one thing: they had to write an album together. // In January of 2020, the duo packed the entirety of Duterte’s recording equipment into two cars and headed to a rental house in Topanga, CA where over the course of two weeks, they wrote and recorded their debut album Doomin’ Sun. The house had a living room with a baby grand piano in it which they turned into a live room by pushing all the furniture against the walls and setting up drums and amps. The ad hoc studio set up offered the comfort required for ideas to flow freely, uninhibited by any preordained schedule. // In this space, Kempner and Duterte hybridized their individual songwriting talents, producing a collection that slips between moods with ease and showcases their lyrical prowess. On the bass-heavy rock song “Stay in the Car,” the duo paint a yearning portrait of a woman in a supermarket parking lot, a barely-contained desire oozing out of cotidian descriptions like: “She burns out of the market/ Plastic bags digging into wrists/ Blood stuck in her fingertips.” The heavy bass makes another appearance on “Anything At All,” a track with a chorus so playful it could be a schoolyard taunt, defying the darker lyrical themes heard on the verses. // A typical day at the house in Topanga consisted of the two late-sleepers slumping down to the kitchen at around 11AM to drink canned ice teas and make lunch before they started messing around with instruments, crafting pitch riffs and chord progressions. After Kempner and Duterte sussed the form of the song and tracked the basics, they’d spend a couple of hours apart. During that time, Kempner wrote lyrics in the backyard treehouse while Duterte worked her producer magic, or Duterte wrote lyrics on the back patio while Kempner came up with guitar parts. When they regrouped, the duo shared what they’d worked on, made dinner, and watched an unreasonable amount of TV for the rest of the night. //About halfway through their stay in Topanga, Buck Meek and James Krivchenia of Big Thief came by the house. Meek brought guitar pedals and a beautiful old Martin acoustic to generously lend to the project, and Krivchenia elevated a few of the songs by tracking drums while Duterte’s partner Annie Truscott (Chastity Belt) recorded strings to accentuate moments on the album. Aside from those contributions, Kempner and Duterte spent most of their time in isolation, a fitting precursor to the remainder of the year, but the songs on Doomin’ Sun are anything but isolating. These songs tell stories that will surely be recognizable to listeners, especially when they offer up interpretations of modern life. “Drivin’ on to the next town/ Keeping the rubber side down/ But the danger is in my phone/ And the drug of an endless scroll,” Kempner sings on the downcast, country-inflected “Sick of Spiraling.” // Kempner and Duterte had arrived in Topanga with no songs written and no solid plan, but after two short weeks, they had finished the 10 songs that make up Doomin’ Sun. That much work in so little time may sound exhausting, but it wasn’t, it was blissful and freeing. On the album’s powerful opener, “Back of My Hand,” it’s possible to hear echoes of Bachelor’s foundation in the opening verse, “I’m your biggest fan/ Got your song in my head/ And your poster’s above my bed,” but the song soon hits a more sinister register as it goes on, “You date the beauty queens/ I see their bodies in magazines/ Sharp jaw size 0 jeans/ I skip a meal/ I drink some tea.” // There was a lot of pain that went into the record, especially around themes of queerness and climate change inspired by the red skies and wildfires subsuming Australia at the time. However, when the duo did shed tears during the creative process, they weren’t tears of sadness, they were tears of laughter. When Kempner and Duterte look back on those weeks, what they remember first is shortness of breath and the inability to track vocal takes without falling to the floor howling. They couldn’t remember a time they’d ever been so delirious with creativity, so overwhelmed with joy.]
Hannah Norris
Hannah Norris – “Will I?” from: Will 1? – Single / Hannah Norris & the Band / May 14, 2021 [We last played Hannah Norris & The Band’s single “Ego Death” on August 28, 2019, just before the band played the 15th Annual Crossroads Music Fest, 2019. Hannah Norris & The Band began in June of 2016 at the Wild West Fest in Hays, KS. Hannah Norris is from Hays Kansas but is now based in Lawrence, Kansas. Hannah Norris is known for her incredible live performances her power house vocals & deft guitar playing.]
[Hannah Norris & The Band play Replay Lounge, 946, Massachusetts St., Lawrence, KS., on Friday, July 9, at 6:00 PM, with The Frightened Stag.]
Bob Walkenhorst – “Day After Tomorrow” from: A Thousand Words / BAT Records / June 1, 2021 [Bob Walkenhorst’s new 12 song album comes out on June 1, 2021 on Bob’s 68th Birthday. Bob Walkenhorst will be with us LIVE on the show next week. The new album is beautiful and shows the range of Bob Walkenhorst’s gifts as a master songwriter and poet. The album is also evidence of the wide open vocal range of a rock and roller who can call upon his expressive voice, giving listeners lyrics with a growl and also rising to sing the high parts of the harmony, not in a falsetto, but actually singing like a angel in a duet with Una Walkenhorst his equally talented singer songwriter daughter. With Una, Bob recorded the critically acclaimed FOR TOMORROW with that was released October 12, 2018, where they split the difference, taking turns as songwriters for the album’s songs, written individually, and recorded together, in clear beautiful harmonies, with that extra special shared musical DNA, that can be heard in the harmonies of The Carter Family, Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear, or Shy Boys. FOR TOMORROW was #2 on WMM’s 118 Best recordings of 2018. Una Walkenhorst is the youngest daughter of Bob Walkenhorst, a founding member of The Rainmakers, which had national and international hits in the 1980s and 90s, and continue to this day touring and recording new music. With The Rainmakers Bob has released over 10 albums. Bob’s solo record continues the spirit of FOR TOMORROW. More info at: http://www.bobwalkenhorst.com]
10:15 – Interview with Bob Walkenhorst
KC based Rock & Roll Superstar Bob Walkenhorst joins us on the phone to talk about his new 12 song album, A THOUSAND WORDS, released on June 1, 2021, Bob’s 68th Birthday. The new album shows the range of Bob Walkenhorst’s gifts as a master songwriter and poet, and the wide open vocal range of a rock and roller who can call upon his expressive voice, giving lyrics with a growl and also rising to sing the high parts of the harmony, singing like a angel in a duet with Una Walkenhorst his equally talented singer songwriter daughter. With Una, Bob recorded the critically acclaimed FOR TOMORROW released October 12, 2018, where they split the difference for the album’s songs, written individually, and recorded together, with special shared musical DNA harmonies. Bob Walkenhorst is a founding member of The Rainmakers, which had national and international hits in the 1980s and 1990s, and continue touring and recording new music. With The Rainmakers Bob has released over 10 albums. Bob’s new solo record continues in the musical spirit of FOR TOMORROW. More info at: http://www.bobwalkenhorst.com
Bob Walkenhorst, thanks for being with us on WMM.
Happy Belated Birthday Bob Walkenhorst!
Congratulations to Bob, on his new album, A THOUSAND WORDS.
The new songs are all beautiful. This album feels like a continuation of the spirit in the songs from, FOR TOMORROW, your album of duets with Una Walkenhorst from 2018.
This is Bob’s second solo album, and his comes 18 years after his first solo album, THE BEGINNER, from 2003.
The past 15 months have been devastating to the music industry. The cover of Bob’s new album is an interior shot with Bob sitting before two open, skylight windows. This is Bob’s attic studio where he created all of the songs for A THOUSAND WORDS.
Bob has determined Sept. 1, 2021, as his safe-to-play-again date for solo house concerts.
The Rainmakers play Johnson County Community College on August 27, 2021 at 7:00 PM.
The Rainmakers play Lindberg’s in Springfield, MO on August 28, 2021 at 7:00 PM.
The Raimakers play Knuckleheads November 27, 2021 at 8:00 PM
Along with your music Bob is also a painter of hundreds of works, many have been been presented in gallery shows, almost all of the piece are exterior scenes of trees, farming, bodies of water.
From Bob’s website: “Musician, songwriter, artist, and also an author, Bob Walkenhorst’s second book, Whirlybird Day, was published November 19, 2020. A book of connected short stories, the connection being that they all happen on the same day, in the same small Missouri town. While it is fiction, it is woven from the people and situations and attitudes Bob knew growing up. And yes, there really was a Whirlybird Day. And there really was a Cecil. In the town of Shorter, Missouri, lives are turning —like the big blades of the helicopter visiting the town fora summer festival — some slowly rising, others spinningtoward the ground. Look closely at these people — themysteries and coded messages of life are in the detailsand the mundane, in small decisions and hidden events. Here are nine stories of lives on that single day —a former baseball star who comes back to lead the parade,a woman who drifts between dementia and magic, a localmusician who may have played his final gig, a DJ whotries to come home but has trouble finding the way, acollege girl anxious to leave her roots. Snapshots of lives,all turning, changing, happening — on Whirlybird Day.”
Bob Walkenhorst has spent most of his life as a musician, as lead singer and songwriter for the critically acclaimed rock band, The Rainmakers. Hailing from Kansas City, Missouri, Bob and the band have released 9 albums over their 30+ year career, and continue to tour and record.
Bob’s songs gained attention for their lyrical content – thoughtful, humorous, witty, with insightful social commentary. This interest in the power of words eventually led to the publication of a book of Bob’s song lyrics – Scribbling On the Walls of the Mansion – published in 2019. And now Whirlybird Day – published in 2020.
Bob grew up in the small town of Norborne, Missouri, and also spent years in Maryville and Branson. These years of small town life served as the inspiration for the stories in Whirlybird Day.
Bob lives in Kansas City, Missouri, with his wife, Michele Sewell, two daughters and two granddaughters nearby.
Bob Walkenhorst is a Kansas City-based singer, songwriter, musician, and painter. After growing up in his hometown of Norborne, Missouri, he became a founding member of the popular Midwestern U.S. roots rock band The Rainmakers. In the Kansas City area, he currently gives weekly performances and participates in art gallery shows. For some shows, he is joined by his daughter Una.
As the singer/songwriter of his band, The Rainmakers, from 1986 to 1996, Walkenhorst’s discography included five full-length studio albums, one live concert recording, and one “best-of” album. After the dissolution of the band, he released his first solo album, The Beginner, in 2003. In 2009, Walkenhorst and fellow Kansas City musician Jeff Porter released an album entitled No Abandon, under the moniker Walkenhorst and Porter. The Rainmakers reformed in 2011 and have since released three more albums.
Throughout his career as a musician, Walkenhorst has maintained a reputation for producing clever and provocative lyrics, which have garnered him wide critical acclaim. In discussing the self-titled debut of The Rainmakers, Billboard called them “a band with a rarity: a genuinely witty songwriter.” A 1987 review in the Washington Post cited the cleverness while also noting irreverent humor. On a very different note, a review from later that year in the Chicago Tribune observed, “Walkenhorst’s lyrics are preoccupied with morality, although he avoids a moralizing tone.” Over three decades later, in 2018, the Richmond (Missouri) News said, “His unique vocals and viewpoints have garnered him a dedicated following, through more than 30 years in the music scene.”
Perhaps the best-known fan of The Rainmakers and Walkenhorst was Stephen King, who included lyrics from the songs “Downstream” and “Drinkin’ on the Job” in The Tommyknockers. In Gerald’s Game, King excerpted “One More Summer”—citing Walkenhorst by name—and adopted Walkenhorst’s character “The Lakeview Man” in service of the story.
Bob Walkenhorst, thanks for being with us on WMM.
Bob Walkenhorst’s new 12 song album, A THOUSAND WORDS, was released on June 1, 2021. More info at: http://www.bobwalkenhorst.com
10:28
Bob Walkenhorst – “Wrapping Around” from: A Thousand Words / BAT Records / June 1, 2021 [Bob Walkenhorst’s new 12 song album comes out on June 1, 2021 on Bob’s 68th Birthday. Bob Walkenhorst will be with us LIVE on the show next week. The new album is beautiful and shows the range of Bob Walkenhorst’s gifts as a master songwriter and poet. The album is also evidence of the wide open vocal range of a rock and roller who can call upon his expressive voice, giving listeners lyrics with a growl and also rising to sing the high parts of the harmony, not in a falsetto, but actually singing like a angel in a duet with Una Walkenhorst his equally talented singer songwriter daughter. With Una, Bob recorded the critically acclaimed FOR TOMORROW with that was released October 12, 2018, where they split the difference, taking turns as songwriters for the album’s songs, written individually, and recorded together, in clear beautiful harmonies, with that extra special shared musical DNA, that can be heard in the harmonies of The Carter Family, Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear, or Shy Boys. FOR TOMORROW was #2 on WMM’s 118 Best recordings of 2018. Una Walkenhorst is the youngest daughter of Bob Walkenhorst, a founding member of The Rainmakers, which had national and international hits in the 1980s and 90s, and continue to this day touring and recording new music. With The Rainmakers Bob has released over 12 albums. Bob’s solo record continues the spirit of FOR TOMORROW. More info at: http://www.bobwalkenhorst.com]
10:33 – Underwriting
Elexa Dawson – “New Song” from: “New Song” – Single / Lost Cowgirl Records / April 2, 2021 [Elexa’s 2019 album, MUSIC IS MEDICINE (Lost Cowgirl Records) and her song “High Place” charted at #6 on Sirius XM’s Indigenous Music Countdown. For “New Song” Elexa Dawson on vocals & guitar, Kelby Kimberlin on bass guitar, Melissa Tastove on vocals & percussion, Jenna Rae on vocals & percussion, Martin Farrell on vocals & keys. Recorded, produced & engineered by Martin Farrell, Lost Cowgirl Records http://www.thelostcowgirl.com Mastered by Brody Wellman Additional mixing by Peter Oviatt, Moonflower Soundswww.moonflowersounds.com.. Cover Photography: Jordan Storrer, Lifeleak Visuals http://www.lifeleakvisuals.com // Elexa Dawson writes: The song was written at the very beginning of the shutdown and is a call to all of our better, higher selves to imagine a better world. “The Way it has always been done is now gone. This is our moment to sing a new song.” // I thought it would be a great campaign song for Bernie Sanders, but the day after I wrote it, he suspended. Ah, well. It’s still a good song. // http://www.elexadawson.com]
Elexa Dawson
10:38 – Interview with Elexa Dawson
Kansas based musician Elexa Dawson who released, “New Song” on April 2, 2021. Elexa’s 2019 album, MUSIC IS MEDICINE was also released on Lost Cowgirl Records. Her song “High Place” charted at #6 on Sirius XM’s Indigenous Music Countdown. First recognized as founding member of Weda Skirts, who perform songs influenced by her Potawatomi identity, nature, family, love and loss. She also performs with Heyleon, a cross-pollination of established Kansas musicians. As a rural artist, Elexa values community and for 12 years has produced the Chase County Earth Day Celebration. In 2019, Dawson was awarded the Artist in Business Leadership Fellowship from First Peoples Fund and granted funding for her debut album. She performed multiple private showcases at Folk Alliance International in 2020, and was a delegate at the concurrent International Indigenous Music Summit. She’s on the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission Touring Roster. In 2020, she was awarded the Western Arts Alliance Advancing Indigenous Performance Fellowship. She serves on the Matfield Green Works Advisory Council. Elexa is currently a student of sustainable agriculture. More info at: http://www.elexadawson.com
Elexa Dawson, thank you for being with us today on WMM.
Elexa Dawson lives in the Kansas Flint Hills with her 9 year old daughter.
Elexa Dawson became known, as part of Weda Skirts, who perform songs influenced by her Potawatomi identity, nature, family, love and loss. She also performs with Heyleon, a cross-pollination of established Kansas musicians.
As for “New Song” Elexa Dawson writes “The song was written at the very beginning of the shutdown and is a call to all of our better, higher selves to imagine a better world. “The Way it has always been done is now gone. This is our moment to sing a new song.” // I thought it would be a great campaign song for Bernie Sanders, but the day after I wrote it, he suspended. Ah, well. It’s still a good song.
Elexa Dawson has released her new single and debut album through Lost Cowgirl Records. For “New Song” Elexa Dawson was on vocals & guitar, Kelby Kimberlin on bass guitar, Melissa Tastove on vocals & percussion, Jenna Rae on vocals & percussion, Martin Farrell on vocals & keys. Recorded, produced & engineered by Martin Farrell, Lost Cowgirl Records http://www.thelostcowgirl.com
Elexa Dawson identifies as a “rural artist.” Elexa values community and for 12 years produced the Chase County Earth Day Celebration. Elexa is currently a student of sustainable agriculture.
In 2019, Dawson was awarded the Artist in Business Leadership Fellowship from First Peoples Fund and granted funding for her MUSIC IS MEDICINE.
Elexa Dawson performed multiple private showcases at Folk Alliance International in 2020, and was a delegate at the concurrent International Indigenous Music Summit.
She’s on the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission Touring Roster. She serves on the Matfield Green Works Advisory Council. In 2020, she was awarded the Western Arts Alliance Advancing Indigenous Performance Fellowship.
Recently former Presidential Candidate and former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum was fired from CNN for his comments on Native American culture. Santorum gave a speech in April at an event of a conservative organization named the Young America’s Foundation where he said: “We birthed a nation from nothing. I mean, there was nothing here. I mean, yes, we have Native Americans, but candidly there isn’t much Native American culture in American culture.”
Elexa responded saying, “I was absolutely aware of that quote, and that he made that. So much of what our culture is, in America today, even with the residential schooling that my great grandmother, that I was raised in close contact with, was a survivor of one of those schools. She was a survivor because we know from what has just been discovered, up in our traditional territory, a mass grave was found, where 215 children were sent to school, and never returned home. And so, even with all of this, and even with all of the disease, and the imposition of Christianity, and these things, that so much still remains. Not only our bodies and beings, because we are still here, but as you said, the food, and the agriculture, even our place names in Kansas. We have so many places in Kansas that are names that come from indigenous languages. And some of our words even come from indigenous languages. So there is so much that is left, and I can only chalk up this ignorance to first of all, our industrialized school system, that does not prioritize the truth, but rather prioritizes patriotism. And then also, the kind of a disdain to admit that this country has made mistakes, and continues to make mistakes, with their treatment of indigenous people. So yeah, I think there is a movement to create awareness around these things. That is one of the reasons I am involved with sustainable agriculture, because I am specifically interested in indigenous agricultural practices, and indigenous foods, and the life-ways that surround those things, because our languages are all connected to the land. So that is why I am involved in that, is to be a part of this, what we Potawatomi think of as, the seventh generation, which is where we go back and collect those things that our ancestors left. And sometimes that means picking up trama, and healing it. And sometimes that means picking up a tool that hasn’t been found in generations, and learning to make that tool and use it. So there is so much that is involved, but it really does comeback to the land, and the abundance of the land, and for me that is where I want to focus, on food and our connection to food, and our health and things like that, that all come for our relationship with food.”
Elexa Dawson, thank you for being with us today on WMM.
Elexa Dawson released, “New Song” on April 2, 2021. Elexa’s 2019 album, MUSIC IS MEDICINE was also released on Lost Cowgirl Records. Her song “High Place” charted at #6 on Sirius XM’s Indigenous Music Countdown. More info at: http://www.elexadawson.com
10:52
Elexa Dawson – “Circle Song” from: Music Is Medicine / Lost Cowgirl Records / December 6, 2019 [Elexa Dawson’s song “High Place” from her 2019 album, MUSIC IS MEDICINE charted at #6 on Sirius XM’s Indigenous Music Countdown. Elexa Dawson on vocals & guitar, Kelby Kimberlin on bass guitar, Melissa Tastove on vocals & percussion, Jenna Rae on vocals & percussion, Martin Farrell on vocals & keys. Recorded, produced & engineered by Martin Farrell, Lost Cowgirl Records http://www.thelostcowgirl.com Additional mixing by Peter Oviatt, Moonflower Sounds http://www.moonflowersounds.com. Mastered by Brody Wellman. Cover Photography: Jordan Storrer, Lifeleak Visuals http://www.lifeleakvisuals.com // Elexa Dawson writes: The song was written at the very beginning of the shutdown and is a call to all of our better, higher selves to imagine a better world. “The Way it has always been done is now gone. This is our moment to sing a new song.” // I thought it would be a great campaign song for Bernie Sanders, but the day after I wrote it, he suspended. Ah, well. It’s still a good song. // http://www.elexadawson.com]
Danielle Ate the Sandwich – “I Could’ve Sworn” from: It’s Not a Burden (Original Songs from the Documentary Film) / Youngest Daughter Records / May 28, 2021 [Danielle Ate The Sandwich is Danielle Anderson Danielle Ate the Sandwich is a national touring, folk singer/songwriter, known for her original songs, Youtube videos, composing the soundtrack to the HBO documentary, ‘Packed in A Trunk: The Lost Art of Edith Lake Wilkinson,’ and The 24 Hour Album Project, where she writes and records an album in one day, live streaming the process to her fans. She has released over ten albums. It’s Not A Burden is a powerful and brilliant film about the joys and pain of raising elderly parents. The songs are produced by Joanna Katcher. This year Danielle Ate The Sandwich has also released the 7-song album, 24 HOUR ALBUM (2021), on April 25, 2021. The 7 songs on this album were written and recorded in 24 hours on April 24th-25th, 2021, during Danielle Ate the Sandwich’s 6th annual 24 Hour Album. This project challenges the artist to write, record, produce, and release a new album in just twenty four hours. Danielle Ate the Sandwich is a national touring, folk singer/songwriter, known for her original songs, Youtube videos, composing the soundtrack to the HBO documentary, ‘Packed in A Trunk: The Lost Art of Edith Lake Wilkinson,’ and The 24 Hour Album Project, where she writes and records an album in one day, live streaming the process to her fans. More info at: http://www.danielleatethesandwich.com.]
11:00 – Station ID
Alisa Jefferson – “These Are Days” from: Tell Me / Alisa Jefferson / June 1, 2020 [10-song solodebut album, TELL ME, on June 1, 2021. All lyrics, instrumentation, vocals, melodies, song content for TELL ME was written and created by Alisa Jefferson. TELL ME was also recorded by Alisa Jefferson. Mixed and produced by Alisa Jefferson and Andy Oxman of SoundWorks Recording Studio, Blue Springs, Mo. And mastered by Matt Elliott of Black Sky Studios, Buckner, MO. Alisa Jefferson grew up in KC. She played viola in her school orchestra and received her first acoustic guitar at age 13. Alisa established her rock trio, Morning Fix, in 1994, singing & playing bass. In December, 2014, Alisa established, fronted, and played bass in the rock trio, Radial Red. In 2019 Alisa performed on the side stage with Joan Jett and Heart at Starlight Theatre with KC band, Mad Libby. More info at: http://www.alisajeffersonmusic.com]
Alisa Jefferson
10:04 – Interview with Alisa Jefferson
Rock and Roller Alisa Jefferson shares music from her new 10-song solo album, TELL ME, released on June 1, 2021. All lyrics, instrumentation, vocals, melodies, song content for TELL ME was written and created by Alisa Jefferson. TELL ME was also recorded, mixed, and produced by Alisa Jefferson and Andy Oxman of SoundWorks Recording Studio, in Blue Springs, MO. And mastered by Matt Elliott of Black Sky Studios, Buckner, MO. Alisa Jefferson grew up in KC. She played viola in her school orchestra and received her first acoustic guitar at age 13. Alisa established her rock trio, Morning Fix, in 1994, singing & playing bass. In December, 2014, Alisa established, fronted, and played bass in the rock trio, Radial Red. More info at: http://www.alisajeffersonmusic.com
Alisa Jefferson thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley.
All lyrics, instrumentation, vocals, melodies, song content for TELL ME was written and created by Alisa Jefferson.
TELL ME was recorded, mixed and produced by Alisa Jefferson and Andy Oxman of SoundWorks Recording Studio, Blue Springs, Mo. And mastered by Matt Elliott of Black Sky Studios, Buckner, MO.
David Luther sings and plays guitar on the song “Six.” Radial Red bandmate Barb Wilmoth plays drums on “Steering the Fear,” & “Democracy Stands” and back up vocals on “Love Conquers All.” Kim Williams plays guitar on “Love Conquers All.” Andy Oxman plays guitar on “Bitter,” “These Are Days,” and “Steering The Fear.”
Alisa Jefferson grew up in the KC area. She played viola in her school orchestra and received her first acoustic guitar at age 13.
Alisa established her rock trio, Morning Fix, in 1994, singing & playing bass.
In December, 2014, Alisa established, fronted, and played bass in the rock trio, Radial Red.
Radial Red a female-fronted original Kansas City rock trio with Barb Wilmoth on drums & backing vocals, and Scott Mitchell on guitar & backing vocals. Radial Red started when Barb Wilmoth found Alisa Jefferson through the Kansas City Women’s Music Network. Barb has been playing drums for seven years, before that she played bass. Alisa met Scott through the insurance industry and knew he played guitar. Radial Red played for four years at KC Pride Fest at Berkeley Riverfront Park.
Radial Red’s debut 7-song EP, RADIATE on June 1, 2015. Radial Red released the album, MOVING SKIES on December 12, 2020
Alisa Jefferson has played numerous Festivals and Special Events: KC Pride Festival – June 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 LikeMe Lighthouse Fundraiser – September, 2015 HRC Battle of the Bands – January, 2016 LikeMe Lighthouse Prom – May, 2016 Arts In The Park Festival – June, 2019, 2021 North KC Music Festival – June, 2019 Swift Mile Street Festival – September 2017 Cause for Paws – June 2019
Alisa performed on the side stage with Joan Jett and Heart at Starlight Theatre with KC band, Mad Libby. – Joan Jett, Ann & Nancy Wilson are perfect icons for Alisa Jefferson
Alisa Jefferson has played numerous venues: ° VooDoo Lounge, KC, MO ° Macken Park, North KC, MO ° Davey’s Uptown Rambler’s Club, KC, MO ° The Roxy, Shawnee, KS ° Uptown Arts Bar, KC, MO ° The Bay, Warrensburg, MO ° Café’ Acoustic Concert Hall, St. Joseph, MO ° Unplugged, St. Joseph, MO ° Scene KC Rock Bar, KC, MO ° Coda, KC, MO ° Mini Bar, KC, MO ° Woody’s, KC, MO ° Danny’s Bar & Grill, Lenexa, KS ° Ollie’s Local, KC, MO ° Mike Kelly’s Westsider, KC, MO ° The All Star Rock Bar, N. KC, MO ° The Point, KC, MO ° Brookside Farmers Market, KC, MO ° Red Door, Leawood, KS ° Bier Station, KC, MO ° Gail’s Harley-Davidson, Grandview, MO ° Rino, NKC, MO ° Bar K Dog Bar, KC, MO ° Paul and Jack’s Tavern, NKC, MO ° The Brick, KC, MO ° Scissors & Scotch, Overland Park, KS ° Lost Evenings Brewery, Lenexa, KS
Alisa with play live at the Mission Sidewalk Sale on June 19, 2021
90.1 FM KKFI has been playing Alisa’s music on WMM, The Tasty Brew, and Under The Radar, and also on 90.9 The Bridge on Eight One Sixty.
“Tell Me” is 10 new songs including the track, “Bitter”
Alisa Jefferson thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley.
Alisa Jefferson – “Bitter” from: Tell Me / Alisa Jefferson / June 1, 2020 [10-song solo debut album, TELL ME, on June 1, 2021. All lyrics, instrumentation, vocals, melodies, song content for TELL ME was written and created by Alisa Jefferson. TELL ME was also recorded by Alisa Jefferson. Mixed and produced by Alisa Jefferson and Andy Oxman of SoundWorks Recording Studio, Blue Springs, Mo. And mastered by Matt Elliott of Black Sky Studios, Buckner, MO. Alisa Jefferson grew up in KC. She played viola in her school orchestra and received her first acoustic guitar at age 13. Alisa established her rock trio, Morning Fix, in 1994, singing & playing bass. In December, 2014, Alisa established, fronted, and played bass in the rock trio, Radial Red. In 2019 Alisa performed on the side stage with Joan Jett and Heart at Starlight Theatre with KC band, Mad Libby. More info at: http://www.alisajeffersonmusic.com]
The Popper & They Call Me Sauce – “Kansas City Lights” from: Kansas City Lights / The Popper / May 28, 2021 [New album from Royce “Sauce” Handy, in collaboration with legendary KC rapper, The Popper. After several meetings in public Sauce met The Popper at his store, IMKC Clothing Company, a local clothing and apparel line based in Kansas City at 1809 Vine St., Kansas City, MO. The two went into the studio and created a new up beat record that was done in classic mixtape style. They Call Me Sauce told Nick Spacek in a May 28, 2021 editiion of The Pitch KC, “we got some of the hottest up-and-coming artists on there, Suli-4Q and YGKC. Then we got a DJ Big Baby and DJ Fresh, these classic mixed tape and DJ mainstays. Fresh was one of the first. He’s a core DJ, one of the first people to host hip hop shows and big hip hop shows in Kansas City and stuff, and that’s the Popper’s brother, so I’m like, ‘Yo, this makes so much sense.’ And then, to have Tech on there and then Brian B. Shynin and Shay Moore from Hot 103—we wanted to make sure we were representing all of those things mixed together, as well.” The album starts with an intro from Brian B. Shynin is Co-host of The Morning Grind with Shay & Shyne on Hot 103 Jamz. More information at: https://www.thepitchkc.com/they-call-me-sauce-and-the…/ Royce “Sauce” Handy is a rapper, songwriter, beat maker, designer, teacher, MC, business owner, social media manager, husband, father, and community organizer. He has worked with AdHoc Group Against Crime, Teens in Transition, Storytellers Inc., Arts Tech, Mid-America Regional Council, UMKC, Rep. Brandon Ellington, and former KC Mayor, Sly James. He is co-owner of The Rap Asylum, We are RAP, and owner of Melanin Connoisseur. In 2017 Sauce released his EP, Summer Sauce, part of WMM’s 117 Best Recordings of 2017. In 2018 Sauce released Soul Food 4. In 2019 his collective NuBvckCity w/ Kartez Marcel, Mae C, & VP3 released “All Night” / “Alive”. This was #1 on WMM’s 39 Favorite Singles of 2019. In 2020 They Call Me Sauce released 5 Singles including “Make You Sing [feat. Love, Mae C]” on March 27, 2020. Sauce was on WMM on April 29, 2020]
Kadesh Flow – “Elegant” from: ”Elegant” – Single / Ryan Jamaal Davis / May 21, 2021 [Written, produced, performed, mixed and mastered by Kadesh Flow. This is one of 16 new singles Kadesh Flow has released so far this year: Kadesh Flow & The Enclave released, “Soft Side,” on Jan. 21, 2021, written, produced, performed, mixed & mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow released, “Assumptions feat. Shubzilla,” on Jan. 29, 2021. Kadesh Flow released, “Frosty,” on February 12, 2021, written, produced, performed, mixed and mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow & The Enclave released, “Cry For Me 2,” February 12, 2021. Kadesh Flow released, “Not on My Watch,” on February 19, 2021, Inspired by Lord Beerus (Dragonball Super). Kadesh Flow released, “Held Me Longer,” on Marc written, produced, performed, mixed and mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow released, “Your Dream Isn’t Always Yours,” on March 12, 2021, written, produced, performed, mixed and mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow & The Enclave released, “Forgot About Me,” on March 14, 2021. Kadesh Flow released, “Take Backs (feat. Ryan Heinlein),” on March 26, 2021, written, produced, performed, mixed and mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow & The Enclave released, “But Hope” on March 26, 2021, written, produced, performed, mixed & mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow released the single, “I Don’t Care” on April 9, 2021, written, performed, mixed and mastered by Kadesh Flow. Produced by D. Professor. Kadesh Flow released the single, “That Way” on April 16, 2021, written, performed, mixed and mastered by Kadesh Flow, and produced by Dominique “Bassman” Saunders. Kadesh Flow released the new single, “So Far” on April 23, 2021, written, performed, mixed and mastered by Kadesh Flow and produced by Dominique “Bassman” Sanders. Kadesh Flow released the single, “On Target” on April 30, 2021, written, produced, performed, mixed and mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow released the single ”Lighten Up”on May 7, 2021, written, produced, performed, mixed and mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow is Ryan Davis is a rapper with an MBA. He is an emcee, producer, & trombonist. At age 11, he began rapping and playing trombone within two weeks of one another. His music has been featured on network television in multiple countries and territories across Southeast Asia. Kadesh performs as a solo hip hop artist. He also plays with The Phantastics, and Marcus Lewis Big Band. Kadesh Flow was on WMM on Oct. 21, 2020. More info at: http://www.kadeshflow.com]
[Kadesh Flow plays Troostival Street Tour, Union Station Streetcar Stop, on Friday, June 4, 2021 at 7:00 PM with Brass & Boujee – the chart toping hip-hop unit of the Marcus Lewis Big Band with Kemet Coleman and Kadesh Flow and also featuring: The Black Creatures.]
[Kadesh Flow plays Center Cut Records SUMMER SOULSTICE at Lemonad(e) Park, Friday, June 18, with The Black Creatures, and The Freedom Affair. More info at: http://www.centercutrecords.com]
[The Phantastics play The Ship 1217 Union Avenue, on Friday, June 25, at 9:00 PM]
11:28 – Underwriting
Quinn’s Laundry Hearse – “Quinn’s Laundry Hearse” from: Quinn’s Laundry Hearse / Quinn’s Laundry Hearse / April 14, 2021 [Hello. Welcome to Quinn’s Laundry Hearse. Bedroom recording quality, sad lyrics, poorly mixed vocals, lackluster instrumentation, we’ve got it all. 5 demo songs for your consideration. music & lyrics by j.ragland. album cover photo by helen graham. contact: aundryhearse@gmail.com or InstaGram: @quinnslaundryhearse @j.ragland kcmo or http://www./quinnslaundryhearse.bandcamp.com%5D
11:36 – Interview with J. Ragland of Quinn’s Laundry Hearse
Our next guest, J. Ragland returns to WMM as a guest to share details about Quinn’s Laundry Hearse, a new indie rock project based out of KC and NYC. Quinn’s Laundry Hearse released their debut self-titled 5-track EP, on April 23, 2021. Quinn’s Laundry Hearse is the musical project of J Ragland who serves as songwriter, lead vocalist, and guitarist, J. Ragland is originally from Fayetteville North Carolina and is a professional actor who has appeared on stage in musical productions for Spinning Tree Theatre, and Faust Theatre in KC. For more info on Quinn’s Laundry Hearse on Instagram @quinnslaundryhearse or at: http://www.quinnslaundryhearse.bandcamp.com.
J. Ragland welcome back to Wednesday MidDay Medley.
There is an actual Quinn’s Laundry at 552 East 99th Street, serving the Grandview, MO area. Along with coin operated washers and dryers. The business also offers pick up and delivery. To make their deliveries they use a giant white hearse with “Quinn’s Laundry” painted on the sides of the automobile.
J. Ragland is originally from Fayetteville North Carolina, but his family moved to Dodge City, Kansas where he graduated from High School.
J. Ragland is also a professional actor who has appeared on stage in musical productions for Spinning Tree Theatre, and Faust Theatre in KC.
We last had J. Ragland on WMM on January 29, 2020 with Director Michael Grayman-Parkhurst and actor Dakorra Hagar to share details about Spinning Tree Theatre’s KC premiere of “Girlfriend” based on Matthew Sweet’s 1991 album “Girlfriend.” “Girlfriend” seemed like one of those theatre experiences that was an overlap between j Ragland’s worlds of Theatre and Rock & Roll.
Quinn’s Laundry Hearse recently did a live show at The Black Box on Saturday, May 1.
Quinn’s Laundry Hearse is based in KC and NYC, is that because J Ragland has plans to move to New York City to continue to pursue his theatre and music career.
Since the EP, Quinn’s Laundry Hearse has released, “Strawberry Moon.” May 7, 2021.
J. Ragland thank you for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley.
Quinn’s Laundry Hearse released their debut self-titled 5-track EP, on April 23, 2021. Quinn’s Laundry Hearse is the musical project of J Ragland who serves as songwriter, lead vocalist, and guitarist. http://www.quinnslaundryhearse.bandcamp.com.
11:48
Quinn’s Laundry Hearse – “Secondhand Silhouettes” (CD #14) (3:36) from: Quinn’s Laundry Hearse / Quinn’s Laundry Hearse / April 14, 2021 [Hello. Welcome to Quinn’s Laundry Hearse. Bedroom recording quality, sad lyrics, poorly mixed vocals,lackluster instrumentation, we’ve got it all. 5 demo songs for your consideration. music & lyrics by j.ragland. album cover photo by helen graham. contact: aundryhearse@gmail.com or InstaGram: @quinnslaundryhearse @j.ragland kcmo or http://www./quinnslaundryhearse.bandcamp.com%5D
Sara Swenson – “The Moment You Fall Asleep” from: “The Moment You Fall Asleep” – Single / Sara Swenson / June 4, 2021 [One of two new singles Sara Swenson is releasing on Friday, June 4, 2021. These follow an earlier release this year called “I Wont Let You Feel Alone” that Sara wrote and is featured in her husband Michael Price’s film “The Hidden Pandemic” that aired on Kansas City PBS, about the mental health crisis in KC. The song and the film also features Mark Lowrey’s piano playing. To see a trailer for “The Hidden Pandemic” you can visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nkd7046rPtU. Critically acclaimed singer songwriter Sara Swenson has released some of our most played and favorite recordings of the last 16 years. Her self titled debut album was at the top of our list of WMM’s 100 Best Recordings of 2009. In 2010 Sara Swenson released her second full length recording, “All Things Big and Small” again working with Don Chaffer in Nashville who added new layers to Sara’s great songs and voice. In November of 2011, Sara released her 5 song EP called “Never Left My Mind,” featuring her band at the time, The Pearl Snaps. In that time frame, she also picked up two Kansas City Singer-Songwriter of the Year awards, performed with Sarah McLachlan’s Lilith Fair, and placed a song on the season finale of ABC’s “Private Practice.” Then after the school year ended in 2012, Sara Swenson left her job as a High School English and Journalism Teacher in Platte County High School, and left the Kansas City music scene, and flew off to the United Kingdom, where she got married. In the spring of 2014, Sara returned to Kansas City and performed for the Folk Alliance International Conference. On July 18, 2014 she released her 4th album, RUNWAY LIGHTS that captures snapshots of her 18-month experience of living abroad, moving from dating, to marriage, and sorting through the accompanying transitions and emotions. Produced by Don Chaffer in Nashville. Since 2014 Sara has performed less frequently and has been raising her family. More info at: http://www.saraswenson.com]
Noel Coward – “The Party’s Over Now” from: Noel Coward in New York / drg / 2003 [orig. 1957]
Next week on Wednesday, June 9, 2021 – we present Part One of a 2-part special, WMM’s Favorite MidCoastal Releases of 2021 So Far! We also talk with Marisa Butler, the new host & producer of the Friday morning radio program, The Mixtape, that airs from 6:00 to 8:00 AM on 90.1 FM KKFI. ALSO: Marion Merritt and Betse Ellis join us as special guest co-hosts to encourage our listeners to call 888-931-0901, or visit http://www.kkfi.org to support 90.1 FM KKFI – KC Community Radio during our Spring Fund Drive Show.
Our Script/Playlist is a “cut and paste” of information. Sources for notes: artist’s websites, bios, wikipedia.org
Wednesday MidDay Medley Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org
Wednesday, June 2, 2021
Bob Walkenhorst + Elexa Dawson + Alisa Jefferson + J Ragland of Quinn’s Laundry Hearse
Bachelor
Mark plays more New & MidCoastal Releases from: Bob Walkenhorst, Sara Swenson, Hannah Norris, Danielle Ate the Sandwich, Elexa Dawson, Alisa Jefferson, The Fey, They Call Me Sauce & The Popper, Quinn’s Laundry Hearse, Kadesh Flow, and Bachelor (Melina Duterte aka Jay Som + Ellen Kempner aka Palehound).
Bob Walkenhorst
At 10:15 KC based Rock & Roll Superstar Bob Walkenhorst talks about his new 12 song album, A THOUSAND WORDS, released on June 1, 2021, Bob’s 68th Birthday. The new album shows the range of Bob Walkenhorst’s gifts as a master songwriter and poet, and the wide open vocal range of a rock and roller who can call upon his expressive voice, giving lyrics with a growl and also rising to sing the high parts of the harmony, singing like a angel in a duet with Una Walkenhorst his equally talented singer songwriter daughter. With Una, Bob recorded the critically acclaimed FOR TOMORROW released October 12, 2018, where they split the difference for the album’s songs, written individually, and recorded together, with special shared musical DNA harmonies. Bob Walkenhorst is a founding member of The Rainmakers, which had national and international hits in the 1980s and 1990s, and continue touring and recording new music. With The Rainmakers Bob has released over 12 albums. Bob’s new solo record continues in the musical spirit of FOR TOMORROW. More info at: http://www.bobwalkenhorst.com
Elexa Dawson
At 10:35 Mark talks with Kansas based musician Elexa Dawson who released, “New Song” on April 2, 2021. Elexa’s 2019 album, MUSIC IS MEDICINE was also released on Lost Cowgirl Records. Her song “High Place” charted at #6 on Sirius XM’s Indigenous Music Countdown. First recognized as founding member of Weda Skirts, who perform songs influenced by her Potawatomi identity, nature, family, love and loss. She also performs with Heyleon, a cross-pollination of established Kansas musicians. As a rural artist, Elexa values community and for 12 years has produced the Chase County Earth Day Celebration. In 2019, Dawson was awarded the Artist in Business Leadership Fellowship from First Peoples Fund and granted funding for her debut album. She performed multiple private showcases at Folk Alliance International in 2020, and was a delegate at the concurrent International Indigenous Music Summit. She’s on the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission Touring Roster. In 2020, she was awarded the Western Arts Alliance Advancing Indigenous Performance Fellowship. She serves on the Matfield Green Works Advisory Council. Elexa is currently a student of sustainable agriculture. More info at: http://www.elexadawson.com
Alisa Jefferson
At 11:00 Rock and Roller Alisa Jefferson shares music from her new 10-song solo album, TELL ME, released on June 1, 2021. All lyrics, instrumentation, vocals, melodies, song content for TELL ME was written and created by Alisa Jefferson. TELL ME was also recorded by Alisa Jefferson. Mixed and produced by Alisa Jefferson and Andy Oxman of SoundWorks Recording Studio, Blue Springs, Mo. And mastered by Matt Elliott of Black Sky Studios, Buckner, MO. Alisa Jefferson grew up in KC. She played viola in her school orchestra and received her first acoustic guitar at age 13. Alisa established her rock trio, Morning Fix, in 1994, singing & playing bass. In December, 2014, Alisa established, fronted, and played bass in the rock trio, Radial Red. In 2019 Alisa performed on the side stage with Joan Jett and Heart at Starlight Theatre with KC band, Mad Libby. More info at: http://www.alisajeffersonmusic.com
Quinn’s Laundry Hearse
At 11:30, J. Ragland returns to WMM as a guest to share details about Quinn’s Laundry Hearse, a new indie rock project based out of KC and NYC. Quinn’s Laundry Hearse released their debut self-titled 5-track EP, on April 23, 2021. Quinn’s Laundry Hearse is the musical project of J Ragland who serves as songwriter, lead vocalist, and guitarist. J. Ragland is originally from Fayetteville North Carolina and is a professional actor who has appeared on stage in musical productions for Spinning Tree Theatre, and Faust Theatre in KC. For more info on Quinn’s Laundry Hearse on Instagram @quinnslaundryhearse or at: http://www.quinnslaundryhearse.bandcamp.com.
On your local radio dial 90.1 FM or STREAMING LIVE at: kkfi.org
Wednesday MidDay Medley Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org
Wednesday, May 26, 2021
New & MidCoastal Releases + The Black Creatures + Dylan Pyles + Remy Styrk + David Luther
“Main Title Instrumental – It’s Showtime Folks” from: Orig. Motion Picture Soundtrack All That Jazz / Casablanca / December 20, 1979 [WMM’s Adopted Theme Song]
Wyndsrfr – “Golden Years” from: Golden Years / Jacob Prestidge / June 11, 2021 [First single from the band’s album. The single of Golden Years was released May 14, 2021. From http://www.wyndsrfr.com: In early 2017, husband and wife Jacob and Danielle Prestidge packed up everything they owned, sold their home in Kansas City and headed for the west coast. Behind them they left their families, a city they loved, a few library fines and their folk-rock band, (The Blackbird Revue) with whom they had performed over 200 concerts in the previous 2 years. // They both knew it was time for a change. // Upon arriving in Los Angeles, they set up a home studio, purchased some vintage synthesizers and set about the process of musical reconstruction – building a new sound that captured the neon glow of palm tree sunsets and the visionary spirit of this city of dreamers, while still carrying traces of the longing of midwestern winters. Wyndsrfr was born. // To date, Wyndsrfr’s music has been heard around the world with over 2 million digital streams, as well as features on NBC, ABC, Fox, ESPN, MTV, CNN, The Discovery Channel and more. // Now, with their new album, Golden Years they offer their most compelling and fully realized vision to date, deftly pulling elements of synthwave, post-rock, and ambient music together in their unique blend of vibrant, top down dream-rock, perfect for a nice set of headphones or a sunset drive up the coast. Jacob and Danielle Prestidge will join us live on WMM on June 30. More info at: http://www.wyndsrfr.com]
Bob Walkenhorst – “Secret Life (feat. Una Walkenhorst)” from: A Thousand Words / BAT Records / June 1, 2021 [Bob Walkenhorst’s new 12 song album comes out on June 1, 2021 on Bob’s 68th Birthday. Bob Walkenhorst will be with us LIVE on the show next week. The new album is beautiful and shows the range of Bob Walkenhorst’s gifts as a master songwriter and poet. The album is also evidence of the wide open vocal range of a rock and roller who can call upon his expressive voice, giving listeners lyrics with a growl and also rising to sing the high parts of the harmony, not in a falsetto, but actually singing like a angel in a duet with Una Walkenhorst his equally talented singer songwriter daughter. With Una, Bob recorded the critically acclaimed FOR TOMORROW with that was released October 12, 2018, where they split the difference, taking turns as songwriters for the album’s songs, written individually, and recorded together, in clear beautiful harmonies, with that extra special shared musical DNA, that can be heard in the harmonies of The Carter Family, Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear, or Shy Boys. FOR TOMORROW was #2 on WMM’s 118 Best recordings of 2018. Una Walkenhorst is the youngest daughter of Bob Walkenhorst, a founding member of The Rainmakers, which had national and international hits in the 1980s and 90s, and continue to this day touring and recording new music. With The Rainmakers Bob has released over 12 albums. Bob’s solo record continues the spirit of FOR TOMORROW. More info at: http://www.bobwalkenhorst.com]
Dylan Pyles – “A Train Called Solitude” from: A Train Called Solitude / Manor Records / May 28, 2021 [ Dylan Pyles releases music as a solo artist and plays in KC-based hardcore band Canyons. He released POPULAR SONGS FOR THE HEART, in 2019 and EVIL MUSIC FOR AN UGLY WORLD in 2020. Both records were written and recorded by Pyles at his home. On his solo records, he plays all the instruments, but performs live with friends. Pyles has been playing since he was 16, in a variety of bands, and as a solo artist for over a decade. His current projects range from country-tinged singer-songwriter tunes to instrumental guitar music. Pyles is also a manager and record buyer at Mills Record Company and co-owner of Wise Blood Books in Westport, KC. More info at: http://www.dylanpyles.bandcamp.com. ]
Dylan Pyles by Film Soup Productions (Quinn Hernandez & Wayne Moots)
10:15 – Interview with Dylan Pyles
Kansas City based musician, singer, songwriter, Dylan Pyles shares information about his new album, A TRAIN CALLED SOLITUDE, coming May 28, on Manor Records. Dylan Pyles releases music as a solo artist and plays in KC-based hardcore band Canyons. He released POPULAR SONGS FOR THE HEART, in 2019 and EVIL MUSIC FOR AN UGLY WORLD in 2020. Both records were written and recorded by Pyles at his home. On his solo records, he plays all the instruments, but performs live with friends. Pyles has been playing since he was 16, in a variety of bands, and as a solo artist for over a decade. His current projects range from country-tinged singer-songwriter tunes to instrumental guitar music. Pyles is also a manager and record buyer at Mills Record Company and co-owner of Wise Blood Books in Westport, KC. More info at: http://www.dylanpyles.bandcamp.com.
Dylan Pyles, thanks for being with us on WMM.
A TRAIN CALLED SOLITUDE, comes out Friday, May 28, on Manor Records.
We talked with Dylan about the poetry and metaphor of his new album, asking him about the autobiographical quality of his lyrics. Dylan let us know that “solitude” is something he enjoys and needs, while also observing that during the pandemic solitude meant that many folks were lonely.
Both records were written and recorded by Pyles at his home. On his solo records, he plays all the instruments, but performs live with friends. Pyles has been playing since he was 16, in a variety of bands, and as a solo artist for over a decade. His current projects range from country-tinged singer-songwriter tunes to instrumental guitar music.
The recording process of A TRAIN CALLED SOLITUDE was similar to you last release, Evil Music for an Ugly World, Dylan created and recorded most of the album during April, May and June 2020 during the “solitude” of the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Dylan Pyles by Film Soup Productions (Quinn Hernandez & Wayne Moots)
Dylan Pyles Discography
Dylan Pyles -“A Train Called Solitude”- May 28, 2021. Dylan Pyles -“Evil Music for an Ugly World”- February 21, 2020. Dylan Pyles -“Popular Songs for the Heart,” (20-tracks) – September 20, 2019. Dylan Pyles -“Solo Acoustic Guitar Vol. 1” (6-song EP) – September 20, 2019. Dylan Pyles -“You Have a Problem but You Are Not a Problem” (19-track) – Dec 2018
Dylan Pyles in interested in many types of music – psychedelic rock and country garage sounds.
Kansas City based musician, singer, songwriter, Dylan Pyles joined us on the phone. Last time Dylan was on the show was on March 18, 2020, just as the COVID-19 Pandemic was shutting everything down. Dylan was one of the last in-studio guests we’ve had in our 90.1 FM Studios and one of the last to play live in our studios.
Live music, for 14 months has mostly been gone.
Dylan Pyles is a music scholar, record buyer at Mills Record Company, and co-owner and manager of Wise Blood KC a bookstore in Westport. Wise Blood was opened just two months before the pandemic. Recently Wise Blood moved from its Westport Road location to inside Mills Record Company into a part of the record store that wasn’t being fully used. The bookstore actually gain in square footage from its previous location.
Record Store Day is coming up on June 12, and that is an unusually busy day for independent record stores. Last year because of COVID, Record Store Day was divided into three “Drops” or three different days. This year Record Store Day is divided up into two “drops” or 2 days, June 12 and July 17.
Dylan Pyles, thanks for being with us on WMM.
A TRAIN CALLED SOLITUDE, comes out Friday, May 28, on Manor Records. Manor Records will also offer a cassette release. More info at: http://www.dylanpyles.bandcamp.com
10:27
Dylan Pyles by Film Soup Productions (Quinn Hernandez & Wayne Moots)
Dylan Pyles – “Ten Thousand Houses” from: A Train Called Solitude / Manor Records / May 28, 2021 [The recording process of A TRAIN CALLED SOLITUDE was similar to you last release, Evil Music for an Ugly World, Dylan created and recorded most of the album during April, May and June 2020 during the “solitude” of the COVID-19 Pandemic.]
10:28 – Underwriting
David Luther – “Home To Kansas City” from: “Home To Kansas City” – Single / Grand Central Bell Records / February 3, 2021 [Recorded and produced by David George and Pat Tomek (The Rainmakers). He released his debut EP David Luther in 2009, recorded in Nashville with Nielson Hubbard and Garrison Starr. On 2017 David Joined David George & A Crooked Mile serving as a touring guitarist and back up vocalist. David is releasing several singles this year including the release of “The World’s Gonna Change,” a previous collaboration with Academy Award and Golden Globe winning songwriter Tom Whitlock. Info at: http://www.thedavidluther.com]
10:34 – Interview with David Luther
Singer songwriter David Luther joins to talk about his new single, “Home To Kansas City” released through Grand Central Bell Records on February 3, 2021. The song was recorded and produced by David George and Pat Tomek (The Rainmakers). David is releasing several singles this year including the release of “The World’s Gonna Change,” a previous collaboration with Academy Award and Golden Globe winning songwriter Tom Whitlock. More info at: http://www.thedavidluther.com
David Luther, thank you for being with us today on WMM.
When did you first start playing guitar and writing songs?
Where were you when you got the idea to write, “Home To Kansas City”?
In 2017 David Luther joined David George & A Crooked Mile serving as a touring guitarist and back up vocalist, also collaborating on “We All Come Together” David George’s “We Are The World” epic anthem for the pandemic.
Work with David George that led you to asking him to record and produce “Home To Kansas City”? and how did Pat Tomek of The Rainmakers get involved.
David George also helped you make the music video for the song.
David Luther
The David Luther bio information reports that you are releasing several singles this year including the release of “The World’s Gonna Change,” a previous collaboration with Academy Award and Golden Globe winning songwriter Tom Whitlock.
David Luther released his debut EP, David Luther, in 2009, recorded in Nashville with Nielson Hubbard and Garrison Starr.
David Luther is a single dad with two sons who are 14 and 11 years old.
In an article in INKansas City Magazine, written by Michael Mackie you revealed that you have watch the entire series of the acclaimed television show The West Wing at least 60 to 70 times.
David Luther, thank you for being with us today on WMM.
David is releasing several singles this year including the release of “The World’s Gonna Change,” a previous collaboration with Academy Award and Golden Globe winning songwriter Tom Whitlock. More info at: http://www.thedavidluther.com
David Luther with Tuc Watkins
10:48
David Luther – “With Us Love” from: David Luther – EP / David Luther / July 22, 2011 [David Luther’s debut EP, David Luther, was recorded in Nashville with Nielson Hubbard and Garrison Starr. Info at: http://www.thedavidluther.com]
Passerine Dream – “Driver” from: Passerine Dream / DistroKid / May 3, 2021 [Sidelined from touring in 2020 like everybody else, KC based musician Dave Tanner began demoing new songs and spent the first few months of the hiatus contributing bass and vocals to other people’s recordings. By fall, a routine of tracking and writing evolved into making a solo album, of sorts. As songs were coming together from new and existing material, a few friends offered, or were asked, to lend a hand in their respective areas of expertise. Nine heartfelt songs and a handful of special guests later, the Passerine Dream album was completed in April 2021. “As we went along and tracks came together, we couldn’t help but notice that a theme was emerging,” Tanner said. “This is an album about hope.” // Appearing on certain tracks are power-pop artist Erik Voeks; Marty Scott of Liverpool Legends; John Perrin of NRBQ; Albert Bickley of The Depth and The Whisper; Steve Davis of Liverpool: A Tribute to The Beatles; and John Countryman of Million Dollar Quartet. // Digital release on May 3, 2021 also kicks off an advance-order campaign for CD and vinyl via bandcamp and at passerinedream.com. // All songs written by Dave Tanner. Additional performing credits are listed in individual track information on bandcamp. // Passerine Dream was mixed by Paul Malinowski at Massive Sound Studios and mastered by Mike Nolte at Eureka Mastering.]
Rachel Cion – “Gunpowder Baby” from: WANTED! – EP / Rachel Cion / May 4, 2021 [The 3-song EP/Single, WANTED! includes the tracks: “Gunpowder Baby”, “What You’ve Done”, and “Heist”. Rachel Cion is Rachel Cionetti an Olathe, Kansas based singer-songwriter who has posted multiple songs on her SoundCloud page. We last played her single, “One More Time 35mm” on November 14, 2018 five days after it was released. More info at: http://www.facebook.com/rachel.cheeto%5D
11:00 – Station ID
Remy Styrk – “Boy” from: “Boy” – Single / Remy Styrk / November 5, 2020 [Written, produced, and recorded by: Remy Styrk (@remystyrk). Background vocals: Alexis Black + Danzell Capers. Bass solo: Abram Shaffer. Mixed by: Ben Soiefer of Sandblast Productions. Mastered by: Colin Bryson of The Bunker Studio. Remy writes about this new release: “The number of times someone or something washed my hands clean, stood me back up, and gave me another try is unmeasurable. throughout my life i’ve experienced death, drug addiction, anxiety, abandonment, and pure fear. some days are filled with 5 to 7 panic attacks. others are quiet, however a moment of “calm” from complete mental and physical exhaustion seems unbearable, almost more dangerous than a day of anxiety. 2020 has been a catalyst for me. igniting everything i’ve been shoving under the bed and breathing life into a debilitatingly unpredictable fire. the biggest question every time i step outside my front door is, ‘will i make it back home alive today?’” 21 year old Remy Stryk lives in Leawood, Kansas, originally from Newark, New Jersey. This multi instrumentalist has been writing & recording music for several years. Remy Styrk is a sci-fi and thriller film composer composer living in KC. His work is informed by his life experiences, and his life experiences have been a tragic journey on a compact time frame. Styrk was born in Newark, NJ to a homeless heroin addict in February 1999. He doesn’t really know who his parents were, because he wound up in a semi-closed adoption. After birth, he was in the hospital for three weeks, clinging to life. At the age of 14 months, he was adopted by a couple, the husband, a fashion photographer and wife, a creative director, Tom & Deborah. When 9/11 happened and the family wanted to get away from the East Coast. Styrk’s adopted father Tom got a job at Hallmark in Kansas City, Missouri and the family relocated here. Sadly, not long after making the move, Remy’s adopted mother Deborah passed away from a sudden brain aneurysm. Tom quit his job at Hallmark to come home and take care of his kids in this terrible time. Remy’s father was pursuing a photography gig full time during this period, and that set the tone for his kids. Push through everything. Never give up. Dedicate yourself to what you love and work towards it each and every day. Remy began pursuing music. His family that supported his goals. At an early age they got him a guitar, and by age six he was already learning the drums. Remy found folk music, thanks to the relocation into KC. Folk music was new to Remy, and based entirely in storytelling. Remy leaned into that hard, because the storytelling allowed him to process his mother’s death, and the series of other traumas in his life. Remy told Brock Wilbur of The Pitch Kansas City, “I grew up black in a predominately white school system,” Styrk says. “I felt like an outcast but it didn’t make me want to give up on who I was. It pushed me to work harder on being who I want to be. I won’t change for anyone.” Styrk started playing with local bands. He moved from the DIY scene into rock and indie, but then found the famous KC blues scene– and his place within it. This series of genre dabbles prepared him perfectly to start scoring for film. In 2020 Remy was a guest on WMM on May 27, where he talked about his latest interactive recording project, “Of My Own Design” his 9-minute interactive album structured like an “Original Motion Picture Soundtrack.” Remy create pieces of music that all fit together to tell a story both musically and visually. He is asking listeners, to imagine and create the visual story. Scene descriptions can be between 2 sentences and 2 paragraphs. All will be posted on his website: http://www.remystyrk.com/interactive. “In 2019 Remy release “Winter/Summer” In 2018 Remy released “In Too Deep” one of 5 singles Remy has released in the last 2 years. Remy Styrk released the EP Sunday, on Jan 25, 2018 a follow up to the Aug 12, 2015 full length album, Telling Stories Through The Basement Door.]
11:03 – Interview with Remy Styrk
22-year old Remy Styrk is a composer & creator. He makes short films about personal stories. These films are what he is thinking, feeling, experiencing, trying to figure out, and living. Remy writes, “Think old school MTV; just music & visuals.” Remy joined us on the phone to talk about his new film & musical compositions. Remy recently released the single “Boy” on Nov. 5, 2020; the single “Closer To” on January 16; the single “Personalia”- Single on February 1, 2021; the single “The Smell of Burning” on March 1, 2021; and the EP ANOMALOUS on March 1, 2021. Remy Styrk lives in Leawood KS. Info at: http://www.remystyrk.com
Remy Styrk Thanks for being with us on WMM
Remy recently released the single “Boy” on November 5, 2020. Remy writes about this new release: “The number of times someone or something washed my hands clean, stood me back up, and gave me another try is unmeasurable. throughout my life i’ve experienced death, drug addiction, anxiety, abandonment, and pure fear… 2020 has been a catalyst for me. igniting everything i’ve been shoving under the bed and breathing life into a debilitatingly unpredictable fire.”
We last talked to Remy exactly a year ago on May 27, 2020 about “Of My Own Design” his 9-minute interactive album structured like an “Original Motion Picture Soundtrack.” Where Remy created pieces of music that all fit together to tell a story both musically and visually, and asked listeners, to imagine and create the visual story.
ANOMALOUS – EP / March 1, 2021. “The Smell of Burning”- Single / March 1, 2021. “Personalia”- Single / February 1, 2021 “Closer To” – Single / January 16, 2021 “Boy” – Single / November 5, 2020 OF MY OWN DESIGN – Album / May 4, 2020 “Over It” – Single / April 17, 2020 PARTICLE EVOLUTIONS – Album / March 24, 2020 CHIOU – Original Mmotion Picture Soundtrack – March 15, 2020 PADS AND DRONES – Album / January 3, 2020 “Winter/Summer.” – Single / 2019 “In Too Deep” – Single / June 13, 2018 SUNDAY – EP / January 25, 2018 “Feel So Old” – Single / November 10, 2017 “October” – Single / October 17, 2017 “17” – Single / September 1, 2017 TELLING STORIES THROUGH THE BASEMENT DOOR – Album / August 12, 2015
WMM first heard of Remy when he was 12 or 13 through a through a youth songwriting contest sponsored by Money Wolf
Remy Styrk is a 22-year-old film composer living in KC. His work is informed by his life experiences, and his life experiences have been a tragic journey on a compact timeframe.
Styrk was born in Newark, NJ to a homeless heroin addict. He doesn’t really know who his parents were, because he wound up in a semi-closed adoption. After birth, he was in the hospital for three weeks, clinging to life. He survived and was adopted by his forever parents: Tom & Deborah.
9/11 happened and the family wanted to get away from the coast. Styrk’s adopted father Tom got a job at Hallmark in KC and the family relocated here.
Just after making the move, Deborah passed away from a sudden brain aneurysm.
Tom quit his job at Hallmark to come home and take care of his kids in this terrible time. Remy’s father was pursuing a photography gig full time during this period, and that set the tone for his kids. Push through everything. Never give up. Dedicate yourself to what you love and work towards it each and every day.
Remy began pursuing music. And he was spoiled. Because he now had a family that supported his goals with 100% of their efforts. At an early age they got him a guitar, and by age six he was already learning the drums.
Remy found folk music, thanks to the relocation into KC. Folk was new to him, and based entirely in storytelling. Remy leaned into that hard, because the storytelling allowed him to process his mother’s death, and the series of other traumas in his life. Of which, aforementioned, there were many.
Remy told Brock Wilbur of The Pitch Kansas City, “I grew up black in a predominately white school system,” Styrk says. “I felt like an outcast but it didn’t make me want to give up on who I was. It pushed me to work harder on being who I want to be. I won’t change for anyone.”
Styrk started playing with local bands. He moved from the DIY scene into rock and indie, but then found the famous KC blues scene– and his place within it. This series of genre dabbles prepared him perfectly to start scoring for film.
“Of My Own Design” his 9-minute interactive album structured like an “Original Motion Picture Soundtrack.” Remy wants to create pieces of music that all fit together to tell a story both musically and visually. He is asking listeners, to imagine and create the visual story. Scene descriptions can be between 2 sentences and 2 paragraphs. All will be posted on his website: http://www.remystyrk.com/interactive.
We are talking with 22-year old musician and film composer and now film maker Remy Styrk .
“Follow what you’re curious about,” Styrk says.
Remy listens to what the movie wants. He follows what the picture says it needs, rather than inserting his own wishes into the situation.
“That’s what I strive to do as an artist,” Styrk says. “As an outsider, I’m just adding what is beneficial to a project. My whole mission is to never overpower what I’m working on. Just complimenting the project.”
“If what I do doesn’t fit with the project it becomes irrelevant.”
The 21-year-old is taking part in many projects, both released and on the horizon, and we can’t wait to see what he does next.
Remy Styrk – “The Smell of Burning” from: “The Smell of Burning” – Single / Remy Sryrk / March 1, 2021 [22-year old musician and film composer Remy Styrk joins us to share details about “Of My Own Design” his 9-minute interactive album structured like an “Original Motion Picture Soundtrack.” Remy wants to create pieces of music that all fit together to tell a story both musically and visually. He is asking listeners, to imagine and create the visual story. Scene descriptions can be between 2 sentences and 2 paragraphs. All will be posted on his website: http://www.remystyrk.com/interactive. ]
Dreamgirl – “Sometimes” from: “Sometimes” – Single / Dreamgirl / May 12, 2021 [Dreamgirl is a ‘dream-pop’ music group formed in St. Joseph, Missouri in 2013. Now based out of Kansas City, Missouri, and building off of the success of their breakout EP “Illuminaughty” (2015), Dreamgirl has released a full-length, self-titled LP and is currently working on a new EP. They have gained an impressive following. Up until the summer of 2018, they operated and managed themselves completely internally. Now they have partnered with Rogue Booking Agency. Dreamgirl has benefited massively from internet platforms like Spotify and Youtube. Members include: Lacey Hopkins on lead vocals, Grady Drugg on guitar, Skylar Smith on guitar Joe Gronniger on bass, Ian Dobyns on drums. This single is a follow up to ther September 25, 2020 single release “All You Wanna Do Is Dance.”]
[Dreamgirl play Lemonade Park, Saturday, June 5, at 7:00 PM with The Moose, We The People, and DJ Jonisthenwblk presented by The Pitch and District. Lemonade Park, 1628 Wyoming (NW corner of Wyoming & 17th St.), behind Voltaire. Lemonade Park is a limited capacity socially distanced outdoor venue created in partnership between recordBar, Voltaire, and Moxie Catering.]
Kemet Coleman – “Eyes On The Street (radio edit)” from: Eyes On The Street / Kemet Creative / May 21, 2021 [Kemet Coleman is a Kansas City based musicians and is a member of the Hip-Hop duo COA (Center of Attention) and is the lead singer of the Funk/Rap/Soul band The Phantastics. Kemet is also a core element of The Marcus Lewis Big Band for Brass & Boujee. Kemet is a two time Pitch Music Award nominee for “Best Hip-Hop Act.” Kemet is known for his unprecedented collaborations with UMKC, KC Streetcar and The Kansas City Royals. He is also highly regarded for his impresario role within the Sly James for Mayor Campaign in the 2010-2011 where he created the first ever KC mayoral candidate rap song. A University of Missouri – Kansas City alumnus, Kemet, created “Gold and Blue” for UMKC’s sports teams, which has garnered thousands of plays on YouTube and has been featured on prime-time television commercials for the university. In 2020 Coleman contributed his song, “The Virus” to the compilation, Kansas City Syzygy, music created by over 25 Kansas City-based musicians in the middle of the map of a pandemic. “The Virus” is his comment on the impact of the coronavirus, as well as the virus that is racial injustice in America that has received global attention during the past months. All proceeds donated to KC Tenants, a local nonprofit organized to ensure that everyone has a safe, accessible, affordable home. The new EP is a follow up to Kemet’s August 1, 2020 release, BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL.]
[Kemet Coleman plays Troostival Street Tour, Union Station Streetcar Stop, on Friday, June 4, 2021 at 7:00 PM with Brass & Boujee – the chart toping hip-hop unit of the Marcus Lewis Big Band with Kemet Coleman and Kadesh Flow and also featuring: The Black Creatures.]
Riley The Musician – “I Kissed a Ghost” from: “Miss America” / “I Kissed A Ghost” – Single / Riley The Musician / May 3, 2021 [Riley The Musician is a non-binary, KC based producer, electronica music maker, producer, & DJ. This is the first single of the upcoming album Montana. Riley The Producer released the 5-track EP TEENAGE HEART- THROB on June 29, 2018. Riley The Producer released the 13-track album ART IS DEAD, on June 6, 2019. Riley The Producer released the 7-track EP, ANA KENNEDY, on July 10, 2020. Riley The Producer released the 7-track EP, ANA KENNEDY DEMOS, on Sept. 4, 2020. Riley The Producer released the 2-track Single, “Iced Out” b/w “Ice Out (Slowed)” on Sept. 16, 2020. Riley The Producer released the single “99” on February 15, 2021.] More info at: https://linktr.ee/rileythemusician
[Riley The Ghost will be on WMM on June 23, 2021]
11:28 – Underwriting
The Black Creatures – “wretched (it goes)” from: “wretched (it goes)” – Single / Center Cut Records / July 17, 2020 [remastered] [“wretched (it goes)” was originally released on The Black Creatures 2019 album Wild Echoes. Recently released as a single in collaboration with Center Cut Records who remixed a few of the songs, and added some new vocals, and remastered the album. Although it is basically the same record, the sound quality is improved. Center Cut Records plan to release the full remastered album on August 28 2020. The Black Creatures are Jade Green & Xavier Martin. The band joined us on the radio on the August 26 edition of WMM. “Wild Echoes” was #2 in WMM’s 119 Favorite Releases of 2019 (Albums & EPs). Since the release of ”Wild Echoes” the band has released seven entirely new songs, nearly one per month, all posted to their bandcamp page. The Black Creatures fuse dark-pop hip-hop, soul, jazz, and electronic music with elements from science fiction to tell inter-dimensional stories of love, community, life, culture, history. Xavier & Jade have made an impression in the KC music community with their live shows in clubs, galleries, record stores, and area music festivals. The Black Creatures released their debut single “Mouth 2 Mouth” June 5, 2016. They released the album, See No Evil, December 6, 2017. The duo released the singles, “Elements” February 14, 2018; “Silver Tears” June 19. 2018; “Dare” a Gorillaz cover August 8, 2019. They released the album “Wild Echoes” September 30, 2019. The Black Creatures released the singles “Turn” October 30, 2019; “Quartz (Twilight)” November 13, 2019; “SHINE” December 11, 2019; Ghost Bustin’ Dead Prezidentz” January 8, 2020; “To Whom It May Concern” January 22, 2020; “Arcade Love” February 5, 2020; and “Run Up” Feb. 19, 2020.]
[The Black Creatures play Troostival Street Tour, Union Station Streetcar Stop, on Friday, June 4, 2021 at 7:00 PM with Brass & Boujee – the chart toping hip-hop unit of the Marcus Lewis Big Band with Kemet Coleman and Kadesh Flow.]
[The Black Creatures play a Center Cut Records SUMMER SOULSTICE at Lemonad(e) Park, Friday, June 18, with The Freedom Affair and Kadesh Flow. More info at: http://www.centercutrecords.com]
The Black Creatures
11:04 – Interview with Jade Green & Xavier Martin
Jade Green & Xavier Martin of The Black Creatures who recently played The Ship last weekend and coming up will play the Troostival Street Tour, at the Union Station Streetcar Stop, on Friday, June 4, 2021 at 7:00 PM with Brass & Boujee AND they will also play SUMMER SOULSTICE at Lemonad(e) Park, Friday, June 18, with The Freedom Affair and Kadesh Flow. The event is sponsored by Center Cut Records. The Black Creatures recently released their single “Negative Zero” on April 2, with a music video that was the continuation of a story from their earlier single and video release for “wretched (it goes)”, originally released on The Black Creatures 2019/2020 album Wild Echoes. Wild Echoes landed at #2 on WMM’s 119 Best Recordings of 2019, after being remastered and reissued by CenterCut Records in 2020 and was named “Album of The Year” from The Pitch Kansas City. The Black Creatures play a Center Cut Records SUMMER SOULSTICE at Lemonad(e) Park, Friday, June 18, with The Freedom Affair and Kadesh Flow. More info at: http://www.centercutrecords.com
Jade Green & Xavier Martin welcome back to Wednesday MidDay Medley.
We talked with you both on the show last August 26, 2021 after Center Cut Records signed The Black Creatures to their label and remastered and re-releasing your album Wild Echoes on Friday August 28, 2020. I had the honor of seeing you all play a Center Cut Records Showcase on Friday, August 28 at 7:00 PM with Kadesh Flow, and Saturday, August 29 at 7:00 PM with Calvin Arsenia, at Lemonaid(e) Park. That was one of the few live performances for the band in the last 14 months.
Congratulations on being signed to Center Cut Records
We just heard “wretched (it goes)” thaty was originally released on The Black Creatures 2019 album Wild Echoes. In 2020 the band released as a single in collaboration with Center Cut Records who remixed a few of the songs, and added some new vocals, and remastered the album. Although it is basically the same record, the sound quality is improved.
Jade Green & Xavier Martin who were our guests on the September 25, 2019 edition of WMM. “Wild Echoes” was #2 in WMM’s 119 Favorite Releases of 2019 (Albums & EPs).
The Black Creatures fuse dark-pop hip-hop, soul, jazz, and electronic music with elements from science fiction to tell inter-dimensional stories of love, community, life, culture, history. Xavier & Jade have made an impression in the KC music community with their live shows in clubs, galleries, record stores, and area music festivals.
Xavier Martin is DJ/Writer/Producer/Rapper/Singer at The Black Creatures
Jade Green performs with: Arquesta Del SolSoul. a Kansas City-based music collective featuring 3 musicians who worked together in Hearts of Darkness. They call themselves: African Futurist Genre Killerz from the Middle of the Map bringing an innovative multidimensional sound inspired by our founding musical ancestors to decolonize and time bend indigenous sounds of the Caribbean, Latin America, West, Central, and Southern Africa.” Members include Les Izmore, Jessica Ayala, Brad Williams, Jade Green, Chalis O’Neal, Irving Graham, Ernest Melton, Andres Ramirez, Fabian Prado.
The Black Creatures Discography
The Black Creatures “Mouth 2 Mouth” – Single, June 5, 2016. The Black Creatures released their debut album, See No Evil, Dec. 6, 2017. The Black Creatures “Elements” – Single, February 14, 2018 The Black Creatures “Silver Tears” – Single, June 19, 2018 with additional voices provided by AniMal (Ana Marcela Maldonado Morales) , Barbara Solomon , Kassidee, Quaranta, Adres Va Cortas The Black Creatures “Dare” (Gorillaz Cover)” – Single, August 8, 2019 The Black Creature – Wild Echoes – September 30, 2019 The Black Creatures – “Turn” – Single, October 30, 2019 The Black Creatures – “Quartz (Twilight)” – Single, November 13, 2019 The Black Creatures – “SHINE” – Single, December 11, 2019 The Black Creatures- “Ghost Bustin’ Dead Prezidentz” – Single, January 8, 2020 The Black Creatures – “To Whom It May Concern” – Single, January 22, 2020 The Black Creatures – “Arcade Love” – Single, February 5, 2020 The Black Creatures – “Run Up” – Single, February 19, 2020. The Black Creature – Wild Echoes – September 30, 2019 The Black Creatures – “wretched (it goes)”- Single [Center Cut], July 17, 2020 [remastered] The Black Creature – Wild Echoes – Album (Remastered] August 28, 2020 [Center Cut] The Black Creatures – “Negative Zero” – Single/Video [Center Cut]
The Black Creatures play Troostival Street Tour, Union Station Streetcar Stop, on Friday, June 4, 2021 at 7:00 PM with Brass & Boujee – the chart toping hip-hop unit of the Marcus Lewis Big Band with Kemet Coleman and Kadesh Flow.
The Black Creatures play a Center Cut Records SUMMER SOULSTICE at Lemonad(e) Park, Friday, June 18, with The Freedom Affair and Kadesh Flow. More info at: http://www.centercutrecords.com
The latest single is Negative Zero” released through Center Cut Records on April 2, 2021 All proceeds from this track go to the Tamir Rice Foundation. Info at: http://www.tamirericefoundation.org. This song was originally on the December 6, 2017 release, SEE NO EVIL The song was recently re-recorded. Band member Xavier Martin told us that, “Everything was done from the ground up. Remixing, rerecording, mastering, etc.”
The Black Creatures wanted to released this as a single and video as a “part-two” to their earlier single and video release for “wretched (it goes)”, which was originally released on The Black Creatures 2019 album Wild Echoes. The video for “Negative Zero” picks up where the video for “Wretched (It Goes)” left off, “so there is a conceptual thread between the two,” says Patrick Sprehe of Center Cut Records.
All music produced, arranged, recorded, and performed by The Black Creatures. Engineering and Mastering by J. Ashley Miller aka Jametatone.
The Black Creatures write, “We talk about it all the time, but ‘Negative Zero’ is the best example of this phenomenon; sometimes we come together with pieces of a song that fit together so perfectly the results surprise even us. So, conceiving a video that acutely paralleled the direness of the message was a huge deal for us. The process happened in a similarly fluid stride that furthered our awareness of the unfortunate necessity of art, media, and dialogue that exist in the same sphere. With that in mind, there’s some positivity we hope fans of The Black Creatures can also takeaway from this music video. // We had been sitting on this video for a while, already finished filming and that whole process was very fun and literally nourishing (because we got Fannie’s West African Cuisine to celebrate after filming). Like past music video releases, we worked with Rondevu Productions on this video—and it was a careful little gathering! We all got our ‘negative’ COVID test results within 48 hours of each other and said, ‘Okay, let’s go to the lake like a family,’ and we did. We spent two days filming on a freezing cold lake, dancing on cryptic constructions, and being outside way late at night. // We have set up this release to directly fund The Tamir Rice Foundation, founded by mother Samaria Rice. We also encourage others who can, to give to something that is centered around Black life.”
Jade Green & Xavier Martin, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
The newly remastered album Wild Echoes is available in digital format and on vinyl at your neighborhood record store. The Black Creatures play Troostival Street Tour, Union Station Streetcar Stop, on Friday, June 4, 2021 at 7:00 PM with Brass & Boujee – the chart toping hip-hop unit of the Marcus Lewis Big Band with Kemet Coleman and Kadesh Flow.
The Black Creatures play a Center Cut Records SUMMER SOULSTICE at Lemonad(e) Park, Friday, June 18, with The Freedom Affair and Kadesh Flow. More info at: http://www.centercutrecords.com
For WMM, I’m Mark Manning. Thanks for listening!
11:52
The Black Creatures – “Negative Zero” from: “Negative Zero” – Single / Center Cut Records / April 2, 2021 [remixed, remastered] [All proceeds from this track go to the Tamir Rice Foundation. Info at: http://www.tamirericefoundation.org. The Black Creatures are Jade Green & Xavier Martin. This song was originally on the December 6, 2017 release, SEE NO EVIL The song was recently re-recorded. Band member Xavier Martin told us that, “Everything was done from the ground up. Remixing, rerecording, mastering, etc.” The Black Creatures wanted to released this as a single and video as a “part-two” to their earlier single and video release for “wretched (it goes)”, which was originally released on The Black Creatures 2019 album Wild Echoes. The video for “Negative Zero” picks up where the video for “Wretched (It Goes)” left off, “so there is a conceptual thread between the two,” says Patrick Sprehe of Center Cut Records. All music produced, arranged, recorded, and performed by The Black Creatures. Engineering and Mastering by J. Ashley Miller aka Jametatone. The Black Creatures write, “We talk about it all the time, but ‘Negative Zero’ is the best example of this phenomenon; sometimes we come together with pieces of a song that fit together so perfectly the results surprise even us. So, conceiving a video that acutely paralleled the direness of the message was a huge deal for us. The process happened in a similarly fluid stride that furthered our awareness of the unfortunate necessity of art, media, and dialogue that exist in the same sphere. With that in mind, there’s some positivity we hope fans of The Black Creatures can also takeaway from this music video. // We had been sitting on this video for a while, already finished filming and that whole process was very fun and literally nourishing (because we got Fannie’s West African Cuisine to celebrate after filming). Like past music video releases, we worked with Rondevu Productions on this video—and it was a careful little gathering! We all got our ‘negative’ COVID test results within 48 hours of each other and said, ‘Okay, let’s go to the lake like a family,’ and we did. We spent two days filming on a freezing cold lake, dancing on cryptic constructions, and being outside way late at night. // We have set up this release to directly fund The Tamir Rice Foundation, founded by mother Samaria Rice. We also encourage others who can, to give to something that is centered around Black life.” // After being signed to Center Cut Records the label remastered and reissued Wild Echoes and began releasing singles. “Wild Echoes” was #2 in WMM’s 119 Favorite Releases of 2019 (Albums & EPs). Since the release of ”Wild Echoes” the band has released seven entirely new songs, nearly one per month, all posted to their bandcamp page. The Black Creatures fuse dark-pop hip-hop, soul, jazz, and electronic music with elements from science fiction to tell inter-dimensional stories of love, community, life, culture, history. Xavier & Jade have made an impression in the KC music community with their live shows in clubs, galleries, record stores, and area music festivals. The Black Creatures released their debut single “Mouth 2 Mouth” June 5, 2016. They released the album, See No Evil, December 6, 2017. The duo released the singles, “Elements” February 14, 2018; “Silver Tears” June 19. 2018; “Dare” a Gorillaz cover August 8, 2019. They released the album “Wild Echoes” September 30, 2019. The Black Creatures released the singles “Turn” October 30, 2019; “Quartz (Twilight)” November 13, 2019; “SHINE” December 11, 2019; Ghost Bustin’ Dead Prezidentz” January 8, 2020; “To Whom It May Concern” January 22, 2020; “Arcade Love” February 5, 2020; and “Run Up” Feb. 19, 2020.]
[The Black Creatures play Troostival Street Tour, Union Station Streetcar Stop, on Friday, June 4, 2021 at 7:00 PM with Brass & Boujee – the chart toping hip-hop unit of the Marcus Lewis Big Band with Kemet Coleman and Kadesh Flow.]
[The Black Creatures play a Center Cut Records SUMMER SOULSTICE at Lemonad(e) Park, Friday, June 18, with The Freedom Affair and Kadesh Flow. More info at: http://www.centercutrecords.com]
Noel Coward – “The Party’s Over Now” from: Noel Coward in New York / drg / 2003 [orig. 1957]
Next week on Wednesday, June 2 we welcome special guests: Bob Walkenhorst, Elexa Dawson, Alisa Jefferson, and Jeremy Ragland
Our Script/Playlist is a “cut and paste” of information. Sources for notes: artist’s websites, bios, wikipedia.org
Wednesday MidDay Medley Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org
Wednesday, May 26, 2021
New & MidCoastal Releases + The Black Creatures + Dylan Pyles + Remy Styrk + David Luther
Mark plays more New & MidCoastal Releases from: Bob Walkenhorst with Una Walkenhorst, Kemet Coleman, Dreamgirl, Passerine Dream, The Black Creatures, Wyndsrfr, Rachel Cionetti, Dylan Pyles, Riley The Musician, Remy Styrk, and David Luther.
Dylan Pyles by Film Soup Productions (Quinn Hernandez & Wayne Moots)
At 10:15 Kansas City based musician, singer, songwriter, Dylan Pyles shares information about his new album, A TRAIN CALLED SOLITUDE, coming May 28, on Manor Records. Dylan Pyles releases music as a solo artist and plays in KC-based hardcore band Canyons. He released POPULAR SONGS FOR THE HEART, in 2019 and EVIL MUSIC FOR AN UGLY WORLD in 2020. Both records were written and recorded by Pyles at his home. On his solo records, he plays all the instruments, but performs live with friends. Pyles has been playing since he was 16, in a variety of bands, and as a solo artist for over a decade. His current projects range from country-tinged singer-songwriter tunes to instrumental guitar music. Pyles is also a manager and record buyer at Mills Record Company and co-owner of Wise Blood Books in Westport, KC. More info at: http://www.dylanpyles.bandcamp.com.
David Luther
At 10:30 Mark talks with singer songwriter David Luther about his single, “Home To Kansas City” released through Grand Central Bell Records on February 3, 2021, and recorded and produced by David George and Pat Tomek (The Rainmakers). David Luther released his debut EP David Luther in 2009, recorded in Nashville with Nielson Hubbard and Garrison Starr. On 2017 David Joined David George & A Crooked Mile serving as a touring guitarist and back up vocalist. David is releasing several singles this year including the release of “The World’s Gonna Change,” a previous collaboration with Academy Award and Golden Globe winning songwriter Tom Whitlock. More info at: http://www.thedavidluther.com
Remy Styrk
At 11:00 Mark talks with musician and film composer Remy Styrk who joins us to talk about his musical compositions, and film work. Remy recently released the single “Boy” on November 5, 2020. Remy writes about this new release: “The number of times someone or something washed my hands clean, stood me back up, and gave me another try is unmeasurable. throughout my life i’ve experienced death, drug addiction, anxiety, abandonment, and pure fear… 2020 has been a catalyst for me. igniting everything i’ve been shoving under the bed and breathing life into a debilitatingly unpredictable fire.” 21 year old Remy Styrk lives in Leawood Kansas. In 2019 he released the single “Winter/Summer.” In 2018 Remy released “In Too Deep” one of 5 singles Remy has released in the last 2 years. On Jan 25, 2018 Remy released the EP Sunday, a follow up to the August 12, 2015 full length album, Telling Stories Through The Basement Door. More information at: http://www.remystyrk.com
The Black Creatures
At 11:30 we catch up with Jade Green & Xavier Martin of The Black Creatures who recently played The Ship and will play SUMMER SOULSTICE at Lemonad(e) Park, Friday, June 18, with The Freedom Affair and Kadesh Flow. The event is sponsored by Center Cut Records. The Black Creatures recently released their single “Negative Zero” on April 2, with a music video that was the continuation of a story from their earlier single and video release for “wretched (it goes)”, originally released on The Black Creatures 2019/2020 album Wild Echoes. Wild Echoes landed at #2 on WMM’s 119 Best Recordings of 2019, after being remastered and reissued by CenterCut Records in 2020 it was named “Album of The Year” for The Pitch Kansas City. The Black Creatures play a Center Cut Records SUMMER SOULSTICE at Lemonad(e) Park, Friday, June 18, with The Freedom Affair and Kadesh Flow. More info at: http://www.centercutrecords.com
On your local radio dial 90.1 FM or STREAMING LIVE at: kkfi.org
Wednesday MidDay Medley Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org
Wednesday, May 19, 2021
New & MidCoastal Releases + Enrique Chi + Alyssa Murray + Jillian Riscoe
“Main Title Instrumental – It’s Showtime Folks” from: Orig. Motion Picture Soundtrack All That Jazz / Casablanca / December 20, 1979 [WMM’s Adopted Theme Song]
Quite Frankly the Band
Quite Frankly the Band – “Blue / Red” from: “Blue/Red”- Single / Quite Frankly the Band / May 14, 2021 [In the dawn of 2016, shy but precocious middle schooler, founding member and bassist Scout Matthew, decided she wanted to try her hand at turning her musical ambition into reality by creating a band that would take her and her friends well beyond their beginning musical education at School of Rock. She began planning rehearsals out of her garage and within a short time, she convinced her supportive family to renovate their home’s basement into a rehearsal space. Ever since, Quite Frankly the Band has been committed to perfecting its sound, writing their own original music and adding amazing covers. // This young band is no longer just a student band, holding its own opening for, The Greeting Committee, The Darbies, John Corabi, The Jacks and LA Guns! with several yers experience the band members have moved into high school and beyond, Jolson, Carolyn, Scout, Gavin & Eli have built an impressive resume. // The band gained attention by being the youngest winners of the Nelson Atkins Battle of The Bands 2018 and for being nominated as Pitch’s “Best in KC” two years in a row. They’ve played First Fridays in the Crossroads, Starlight Theater, The Rino, recordBar, Lemonade Park, Kauffman Stadium, Sprint Center with Big Slick and Nashville Country Music Hall of Fame. Quite Frankly the Band will be our guests on WMM on June 23. More info at: http://www.quitefranklytheband.com]
Olympic Size – “Sunshine” from: Long Soak / Olympic Size / May 11, 2021 [We first discovered the music of Olympic Size on the 2007 OxBlood First Blood Compilation that feature them with The Republic Tigers, Ghosty, In The Pines, Roman Numerals, The Pedaljets, Ssion, American Catastrophe, Architects, Lovers in Transet, Ne/Non, Namelessnumberheadman and Softee. That compilation was an early roadmap to the area music community for my early years on WMM. The last official Olympic Size release we’ve played on the radio show was, You’ll Miss Me When I’m Gone from 2008. Olympic Size provided the soundtrack to the independent film “We Will Make You Whole Again.” Their music was also played on MTV. Olympic Size: William Smith on guitar & vocals; Wade Allen Williamson on guitar & keyboard; Kirsten Paludan on vocals & keyboard; Christopher Tolle on bass, background vocals, 12 string guitar & percussion; Michael Walker on trombone, melodica, & percussion, with Chris Metcalf on drums for ‘Sunshine,’ ‘Train to Mexico’ and ‘Push Away’, Ryan Pope on drums for ‘I’d Rather Die’, Katie Benyo on violin & background vocals on ‘Train to Mexico’ and ‘Sunshine’ and Darren Welch on background vocals for ‘Train to Mexico’. // Olympic Size are proud to present ‘Long Soak’. Four lost tracks from our repertoire. We are honored to have the artwork of Anne Austin Pearce accompany these songs of our long winding, and often, dark exploration of the human psyche. // Dave Gaumé (Engineer for Garbage, Local Natives, Failure) has expertly mixed and mastered these songs back into existence, and even more, into modern climate relevance. Originally recorded in 2011 by Chris Cosgrove (KCPT, Thee Water MoccaSins, Zoom) ‘Sunshine,’ ‘Train to Mexico’ and ‘Push Away’ all feature the drumming of Chris Metcalf (Stella Link, The Life & Times). The final track, ‘I’d Rather Die,’ was engineered by Nick Day at the now defunct but ever legendary Black Lodge Studios in Eudora, Kansas. This song features Ryan Pope of The Get Up Kids on drums. Before the band could finish the essential tracking to these songs, they had fizzled out and began to focus on outside musical projects. // In 2016, Olympic Size rallied to join forces with David Moore of Merriam Shoal Studios (The Hearers, The Ants) to finalize and finish the guts of these previous recordings. Moore guided the band in capturing the essence and energy of each track. They quickly recorded vocal and instrument overdubs, but with band activity and no label outlet, these songs sat on the shelves … until now. // All proceeds of ‘Long Soak’ will go directly to Midwest Music Foundation to support KC musicians in their time of need. Info at: http://www.olympicsize1.bandcamp.com]
Monta At Odds – “When I’m Gone (The Republic Tigers Remix)” from: When I’m Gone – Single / The Record Machine / May 14, 2021 [Kenn Jankowski of The Republic Tigers wrote: My band The Republic Tigers released a new remix/reimagined song yesterday. It’s a Monta At Odds song featuring Teri Quinn. I got to sing on it with her.” Teri Quinn’s vocals soar, driven into the air by The Republic Tigers’ full sound explosion without betraying Monta At Odds’ cosmic vibe. The two bands are label mates on The Record Machine. Monta At Odds released their latest single, “When I’m Gone. (feat. Teri Quinn)” on March 5, 2021. Monta At Odds has traced its adventure from its inception to vocalist Teri Quinn’s addition to their sleek, indie-Tronic cascade of the band’s latest recording. An electric drum punch and layers of buzzing synths anchor Quinn’s pleading words, depositing the fact that “we both know you’ll feel better when I’m gone.” It’s the hard choice of ending a relationship and hanging on for dear life. // Monta At Odds is a Kansas City combo led by the brothers Dedric and Delaney Moore. The two have played music together all their lives and have been exploring the Monta At Odds sound since the band’s debut in 2000. Dedric’s pulsing, melodic bass and Delaney’s artfully unhinged synthesizers frame the band’s central character, which is fleshed out by a talented cast of musicians and collaborators. The result is a heady sonic pool that has been inscrutably referred to as ‘Ummagumma meets Arthur Russell’s mutant disco at Vangelis’s house.’ // 2020 finds the addition of acclaimed vocalists, guitarists, and songwriters Mikal Shapiro and Teri Quinn to the band’s lineup. With Mikal and Teri’s otherworldly vocal contributions, Monta At Odds continues to push their alternate reality into streamlined consciousness. Lucas Behrens on guitar and synth and Matthew Heinrich on drums both rounds out the stellar lineup. The group released Zen Diagram in May of 2020 as a more post-punk leaning follow-up to Argentum Dreams. Expect minimal rhythms set to maximum noise, shoegazed guitar signals, slo-mo psychedelic darkwave, endless dub echo, and extended-cut warped disco. Live musicians manipulating time and space via knob turning, cymbal cracking, and pedal pushing as they interlock into hypnotic moments of heavenly bliss that seem to hold forever, captivating the mind. // This single is a follow-up to the December 18, 2020 released A GREAT CONJUNCTION their 5-song EP released just in to coincide with the ‘double-planet’ convergence of Jupiter and Saturn on December 21 which last occurred in 1226. These tunes form a soundtrack to the planetary event, five songs linked together by the vastness of space and as a meditation on our infinitesimal place in the universe. The EP featured Krystof Nemeth, Teri Quinn, Alexander Thomas, Dedric Moore and Matthew Heinrich. Monta At Odds released their 4-song EP Zen Diagram last year on May 1, 2020. Monta At Odd’s seventh full-length album, Peak of Eternal Light, is to be released in 2021 on The Record Machine. In late 2020 Monta At Odds released the single “When Stars Grow Old.” Monta At Odds released their 6th full length album Argentum Dreams on Oct 19, 2018. More info at: http://www.facebook.com/montaatodds%5D
Other Americans – “Kink Wave” from: Paranoid Fiction / Gran Calavera Records / February 9, 2021 [8-song EP follow up to the band’s Oct. 19, 2019 release OA2. O.A. released their debut EP, Other Americans on June 29, 2018. Julie Berndsen on lead vocals, Adam Phillips on drums, Brandon Phillips on guitar, Michelle Bacon on bass. Produced by Brandon Philllips. Engineered by Joel Nanos. Recorded at Element Recording Studios in KC. All remixes by Mensa Deathsquad. Hailing from KCMO and Lawrence, KS, the electro-alternative OTHER AMERICANS are comprised of members of The Architects, Latenight Callers, The Philistines, Radar State and Brandon Phillips & The Condition. Other Americans is a virtual Midwestern supergroup. The cohorts first crossed paths in when a mutual friend and matchmaker introduced Brandon Phillips to vocalist Julie Berndsen “We were all looking for something new to do musically, recalls Brandon. “The way I remember it, a mutual friend (KC music producer Joel Nanos) told me that Julie was looking to start something new and I sent her a note about it. We had tacos to see if we liked each other.”]
[Other Americans play Lemonade Park 1628 Wyoming (NW corner of Wyoming & 17th St.), on Saturday, May 22, with Approach. Lemonade Park is a limited capacity socially distanced outdoor venue created between recordBar, Voltaire, & Moxie Catering. More at http://www.lemonadeparkkc.com ]
The Black Creatures – “Negative Zero” from: “Negative Zero” – Single / Center Cut Records / April 2, 2021 [remixed, remastered] [All proceeds from this track go to the Tamir Rice Foundation. Info at: http://www.tamirericefoundation.org. The Black Creatures are Jade Green & Xavier Martin. This song was originally on the December 6, 2017 release, SEE NO EVIL The song was recently re-recorded. Band member Xavier Martin told us that, “Everything was done from the ground up. Remixing, rerecording, mastering, etc.” The Black Creatures wanted to released this as a single and video as a “part-two” to their earlier single and video release for “wretched (it goes)”, which was originally released on The Black Creatures 2019 album Wild Echoes. The video for “Negative Zero” picks up where the video for “Wretched (It Goes)” left off, “so there is a conceptual thread between the two,” says Patrick Sprehe of Center Cut Records. All music produced, arranged, recorded, and performed by The Black Creatures. Engineering and Mastering by J. Ashley Miller aka Jametatone. The Black Creatures write, “We talk about it all the time, but ‘Negative Zero’ is the best example of this phenomenon; sometimes we come together with pieces of a song that fit together so perfectly the results surprise even us. So, conceiving a video that acutely paralleled the direness of the message was a huge deal for us. The process happened in a similarly fluid stride that furthered our awareness of the unfortunate necessity of art, media, and dialogue that exist in the same sphere. With that in mind, there’s some positivity we hope fans of The Black Creatures can also takeaway from this music video. // We had been sitting on this video for a while, already finished filming and that whole process was very fun and literally nourishing (because we got Fannie’s West African Cuisine to celebrate after filming). Like past music video releases, we worked with Rondevu Productions on this video—and it was a careful little gathering! We all got our ‘negative’ COVID test results within 48 hours of each other and said, ‘Okay, let’s go to the lake like a family,’ and we did. We spent two days filming on a freezing cold lake, dancing on cryptic constructions, and being outside way late at night. // We have set up this release to directly fund The Tamir Rice Foundation, founded by mother Samaria Rice. We also encourage others who can, to give to something that is centered around Black life.” // After being signed to Center Cut Records the label remastered and reissued Wild Echoes and began releasing singles. “Wild Echoes” was #2 in WMM’s 119 Favorite Releases of 2019 (Albums & EPs). Since the release of ”Wild Echoes” the band has released seven entirely new songs, nearly one per month, all posted to their bandcamp page. The Black Creatures fuse dark-pop hip-hop, soul, jazz, and electronic music with elements from science fiction to tell inter-dimensional stories of love, community, life, culture, history. Xavier & Jade have made an impression in the KC music community with their live shows in clubs, galleries, record stores, and area music festivals. The Black Creatures released their debut single “Mouth 2 Mouth” June 5, 2016. They released the album, See No Evil, December 6, 2017. The duo released the singles, “Elements” February 14, 2018; “Silver Tears” June 19. 2018; “Dare” a Gorillaz cover August 8, 2019. They released the album “Wild Echoes” September 30, 2019. The Black Creatures released the singles “Turn” October 30, 2019; “Quartz (Twilight)” November 13, 2019; “SHINE” December 11, 2019; Ghost Bustin’ Dead Prezidentz” January 8, 2020; “To Whom It May Concern” January 22, 2020; “Arcade Love” February 5, 2020; and “Run Up” Feb. 19, 2020. The Black Creatures will join us live on WMM on May 26, 2020]
[The Black Creatures play in the Alley at The Ship, 1217 Union Ave. West Bottoms, Saturday, May 22, at 9:00 PM with Collidescope.]
10:28 – Underwriting
Making Movies
Making Movies –”La Marcha” from: La Marcha – Single / 3/2 Recordings / February 5, 2021 [Newest single from Making Movies both mixed by Jim Eno of Spoon and tracked at Memphis Magnetic studio). Not long after Making Movies released their newest single “Could You” on January 12, 2021 the band released a sneak peek of the new music they’ve been working on. The 7-song, La Cuarentena EP includes a brand new version of the first Making Movies song, “La Marcha” and the lullaby “Could You?” (, love ballad Una Vida, covers of Talking Heads and Tears for Fears classics, plus bonus live acoustic tracks. This EP was made available for only three days starting on BandCamp Friday, February 5 through February 7. In regard to the new song “Could You” Making Movies lead singer Enrique Javier Chi writes, “I was thinking about what to share for “Could You?” and I just go back to the fact that Memphis is a profound place… it is a place where you can feel what America truly is and where it comes from. I think you see and feel the reality that so much of this nation was built from exploiting people. You can see that our pop culture is driven by the Black community and yet that community is still the most oppressed in the nation. Things are still so messed up. // Memphis is the place where Elvis started singing black music with a country twang and where Martin Luther King Jr. was shot. It’s a beautiful place, it’s a charming place, it feels at times downtrodden and it’s a place that reminds me of home (both Kansas City and Panamá in different ways. Our experiences going to Memphis gave us the context to create “Could You?” It was filmed originally for AMERI’KANA TV, but we feel like we needed to share it now. In its initial role, it served as a pacifier for me, something that would help me feel a little better when I felt super anxious, so hopefully, it will feel like that for you.” Making Movies is a Kansas City based 4-piece band and made up of : Enrique Chi on guitar and lead vocals; Diego Chi on bass & vocals; Juan-Carlos Chaurand on percussion & keyboards; and Duncan Burnett on drums. The band draws their influences from the origins of their families: Santiago, Panama, and KC Missouri, and Guadalajara, Mexico. Making Movies released their critically acclaimed album ameri’kana through 3/2 Recordings on May 24, 2019. This was #1 on WMM’s 119 Best Recordings of 2019. Produced by Steve Berlin and Ben Yonas. The notes for this album read: “ameri’kana is a canary in a coal mine, the watchman at the tower. It is a desire to remember where we come from and assure that we better ourselves in every step along our journey. Every chapter is an example, a reason to not be silent and not accept corrupt leaders as something inevitable. ameri’kana is based on faith, faith that every person on this continent carries within themselves the ability to grow, to awaken their consciousness and merits of the same rights. We were accomplices to get ourselves to this point so we will have to be accomplices in the solutions.” This was the band’s follow up release to their critically acclaimed, I Am Another You, released May 26, 2017. The quartet has toured with Arcade Fire, Thievery Corporation, Cold War Kids, Los Lobos, Ozomatli, Tennis, Sergio Mendoza of Calexico, Rodrigo y Gabriela, and Hurray for the Riff Raff.]
[Making Movies play Lemonade Park 1628 Wyoming (NW corner of Wyoming & 17th St.), on Thursday, June 3. Lemonade Park is a limited capacity socially distanced outdoor venue created between recordBar, Voltaire, & Moxie Catering. More at http://www.lemonadeparkkc.com ]
Enrique Chi
10:34 – Interview with Enrique Chi
Enrique Javier Chi is the lead singer of the international known band, Making Movies who are releasing a new single, “La Marcha”, on Friday, May 21, mixed by Jim Eno of Spoon and tracked at Memphis Magnetic Studio. The Kansas City based 4-piece band was nominated for a 2019 Latin Grammy for their collaboration with Ruben Blades from their album, ameri’kana. Enrique and Making Movies used the downtime of touring to bui;d the outreaxh of their music education non-profit, Art As Mentorship and the MAKEWAVES campaign to create The LAB, a state of the art recording studio to give young artists access to resources they wouldn’t have otherwise. Making Movies play Live at Lemonad(e) Park, 1628 Wyoming on Thursday, June 3, 2021. More info at: http://www.mkngmvs.com
Enrique Chi thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
“La Marcha” mixed by Jim Eno of Spoon, tracked at Memphis Magnetic studio.
Despite the 14 month pandemic shut down of the music touring industry, Enrique has stayed very busy.
Tomorrow Enrique Chi will be part of the panel of artists participating in Brave Troubadours – How Artists Are healing Our Country May 20, 2021 at 8:00 pm ET /7:00 CT More info at: https://bravetroubadours6.paperform.co
ART AS MENTORSHIP UNVEILS 2020 IMPACT REPORT
AND LAUNCHES ‘MAKE WAVES’ FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN FOR ‘THE LAB’
Kansas City, MO – In the face of COVID-19, Art as Mentorship didn’t turn inward, but outward, growing in ways the organization hadn’t yet experienced. They weathered the storm that 2020 brought, doing what they set out to do since 2011 — lift up the voices of historically underrepresented youth. Now they’ve begun a fundraising campaign for their new state-of-the-art recording studio, The Lab located in the InterUrban ArtHouse in downtown Overland Park, KS.
Art as Mentorship founder, Enrique Chi, explains “as we’ve grown we now support a small staff of working artists who are helping us impact so many more young people. Giving youth access to a world class music lab will expand and deepen our impact in ways I couldn’t have imagined a few years back!”
During 2020 Art as Mentorship, a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, achieved their mission to empower young people, through music, to write their own success story by unveiling three new programs:
Rebel Song Academy LIVE!: (RSA Live) A weekly virtual program spearheaded by Making Movies frontman and Art as Mentorship founder, Enrique Chi.
They brought in professional mentors, including: Steve Berlin of Los Lobos, Andy Vargas of Santana, GRAMMY winners Black Pumas and local heros, Kevin Morby to work directly with young artists of all backgrounds.
The Lab: Art as Mentorship is building a state-of-the-art recording studio to give young artists access to equipment and resources they wouldn’t have otherwise. The six-hundred square foot space will serve as a pilot to demonstrate what a full Art as Mentorship production studio and media lab could do for young artists. In 2020, AM raised $27,000 toward The Lab, reaching more than 25% of the goal required to complete it. They’re now starting a fundraising campaign to complete the studio.
AMERI’KANA: The pandemic forced Art as Mentorship to find new ways to build community with an audience they could no longer see in person. The answer? AMERI’KANA, a virtual festival celebrating the diversity of American music and its history reaching 5,200 unique LIVE viewers via Facebook . Students would interact with artists from a wide range of genres and backgrounds, hear their story, see themselves represented and collaborate with them. AMERI’KANA will be held in a hybrid format the weekend of 9/25/2021, with the goal of an in-person festival in 2022.
The MAKE WAVES campaign is named for Art as Mentorship’s core values:
We are all mentors and students. Art is imperfect, progress is perfection. Vulnerability is powerful and to be celebrated. Encourage those around you. Self discovery is a worthwhile journey. For press inquiries contact: addie@artasmentorship.org Marketing Director at Art as Mentorship
Making Movies wrote on their facebook page:
“Our business was decimated but our community stepped up to support. Right as the lockdown began, we were set to perform at SXSW 2020 as part of NPR’s Alt.Latino showcase.
“As we look forward to a future with concerts we have to give thanks to some folks who really helped us through this difficult time ✨ Scott and Amanda Jolley ✨ who run SJPS Productions stepped up in multiple ways to help us create art and share stories with you all.” A duo version of our song “Delilah” was recorded at Studio Joy as part of what was to be the virtual version of the showcase. we wanted to share it with you all. Sincere thanks to them & all the folks who helped us get through. and Kansas City, we will see you June 3rd. PS. to our supporters on Patreon we’ve uploaded a bonus song for you from this set. 👉 http://patreon.com/makingmovies. Making Movies perform a duo version of “Delilah” live from Studio Joy, filmed by Scott Jolley & Max Jolley & mixed by Diego Chi.
Not long after Making Movies released their newest single “Could You” on January 12, 2021 the band released a sneak peek of the new music they’ve been working on. The 7-song, La Cuarentena EP includes a brand new version of the first Making Movies song, “La Marcha” and the lullaby “Could You?”, love ballad “Una Vida”, covers of Talking Heads and Tears for Fears classics, plus bonus live acoustic tracks. This EP was made available for only three days starting on BandCamp Friday, Feb 5 through Feb 7.
In regard to the new song “Could You” Making Movies lead singer Enrique Javier Chi writes, “I was thinking about what to share for “Could You?” and I just go back to the fact that Memphis is a profound place… it is a place where you can feel what America truly is and where it comes from. I think you see and feel the reality that so much of this nation was built from exploiting people. You can see that our pop culture is driven by the Black community and yet that community is still the most oppressed in the nation. Things are still so messed up. // Memphis is the place where Elvis started singing black music with a country twang and where Martin Luther King Jr. was shot. It’s a beautiful place, it’s a charming place, it feels at times downtrodden and it’s a place that reminds me of home (both Kansas City and Panamá in different ways. Our experiences going to Memphis gave us the context to create “Could You?” It was filmed originally for AMERI’KANA TV, but we feel like we needed to share it now. In its initial role, it served as a pacifier for me, something that would help me feel a little better when I felt super anxious, so hopefully, it will feel like that for you.”
Making Movies play Lemonade Park 1628 Wyoming (NW corner of Wyoming & 17th St.), on Thursday, June 3. Lemonade Park is a limited capacity socially distanced outdoor venue created between recordBar, Voltaire, & Moxie Catering. More at http://www.lemonadeparkkc.com
The boys are back in town! Making Movies play Lemonade Park on June 3. The band writes: “I am excited, anxious and overcome with feels. We will be performing our first show at home in a year and half on Thursday June 3rd at Lemonade Park. Lemonade Park is a new socially distanted concert venue created by our friends over at the RecordBar, We are grateful that they have created a safe way for folks to come out and enjoy live music and we couldn’t be more excited to play music for you all. There are multiple VIP packages available. “
Making Movies –”Listening Wind ft. Calvin Arsenia, Jeremy Kittel” from La Cuarentena EP / 3/2 Recordings / February 5, 2021
Enrique Chi thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
10:47
Making Movies –”Listening Wind ft. Calvin Arsenia, Jeremy Kittel” from: La Cuarentena EP / 3/2 Recordings / February 5, 2021 [Not long after Making Movies released their newest single “Could You” on January 12, 2021 the band released a sneak peek of the new music they’ve been working on. The 7-song, La Cuarentena EP includes a brand new version of the first Making Movies song, “La Marcha” and the lullaby “Could You?” (both mixed by Jim Eno of Spoon and tracked at Memphis Magnetic studio), love ballad Una Vida, covers of Talking Heads and Tears for Fears classics, plus bonus live acoustic tracks. This EP was made available for only three days starting on BandCamp Friday, February 5 through February 7. In regard to the new song “Could You” Making Movies lead singer Enrique Javier Chi writes, “I was thinking about what to share for “Could You?” and I just go back to the fact that Memphis is a profound place… it is a place where you can feel what America truly is and where it comes from. I think you see and feel the reality that so much of this nation was built from exploiting people. You can see that our pop culture is driven by the Black community and yet that community is still the most oppressed in the nation. Things are still so messed up. // Memphis is the place where Elvis started singing black music with a country twang and where Martin Luther King Jr. was shot. It’s a beautiful place, it’s a charming place, it feels at times downtrodden and it’s a place that reminds me of home (both Kansas City and Panamá in different ways. Our experiences going to Memphis gave us the context to create “Could You?” It was filmed originally for AMERI’KANA TV, but we feel like we needed to share it now. In its initial role, it served as a pacifier for me, something that would help me feel a little better when I felt super anxious, so hopefully, it will feel like that for you.” Making Movies is a KC based 4-piece band and made up of : Enrique Chi on guitar and lead vocals; Diego Chi on bass & vocals; Juan-Carlos Chaurand on percussion & keyboards; and Duncan Burnett on drums. The band draws their influences from the origins of their families: Santiago, Panama, and KC Missouri, and Guadalajara, Mexico. Making Movies released their critically acclaimed album ameri’kana through 3/2 Recordings on May 24, 2019. This was #1 on WMM’s 119 Best Recordings of 2019. Produced by Steve Berlin and Ben Yonas. The notes for this album read: “ameri’kana is a canary in a coal mine, the watchman at the tower. It is a desire to remember where we come from and assure that we better ourselves in every step along our journey. Every chapter is an example, a reason to not be silent and not accept corrupt leaders as something inevitable. ameri’kana is based on faith, faith that every person on this continent carries within themselves the ability to grow, to awaken their consciousness and merits of the same rights. We were accomplices to get ourselves to this point so we’ll have to be accomplices in the solutions.” This was the band’s follow up release to their critically acclaimed, I Am Another You, released May 26, 2017. The quartet has toured with Arcade Fire, Thievery Corporation, Cold War Kids, Los Lobos, Ozomatli, Tennis, Sergio Mendoza of Calexico, Rodrigo y Gabriela, and Hurray for the Riff Raff.]
[Making Movies play Lemonade Park 1628 Wyoming (NW corner of Wyoming & 17th St.), on Thursday, June 3. Lemonade Park is a limited capacity socially distanced outdoor venue created between recordBar, Voltaire, & Moxie Catering. More at http://www.lemonadeparkkc.com ]
Cory Phillips
Cory Phillips & The Band of Light – “Fit You (Radio Edit)” from: Fit You (Radio Edit) – Single / Cory Phillips / April 23, 2021 [Cory Phillips is a sultry tenor & moody jet-setter who lights dangerous fires with erotic poetry and bedroom soul funk. Michael Hamm on guitar (Play Dead, the Band That Saved the World), Nate Holt on keyboards (Asterales, Approach), Mario Vlasic on bass, Chel Rich on drums (Half Tiger Half Bear, Red On Yellow, Stone Cutters Union) are the Band of Light. The group spans from southern rock to classic soul and disco to jazz in the same movement, mirroring Phillips’ fire dance with their own seasoned acrobatics. Their seductive live shows are consistently epic funk and disco parties, the excitement and prowl of which were miraculously captured on this new studio album. With SEX THIRSTY LOVE HUNGER, Cory Phillips & the Band of Light take us to their party, get us naked, and remind us that there is something perfectly spiritual in our appetite for hedonism.. // Cory Phillips definitely has something to prove. The entire collection is brimming with summer party gold. It’s been over 10 fast years since he released anything larger than a single, and this long-awaited follow up to Phillips’ self-titled 2009 debut is meant to make up for lost time. // When asked why it’s been so long, Phillips laughs it off, “No one was ready for this yet. I think people now are dying to groove and be sexual again.” // Phillips and his bands have played coast to coast for a decade, amassing fans drawn to his erotic singing and bedroom funk. Yet only the time that Covid-sequestering afforded him allowed for the definitive recording of his decade’s better work. // The new album is an effort in innovation. In the midst of the health crisis, new freedoms and limitations developed for the musician with a secret life pursuing his PhD in climatology at the University of Kansas. Gigs cancelled, tours off, Phillips converted part of his house into a recording studio and brought in his Lawrence/Kansas City-based ‘Band of Light’ along with wizard engineer Robert Rebeck (Tech N9ne) to complete the 14-song hitlist of retro-tinged solid gold. // Each song on the quasi-concept album is a testament to love and sex based on hard-lived experiences in Phillips’ own life: loves gained and lost, the joys and costs of being a habitual pleasure-seeker, longing and courtship, even carnal moments in real time. The content always exudes refined wisdom and sensitivity but dips into the dark waters of illicit love equally. The dirty bouquet of groove, funk, soul, and classic pop Phillips & the Band of Light developed is a horny blend of vintage spice. On this album the mature music man has learned how to communicate more info in his poems, and this book of songs is a tantalizing read at the turntable. // The album’s first single, “Fit You”, is a foray into their musical boudoir (dudeoir?). Evoking Sade and Michael Jackson, Phillips pits Feminism against Machismo as he tries to make sense of a friend/lover. Ultimately we discover which role wins, instinctively, as the song concludes with commanding sexuality.]
[Cory Phillips and The Band of Light play an Album Release Party, Friday, May 21, at Replay Lounge 946 Massachusetts Street, Lawrence, KS.]
Passerine Dream – “Driver” from: Passerine Dream / DistroKid / May 3, 2021 [Sidelined from touring in 2020 like everybody else, KC based musician Dave Tanner began demoing new songs and spent the first few months of the hiatus contributing bass and vocals to other people’s recordings. By fall, a routine of tracking and writing evolved into making a solo album, of sorts. As songs were coming together from new and existing material, a few friends offered, or were asked, to lend a hand in their respective areas of expertise. Nine heartfelt songs and a handful of special guests later, the Passerine Dream album was completed in April 2021. “As we went along and tracks came together, we couldn’t help but notice that a theme was emerging,” Tanner said. “This is an album about hope.” // Appearing on certain tracks are power-pop artist Erik Voeks; Marty Scott of Liverpool Legends; John Perrin of NRBQ; Albert Bickley of The Depth and The Whisper; Steve Davis of Liverpool: A Tribute to The Beatles; and John Countryman of Million Dollar Quartet. // Digital release on May 3, 2021 also kicks off an advance-order campaign for CD and vinyl via bandcamp and at passerinedream.com. // All songs written by Dave Tanner. Additional performing credits are listed in individual track information on bandcamp. // Passerine Dream was mixed by Paul Malinowski at Massive Sound Studios and mastered by Mike Nolte at Eureka Mastering.]
11:00 – Station ID
Alyssa Murray – “two peaches” from: Half and Half / LYSSA / May 14, 2021 [2nd single from Alyssa Murray’s new EP, HALF & HALF, an indie, electronic album with equal parts vocal tunes & half beats. “Combining a keen songwriting sense with a playful display of sonic influences in a juxtaposition of synth and song.” Written, performed, & produced by Alyssa Murray. Recorded between July 2020 through January 2021 using Korg Minilogue XD and Sequential Prophet Rev2 with Adam Schlozman on bass (track 3) and John Kizilarmut on drums (track 3). Mixed & Mastered by Duane Trower at Weights & Measures Soundlab KC. Info at: http://www.wmsoundlab.com or http://www.alyssamurraymusic.com ]
[Alyssa Murray plays the FMK Social Gallery, 2201 Lexington Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri, in the Pendleton Heights Neighborhood on Friday, June 25, at 7:00 PM.]
Alyssa Murray photo by Corey Martin
11:03 – Interview with Alyssa Murray
Alyssa Murray joins us to share details about her new EP, “Half & Half” that was released on May 12, 2021. Departing from her previous sound, the electronic, indie fusion of ‘Half & Half’ stands as a major shift in Alyssa’s artistic approach and perspective. Seeking full creative autonomy, she wrote, recorded, and produced all of the EP in her home studio. Alyssa has a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and has studied under the direction of Bobby Watson and Dan Thomas; as well as classical repertoire with Karen Kushner and Diane Petrella. Alyssa Murray will be performing live on Friday, June 25, 7:00 PM, at the FMK Social Gallery, 2202 Lexington Avenue, Kansas City, MO. More info at: http://www.alyssamurraymusic.com
Alyssa Murray, thanks for being with us on WMM.
Welcome back to the show. Alyssa was last on WMM on October 21, 2015 talking about the release AS OF NOW from June 30, 2015 a recording that featured Alyssa Murray on vocals & piano, Joel Stratton on bass, Josh Blythe on drums, Matt Baldwin on tenor (tracks 1 and 2), Nate Nall on trumpet (track 1), Adam Schlozman on guitar (tracks 5 and 7). All songs written by Alyssa Murray, BMI alyssamurraymusic.com. Recorded February 8th, 2015 at Weights and Measures SoundLab Mixed and mastered by Duane Trower, wmsoundlab.com
With the new EP, “Half & Half” Alyssa departs from her previous sound, the electronic, indie fusion of ‘Half & Half’ stands as a major shift in Alyssa’s artistic approach and perspective. Seeking full creative autonomy, she wrote, recorded, and produced all of the EP in her home studio.
Combining a keen songwriting sense with a playful display of sonic influences, Alyssa Murray’s latest release ‘Half & Half’ is a satisfying juxtaposition of synth and song.
Written, performed, and produced by Alyssa Murray. Adam Schlozman on bass (track 3), John Kizilarmut on drums (track 3). Mixed and Mastered by Duane Trower at Weights and Measures Soundlab Kansas City MO http://www.wmsoundlab.com
Cover photo by Corey Martin http://www.coreymartin.co/about Hair & Makeup: Liz Miller @beautybylizmiller Styling: Eboni Fondren @jzzystyle
Alyssa has a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and has studied under the direction of Bobby Watson and Dan Thomas; as well as classical repertoire with Karen Kushner and Diane Petrella.
Alyssa Murray will be performing live on Friday, June 25, 7:00 PM, at the FMK Social Gallery, 2202 Lexington Avenue, Kansas City, MO.
Alyssa Murray has worked as an instructor for The Music School, also as an accompanist for the Kansas City Ballet, and is an established freelance performer.
Alyssa Murray, is the songwriter, vocalist and pianist.
She was formerly the leader of The AM Trio with Joel Stratton on bass, and Josh Blythe on drums & vocals. The AM Trio’s debut EP, “As Of Now” was released June 30, 2015.
Alyssa Murray was influenced by contemporary folk artists: Joni Mitchell, Tom Waits, and Rufus Wainwright. Can you talk about the mixing of Folk into your Jazz.
Alyssa Murray grew up in Hays, Kansas, do you remember the first time you heard music that inspired you to become a musician?
After graduating from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, Alyssa made Kansas City her home. UMKC and the Conservatory of Music are producing new generations of working jazz musicians and music makers, playing music venues, recording, collaborating within the arts community, keeping Kansas City’s rich Jazz heritage alive. More info at: http://www.alyssamurraymusic.com
Alyssa Murray has worked as an instructor for The Music School and is an accompanist for the Kansas City Ballet, working with the KC Ballet’s R.O.A.D. program in multiple elementary schools.
Alyssa Murray has worked to teach Unity’s Youth Meditation on Sundays.
Murray is also an established freelance performer in her own right.
Alyssa wrote her first song at 16 years of age
Alyssa Murray thanks for being with us on WMM.
Alyssa Murray will be performing live on Friday, June 25, 7:00 PM, at the FMK Social Gallery, 2202 Lexington Avenue, Kansas City, MO. More info at: http://www.alyssamurraymusic.com
11:16
Alyssa Murray photo by Corey Martin
Alyssa Murray – “Thx” from: half and Half / LYSSA / May 14, 2021 [1st single released April 2, from Alyssa Murray’s new EP, HALF & HALF, an indie, electronic album with equal parts vocal tunes & half beats. “Combining a keen songwriting sense with a playful display of sonic influences in a juxtaposition of synth and song.” Written, performed, & produced by Alyssa Murray. Recorded between July 2020 through January 2021 using Korg Minilogue XD and Sequential Prophet Rev2 with Adam Schlozman on bass (track 3) and John Kizilarmut on drums (track 3). Mixed & Mastered by Duane Trower at Weights & Measures Soundlab KC. Info at: http://www.wmsoundlab.com or http://www.alyssamurraymusic.com ]
[Alyssa Murray plays the FMK Social Gallery, 2201 Lexington Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri, in the Pendleton Heights Neighborhood on Friday, June 25, at 7:00 PM.]
Nick Siegel – “She’s Not the Girl” from: For You, Dear, Anything: Act Two [EP] / Darling Dear Records / November 27, 2020 [Nick Siegel, is a KC piano rocker with influences such as Ben Folds, Death Cab for Cutie and the Mars Volta. Nick writes aggressive piano rock music. He grew up playing music in Chicago and moved to Kansas City in 2010 when he joined The Casket Lottery. Now on my own as solo artist, Nick has released his debut solo album, “Awake from the Golden State,” on Aug. 25, 2017. His 8-song EP, “For You Dear, Anything,” was released April 10, 2020. It is the first act, of three-act series, he plans to release. Act One, is a modern take on the vibe of the 1920s. Nick released For You, Dear, Anything: Act Two on November 27, 2020]. The first single from this EP was “No Love of Mine” was released November 13, 2020.]
Andrea von Kampen – “Take Back Thy Gift” from: Take Back Thy Gift – Single / Fantasy Records / May 14, 2021 [Released with, “Of Him I Love Both Day And Night” , Lincoln, Nebraska based singer songwriter with over 7 million Spotify streams Andrea von Kampen has quickly established herself in the recording studio and on the road. Her deft guitar work and intuitive song construction display striking maturity, and her effortless vocal delivery has been praised by Hear Nebraska as “soulful and worn-in.” Andrea has shared the stage with Tall Heights, Esme Patterson, Gregory Alan Isakov, Dead Man Winter, John Moreland, Dead Horses, Gaelyn Lea, and more. She was featured as a finalist in NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest, & won Eddie’s Attic Open Mic Night in Decatur, GA. Her recent midwest tour included a live session at Audiotree in Chicago. The resulting recording is now available wherever music is sold alongside Andrea’s studio EPs “Desdemona” “Another Day.”]
Approach – “Darling Niki” from: Merely, Minutes In A Day {Section 2: Antique Mall} / Datura Records / Dec. 4, 2020. [Produced, Sequenced, Recorded, Photography, Mixed & Mastered By: Aikido Bray. Approach writes: “Antique Mall” is fitting title for a album that has sat in the vault over 5 years. When the recording of this album was finished, I realized it didn’t compliment the sonics of the season. I felt like waiting until the sonic coloring matched the vibration of the times would be the best move. 5 years later a time capsule of love is ready to be revealed. Please enjoy your tour around of my “Antique Mall.” // This new Approach release is a Follow up to Merely Minutes, In A Day from Datura Records released February 4, 2019. Produced, Sequenced, Recorded, Photography, Mixed & Mastered By: Aikido Bray. Artwork & Design By: The Art My Life Imitates. Legendary Kanss based emcee/producer Approach is Sean Hunt who’s been in the game for almost 20 years. He’s released almost a dozen records and traveled the world over the span of his career. He’s also the cofounder of Datura Records, a hip hop label started in 2000 that he helps curate the roster for. Info: http://www.daturarecords.bandcamp.com ]
[Approach plays Lemonade Park 1628 Wyoming (NW corner of Wyoming & 17th St.), on Saturday, May 22, with Other Americans. Lemonade Park is a limited capacity socially distanced outdoor venue created between recordBar, Voltaire, & Moxie Catering. More at http://www.lemonadeparkkc.com ]
11:28 – Underwriting
Jillian Riscoe – “People in The Real World” from: People in The Real World – Single / Avenue Record Company / March 5, 2021 [Singing and performing since the age of 7, Jillian has had her share of success. The Kansas City native singer/songwriter and musician has toured and performed across the United States, including the NAMM show, major sporting events, the Grammy Museum Music Revolution Project, and the CDBaby DIY Musician’s Conference. She has received regional music awards, secured national radio airplay, and opened up for artists like Pat Benatar, Rick Springfield, Lisa Loeb, Everclear, Tantric, Stabbing Westward. Jillian Riscoe is learning to fly again. The award-winning soulful rock and pop vocalist is writing new songs about resilience and courage. It’s all a part of her own recovery from a difficult relationship that endured the deep throws of abuse and alcoholism. // But far from internalizing her struggles, she is using music to share her story and connect with others. “I love that with music, there are infinite possibilities of creation and self-expression,” says Riscoe. “Music has been there for me through everything, and I hope mine can be there for others as well.” More information at: http://www.jillianriscoe.com]
[Jillian Riscoe plays Grinders in The Crossroads 417 E. 18th, KCMO, June 19, for Stratgazers Summer Jam, June 18 & 19.]
Jillian Riscoe photo by Jason Domingues
11:34 – Interview with Jillian Riscoe
Jillian Riscoe joins us to talk about her newest single release, “People in The Real World”, and also her recording with the band Ondist. The award-winning soulful rock and pop vocalist is writing new songs about resilience and courage. It’s all a part of her own recovery from a difficult relationship that endured the deep throws of abuse and alcoholism. The KC Native has been singing since she was 7. Jillian has toured and performed across the United States and and opened for: Pat Benatar, Rick Springfield, Lisa Loeb, Everclear, Tantric, and Stabbing Westward. Info at: http://www.jillianriscoe.com
Jillian Riscoe, Thank you for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Jillian is calling into the show, on her cell phone, in her car, outside of a school where she teaches Kindermusik, her last class just ended minutes go.
What can you tell us about Kindermusik? KC Native has been singing since the age of 7.
We just played Jillian Riscoe’s newest single release, “People in The Real World”
The award-winning soulful rock and pop vocalist is writing new songs about resilience and courage. It’s all a part of her own recovery from a difficult relationship that endured the deep throws of abuse and alcoholism.
Jillian has toured and performed across the United States, including major sporting events, and the Grammy Museum Music Revolution Project.
She has received regional music awards, secured national radio airplay, and has opened for: Pat Benatar, Rick Springfield, Lisa Loeb, Everclear, Tantric, Stabbing Westward, and others. More info at: http://www.jillianriscoe.com
We interviewed Maya Coppola on the October 7, 2020 on WMM and she talked about how Jillian recorded “killer vocals” with the band Ondist, “Love is Gold (feat. Jillian Riscoe)” from their album, Mise en Place, released November 13, 2020 .
In 2020 Ondist released three full length albums: No Coincidence on June 12, and Electricity on August 14, and Mise en Place on November 13, totaling 41 songs, plus a 26 track Acapellas & Instrumentals release on July 3, plus a 4-song EP entitled Resound on February 28, plus 9 singles. Ondist is: Corbin Dooley, Nick Poortman, and Maya Coppola. Corbin Dooley signed Nine Inch nails to TVT Records in 1990. He managed Blur, and Tekronic. With divergent backgrounds rooted in Arkansas, New Zealand, and New York, the trio connected in Los Angeles.
Recording in Malibu, Dallas, Kansas City, and Las Vegas brought environmental influences to the center of the Ondist sound, which is united by its cinematic vision of hope.
Several of the tracks for all three albums were recorded at Weights & Measures with Duane Trower with Sam Platt on drums, Eddie Moore on keyboards, DeAndre Manning on bass, Jamie Anderson on guitar, Claire Adams on vocals, and Jillian Riscoe on vocals.
Jillian Riscoe also plays with the cover band The Wannabes.
Jillian Riscoe plays Grinders in The Crossroads 417 E. 18th, KCMO, June 19, for Stratgazers Summer Jam, June 18 & 19.
Jillian Riscoe, Thank you for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
11:46
Jillian Riscoe photo by Jason Domingues
Jillian Riscoe – “Breaking Point” from: Breaking Point – Single / Record Company / November 15, 2021 [Singing and performing since the age of 7, Jillian has had her share of success. The Kansas City native singer/songwriter and musician has toured and performed across the United States, including the NAMM show, major sporting events, the Grammy Museum Music Revolution Project, and the CDBaby DIY Musician’s Conference. She has received regional music awards, secured national radio airplay, and opened up for artists like Pat Benatar, Rick Springfield, Lisa Loeb, Everclear, Tantric, Stabbing Westward. Jillian Riscoe is learning to fly again. The award-winning soulful rock and pop vocalist is writing new songs about resilience and courage. It’s all a part of her own recovery from a difficult relationship that endured the deep throws of abuse and alcoholism. // But far from internalizing her struggles, she is using music to share her story and connect with others. “I love that with music, there are infinite possibilities of creation and self-expression,” says Riscoe. “Music has been there for me through everything, and I hope mine can be there for others as well.” More information at: http://www.jillianriscoe.com]
[Jillian Riscoe plays Grinders in The Crossroads 417 E. 18th, KCMO, June 19, for Stratgazers Summer Jam, June 18 & 19.]
Ondist – “Love is Gold (feat. Jillian Riscoe)” from: Mise en Place / Bikiniwax Records / November 13, 2020 [In 2020 Ondist released three full length albums, No Coincidence on June 12, and Electricity on August 14, and Mise en Place on November 13 totaling 41 songs, plus a 26 track Acapellas & Instrumentals Release on July 3, plus a 4-song EP entitled Resound on February 28, plus 9 singles. Ondist is Corbin Dooley, Nick Poortman, and Maya Coppola are Ondist. With divergent backgrounds rooted in Arkansas, New Zealand, and New York, the trio connected in Los Angeles. Recording in Malibu, Dallas, Kansas City, and Las Vegas brought environmental influences to the center of the Ondist sound, which is united by its cinematic vision of hope. Several of the tracks for all three albums were recorded at Weights & Measures with Duane Trower with Sam Platt on drums, Eddie Moore on keyboards, DeAndre Manning on bass, Jamie Anderson on guitar, Claire Adams on vocals, and Jillian Riscoe on vocals. Corbin Dooley signed Nine Inch nails to TVT Records in 1990. He managed Blur, and Tekronic. We interviewed Maya Coppola on the October 7, 2020 on WMM.]
[Jillian Riscoe plays Grinders in The Crossroads 417 E. 18th, KCMO, June 19, for Stratgazers Summer Jam, June 18 & 19.]
Noel Coward – “The Party’s Over Now” from: Noel Coward in New York / drg / 2003 [orig. 1957]
Next week on Wednesday, May 26 we welcome special guests: Dylan Pyles, David Luther, Remy Stryk, and The Black Creatures.
Our Script/Playlist is a “cut and paste” of information. Sources for notes: artist’s websites, bios, wikipedia.org
Wednesday MidDay Medley Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org
Wednesday, May 19, 2021
New & MidCoastal Releases + Enrique Chi + Alyssa Murray + Jillian Riscoe
Olympic Size Photo by EG Schempf
Mark plays more New & MidCoastal Releases from: Olympic Size, Making Movies, Monta At Odds remixed by The Republic Tigers, The Black Creatures, Quite Frankly the Band, Other Americans, Approach, Alyssa Murray, Cory Phillips & the Band of Light, Nick Siegel, Passerine Dream, Jillian Riscoe, Andrea von Kampen, and Ondist.
Enrique Chi
At 10:30 we talk with Enrique Chi of the international known band, Making Movies who are releasing a new single, “La Marcha”, on May 21, mixed by Jim Eno of Spoon and tracked at Memphis Magnetic studio. The Kansas City based 4-piece band is: Enrique Chi on guitar and lead vocals; Diego Chi on bass & vocals; Juan-Carlos Chaurand on percussion & keyboards; and Duncan Burnett on drums. Making Movies include elements of rock, cumbia, psychedelia, American roots, and spoken word in their sound. The band was nominated for a 2019 Latin Grammy for their collaboration with Ruben Blades on “No Te Calles”, featured on their album, ameri’kana. We’ll also talk with Enrique about the band’s music education non-profit, Art As Mentorship. Making Movies play Live at Lemonad(e) Park, 1628 Wyoming on Thursday, June 3, 2021. More info at: http://www.mkngmvs.com
Alyssa Murray photo by Corey Martin
At 11:00 Mark talks with Alyssa Murray about her new EP, “Half & Half” that was released on May 12, 2021. Departing from her previous sound, the electronic, indie fusion of ‘Half & Half’ stands as a major shift in Alyssa’s artistic approach and perspective. Seeking full creative autonomy, she wrote, recorded, and produced all of the EP in her home studio. Alyssa has a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and has studied under the direction of Bobby Watson and Dan Thomas; as well as classical repertoire with Karen Kushner and Diane Petrella. Alyssa Murray will be performing live on Friday, June 25, 7:00 PM, at the FMK Social Gallery, 2202 Lexington Avenue, Kansas City, MO. More info at: http://www.alyssamurraymusic.com
Jillian Riscoe photo by Jason Domingues
At 11:30 AM Jillian Riscoe joins us to talk about her newest single release, “People in The Real World“, her recordings with the band Ondist, and her upcoming live performances. The award-winning soulful rock and pop vocalist is writing new songs about resilience and courage. It’s all a part of her own recovery from a difficult relationship that endured the deep throws of abuse and alcoholism. The KC Native has been singing since the age of 7. Jillian has toured and performed across the United States, including major sporting events, and the Grammy Museum Music Revolution Project. She has received regional music awards, secured national radio airplay, and has opened for: Pat Benatar, Rick Springfield, Lisa Loeb, Everclear, Tantric, Stabbing Westward, and others. More info at: http://www.jillianriscoe.com
Alyssa Murray photo by Corey Martin Jillian Riscoe photo by Jason Domingues
On your local radio dial 90.1 FM or STREAMING LIVE at: kkfi.org
Wednesday MidDay Medley Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org
Wednesday, May 12, 2021
New & MidCoastal Releases + Erin Keller + Lee Langston + Connor Leimer
“Main Title Instrumental – It’s Showtime Folks” from: Orig. Motion Picture Soundtrack All That Jazz / Casablanca / December 20, 1979 [WMM’s Adopted Theme Song]
Art d’Ecco
Art d’Ecco – “In Standard Definition” from: In Standard Definition / Paper Bag Records Records / April 23, 2021 [Art d’Ecco is based in British Columbia, “There’s more than a little David Bowie in both the sonic and fashion leanings of Art d’Ecco, a performer who fluidly crosses musical and gender lines, creating highly memorable tracks — and sporting an unforgettable look. Often labelled “neo glam,” the music boasts hints of everything from ’50s pop to psychedelics, from Velvet Underground-era art rock to Grimes-inspired electronics.” – CBC Music Art d’Ecco released the album Trespasser on Paper Bag Records on October 12, 2018. When d’Ecco moved into his grandmother’s cottage on one of the islands, he hadn’t planned on creating a new project. But, as it often does, circumstance charted his course. His grandmother, living with Alzheimer’s, suffered a related phenomenon called ‘sundowning,’ which triggers increased agitation and anxiety around sunset. “The only way to calm this lady down was to sit down at the piano,” says d’Ecco. He would play “Bohemian Rhapsody,” passing it off as Beethoven. After she was relocated, d’Ecco remained in the empty house where he had played as a child. Draped in memory, he gravitated toward the piano, spending the long, lonesome, quiet nights on the bench before the instrument. This is where Art d’Ecco was created. He relocated to a new cottage, built a studio and barricaded himself with copies of Deerhunter’s Cryptograms, Bowie’s Low, and choice krautrock records. In this solitude, d’Ecco would chase tones for hours. The result is a richly-realized confluence of the ferocious spark of those trailblazers and a distinct sadness, with d’Ecco as mad scientist, stitching together these delicious fragments and animating them.]
The Grisly Hand – “Now That You Know” from: “Now That You Know” – Single / The Grisly Hand / May 14, 2021 [Since April 2021 the band has been in the studio working on a handful of tracks, with the intention of releasing singles over the summer & fall, and possibly a full-length release at the end of the year. It has been four and a half years since The Grisly Hand has released new music. The band released Hearts & Stars on November 18, 2016, and Flesh & Gold on October 2, 2015. The band had spent a year with Joel Nanos at Element Recording and decided to split the songs between two CD/digital releases: and also release them both together as a double vinyl album release, called The Grisly Hand, released November 18, 2016 with a new reshuffling of songs for the vinyl LP format. Jimmy Fitzner on guitar & vocals, Lauren Krum on vocals & percussion, Matt Richey on drums, Mike Stover on steel guitar, bass & vocals, Ben Summers on guitar, vocals & mandolin, Dan Loftus on bass, keyboards & vocals. For the double albums the recordings also featured: Rich Wheeler on tenor saxophone, Nick Howell on trumpet, and Mike Walker on trombone. More info at: http://www.thegrislyhand.com]
[The Grisly Hand play Lemonade Park 1628 Wyoming (NW corner of Wyoming & 17th St.), on June 11, with DJ Literate Corvette. Lemonade Park is a limited capacity socially distanced outdoor venue created between recordBar, Voltaire, & Moxie Catering. More at http://www.lemonadeparkkc.com ]
[The Grisly Hand play The Ship 1217 Union Ave, KCMO in the West Bottoms on Saturday, July 24.]
Florian Arbenz, Nelson Veras & Hermon Mehari – “Race Face” from: Conversation #1: Condensed / Hammer Recordings / April 23, 2021 [2021 sees the launch of an ambitious project from Swiss drummer Florian Arbenz who is set to release 12 albums (or “conversations”) with 12 radically different groups of musicians. // The 1st of this series, recorded from his studio in Basel and accompanied by a feature-length video of the session, features American trumpeter Hermon Mehari and Brazilian guitarist Nelson Veras. Across a career spanning more than 25 years, drummer and percussionist Florian Arbenz, has carved out a reputation as not just a skilled musician, but as a creative collaborator. Whether with the long-standing trio VEIN who have recorded and toured with Greg Osby & Dave Liebman, or with his own project Convergence which brings together musicians from four continents, he is not content to sit still. // In 2021, he launches perhaps his most adventurous collaboration yet: a series of 12 albums or “conversations” with 12 different line ups. The thread that joins them all together is his fascination with bringing visionary musicians together and giving them space to express themselves in his studio. Together, they work through a selection of music curated by Florian to suit the individual musical personalities present. // Conversation #1 – subtitled Condensed – sees Florian joined by American trumpeter Hermon Mehari & Brazilian guitarist Nelson Veras. // “I’ve known and played with Nelson for several years and am captivated not only by his highly original and virtuoso playing, but also by his unique character and his great sense of humor. He’s a complete player both rhythmically & harmonically so it seemed obvious to get him on board for this series. Hermon, on the other hand, I had never met before our recording session. I had, however, admired his warm tone, open-minded musicality & improvisational skills from afar and am so happy to have finally recorded with him!” // This slightly unusual line up of guitar, trumpet & drums might, at first glance, miss a bass instrument. But despite the challenges, the creativity of the musicians involved, as well as Florian’s addition of custom percussion instruments covering this range, make for a fascinating listen which moves from hard-swinging soloing to dreaming soundscapes. // Hermon Mehari released CHANGE FOR THE DREAMLIKE on June 5, 2020, that was created in a barn in the French countryside. Hermon wrote, “Like many people during this period, I wasn’t able to think much about the future, only the present and the past. These songs are therefore personal journal entries, versions and visions of my wishes, fantasies and memories. Together they create a kind of modern mixtape of dreams, in every sense of the word, in which my trumpet, all alone in that barn, is a vulnerable presence, virtually and masterly supported by some of my closest musical collaborators around the world.” This was a follow up to his debut solo release, Bleu, from 2017. Hermon Mehari grew up in Jefferson City, Missouri, home of Lincoln University. He is a 2010 graduate of the University of Missouri – Kansas City Music Conservatory. In 2015 he finished first, at the prestigious Carmine Carusa International Jazz Trumpet Competition at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville Texas. Hermon was a semifinalist in the 2014 Thelonious Monk Jazz Competition. In 2014 he released the CD “Our Journey” with Diverse, which was recorded in Paris featuring Logan Richardson on alto saxophone. Hermon was also the winner of the 2008 National Trumpet Competition and placed second in the International Trumpet Guild competition in Sydney, Australia. He splits his time between touring and playing all over the world and creative projects in Kansas City. Hermon has collaborated with Cat Mahari on BAM! the Workshop, he is also a founding member of Diverse Jazz, Diverse Trio, and The Buhs. He has played with Peter Schlamb, Making Movies, John Velghe & the Prodigal Sons, Mikal Shapiro, Krystle Warren. Hermon was featured on the world-renowned saxophonist Bobby Watson’s 2013 release, “Check Cashing Day”. More information at: http://www.hermonmehari.com ]
The Moose – “The Sun” from: Spature / The Moose / April 22, 2021 [26-track double album. Music and Lyrics by The Moose. Engineered, Mixed, and Mastered by Emma Klein and Jake Hilger. “Spature” is a sonic amalgamation of sunny peaks and dark chasms. Join The Moose as they experiment with the fantastical worlds of space and nature. From ‘Lava’ to ‘Mother Tree’, there is a song on this double LP for everyone.The Moose is a psychedelic rock/pop alternative band from Lee’s Summit / Kansas City, formed in 2016 by Jake Hilger, Alex Huffman, and Tyler Frey with Emma Klein and Parker Tozier joining in 2016. The Moose released their debut full length album, The First Real Encounter, on Dec. 21, 2018. The Moose joined us LIVE on WMM on July 10, 2019.]
MellowPhobia – “Jackal” from: “Jackal” – Single / MellowPhobia / May 7, 2020. [Music and Lyrics by Tillie Alexandra Hall, Producer Tillie Alexandra Hall. Recording Engineering by Justin Mantooth. Mastering by Pete Maher. Adam McKee on drums MellowPhobia were formed out of the indie alt-rock scene of Pittsburgh, PA. Now residing in their home city of Kansas City, producing a highly original sound that they describe as “landlocked surf rock”. Socially conscious lyrics, and hook laden tunes keeps the crowd jumping. The band revolves around songwriter and guitarist Til who provides the distinctive vocals to all MellowPhobia tracks. In July 2018 MelloPhobia released the 3-song EP LISTEN. More info: http://www.mellowphobia.com]
Krystle Warren
Krystle Warren & The Crew – “Rhythm of Life” from: The Crew EP / Parlour Door Music / September 15, 2020 [Written by Nicky Holland & Roland Orzabal for Oleta Adams’ third album CIRCLE OF ONE released May 14, 1990.Roland Orzabal of the UK band Tears For Fears while on tour for SONGS FROM THE BIG CHAIR discovered Oleta singing and playing piano in a Westin Crown Center Hotel Lounge and then asked her to help them create songs for their third album THE SEEDS OF LOVE from 1989 and tour with them. After the album Tears For Fears broke up and Roland Orzabal returned the favor to Oleta by producing her album. The album was initially unsuccessful as were the first two singles “Rhythm of Life” and “Circle of One”. However, Adams had a hit in early 1991 with the third single from the album, her cover of Brenda Russell’s “Get Here,” which peaked at #4 in the UK Singles Chart and #5 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The album, which had received considerable critical acclaim, was re-released with two additional tracks and peaked at #1 in the UK Albums Chart and made the Top 20 of the US Billboard 200. It was certified Gold in both the UK and the US and received two Grammy nominations. // THE CREW EP was produced by through isolation to bring unity. The Crew is Lakecia Benjamin, Matthew Silberman, Jacob Snider, Joe Blaxx, Solomon Dorsey, Zach Djanikian, Cassorla, Krystle Warren, and Ben Kane. They have recorded unique versions of classic songs with the hope of encouraging the rallying cries of The Moment: the movement of the people. // In the lockdown of their homes, they sewed together their interpretations of “Bein’ Green” (based upon Ray Charles’ rendition); “Gimme Some Truth” (a mighty John Lennon composition); “Dear Landlord” (a scathing indictment from the blistering pen of Bob Dylan); and “Rhythm of Life”, (a timeless statement originally performed by Oleta Adams). // A portion of the proceeds from The Crew. EP will be donated to the various causes and organizations. From Billboard.com: Singer-songwriter Krystle Warren has made a powerful statement about the struggle for Black equality with the help of Kermit the Frog’s iconic song “Bein’ Green” (written by Joe Raposo). // The moving five-minute clip, over which Warren sings her rendition of the 1970 song — since recorded by Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra and others — sprang from a covers EP she recorded during the pandemic with a group of musicians known as The Crew. Warren embarked on the project after her forthcoming album with her regular group, The Faculty, was put on hold due to COVID-19. The EP, which tackles themes of racial injustice in the wake of nationwide Black Lives Matter protests this summer, also includes a cover of John Lennon’s “Gimme Some Truth.” // The “Bein’ Green” video weaves in footage of this year’s Black Lives Matter protests, and also includes a heartbreaking montage of young Black children choosing white dolls over dark-skinned ones. It additionally features archival footage of such transformative Black figures as James Baldwin, Angela Davis, Malcom X, Nina Simone, Marsha P. Johnson and Al Sharpton, as well as victims of police brutality including Sandra Bland, George Floyd and Eric Garner. It ends with a clip from a speech by civil rights activist Ella Baker. // “‘Bein’ Green,’ it’s such a gorgeous song, and it says so, so much,” says Warren. “I began thinking about what I wanted it to express visually before we started [recording the song]. Essentially — it’s not easy being Black. That’s what Ray Charles was saying, and we felt it needed to be said again.” // Warren, who now resides in Paris, began performing in her native Kansas City at the age of 16 before moving to New York City, where she started busking on the streets and later formed her regular band, The Faculty. She and the group have recorded several full-length albums, including 2009’s Circles, 2012’s Love Songs and 2017’s Three the Hard Way. Her next album is slated for release this winter. // A large percentage of proceeds from sales of the EP — which is available for digital downloads via Warren’s website now and released on all streaming platforms next Friday — will be donated to the ACLU. Krystle Warren joined us live on WMM on September 23, 2020.]
10:28 – Underwriting
Erin Keller – “Moonlight In Vermont” from: Distracted / Erin Keller / May 9, 2016 [Kansas City based vocalist Erin Keller is originally from Waukee, Iowa. She was born in August, in 1980. Erin has been singing professionally for 25 years. Erin sang with the internationally competitive Des Moines Children’s Choir for 5 years, and in All-State choir in high school for 3 years, which helped her earn a voice performance degree from the Conservatory of Music at the University of Missouri in Kansas City, in 2002. Erin has peformed with the Grammy-Award winning Kansas City Chorale, for six years. Erin earned a Master’s in Music Education from the University of Colorado at Boulder. In Colorado she worked for two years in public schools teaching music and moved back to KC to continue her career as musician and educator. Erin is also a voice & piano instructor at the Blues to Bach Music Center.]
[Erin Keller and Matt Carrillo play Raj Ma Hall: 2829 E 7th St KCMO on August 28th at 4:00]
Erin Keller
10:34 – Interview with Erin Keller
Kansas City based vocalist Erin Keller is originally from Waukee, Iowa. She was born in August, in 1980. Erin has been singing on a professional level for nearly 30 years. Erin sang with the internationally competitive Des Moines Children’s Choir for 5 years, and 3 years in All-State choir in high school, which helped her earn a voice performance degree from the Conservatory of Music at the University of Missouri in Kansas City, in 2002. Erin earned a Master’s in Music Education from the University of Colorado at Boulder. In Colorado she worked for two years in public schools teaching music and moved back to KC to continue her career as musician and educator. Erin performs with the Grammy-Award winning Kansas City Chorale. Erin has also worked as a featured soloist with Owen Cox Dance Ensemble, New Ear, and many KC jazz musicians, the big band at University of Colorado, a West African Highlife Ensemble, the Balkan brass band Gora Gora Orkestar. In May 2016 Erin released her album, “Distracted,” and after a cancer diagnosis she played live shows while also receiving multiple rounds of chemo treatments. Throughout it all she continued singing and working in the music and arts community. Erin is currently organizing shows for Raj Ma Hall and World Culture KC, a COVID SAFE outdoor series featuring world class musicians from right here in Kansas City. Info: http://www.rajmahall.org
Erin Keller thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
We just heard from your beautiful album Distracted that you recorded with Chad Meise.
Immediately after the album is released on May 9, 2016 Erin was diagnosed with colon cancer and began treatments, while going through a divorce, and moving to a new home.
Waukee, Iowa, is where Erin came from. Her older sister played the bass. Her mother recently passed from COVID-19 during the pandemic.
UMKC Conservatory of Music brought Erin to Kansas City, where she made friends and built collaborations with KC Civic Opera, KC Choral, Own Cox Dance Ensemble.
Erin is currently organizing shows for Raj Ma Hall and World Culture KC, a COVID SAFE outdoor series featuring world class musicians from right here in Kansas City.
Raj Ma Hall Saturday Open Studio and Performance Series at 2829 E 7th St Kansas City, MO, is an outdoor Kansas City Institution for the Arts located at the homeport/studio of artist Roger “Capt. RamJet” MacBride-Guibor as he and other local musicians, performers, and artisan bring you COVID-SAFE sanctuary of Soul, art, and a little Funk through a collaboration of work during these COVID-19 Pandemic times. Performances are on Saturday Afternoons, 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM featuring two musical acts that bring to life a complete environmental immersion of multiple disciplines and mediums into a creation of the arts to be shared with you. Learn more at http://www.rajmahall.org
World Culture KC is an extension of the Raj Ma Hall Series. A wrap around porch on the Westside, 1747 Summit St Kansas City, MO 64108, which provides the perfect venue for COVID safe performances by world-class artists from right here in Kansas City.
World Culture KC and Raj Ma Hall Shows:
May 14th @ 7:30 – Arnold Young – WCKC: 1747 Summit Kansas City, MO 64108 Remove your swing shades and your bebop blinders for the Roughtet, a free jazz quartet featuring the compositions and improvisations of UNRA (Arnold Young), a local giant in the free jazz evolution of Kansas City.
May 15th at 4:00 – True Lions and Vanity Plates – Raj Ma Hall: 2829 E 7th St KCMO True Lions is Synth-pop and good vibes brought to you by excellent local musicians Alisön Hawkins and Terri Quinn. Vanity Plates is the solo project of Lacey Hopkins. Simple and sentimental, Vanity Plates seems to capture the apprehensions and perceptions of the loneliness of an imaginary familiar.
May 21st @ 7:30 – Matt Carrillo – WCKC: 1747 Summit Street KCMO 64108 Matt has just relocated back to Kansas City after a long stint in New York City as a successful saxophonist and vocalist/keyboardist. His sound is always smooth, his sentiment always genuine, and his artistry world-class.
May 22nd @ 4:00 – Mike Dillon – Raj Ma Hall: 2829 E 7th St Kansas City, MO Come enjoy some freaked out funky originals, conceptual free jazz, amazing percussion skills on the vibes, drums, tablas, and more. Featuring GoGo Ray on the drums and Ginny Mac on accordion, this unique trio will lay it down hard and heavy for a great show to get your freak on!
May 23rd @ 4:00 – Julie Bennett Hume with Tim Behrens – WCKC: 1747 Summit KCMO Come enjoy some beautiful, authentic Folk Music from veteran musicians with eclectic tastes and reams of musical knowledge. Sure to be an enjoyable afternoon!
May 28th @ 5:00 – Bryan Hicks – WCKC: 1747 Summit Kansas City, MO 64108 Don’t miss the chance to hear one of Kansas City’s best jazz singers, Bryan Hicks. He does unique repertoire and arrangements that will have you feeling all the feels and leave you swinging in your heart and soul.
May 29th @ 5:00 – Emily Frost – WCKC: 1747 Summit St Kansas City, MO Come enjoy some beautiful music from the beautiful Emily Frost with Bryan Hicks on bass and Rod Fleeman on guitar. She does songs you dont expect, and the authenticity of her performance is so compelling. Dont miss out on this beautiful evening!
May 30 @ 4:00 – Mike Dillon – WCKC: 1747 Summit Kansas City, MO 64108 Come celebrate Memorial Day Weekend with some great music from the inimitable Mike Dillon! He’s funky, he’s punky, he’s jazzy, he’s worldly, and he’s an amazing musician. Don’t miss out on a beautiful afternoon with some fun energizing music!
June 4 @ 7:00 – River Cow Orchestra Cosmic Jazz – WCKC: 1747 Summit KCMO Take a trip on the spontaneous music making ride that is River Cow Cosmic Jazz Orchestra. Avant-garde, meets experimental, meets the outside of now.
June 5th @ 4:00 – Grand Marquis – Raj Ma Hall: 2829 E 7th St Kansas City, MO American roots styles blend down by the riverside of Kansas City blues and Memphis soul to form a second line party stretching to the Big Easy. A mighty chorus of horns wail over a groove-heavy rhythm section, while big, soulful vocals highlight well-crafted original songs.
June 6 @ 4:00 – Matt Carrillo – WCKC: 1747 Summit Street Kansas City Missouri 64108 Matt has just relocated back to Kansas City after a long stint in New York City as a successful saxophonist and vocalist/keyboardist. His sound is always smooth, his sentiment always genuine, and his artistry world-class. Join us for a beautiful evening of music and community outside.
June 11 @ 7:30 – Arny Young – WCKC: 1747 Summit Kansas City, MO 64108 Remove your swing shades and your bebop blinders for the Roughtet, a free jazz quartet featuring the compositions and improvisations of UNRA (Arnold Young), a local giant in the free jazz evolution of Kansas City.
June 12 @ – Amado Espinoza – WCKC: 1747 Summit Kansas City, MO 64108 Amado Espinoza, from Bolivia, is a unique composer/performing artist/educator specializing in the Bolivian Charango. He also builds custom-made native instruments from all parts of the globe. His music includes flutes, 6 and 12 stringed guitar-like instruments, and traditional percussion elements from different cultures of the South American continent.
June 18 @ 7:30 – Matt Carrillo – WCKC: 1747 Summit Kansas City, MO 64108 Matt has just relocated back to Kansas City after a long stint in New York City as a successful saxophonist and vocalist/keyboardist. His sound is always smooth, his sentiment always genuine, and his artistry world-class. Join us for a beautiful evening of music and community outside.
June 19th @ 4:00 – Lorna Kay’s One Night Stand & Kian Byrne – Raj Ma Hall: 2829 E 7th Lauren Krum will bring you classic country songs done with a spirit and authenticity only Lauren can deliver. Her voice is beautiful and truly one of a kind. Talented singer and multi-instrumentalist Kian Byrne will bring a set of good music by good people that will make you feel good. Come celebrate and rejuvenate.
June 25 @ 7:30 – Brian Scarborough Quintet – WCKC: 1747 Summit KCMO The Brian Scarborough Quintet is a Kansas City-based ensemble whose repertoire is artfully poised on the brink of both sweepingly melodic original music and an ingenious tour de force of jazz history. With a scintillating host of talent, the Brian Scarborough Quintet is comprised of Matt Otto on tenor saxophone, Adam Schlozman on guitar, Jeff Harshbarger on bass, Brian Steever on drums, and bandleader, composer, and arranger Brian Scarborough on trombone.
June 26th @ 4:00 – Pablo Sanhueza Latin Jazz Band – Raj Ma Hall: 2829 E 7th St KCMO Bring your dancing shoes because this one is going to be HOT!! (Don’t worry, it’s a very well-shaded area.) I just know that Pablo brings the heat! Bring your friends and have an energized and fun afternoon with the Pablo Sanhueza Latin Jazz Band!
July 9 @ 7:30 – Arny Young – WCKC: 1747 Summit Kansas City, MO 64108 Remove your swing shades and your bebop blinders for the Roughtet, a free jazz quartet featuring the compositions and improvisations of UNRA (Arnold Young), a local giant in the free jazz evolution of Kansas City.
July 10th @ 4:00 – Fritz Hutchison & Jametatone – Raj Ma Hall: 2829 E 7th St KCMO Come rock out to some great original music by local artists Fritz Hutchison and J Ashley Miller. Both bands have a big energy and a big sound that will have you smiling and dancing the afternoon away in the shade.
July 17th @ 4:00 – Marcus Lewis & We The People – Raj Ma Hall: 2829 E 7th St KCMO Come enjoy some of the most interesting and important contemporary jazz music around with Marcus Lewis’ original music and arrangements and We The People, featuring Eddie Moore, Jason Emmond, and Zach Morrow. Not to be missed!
July 31st @ 4:00- Rex Hobart + Slim Hanson + The Poor Choices-Raj Ma Hall: 2829 E 7th There ain’t no better country in Kansas City than Rex Hobart and Slim Hanson. Put your dancing shoes on, pop a beer, and enjoy the shade.
August 14th @ 4:00 – Kadesh Flow & Trevor Turla – Raj Ma Hall: 2829 E 7th St KCMO Kadesh Flow is one of the most innovative artists on the Kansas City scene mixing jazz and hip-hop, trombone with potent verse. Also a trombonist, Trevor Turla, has an exciting repertoire of originals and arrangements.
August 28th @ 4:00 – Erin Keller and Matt Carrillo – Raj Ma Hall: 2829 E 7th St KCMO Come celebrate Erin’s Birthday and Charlie Parker’s 101st Birthday with transcendant originals from Erin Keller accompanied by The James Ward Band. Then enjoy some Charlie Parker and other jazz standards from accomplished saxophonist Matt Carrillo.
September 11th @ 4:00 – Alyssa Murray & Ryan Lee – Raj Ma Hall: 2829 E 7th St KCMO Alyssa Murray has such a natural and easy sound and is a master of creative enterprise with her first solo release “THX” coming out soon. Ryan Lee is one of the most talented musicians in KC. Don’t miss this world-class performance by two true KC creatives.
Raj Ma Hall Saturday Open Studio and Performance Series at 2829 E 7th St Kansas City, MO, is an outdoor Kansas City Institution for the Arts located at the homeport/studio of artist Roger “Capt. RamJet” MacBride-Guibor Saturday Afternoons, 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM Learn more at http://www.rajmahall.org
World Culture KC is an extension of the Raj Ma Hall Series. A wrap around porch on the Westside, 1747 Summit St Kansas City, MO 64108, which provides the perfect venue for COVID safe performances by world-class artists from right here in Kansa
Erin Keller thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
True Lions play Raj Ma Hall: 2829 E 7th St KCMO on Saturday, May 15th at 4:00 – 7:00 with Vanity Plates. Learn more at http://www.rajmahall.org
10:47
True Lions – “Blue Marble” from: The Fempire Strikes Back, / Manor Records / April 9, 2021 [Alisön Hawkins on keytar & vocals, Aryana Nemati on saxophone, Calvin Arsenia on harp & vocals, Claire Adams on guitar, Elizabeth Kosko on drums & percussion, Fritz Hutchison on lead electric guitar, Iona DeWalt on synthesizers;, Leslie Butsch on saxophone, Teri Quinn on bass, plus a sample of Greta Thurnberg’s speech at the UN Climate Action Summit in NYC, Sept. 2019. Recorded at Deep Space Co-op. Tracking & engineering by Ross Brown at Escape Pod Audio. Mixing and mastering by Joel Nanos at Element Recording. In 2019 True Lions released their EP debut, “Cute at Best,” on Feb. 5, 2019. They followed up with a second EP called. You’re Not Invited, released on Nov. 9, 2019. For these recordings True Lions was: Alison Hawkins on guitar, synth, and vocals; Elizabeth Kosko on percussion, vocals; Mikala Petillo on bass, vocals; Claire Adams on guitar, vocals; Leslie Butsch on saxophone, Ezgi Karakus on cello; and Teri Quinn on vocals. All songs written by True Lions and produced by Claire Adams &Alison Hawkins. Tracking & Engineering by Claire Adams. Mixing & Mastering by Ian Dobyns and Chase Horseman. Info at: http://www.manorrecords.com ]
[True Lions play Raj Ma Hall: 2829 E 7th St KCMO on Saturday, May 15th at 4:00 – 7:00 with Vanity Plates. Learn more at http://www.rajmahall.org.]
Middlechild – “My Sun” from: REBIRTH 3-song EP/Single / Oakwood Records / April 23, 2021 [REBIRTH – Single features three new tracks: “On Me”, “Run It Back”, and “My Sun”. Middlechild released the debut single “October 31st” on May 24, 2019. Middlechild is the moniker for Kansas City, Missouri singer Danzell Capers, formerly in the band Brother, who released a single called “Mobbin” that was included in a very fine compilation release series from our friends at The Record Machine called “How To Keep Dreaming: Vol. III,(2016), feat. 28 tracks from bands & artists from KC, Lawrence, and surrounding areas.]
Lava Dreams – “Simple Magic” from: “Simple Magic” – Single / R.I.O.T. LLC / May 7, 2021 [Solo artist Lava Dreams aka Julia Hamilton writes songs influenced by pop, soul, RnB, jazz, trap, house, funk, reggae, rock, and world music. Lava Dreams is planning to release an 11-song album later this year and will be releasing a new single every month leading up to the release. This is the 4th single and follow up to, “Surprise!” released March 26, 2021 and “You’re The One” released February 26, 2021 and “The Amazing Wave” released January 8, 2021 through R.I.O.T. LLC Music and produced by Duncan Burnett. Lava Dreams released their debut EP “Good Energy + Focus” on June 13, 2020. Written by Lava Dreams and produced by Duncan Burnett. Solo artist Lava Dreams aka Julia Hamilton is from Kansas City, MO, her guitar-based music is both dreamy & electric. Lava Dreams began writing lyrics and melodies as a young child. Growing up, she learned to play her first guitar chords from her father – who played around the house and in local bars. After playing guitar and singing in several Kansas City bands as a teenager, she set out to become a solo artist in 2018. Julia Hamilton is also a film maker who received her Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Film from Avila Unversity. You can listen to Lava Dreams on Spotify, iTunes, Tidal, Google Play, SoundCloud, Bandcamp. Lava Dreams joined us on WMM on April 22, 2020. Info at: http://www.LavaDreamsMusic.com]
[Lava Dreams play The Black Box, 1060 Union, KCMO, in the West Bottoms on June 17 with Jas and Kemet Coleman]
11:00 – Station ID
The Xtraordinaire$ – “So Amazing (feat. Lee Langston)” from: X Essential / Melody Soul Records / April 2, 2016 [All tracks produced, mixed and mastered by Leonard Dstroy & Dominique Sanders as The Xtraordinair$. Project coordination by Leonard Dstroy. // MelodySoul is extremely proud to present an exceptionally talented production duo based out of Kansas City, MO. They go by the name of “The Xtraordinair$” and are comprised of producers Leonard Dstroy & Dominique Sanders. The duo has a knack for combining various styles that combine like Voltron to form elegant, soulful rhythms and grooves with just the right amount of abstraction. The album is a proper fusion of Hip-Hop, R&B, Jazz, Neo-Soul, and Funk, combined with exceptional lyricism, high quality performances and artistic prowess from all contributors. // The Xtraordinair$ first popped on the scene via Parisian label, Laruche Records, where they dropped a stunningly impressive debut release titled “X Life” which was released in October 2015. The outcome was nothing short of spectacular. We highly suggest you grab a copy, which you can snag right here: larucherecordings.bandcamp.com/album/x-life. // X ESSENTIAL is the sophomore release from the production duo, and it is a true exercise in collaboration, which has always been at the heart of MelodySoul. Numerous local musicians (in Kansas City) were brought in to record segments to give it that live, jazzy feel. The track list is oozing with dynamic versatility. There is a little something for everyone. // The album is an exceptional piece of art that we are very proud to present. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do! // Features include: BoomBaptist, ChromadaData, Jonah Christian, Anthony Saunders, Lindsay Olsen, Miles Bonny, Reggie B, Churchboi, Ubiquitous, Stik Figa, Kutty Slitz, Reach, Joc Max, Barrel Maker, Lee Langston, Peter Schlamb, Andy McGhie, Eddie Moore, Hermon Mehari, Paula Saunders, Jimmy Dykes, Sherwin Keith Rice II (King). More info at: http://www.melodysoul.com]
The Buhs – “All Night Remix (Feat. Lee Langston and Les Izmore)” from: All Night (Remix) – Single / The Buhs / February 24, 2016 [“All Night” was originally written by Matt Villinger for his album “All Night.” This remix captures a new vibe for the song and pays tribute to The Buhs and their late nights creating music in the Crossroads of Kansas City. The track was written by Matt Villinger and Les Izmore. Arranged by Ryan J. Lee, Brad Williams, Hermon Mehari, Tim Braun, Lee Langston, and Les Izmore. The Buhs features singers Julia Haile, Lee Langston, and Anthony Saunders along with emcees Reach and Les Izmore. More info: http://www.thebuhs.com.]
Lee Langston
11:00 – Interview with Lee Langston
Lee Langston is a KC based singer, songwriter, entertainer, producer, traveler, and humanitarian. Lee has performed with the super group, The Buhs, recorded with The Xtraordinair$ (Leonard Dstroy & Dominique Sanders), and organized sold-out “tribute” shows celebrating Erykah Badu, Lauren Hill, D’Angelo and others. In early 2021 Lee Langston was chosen to fill Lonnie McFadden‘s former 15 year residency at The Phoenix, every Friday. The new gig came with a seal of approval from Mr. McFadden himself. Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Lee Langston grew up in Kansas City, and spent years performing with gospel groups. Lee is a 1995 graduate of the Paseo Academy of Performing Arts. Lee Langston is also the Music Director at Center for Spiritual Living where he has been part of the music team since 2005.
Lee Langston, thanks for being with us on WMM.
Congratulations to Lee, in early 2021 Lee Langston was chosen to fill Lonnie McFadden’s former 15 year residency at The Phoenix, every Friday. The new gig came with a seal of approval from Mr. McFadden himself. Langston, who was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, but raised in Kansas City, has been performing professionally since his early 20s.
Many in the Kansas City Music Community discovered Lee Langston when he organized sold-out “tribute” shows celebrating Erykah Badu, Lauren Hill, New Edition, D’Angelo and others at Crosstown Station, recordBar and Uptown Theatre. Lee told music writer Tim Finn in INKansas City Magazine, “I always had a desire to put together shows that reflected the artists I enjoyed most, but at first, I wasn’t quite sure how to execute it. I was invited to perform as a vocalist in a hip-hop tribute show produced by Les Izmore, where he paid homage to Common’s Like Water for Chocolate…After that, I was able to better determine how I wanted to format my own shows. I started with my first actual breakthrough moment in the city, around 2010-11 when I did my first self-produced show: A Tribute to Lauryn Hill at the former Crosstown Station.”
There are many in Kansas City that already knew about the musical powerhouse of Lee Langston because he is the Music Director at Center for Spiritual Living on West 39th Street where he has been part of the music team since 2005. Mark Manning has told friends that one of the best live music performances in Kansas City is at 10:00 AM on Sunday mornings where I used to attend with the mother of my partner, Julia Davila and hear the music service of Lee Langston with at that time paired Lee with the amazing Monique Danielle performing spiritual music mixed with Stevie Wonder and other R and B classics.
Lee told music writer Tim Finn in INKansas City Magazine, “Around age 13, I started to truly realize my love for singing. However, I was extremely shy. I sang around the house, but I wasn’t ready for any public consumption. I didn’t really start singing publicly until my late teens at my family church, St. James United Methodist…I started performing in my early 20s. I was a member of several different local “boy bands.” I remembered always having extreme stage fright then. Later, I learned the art of connecting with my audience.”
Lee Langston was also part of The Buhs was a Kansas City based Pop/Soul/Hip-Hop super-group that included, singers: Julia Haile, Lee Langston, Anthony Saunders, emcees: Reach, Les Izmore, and Ryan J. Lee on drums, Hermon Mehari on trumpet, Ben Leifer on bass, Tim Braun on guitar, Brad Williams on drums and Kinyon Price on percussion.
We started this segment with The Xtraordinaire$ and the track “So Amazing (feat. Lee Langston)” from, X ESSENTIAL on Melody Soul Records released April 2, 2016. All tracks produced, mixed and mastered by Leonard Dstroy & Dominique Sanders as The Xtraordinair$. Project coordination by Leonard Dstroy.
Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Lee Langston grew up in KC, and spent years performing with gospel groups. Lee is a 1995 graduate of the Paseo Academy of Performing Arts.
When Lee reached out to be on the show it was to talk about the new gig at The Phoenix, but in his massage he also talked about the challenges of the last year, The COVID-19 Pandemic has been incredibly challenging to all artists and performers, but Lee also recently lost his father.
After more than a decade of performing with different music ensembles, Lee Langston took the leap and began performing as a solo act with his band: “Langston and Prototype” in 2009. Shortly after gaining the attention of music lovers in the historic 18th & Vine district, in 2011 Langston he began producing multi-genre music based shows in the urban core of Kansas City, MO. He was inspired to go off the beaten path and decided he wanted to provide local performers with other options to work, while expressing themselves artistically. After releasing his first self-produced show, which to his surprise ended up being a sold out standing room only performance, he realized he had found his niche. Even though he still enjoyed performing at many of the local music venues, it was then that he was shown what Kansas City’s soul music scene was missing.
Langston immediately started producing shows that were custom made for the local artists that he was working with. Most of his shows were done independently, as well as him being commissioned to produce other shows for local businesses, organizations, non for profits, museums, churches and colleges…all of which allowed him to pull in artists from the community that otherwise may not have had the opportunities. He has employed over 120 singers, musicians, poets, spoken word artists, lighting technicians, and sound engineers for Tribute Shows, Themed shows, and musical celebrations of Life. He has shared the stage as an opening act for well-known award winning artists such as Michael McDonald, Cameo, Floetry, Howard Hewitt, Marsha Ambrosius, Angela Winbush, Kenny Latimore, and the list goes on.
In 2014 he toured to Beirut, Lebanon to perform for the Al Mandaloun, which catered to the countries Elite demographic. In 2018 he led a group of musicians to Chiapas, Mexico on behalf of the UNESCO “city of music” designation, and completed a cultural exchange that made history. Currently in 2021 he was chosen as resident artist at one of Kansas City’s longest standing local live music venues, The Phoenix. This residency was previously held by the great Lonnie McFadden.
Here is a comprehensive list of shows to date Lee Lanston has produced:
A Celebration of Life February 22, 2020 at the Bowtie Suite
Winter Onederland Vol 2, December 13, 2019 at Center For Spiritual Living KC
Art Of The Movement (For CCO), October 19, 2019 at the Gem Theatre
The New Edition Tribute (The Replay) August 10, 2019 at Just Off Broadway Theatre
A Birthday Tribute to Whitney Houston August 9, 2019 at Just Off Broadway Theatre
UNESCO Journey To San Cristobal, October 2018
A Tribute to Brandy September 16, 2018 for 2 shows at the Buffalo Room
A Song for You, August 18, 2018 at AMC Corporate Office
Jazz at The Cornerstone Awards, May 15, 2018 at Union Station
A Tribute to D’angelo & Lauryn April 7, 2018 at The Just Off Broadway Theatre
A Celebration of Life: Jan 7, 2018 at the Buffalo Room
Winter Onederland Vol 1, December 15, 2017 at Center For Spiritual Living KC
Sweet Love: A Tribute to Anita Baker: October 15, 2017 at the Buffalo Room
A Tribute to Aretha Franklin September 17, 2017 at the Buffalo Room
The New Edition Tribute Vol 1 August 4, 2017 at The Just Off Broadway Theatre
ONEderland May 21, 2017 at the Buffalo Room
Gamechangers: The 20 Year Anniversary Of Baduizm April 23, 2017 at Buffalo Room
A Tribute to Whitney March 17, 2017 at The Just Off Broadway Theatre
Grown Folks: The Love Sequel February 19, 2017 at the Buffalo Room
A Celebration of Life: January 29, 2017 at the Buffalo Room
Grown Folks Sh*t: November 20, 2016 at the Buffalo Room
90’s R&B Group Battle of the Sexes, Vol 2 (Boys v Girls) Aug. 14, 2016 Buffalo Rm
Replay Jill Scott Tribute to re-elect Randy Dunn, June 25, ’16 American Jazz Museum
90’s R&B Group Battle of the Sexes, Vol 1 (Boys v Girls) June 12, 2016 Buffalo Rm
A Birthday Tribute to the Legend Stevie Wonder: May 13, 2016 Knuckleheads Garage
A Tribute to Erykah Badu (the Replay) April 30, 2016 at the Buffalo Room
A Tribute to the Jill Scott songbook: March 20, 2016 at the Buffalo Room
Rhythm & Roast Bash: February 21, 2016 at the Buffalo Room
Motown Christmas and More! : December 20, 2015 at the Buffalo Room
Foreplay/Afterglow (The Relaunch): November 29, 2015 at the Buffalo Room
What’s Goin’ On: The 2014 Buck O’neil Celebration, Nov. 8, 2014 at Gem Theatre
Cheat is a VERB: June 20, 2014 at Nica’s 320
Foreplay/Afterglow Vol 3: April 19, 2014 at Nica’s 320
UMKC Special Lauryn Tribute replay: March 12, 2014 at UMKC
Foreplay/Afterglow Vol 2: Mar 1, 2014 at Nica’s 320
Foreplay/Afterglow Vol 1: Feb 8, 2014 at Nica’s 320
Celebration of Life Bash: January 25, 2014 at Nica’s 320
If Only For One Night: December 20, 2013 at Nica’s 320
An Anchorman Holiday (For AMC) December 6, 2013 at AMC Corporate Office
Decades of Soul Vol 2: November 16, 2013 at Nica’s 320
Buck’s Tribute to Luther (Honoring Buck O’neils Legacy) Nov. 9, 2013 at Gem Theatre
Decades of Soul Vol 1: October 19, 2013 at Nica’s 320
A Night at the Movies Vol 2: September 20, 2013 at Nica’s 320
A Night at the Movies Vol 1: August 16, 2013 at Nica’s 320
A Day at the Movies (Special for AMC) July 13, 2013 at AMC Corporate Office
A Tribute to Jill Scott (The Replay) May 31 at Nica’s 320
A Mother’s Day Serenade: May 10 2013 at Nica’s 320
A Tribute to Charley Pride: April 2013 at the Negroe Leagues Museum
Tribute to D’angelo and Lauryn February 9, 2013 at The Gem Theatre
The First Jill Scott Tribute, November 23, 2012 at the Record Bar
The First Tribute to D’angelo July 7, 2012 at the Record Bar
The First Tribute to Erykah Badu January 21, 2012 at the Record Bar
Duets, December 2011 at The Isle Of Capri Casino
Crooner Tribute, August 2011 at The Isle Of Capri Casino
The Follow up Lauryn Hill Tribute: September 15, 2011 at Crosstown Station
The Original Tribute to Lauryn Hill: August 13, 2011 at Crosstown Station
During the pandemic in 2020 the nation as one witnessed the murder by police of George Floyd in Minneapolis and the rise of protest across the country, and here in KC, with our own long history of institutional racism. The Black Lives Matter movement became stronger than ever as a grassroots civil rights movement for equality. Can you share your own personal feelings about the movement and your own experience in KC.
Lee told music writer Tim Finn in INKansas City Magazine, “’Black Lives Matter’ is actually an affirmation. I repeat, an affirmation. It doesn’t need to be edited, modified, revised, reworded, or adapted to make anyone else comfortable. Just let it be an actual affirmation of Black Life. This doesn’t erase anyone else’s existence; however, it does give consideration to include ours. It also admits to an awareness that the race hierarchy actually does exists. Once that part is done, look in the mirror and ask yourself: ‘Are you going to contribute to the betterment of actual equality—or are you going to be complicit?’
For people in my community, it happens so much that none of us are shocked when we experience it. One of the things that doesn’t get talked about enough is how much racism and colorism actually play out in many of Kansas City’s music spaces, especially in music and art spaces where races intersect. I have had my share of bad experiences surrounding race in the city. I have filled up space after space with sold-out shows over the past decade, only to learn that in some of the performance spaces, my fans and supporters were not treated well
I have performed for well-known collectives and had to explain to the band owners that it still isn’t safe for Black people traveling through “sundown towns” after late-night shows in remote locations. To that I received insensitive responses. Sundown towns still exist in 2021; I recommend everyone look it up. In recent years, I did a regular stint with a venue inside one of the city’s boutique hotels. The booking agent that brought us in believed in inclusion and happily added my band and several other diverse bands to the schedule. The moment the agent left to further their career elsewhere, all of the Black artists were immediately removed from the calendar.
For months we inquired about continuing on the performance schedule, but none of our calls were returned. Upon deeper research, we even learned that the venue had been participating in “erasure” whenever they advertised Black performers on their social media. “Erasure” is when someone advertises or promotes a Black artist, then intentionally replaces the artists with pictures and scenes that target only a white demographic.
This is a divisive marketing tactic that keeps people from knowing what to expect before they arrive. None of us even knew this had been going on. After months, I was finally able to get a return email from management to discuss this. No sincere apology was offered. Just a template “corporate” response, and no real accountability.
I find it hard to say whether things are really improving. Over the past couple of years several venues in the city have been called out on this type of behavior, but it just repeatedly gets swept under the rug. We have even seen recent articles written where venue owners have openly admitted their clear biases against the Black demographic and spoken of the things they’ve put in place to keep Blacks away.
Over the past decade, I have had to end working relationships with several venues and organizations over that type of behavior.”
Lee Langston thanks for being with us on WMM.
In early 2021 Lee Langston was chosen to fill Lonnie McFadden’s former 15 year residency at The Phoenix, every Friday. The new gig came with a seal of approval from Mr. McFadden himself. Lee Langston is also the Music Director at Center for Spiritual Living where he has been part of the music team since 2005.
11:22
Arooj Aftab – “Mohabbat” from: Vulture Prince / New Amsterdam Records / April 23, 2021 [from http://www.aroojaftab.bandcamp.com: 3rd album from Brooklyn-based Pakistani composer Arooj Aftab. Championed by NPR, who praised her composition as one of the “Greatest Songs By 21st Century Women+,” and the The New York Times, who celebrated her work as one of the “Best Classical Music Tracks of 2018,” Aftab’s liminal sound floats between classical minimalism and new age, Sufi devotional poetry and electronic trance, jazz structures and states of pure being. On “Vulture Prince,” the composer’s remarkable voice, backed by a team of renowned musicians, transports listeners to worlds once known. // “’Vulture Prince’ is about revisiting places I’ve called mine,” says Aftab, “places that don’t necessarily exist anymore. It’s about people, friendships, relationships—some relationships that were unexpectedly short term, and how to deal with that.” // While writing “Vulture Prince” Aftab lost her younger brother, Maher, and she dedicates this album to his memory—a signal of emergence from loss and grief. “E quindi uscimmo a revider la stelle,” as Dante says at last, out of the inferno, “and thence we came forth to see again the stars.” // Acting as a second chapter to Aftab’s 2015 debut, Bird Under Water, Vulture Prince opens with a new composition of “Baghon Main,” a track from her first album. The lead song, along with the avian album titles, serves to tie the two records together. “The Tower of Silence comes to mind,” says Aftab, “the Parsi funeral structure where their beloved deceased are left to be consumed by vultures, thus returning to the cycle of life. These sort of shapeshifting elements, the burning desire to embody and lead this mystic ancestral power, growth as a person and musician, all led to Vulture Prince.” // Of course, Aftab’s signature songwriting style also led to Vulture Prince. The composer has an uncanny ability to make music with layers upon layers of instrumentation, yet somehow it all feels very light, uncluttered, minimal on the ears. Aftab’s music then mirrors her voice, ethereal yet heavy—like a cloud crossed with a boulder. // A graduate of Berklee College of Music, the composer channels artists from Terry Riley to Abida Parveen, and has played venues from Lincoln Center to (Le) Poisson Rouge to the Museum of Modern Art. In 2020, Aftab composed music for the Academy Award-shortlisted film Bittu and sang on Residente’s Latin Grammy Award-winning single “Antes Que El Mundo Se Acabe.” On Vulture Prince, she is backed by an all-star cast, including Badi Assad, Maeve Gilchrist, Jamey Haddad, Bhrigu Sahni, Kenji Herbert, Lady Jess, Jarvis Benson, Malcom Parson, Jorn Bielfeldt, Shazhad Ismaily, Juliette Jones, Mario Carrillo, Petros Klampanis, Nadje Noordhuis, Gyan Riley, & Darian Donovan Thomas. // So here is “Vulture Prince”—beautiful, powerful, dusky, and, above all, thoughtful. Included on album are singles, “Mohabbat” and “Last Night,” an old Rumi poem Aftab sings live, but hasn’t before released. Tucked subtly into “Vulture Prince” is “Saans Lo,” a song with words penned by the composer’s late friend Annie Ali Khan, who gently advises us to breathe—to move on. After 7 minutes, “Saans Lo” fades into a washed-out drone before opening up into the colorful jazz-oriented closer, “Suroor”—a dynamic new world of possibilities. ]
11:30 – Underwriting
Connor Leimer – “Little Rules” from: Like My Mind / Connor Leimer / May 7, 2021 [Connor Leimer is a New York-based musician, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Produced and mixed by Kyle Dreaden. Recorded by Brendan St. Gelais, Preston Cochran & Scottie Prudhoe. Mastered by Brian Lucey at Magic Garden Mastering. Recorded at: The Smoakstack, and at Trace Horse Dtudio both in Nashville, TN., with Connor Leimer on vocals, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, classical guitar; Jonny Gleaton on bass guitar; and Jake Finch on drums, percussion, mellotron, synth, guitar, conga. “Like My Mind” formed over an arranged dinner meeting with Nashville-based producer Kyle Dreaden. The two sipped red wine opposite each other on a winter night bonding over a mutual adoration of record-making. The rendezvous was as cordial as it was fruitful. The result: four new songs with the sensible backing band of Jonny Gleaton on bass and Jake Finch on drums. Mastered in Los Angeles, California by GRAMMY® Award-winning mastering engineer Brian Lucey (the Black Keys, Cage The Elephant), Connor’s latest book of songs present a love letter to the eccentric with the aim of encouraging listeners to live as cultured amateurs: like that of a wanderlust youth who dreams of speaking another language fluently on a foreign coast. More info at: http://www.connorleimer.com]
11:34 – Interview with Connor Leimer
Connor Leimer is a New York-based musician, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist joins us to share music from his new 4-song EP, LIKE MY MIND released on May 7, 2021. Produced and mixed by Kyle Dreaden the EP was recorded at: The Smoakstack, and Trace Horse Studio both in Nashville with Connor Leimer on vocals, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, classical guitar; Jonny Gleaton on bass guitar; and Jake Finch on drums, percussion, mellotron, synth, guitar, conga. Connor Leimer is formerly from Kansas City, and was last on our show on June 3, 2015. More Info at: http://www.connorleimer.bandcamp.com
Connor Leimer thank you for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Connor Leimer is formerly from Kansas City, and was last on our show on June 3, 2015. whee he played live in our studio.
Connor has just finished work on recordings for his debut album POSTCARD, that were being mastered in NYC.
Following the release of POSTCARD Connor Leimer presented the 17 show “Dorm Room Tour” along the East Coast in the fall of 2015 booked entirely by Connor himself through friends at numerous universities and which culminated in a performance at The Grammy Museum at L.A. Live in 2016.
With the Dorm Room Tour ~ 19 year old Connor Leimer launched his music career. At the same time that some of his peers were navigating beer bongs and dorms for the first time, Connor independently took his music to those very dorms with a mission, and plenty of artists to draw inspiration from. He made his first stop in support of his debut album “Postcard” in Nashville, TN. Performing solo/acoustic to small and intimate crowds, the Dorm Room Tour impressed old friends while capturing new fans.
Tour Dates from: Fall 2015 9/25 – Nashville, TN (Belmont University) 9/26 – Chapel Hill, NC (UNC at Chapel Hill) 9/27 – Greensboro, NC (Guilford College) 9/29- Washington, D.C. (Georgetown University) 9/30 – Washington, D.C. (Secret Show) 10/1 – New York, NY w/ Del Water Gap (NYU – Hells Kitchen) 10/3- New York, NY (Secret Show Ave of Americas) 10/4 – Boston, MA (Berklee College of Music) 10/5 – Boston, MA (Boston College) 10/6 – Philadelphia, PA (Secret Show*) 10/8 – Pittsburgh, PA (University of Pittsburgh) 10/9 – Springfield, OH (Wittenberg University) 10/10 – Bloomington, IN (Indiana University) 10/11 – Chicago, IL (Loyola University) 10/14 – St. Louis, MO (St. Louis University) 10/15 – Fayetteville, AR (University of Arkansas) 10/16 – Lawrence, KS (University of Kansas)
Connor Leimer’s album POSTCARD was Recorded at Weights & Measures Soundlab and Element Recording in Kansas City, MO from 2013-201
Connor attended Belmont University, in Nashville, TN where he graduated in 2020 with a degree in Marketing and a minor in Music.
“Like My Mind” formed over an arranged dinner meeting with Nashville-based producer Kyle Dreaden. The two sipped red wine opposite each other on a winter night bonding over a mutual adoration of record-making. The rendezvous was as cordial as it was fruitful.
The result: four new songs with the sensible backing band of Jonny Gleaton on bass and Jake Finch on drums. Mastered in Los Angeles, California by GRAMMY® Award-winning mastering engineer Brian Lucey (the Black Keys, Cage The Elephant).
Connor’s latest book of songs present a love letter to the eccentric with the aim of encouraging listeners to live as cultured amateurs: like that of a wanderlust youth who dreams of speaking another language fluently on a foreign coast.
Connor’s family lives in the Kansas City area where he socially distanced for the last year during the height of the pandemic.
A month ago, 24 year old Connor moved to New York City.
Connor Leimer Discography
POSTCARD – 10 track album – released October 2, 2015 “Brooklyn” – Single – released May 18, 2018 (recorded in Nashville) MOUTH WORDS – 4-track EP – released August 16, 2019 (Produced by Josh Rouse) “Keep Knocking” – Single – released December 11, 2020 “Things I Never Do” – Single – released January 8, 2021 (Produced by Matt Rollings) “Lonely Life” – Single – released January 22, 2021 (Produced by Matt Rollings) “Cheap” – Single – released February 5, 2021 (Produced by Matt Rollings) “Little Rules” – Single – released March 12, 2021 ‘Criminals” – Single – released April 9, 2021 “LIKE MY MIND” – 4-track EP – released May 7, 2021 (Produced by Kyle Dreaden)
Connor Leimer thank you for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Connor Leimer’s new 4-track EP “LIKE MY MIND” was released May 7, 2021 More info at: http://connorleimer.com/
11:46
Connor Leimer – “Like My Mind” from: Like My Mind / Connor Leimer / May 7, 2021 [ Connor Leimer is a New York-based musician, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Produced and mixed by Kyle Dreaden. Recorded by Brendan St. Gelais, Preston Cochran & Scottie Prudhoe. Mastered by Brian Lucey at Magic Garden Mastering. Recorded at: The Smoakstack, and at Trace Horse Dtudio both in Nashville, TN., with Connor Leimer on vocals, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, classical guitar; Jonny Gleaton on bass guitar; and Jake Finch on drums, percussion, mellotron, synth, guitar, conga. “Like My Mind” formed over an arranged dinner meeting with Nashville-based producer Kyle Dreaden. The two sipped red wine opposite each other on a winter night bonding over a mutual adoration of record-making. The rendezvous was as cordial as it was fruitful. The result: four new songs with the sensible backing band of Jonny Gleaton on bass and Jake Finch on drums. Mastered in Los Angeles, California by GRAMMY® Award-winning mastering engineer Brian Lucey (the Black Keys, Cage The Elephant), Connor’s latest book of songs present a love letter to the eccentric with the aim of encouraging listeners to live as cultured amateurs: like that of a wanderlust youth who dreams of speaking another language fluently on a foreign coast. More info at: http://www.connorleimer.com]
Ethan & Charlie G – “Fall So Far” from: ”Fall So Far” – Single / Ethan & Charlie G / May 1, 2021 [Musicians Ethan & Charlie G are a brother sister pair who write, compose, and record original music born from emotion and experience. ” We get on each other’s nerves, but thats just how we say ‘I love you’ There is no one else I would rather write and record with than him.” – Charlie. Ethan became interested in playing guitar at 7 years old when he found his great grandpa’s fender in a closet. He upgraded that old fender to an electric strat gifted to him by his grandpa with the caveat he would practice every day. With that his passion and guitar collection has continued to grow. Ethan’s favorite hobbies include hanging out with friends, disc golf, Madden, cheering for the Chiefs, and playing D-End for his school’s football team. Charlie is known for her big words and big emotions in her most raw form. Poetry and music have been Charlie’s escape from an early age. Some of Charlie’s loves include finding hidden meaning in all the songs she listens to, escaping in a fantasy novel, dot journaling, and snuggling her giant cat Marshall. She does normal stuff too, like homework, chores, babysitting, and texting her friends too much. They released their debut album 13 on January 30, 2021. More information at: http://www.ethanandcharliegmusic.com
Kadesh Flow
Kadesh Flow – “Lighten Up” from: ”Lighten Up” – Single / Ryan Jamaal Davis / May 7, 2021 [Kadesh Flow released the new single, “Lighten Up” was written, produced, performed, mixed and mastered: Kadesh Flow. More info at: http://www.kadeshflow.com This is one of 14 new singles Kadesh Flow has released so far this year: Kadesh Flow & The Enclave released, “Soft Side,” on Jan. 21, 2021, written, produced, performed, mixed & mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow released, “Assumptions feat. Shubzilla,” on Jan. 29, 2021. Kadesh Flow released, “Frosty,” on February 12, 2021, Written, produced, performed, mixed and mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow & The Enclave released, “Cry For Me 2,” February 12, 2021. Kadesh Flow released, “Not on My Watch,” on February 19, 2021, Inspired by Lord Beerus (Dragonball Super). Kadesh Flow released, “Held Me Longer,” on March 5, 2021, Written, produced, performed, mixed and mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow released, “Your Dream Isn’t Always Yours”, on March 12, 2021, Written, produced, performed, mixed and mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow & The Enclave released, “Forgot About Me,” on March 14, 2021. Kadesh Flow released, “Take Backs (feat. Ryan Heinlein)”, on March 26, 2021, Written, produced, performed, mixed and mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow & The Enclave released, “But Hope” on March 26, 2021, Written, produced, performed, mixed & mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow released the single, “I Don’t Care” on April 9, 2021. Written, performed, mixed and mastered by Kadesh Flow. Produced by D. Professor. Kadesh Flow released the single, “That Way” on April 16, 2021. Written, performed, mixed and mastered by Kadesh Flow. Produced by Dominique “Bassman” Saunders. Kadesh Flow released the new single, “So Far” on April 23, 2021. Written, performed, mixed and mastered: Kadesh Flow. Produced: Dominique “Bassman” Sanders. Kadesh Flow released the single, “On Target” on April 30, 2021, written, produced, performed, mixed and mastered: Kadesh Flow. More info at: http://www.kadeshflow.com. Kadesh Flow is Ryan Davis is a rapper with an MBA. He is an emcee, producer, & trombonist. At age 11, he began rapping and playing trombone within two weeks of one another. His music has been featured on network television in multiple countries and territories across Southeast Asia. Kadesh performs as a solo hip hop artist. He also plays with The Phantastics, and Marcus Lewis Big Band. Kadesh Flow was on WMM on Oct. 21, 2020.]
[Kadesh Flow plays The Ship with Jessica Paige on May 14.]
Noel Coward – “The Party’s Over Now” from: Noel Coward in New York / drg / 2003 [orig. 1957]
Next week on Wednesday, May 19 we welcome special guests: Enrique Chi, Alyssa Murray, and Jillian Riscoe.
Our Script/Playlist is a “cut and paste” of information. Sources for notes: artist’s websites, bios, wikipedia.org
Wednesday MidDay Medley Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org
Wednesday, May 12, 2021
New & MidCoastal Releases + Erin Keller + Lee Langston + Connor Leimer
Mark plays more New & MidCoastal Releases from: The Grisly Hand, Middlechild, MellowPhobia, The Moose, Lava Dreams, Kadesh Flow, True Lions, Ethan & Charlie G, Connor Leimer, Florian Arbenz & Nelson Veras & Hermon Mehari, Krystle Warren & The Crew, Erin Keller, The Xtraordinaire$ with Lee Langston, The Buhs, Art d’Ecco, and Arooj Aftab.
Erin Keller
At 10:30 we talk with Erin Keller, KC based vocalist originally from Waukee, Iowa. She was born in 1980, Erin has been singing on a professional level for 25 years. Erin earned a voice performance degree from the Conservatory of Music at the University of Missouri in Kansas City, in 2002. Erin earned a Master’s in Music Education from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Erin performs with the Grammy-Award winning Kansas City Chorale, and has worked as a featured soloist with Owen Cox Dance Ensemble, New Ear, and more. Erin is currently organizing shows for Raj Ma Hall and World Culture KC, a COVID SAFE outdoor porch show series featuring world class music from right here in Kansas City. Learn more at http://www.rajmahall.org
Lee Langston
At 11:00 Mark talks with Lee Langston KC based singer, songwriter, entertainer, producer, traveler, and humanitarian. Lee has performed with the super group, The Buhs, recorded with The Xtraordinair$ (Leonard Dstroy & Dominique Sanders), and organized sold-out “tribute” shows celebrating Erykah Badu, Lauren Hill, D’Angelo and others. In early 2021 Lee Langston was chosen to fill Lonnie McFadden‘s former 15 year residency at The Phoenix, every Friday. The new gig came with a seal of approval from Mr. McFadden himself. Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Lee Langston grew up in Kansas City, and spent years performing with gospel groups. Lee is a 1995 graduate of the Paseo Academy of Performing Arts. Lee Langston is also the Music Director at Center for Spiritual Living where he has been part of the music team since 2005.
Connor Leimer
At 11:30 AM Connor Leimer, New York-based musician, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist joins us to share music from his 4-song EP, LIKE MY MIND released on May 7, 2021. Produced and mixed by Kyle Dreaden the EP was recorded at: The Smoakstack, and Trace Horse Studio both in Nashville with Connor Leimer on vocals, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, classical guitar; Jonny Gleaton on bass guitar; and Jake Finch on drums, percussion, mellotron, synth, guitar, conga. Connor Leimer is formerly from Kansas City, and was last on our show on June 3, 2015. More Information at: http://www.connorleimer.bandcamp.com
On your local radio dial 90.1 FM or STREAMING LIVE at: kkfi.org
“Main Title Instrumental – It’s Showtime Folks” from: Orig. Motion Picture Soundtrack All That Jazz / Casablanca / December 20, 1979 [WMM’s Adopted Theme Song]
Alyssa Murray
Alyssa Murray – “two peaches” from: “two peaches” – Single / LYSSA / May 4, 2021 [2nd single from Alyssa Murray’s new EP, HALF & HALF, an indie, electronic album with equal parts vocal tunes & half beats. “Combining a keen songwriting sense with a playful display of sonic influences in a juxtaposition of synth and song.” HALF & HALF is set to be released on May 14, 2021. Written, performed, & produced by Alyssa Murray. Recorded between July 2020 througn January 2021 using Korg Minilogue XD and Sequential Prophet Rev2 with Adam Schlozman on bass (track 3) and John Kizilarmut on drums (track 3). Mixed & Mastered by Duane Trower at Weights & Measures Soundlab KC. Info at: http://www.wmsoundlab.com or http://www.alyssamurraymusic.com Alyssa Murray will be on WMM on May 19.]
[Alyssa Murray plays the FMK Social Gallery, 2201 Lexington Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri, in the Pendleton Heights Neighborhood on Friday, June 25, at 7:00 PM.]
Jocelyn Olivia Nixin of The Creepy Jingles
The Creepy Jingles – “Microchip On Your Shoulder” from: The Creepy Jingles EP / High Dive Records / May 3, 2019 [Debut EP Release from The Creepy Jingles: Jocelyn Olivia Nixon on lead vocals, rhythm guitar, & keyboards; Travis McKenzie on lead guitars, Nick Robertson on drums; and Adam York on bass. From High Dive Records website: “The brainchild of singer/ songwriter, Jocelyn Olivia Nixon acts to guide the listener thru a self-actualized Mono-myth of forging identity thru Bizarre arcane cosmic poetry coupled with the wordplay of a wry smile and eccentric wit. Drummer Nick Robertson charges the group forward with a fiery fueled obsidian backbeat. Adam York delivers pulsing bass lines that the compliment the songs and his partner in the rhythm section. Rounding out the band is Guitarist Travis McKenzie who generously spins a holographic spectrum of color that lift the catchy Brit pop melodies that effortlessly dance about the rapidly changing landscapes of New York Garage Rock and 60s/70s folk music. Beware The Creepy Jingles, their siren call is coming from inside the house.”]
[The Creepy Jingles play Lemonade Park, 1628 Wyoming Friday, May 7, at 7:00 PM with Kianna White, Monta At Odds and DJ Thundercutz. More at http://www.lemonadeparkkc.com]
Joan As Police Woman – “Happiness Is Violator” from: Real Life (B Sides) EP / Cheap Lullaby Records / June 12, 2007 [Extra tracks from the solo debut recording of Joan Wasser, born July 26, 1970, known by her stage name, Joan As Police Woman. She is an American musician and singer-songwriter. She began her career playing violin with the Dambuilders. Throughout her career, she has regularly collaborated with other artists as a writer, performer and arranger. KC artist Krystle Warren has toured around the world with her.] [“Sweet Thing” or “Sweet Thing/Candidate/Sweet Thing (Reprise)” is a suite of songs written by David Bowie for the album Diamond Dogs. Recorded in January 1974, the piece comprises the songs “Sweet Thing” and “Candidate” and a one-verse reprise of “Sweet Thing.” In the opening line, “Sweet Thing” contains the lowest note Bowie had recorded in a studio album (C2) until “I Took a Trip on a Gemini Spacecraft” for the album “Heathen” (2002), where he growled the word “Well” (G1) towards the end of the song. Diamond Dogs was the 8th studio album from Bowie, was released May 24, 1974, after the ‘retirement’ of Bowies’s Ziggy Stardust, character. Diamond Dogs featured a new lead character named Halloween Jack, “a real cool cat,” who lives in the decaying “Hunger City”. Bowie, however, still wore the Ziggy haircut on the cover of Diamond Dogs, and the first single, “Rebel Rebel” continues his glam rock sound. However, with the rest of the album, music writers noticed a new Bowie. For his song “Sweet Thing” / “Candidate”/ “Sweet Thing (Reprise)” Bowie first used the William S. Burroughs’ cut-up style of writing. The song “1984” reflected the “plastic soul” sound of Bowie’s next release, Young Americans, from 1975. The Diamond Dogs Tour of 1974 was one of the first huge Rock and Roll, bus and truck tours, like a big Broadway production.]
Silicone Prairie – “Silicone Prairie” from: My Life on the Silicone Prairie / Feel It Records / February 5, 2021 [Direct from Kansas City and encased in a layer of four-track analog glory comes the debut album from Silicone Prairie. You may have enjoyed Ian Teeple in action with Warm Bodies or The Natural Man Band, though Silicone Prairie is where Teeple has been focusing his solo creative energies over the past couple years, culminating in these 13 tracks. A trebly & jittery, landlocked Midwestern punk sound comes into effect straight out of the gate, much in the lineage of Gulcher’s ‘Red Snerts’ comp or the Dow Jones side of ‘Hoosier Hysteria’ – with a dash of hardcore DEVO or even D.L.I.M.C. thrown in for contemporary spuds. But there’s far more to Silicone Prairie – with quantitatively great songwriting and instrumentation bursting any preconceived sub-subgenre bubbles and occupying a kindred creative plain that made just about any Mould, Kirkwood, or Sage composition of the mid-80’s oh so delightful & memorable. Heck, there’s even a synth-heavy instrumental dedicated to electronic pioneer Patrick Cowley. ‘My Life on the Silicone Prairie’ dances across the sonic spectrum, from bedroom jangle to basement devolution, carrying big guitars, sharp synthesizers, and a hopeful grin into 2021 and beyond. A carefully crafted debut alive with the kind of creative rock’n’roll energy that simply cannot be quarantined, now or ever. ‘My Life on the Silicone Prairie’ comes shrinkwrapped in a reverse board sleeve with risograph insert printed at Oddities Prints and download code. Australian vinyl pressing available from Computer Human Records.
Approach – “Call You feat. Heidi Gluck” from: Merely, Minutes In A Day {Section 2: Antique Mall} / Datura Records / Dec. 4, 2020. [Produced, Sequenced, Recorded, Photography, Mixed & Mastered By: Aikido Bray. Approach writes: “Antique Mall” is fitting title for a album that has sat in the vault over 5 years. When the recording of this album was finished, I realized it didn’t compliment the sonics of the season. I felt like waiting until the sonic coloring matched the vibration of the times would be the best move. 5 years later a time capsule of love is ready to be revealed. Please enjoy your tour around of my “Antique Mall.” // This new Approach release is a Follow up to Merely Minutes, In A Day from Datura Records released February 4, 2019. Produced, Sequenced, Recorded, Photography, Mixed & Mastered By: Aikido Bray. Artwork & Design By: The Art My Life Imitates. Legendary Kanss based emcee/producer Approach is Sean Hunt who’s been in the game for almost 20 years. He’s released almost a dozen records and traveled the world over the span of his career. He’s also the cofounder of Datura Records, a hip hop label started in 2000 that he helps curate the roster for. Info: http://www.daturarecords.bandcamp.com ]
Fally Afani
10:15 – Interview with Fally Afani
Fally Afani, is an award-winning journalist with a career spanning nearly 30 years in media, working extensively in radio, television, newspapers, & magazines. She has received several Kansas Association of Broadcasters awards and an Edward R. Murrow award for her online work in journalism. Fally recently received her Masters Degree from the University of Kansas. Fally lives in Lawrence, Kansas, where she reports on local & touring musicians and is the editor & founder of, I Heart Local Music providing info for music lovers in Lawrence. It has grown to produce a printed magazine and is celebrating 10 years with: I Heart Local Music Presents: The Return of live music with Cuee, Saturday, May 8, at 6:00 PM, with a safe, socially-distanced show on on the patio of Replay Lounge, 946 Massachusetts St., Lawrence, Kansas. The night features the Album Release performance from Cuee, Approach, and Royal Chief. Info at: http://www.iheartlocalmusic.com
Fally Afani, thanks for being with us on WMM.
Fally is two weeks away from receiving her Masters Degree from the University of Kansas.
Radkey photographed by Fally Afani
One of Fally’s photographs of the KC band Radkey is featured in the new Dave Grohl directed documentary film, WHAT DRIVES US, which opened April 30, 2021, via the Coda Collection through Amazon Prime Video Channels. Radkey, along with Beatles drummer Ringo Starr, Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea, Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash, Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler, Ben Harper, Exene Cervenka of X, The Edge of U2, D.H. Peligro of The Dead Kennedys, Annie Clark aka St. Vincent, and many more are featured in this celebration of bands and their touring vans. More info at: http://www.roswellfilms.com
WHAT DRIVES US photo credits
I Heart Local Music will also be sponsoring a Pride event on June 12 with The Creepy Jingles and Cuee performing with a full band.
Fally Afani, hang out with us for the next segment please.
I Heart Local Music Presents: The Return of live music with Cuee, Saturday, May 8, at 6:00 PM, with a safe, socially-distanced show on on the patio of Replay Lounge, 946 Massachusetts St., Lawrence, Kansas. The night features the Album Release performance from Cuee, with Approach, and Royal Chief. Info at: http://www.iheartlocalmusic.com
10:28 – Underwriting
Cuee – “Gravity (Feat: Lindsey Alderman)” [Radio Edit] from: Gravity (Feat: Lindsey Alderman)(Radio Edit) – Single / Cuee / April 29, 2021 [Follow up to “Ain’t Going Back (feat. Joel Leoj) “ single released February 14, 2020. Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Cuee is a 27 year old Lawrence based hip-hop artist emcee, and educator. In the last 5 years Cuee has wowed audiences in Lawrence and KC for his critically acclaimed musical releases and live performances. Cuee exhibits an energetic and fun, yet smooth and motivational edge to his style of music. Drawing major influence from hip-hop artists such as Jay Z, Kanye West and Chance The Rapper, one could see why his storytelling essence fuses with harmonic flows. His fan favorites include Shook, Blessed, and Feeling Lucky from Cuee’s 2018 album, Shameless. Cuee is currently working to release a new album titled, “Gospel.”Cuee received his Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration from the University of Kansas. Cuee is also a recently graduate of Artist Inc. Cuee was our guest on WMM on August 12, 2020 to share music from his new album! More info at: http://www.officialcuee.com ]
Cuee
10:33 – Interview with CUEE
Lawrence based hip-hop artist Cuee is a rapper with a Master’s Degree. Cuee received his Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration from the University of Kansas. Cuee is also a graduate of Artist Inc. Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Cuee has wowed audiences in Lawrence and KC with exciting live performances. And since 2017 Cue has released two critically acclaimed albums, an EP, multiple singles, and this week Cuee is releasing his new album GOSPEL.
Cuee Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
We last talked with Cuee on March 3, 2021 on the phone and before that, on August 12, 2020, when he released the single “Who’s Back.” and before that on May 29, 2019.
Cuee’s new single: “Gravity (Feat: Lindsey Alderman)” was just released last week on April 29, 2021 and will be part of GOSPEL the album Cuee is getting ready to release this weekend.
Fally Afani stayed on the line to be part of the conversation with Cuee. Fally talked about how in 2020 her feeds were getting a lot traction in searches for Cuee. Fally called Cuee up on the phone to ask what’s up.
In 2020 Cuee’s track, “Shook” landed on an official Spotify playlist dedicated to transgender, non-binary and gender-fluid musicians across the globe including Kim Petras and Lex Allen.
Spotify sent out a note said, “Hey Cuee you hit a high note this month.” Cuee said he didn’t even know what that meant, and he looked up to discover he had over 24,000 listener during the month of June on Spotify. I was trying to figure out what happened. I did a little research, I logged onto my instagram account, I was starting to get a flood of followers. I was just tracing it back and I landed on a Spotify playlist, it was an editorial playlist so he couldn’t find out who put him on there. “Someone found me.”
Fally’s phone conversation with Cuee and the recognition from Spotify motivated Cuee to begin work on a new album. Cuee made three trips home to Chicago to record the new record.
The new album is called GOSPEL, and as Cuee explained, “this term can have biblical connections but it also means the truth.”
The video for GOSPEL’s first single, “Ain’t Going Back” takes place in a church, and is a declaration of freedom, and identity, while also paying respect. In our March 2021 interview Cuee talked us about how the track was created in the studio and translating the song into a video that was shot in a church. Cuee he shared his thoughts about ‘”Queerness in a church,” Cuee said, “you know, is very…different, I mean I wanted to bring that into that space, and freedom into that space, allow that space to be seen and heard by other people who traditionally wont take up that space.”
Originally from Chicago, Illinois. 27 year old Lawrence based hip-hop artist emcee, and educator. Cuee has gained fans over the last six years in Lawrence and Kansas City for his critically acclaimed musical releases and live performances.
Cuee received his Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration from the University of Kansas where he also worked as a graduate assistant. Cuee is also a recent graduate of Artist Inc.
Along with getting his Master’s Degree, Cuee has released around 30 different musical tracks, legally changed his name, and has transitioned physically and vocally.
The single “Ain’t Going Back” features Cuee’s friend Joel Leoj who is originally from Florida, but after moving to Chicago, became friends with Cuee in school, and recently moved to Lawrence to make music and collaborate on recordings with Cuee. Cuee explained that they have known each other since high school, that they “started a Hip Hop culture club in our high school, to bring music, kinda having a place to chill after school, write music together as a community. That’s how we started.”
“I moved out here to Kansas, to go to school, he stayed back in Miami, and then we kind of connected back, maybe about two years ago, and hit it off really strong. We decided we wanted to pursue this music thing together. We decided let’s just do this. So he said he was going to move to Lawrence. I didn’t believe him at first, until he showed up on my doorstep, and I was like, Wow, you are here, let’s do this.”
Joel Leoj released the album, JOEY IN WONDERLAND on January 31, 2021. Cuee is a featured guest emcee on the tracks “Eden” and “No Debate.”
Cuee Discography:
THE EVOLUTION OF MIXTAPE – 7-track Album – November 3, 2016 “Summer Jam (feat. Lil Bro)” – Single – February 21, 2017 “Long Day” – Single – March 21, 2017 MASTER’S CAP – 6-track EP – May 14, 2017 “Netflix and Chill” with J Brooks & Joi – Single – August 9, 2017 SHAMELESS – 10-track Album – November 28, 2018 “Shook” – Single – June, 2020 “Who’s Back” – Single – August 12, 2020 “Ain’t Going Back (feat. Joel Leoj)” – Single – February 14, 2021 “Gravity (Feat: Lindsey Alderman)” – Single – April 29, 2021 GOSPEL – 12-track Album – May 8, 2021
CUEE Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
I Heart Local Music Presents: The Return of live music with Cuee, Saturday, May 8, at 6:00 PM, with a safe, socially-distanced show on on the patio of Replay Lounge, 946 Massachusetts St., Lawrence, Kansas. The night features the Album Release performance from Cuee, Approach, and Royal Chief. Info at: http://www.iheartlocalmusic.co
10:46
Cuee – “Ain’t Going Back (feat. Joel Leoj)” [Radio Edit] from: Ain’t Going Back (feat. Joel Leoj) – Single / Cuee / February 14, 2021 [Follow up to “Who’s Back “ single released August 12, 2020. Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Cuee is a 27 year old Lawrence based hip-hop artist emcee, and educator. In the last 5 years Cuee has wowed audiences in Lawrence and KC for his critically acclaimed musical releases and live performances. Cuee exhibits an energetic and fun, yet smooth and motivational edge to his style of music. Drawing major influence from hip-hop artists such as Jay Z, Kanye West and Chance The Rapper, one could see why his storytelling essence fuses with harmonic flows. His fan favorites include Shook, Blessed, and Feeling Lucky from Cuee’s 2018 album, Shameless. Cuee is currently working to release an new album titled, “Gospel.”Cuee received his Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration from the University of Kansas. Cuee is also a recently graduate of Artist Inc. Cuee was our guest on WMM on August 12, 2020 to share music from his new album! More info at: http://www.officialcuee.com]
10:49 – 10:51
Adee Rocket Dancy – “Hello Moon (feat. The Swallowtails)” from: Hello Moon (feat. The Swallowtails) – Single / Aletheia Maison Records / April 26, 2021 [Produced by Jametatone and Adee Rocket Dancy. Adee Rocket Dancy on piano & vocals & cello; Rachel Lovelace on bassoon; Mikala Petillo on guitar & background vocals, Mixing and Mastering by Jametatone, (J. Asley Miller). Adee Rocket Dancy writes, “This is a song about my life-long love for the moon, featuring The Swallowtails (Rachel Lovelace and Miki P). They brought so much beautiful sound and heart to this song. Miki P’s vocals and guitar bring rich depth to this simple ballad, and Rachel’s bassoon solo is a gorgeous moment of meditation and heart-singing, each inviting the listener to spend a moment with the moon. Adee chose the date April 26, 2021, as their release date, to honor the full moon called “The Pink Moon.” They hope that this song will be listened to in full moonlight, through every each and every phase. This song is dedicated to my life-long friend, Lorne.” More info at: adeerocketdancy.bandcamp.com]
Jametatone – “Favorite Love” from: Take-A Number / J Ashley Miller / January 21, 2021. [Recorded, mixed, & mastered by Jametatone at The Infoaming Vertex, KCMO. Jametatone, is the solo project of J. Ashley Miller who has recorded with his band as Metatone. Jametatone also collaborates with an esemble of musicians under the moniker Blastocyst. J. Ashley Miller is the 2016 Charlotte Street Generative Performing Artist Award Fellow. He is a composer, producer and multi-instrumentalist. His genre-bending trans-modern work has been performed everywhere from YJ’s to the Kauffman Performing Arts Center, to the MoMa PS1 in NYC. Ashley utilizes a diverse range of technologies, techniques, and collaborators to access obscure facets of the human emotional landscape. You can view more at: http://www.jametatone.com]
Esther Rose – “Coyote Creek” from: How Many Times / Father Daughter Records / March 26, 2021 [Esther Rose is based in New Orleans, Louisiana. Matt Bell on Lap steel, Lyle Werner on Fiddle, Esther Rose on vocals & acoustic guitar, Cameron Snyder on drums & harmonies, Max Bien Kahn on electric guitar & harmonies, Dan Cutler on upright bass & harmonies, Ric Robertson on acoustic guitar (Track 7), Howe Pearson on drums & harmonies (Tracks 3, 5), Gina Leslie on electric bass & harmonies (Tracks 3, 5). Produced by Esther Rose & Ross Farbe. Engineered & Mixed by Ross Farbe. Mastered by Dan Weston at Taurus Recording. Recorded live to tape at The Tigermen Den in New Orleans, LA. All songs written by Esther Rose. // Esther Rose was in perpetual motion when she wrote How Many Times. In the span of two years, she moved three times, navigated the end of a relationship, and began touring more than ever. The New Orleans-based singer-songwriter used that momentum while she penned her third studio album. That’s why, as the album title’s nod to the cyclical nature of life implies, there’s a rush that accompanies How Many Times as if you’re experiencing an awakening, too. // Rose expands her alt-country sound into a blossoming world of folk pop and tender harmonies. A collection of complete takes recorded live to tape with rich instrumentation, soul-tugging hooks, and resonating vocal melodies, How Many Times carries you into the room in which it was made. There to help realize this was co-producer Ross Farbe of synthpop band Video Age, who Rose also credits for bringing a stereo pop glow to these new songs. // Rose’s journey through the past few years has been one of saying yes to new opportunities, all while nurturing and playing in bands in the New Orleans country music scene. The arrival of How Many Times is evidence of the sweeping growth Rose has undergone, both personally and artistically. She’s turning towards her troubles and facing them head-on, ready to feel whatever’s necessary in order to keep growing upwards and outwards.]
Calvin Arsenia – “Scars & Stripes” from: Summer in Hindsight / Calvin Arsenia & Mike Dillon / October 16, 2020 [Soundtrack by Calvin Arsenia and Mike Dillon for The West 18th Street Fashion Show’s 20th year as a feature-length film. COVID-19 changed everything in 2020. “We are moving it from the street to the screen,” says Peregrine Honig to inkansascitymagazine. “Mike Dillon and Calvin Arsenia will be scoring and performing in the film.” The film premiered October 16, 2020 at The Boulevard Drive-In. Honig wrote,. “We did this during a pandemic and a cultural revolution. I am not sure where else or how else this could happen at this moment in history.” Calvin Arsenia had recently been emotionally and greatly moved by the area and national Black Lives Matter Movement. His own research into his own family revealed that Calvin’s great, great, great grandmother Alice Gilliam Scott, was a former slave who lived to observe her 100th birthday as noted by a regional newspaper Calvin had written. In the summer of 2020 Calvin wrote “Revelation” an unreleased track inspired by Black Lives Matter. Calvin premiered the song on WMM on August 12, 2020. He later shared his other new songs, “Scars and Stripes” and “The Flying Monkees are Coming!” on our October 14, 2020 edition of WMM. Both of those songs ended up on Summer in Hindsight. Calvin Arsenia was our guest on WMM on August 12 and October 14, 2020. Born in Orlando, Florida, Calvin’s creative journey really began when he moved to the KC suburb of Olathe, teaching himself the guitar, and eventually the harp. He learned his signature instrument at the age of 20 after he couldn’t find a harpist as determined as him to meld folk, rock, classical, rap and R&B into the irresistible fusion which has become his calling card in KC and beyond. His passion for stretching the boundaries of musical expression saw him transform a trip to Edinburgh, Scotland’s Fringe Festival early in his career into a life-changing music mission, with an Edinburgh church offering him a role as musical liaison between the church and the city that would change his life. Two years and 300 shows later, Calvin returned to KC reborn as a humanistic songwriter / performer whose impassioned and conceptual stage shows (regularly sold-out in Kansas City, currently catching fire on the West Coast with a diverse following across Europe), are collaborative, costumed-culture-bridging spectacles which In KC Magazine has hailed as ‘equal parts opera, symphony, musical theatre, rock show, all built around its creator: a charismatic 6-foot-6-inch harpist with a natural stage command and knack for gilding gold and painting lilies.’ Calvin’s 2018 national debut, Cantaloupe, September 15, 2018 on Center Cut Records, has been acclaimed for melding diverse textures into an alluring signature sound for the adventurous artist. On June 28, 2019 Calvin released Honeydew, an EP including a remix of three songs from Cantaloupe. On Dec. 13, 2019 Calvin released his full length Christmas album “all is calm.” Congratulations to Calvin & his fantastic team of co-conspirators & creators: Khitam Jabr, John P. Beatty, Ignacio Galarza III, Ashlee Fairchild Jones, production assistants, & crew. The Toxic music video earned its sixth set of laurels as an official selection of the L.A. Music Video Awards, where they were nominated for Best Music Video, Best Cover Song & Best Male Vocalist. More info at: http://www.calvinarsenia.com]
[Calvin Arsenia plays Elephant In The Room, in Healdsburg, California, May 27, 2021]
[Calvin Arsenia plays Lemonade Park July 10, 2021]
11:05 – Interview with Calvin Arsenia
On a recent concert poster advertising an upcoming concert with Calvin Arsenia, the promoter described Calvin as, ”Jeff Buckley meets Nina Simone with the soul of Sam Cooke, and the sparkle of Bjork on a harp.” Calvin Arsenia is one of our most frequent guests who first appeared on WMM on July 25, 2012. Today marks his 17th appearance! Since signing to Center Cut Records, Calvin released the albums: Cantaloupe in 2018, L.A. Sessions in 2019, the EP HONEY DEW, and the EP with Quixotic, the Holiday album, ALL IS CALM. In 2020 Calvin collaborated with Mike Dillon on the Soundtrack to “Summer in Hindsight,” a feature-length film created by The West 18th Street Fashion Show & Film Society KC that starred Calvin as an actor. Currently Calvin can be heard on the radio as a guest artist on tracks released by Rob Rice, Making Movies, True Lions, and others. Calvin is also the co-creator of a new podcast called “We Were Christian Kids” that Calvin created with childhood friend Justin Randall who is a stand up comedian working in New York City. The podcast dives into their pasts as super Christian kids, at church camp, speaking in tongues, and LOTS of sexual frustration, and explores how they’ve wrestled with their ideas of religion & deconversion in adulthood as queer entertainers.
Calvin Arsenia, thanks for being with us on WMM.
We just heard “Stars and Stripes” a track Calvin shared with us the last time he was on the show on October 14, 2020. This song was part of the “Summer In Hindsight” film. In 2020 Calvin collaborated with Mike Dillon on the Soundtrack to “Summer in Hindsight,” a feature-length film created by The West 18th Street Fashion Show & Film Society KC that starred Calvin as an actor. The film recently received the “Best Film Production Award” from the Barcelona International Film Festival.
Even though Calvin is in the studio working on his own recordings we can hear him on several tracks currently on the radio:
Making Movies – “Listening Wind ft. Calvin Arsenia, Jeremy Kittel” from La Cuarentena EP / 3/2 Recordings / February 5, 2021
Rob Rice – “Tiny Window (feat. Calvin Arsenia & Ezgi Karakus)” from: “Tiny Window” – Single / Rob Rice / March 3, 2021 [1st single from the debut EP of Rob Rice titled, and the Devil’s Threesome to be released March 21, 2021.. Singer/songwriter Rob Rice is a Kansas City native with a spark of millennial magic, his dusty acoustic music transitions from barn-burning ballads to soothing serenades, all of which contain notes of love, loss, and lust whilst learning to live with oneself through it all. On his debut EP and the Devil’s Threesome, Rob humbly assumes the role of choirmaster to a caravan of iconic Kansas City artists and musicians (12 in total) to create unique trios for each song, meditating and musing on the woes and wins of yesteryear.]
Calvin is also the co-creator of a new podcast called “We Were Christian Kids” that Calvin created with childhood friend Justin Randall who is a stand up comedian working in NYC.
The podcast dives into their pasts as super Christian kids, at church camp, speaking in tongues, and LOTS of sexual frustration, and explores how they’ve wrestled with their ideas of religion & deconversion in adulthood as queer entertainers. Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and podcast platforms
Comedian Justin Randall and musician Calvin Arsenia dive into their pasts as super Christian kids — we’re talking wild times at church camp, speaking in tongues, and LOTS of sexual frustration — and explore how they’ve wrestled with their ideas of religion and deconversion in adulthood as queer entertainers. They also chat with other former Christian Kids and get the scoop on their journeys with Christ himself.
Justin Randall is an NYC based comedian/actor/content creator/writer who has London Tube. Justin performs stand-up comedy all over New York City, and hosts regularly at Stand Up NY. He has been seen onstage at The Bell House, Broadway Comedy Club, Greenwich Village Comedy Club, The Creek & The Cave and many more. He was a finalist in the Yaaas! Queer Comedy Festival and the Comedy Mob Competition. Internationally, Justin has performed in London and in Edinburgh at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Follow him on all social media at @imjustinrandall!
“We Were Christian Kids with Justin Randall & Calvin Arsenia” Pod Cast is viable through iTunes Podcasts and Spotify
21 Episodes
Ep 1: Goin’ to Heaven, B*tch! Justin Randall and Calvin Arsenia talk speaking in tongues, fasting, getting saved, family dynamics, being sheltered, trying to *pray the gay away* and much more in this week’s (very first!) episode of We Were Christian Kids.
Ep 2: Church Camp! Justin Randall and Calvin Arsenia get INTO their church camp experiences, from “naked night” (see: homoerotic) and falling victim to pranks, to prayer and worship and spiritual experiences. They also discuss hell (fun!) and the fear of going there, as well as prayer lists filled with the names of their peers. As always, they talk about sexual confusion and the mixed experience they had with spirituality as kids.
Ep 3: Happy Birthday, Jesus! It’s a Christmas episode of We Were Christian Kids! Justin Randall and Calvin Arsenia talk about MARIAH CAREY, childhood Christmas traditions, Santa Claus (and more importantly “Santa Daddy”), and having to sing Happy Birthday to Jesus. They also discuss how their family Christmas dynamic shifted as they grew up and came out, and how they feel about the whole holiday now (Spoiler: Justin loves it?). Also: favorite Christmas movies! Ho ho ho.
Ep 4: We Were The Worst! Justin Randall and Calvin Arsenia get REAL in this one, and open up about their high school evangelism, telling people they were going to hell, a disastrous morning at Bible study, and other things they regret. They also take a call from a listener in their first “Testimony Time!” segment and discuss their experience with the coming out process. Listen to this one if you wanna hear people getting honest, baby!
Ep 5: Sober from Jesus! (with Aaron Goldenberg) Justin Randall and Calvin Arsenia have their first guest! Aaron Goldenberg is an actor, comedian, content creator and TikTok star and he comes on the pod to talk about his history with the church. They discuss the stigma of switching churches/denominations, coming out of the closet, and what life is like after the structure and security of religion is removed. Follow Aaron everywhere at @aarongoldyboy
Ep 6: The End Times! Justin Randall and Calvin Arsenia explore the end of the world! They discuss the “Left Behind” series (both hilarious and terrifying), praying for Jesus to return and how the rapture was taught to them since they were tiny children. They also listen to a caller’s experience with End Times teachings. Also: Jesus in space!
Ep 7: Three Best Friends! (with Kasey Hammeke) Best friend of the pod, Kasey Hammeke, joins Justin Randall and Calvin Arsenia to talk about their high school days together (largely spent in prayer). She shares her story of deconversion, having children, and how a church program she gave years of her life to turned out to be manipulative and destructive in many ways. They also talk about how BOTH Justin and Calvin ended up being gay and how Kasey had no idea!!!
Ep 8: “Sexual Purity!” Justin Randall and Calvin Arsenia go deep in this episode. They discuss what “purity culture” was to them, how sex was often presented as an entirely “bad” and sinful thing, and whether they still feel the lasting effects of that conditioning. Plus Calvin tells the tale of his purity ring. And the episode is funny too, don’t worry!
Ep 9: I Can Be Completely Who I Am! (with Brian Falduto) Justin Randall (@imjustinrandall) and Calvin Arsenia (@calvinarsenia) are joined by actor, singer-songwriter and life coach Brian Falduto (@brianfalduto)! They discuss questioning religion in college, searching for who you really are, and developing your own spirituality in adulthood. Brian also shares the inspiration behind his song “God Loves Me Too” and talks about what led him to begin working as a life coach. They also sing a bit while recalling favorite worship songs!!! It’s fun!
Ep 10: Worship Music! Justin Randall (@imjustinrandall) and Calvin Arsenia (@calvinarsenia) reminisce on times of singing worship music in church. They chat about different music styles, raising hands while singing (or not), and also — Calvin sings for us! Like four different songs! If worship music ever got you in your FEELINGS, this episode is for you.
Ep 11: A Better Place for Our Younger Selves! (with Grace Semler Baldridge) Justin Randall (@imjustinrandall) & Calvin Arsenia (@calvinarsenia) are joined by Grace Semler Baldridge (@gracebaldridge) who recently spent 4 days at the top of the iTunes Christian music chart with her new EP “Preacher’s Kid.” They talk about Grace’s upbringing in the church, an emergence of queer music in the Christian music industry, and how accepting our authentic self can help us connect w/ ourselves, others, & even God. This conversation is incredible & Grace is amazing. Stream “Preacher’s Kid EP” now!
Ep 12: Listening to Our Listeners! This episode is alllllll about the listeners. Justin Randall (@imjustinrandall) and Calvin Arsenia (@calvinarsenia) tune into listener voicemails and emails and it is an amazing time. They talk about being a kid in church, gay marriage and original sin, just to name a few things. If you’re a listener, call in or write us!! We love hearing from you!
Ep 13: High-Key Psychological Warfare! (with JJ Bozeman) Actor and Renaissance man JJ Bozeman (@jjbozeman) joins Justin Randall (@imjustinrandall) and Calvin Arsenia (@calvinarsenia) to talk about his journey as a Christian Kid. They get into psychological warfare in the church, being both gay and Christian — and gay and NOT Christian, and how being queer led them to more deeply examine and question their faiths. Plus: their Chipotle orders!!
Ep 14: Fear Tactics! When the pastor says your eternity hangs in the balance, that it’s heaven or hell, and to come down to the stage if you want to get saved — that’s what we’re talking about! Altar calls, man. The fear tactics they employ and how the effects of them can linger years later. Calvin also discusses a “salvation play” he saw as a child, and how it scared the hell out of him (literally). We laugh, we lament, we come up with a drag show. Tune in!
Ep 15: The Pelican Flies to the Moon! (with Zach Zimmerman) Comedian and writer Zach Zimmerman (@zzdoublezz) joins Justin Randall (@imjustinrandall) and Calvin Arsenia (@calvinarsenia) to talk about devouring the Bible as a youth, the vast idea of eternity, and he even does a MAGIC TRICK. This is a fun one!!! Find Zach’s comedy album “Clean Comedy” on iTunes and Spotify!
Ep 16: Missionary Style! Justin Randall (@imjustinrandall) and Calvin Arsenia (@calvinarsenia) talk about sex positions! Wait, no, they talking about actually BEING a missionary. Youth group mission trips, extended stays as a missionary, and just generally trying to convert people around the world. They also discuss how problematic that is! Yikes! We know more now!
Ep 17: I Don’t Believe in Jesus Saves! Justin Randall (@imjustinrandall) and Calvin Arsenia (@calvinarsenia) talk with Enrique Chi and Diego Chi (@iamdiego) from the band Making Movies (@mkngmvs). They discuss leaving the church, creating music and connecting with audiences, as well as the harm Christianity has wrought on humanity.
Ep 18: Listening to Our Listeners! Pt 2 Justin Randall (@imjustinrandall) & Calvin Arsenia (@calvinarsenia) read emails and listen to voicemails from their beloved listeners once again! They discuss growing up gay in the church and unwiring the teachings that were instilled at a young age. This is a particularly heartfelt episode.
Ep 19: Family Stuff! Justin Randall (@imjustinrandall) and Calvin Arsenia (@calvinarsenia) talk about family stuff! Relating to still-Christian family members and friends, maintaining relationships when you fundamentally disagree, creating art and content that your loved ones don’t approve of, and staying sane through it all. All that and more!
Ep 20: Crazy Sh*t Our Pastors Said! Justin Randall (@imjustinrandall) and Calvin Arsenia (@calvinarsenia) go through an actual LIST of crazy shit their pastors said in the past. From talking about Brokeback Mountain mid-sermon to telling crowds of millennials they are the “chosen generation,” things got weird. Let’s review! Also, write in and tell us crazy shit YOUR pastors have said. We wanna hear it.
Ep 21: Bibleman’s Daughter! (with Harleigh Ellsworth) Justin Randall (@imjustinrandall) and Calvin Arsenia (@calvinarsenia) are joined by long-time pal and amazing human Harleigh Ellsworth (@dearharleigh)! They talk about coming out, purity rings, spiritual experiences (gold dust!) and what it was like to grow up in the spotlight of church ministry. They also, OBVIOUSLY, discuss what it was like being the daughter of iconic Christian superhero, Bibleman (think Batman but… Bible). One for the ages!!!
Calvin Arsenia thanks for being with us on WMM.
Calvin Arsenia plays Elephant In The Room, in Healdsburg, California, May 27, 2021. Calvin Arsenia plays Lemonade Park July 10, 2021.
Calvin will be back on WMM on July 7 for a special show!
11:19
Calvin Arsenia – “Experience” from: Catastrophe / Calvin Arsenia / February 14, 2017 [Calvin Arsenia premiered these songs in a live show at recordBar in November 2016 in a stage show that involved a company of 50 people, dancers, stilt walkers, special lighting, back up singers, guest artists. Born in Orlando, Florida, Calvin’s creative journey really began when he moved to the KC suburb of Olathe, teaching himself the guitar, and eventually the harp. He learned his signature instrument at the age of 20 after he couldn’t find a harpist as determined as him to meld folk, rock, classical, rap and R&B into the irresistible fusion which has become his calling card in the Kansas City music scene and beyond. His passion for stretching the boundaries of musical expression saw him transform a trip to Edinburgh, Scotland’s Fringe Festival early in his career into a life-changing music mission, with an Edinburgh church offering him a role as musical liaison between the church and the city that would change his life. Two years and 300 shows later, Calvin returned to Kansas City reborn as a humanistic songwriter/performer whose impassioned and conceptual stage shows (regularly sold-out in Kansas City, currently catching fire on the West Coast with a diverse following across Europe), are collaborative, costumed-culture-bridging spectacles which In KC Magazine has hailed as ‘equal parts opera, symphony, musical theatre, rock show, all built around its creator: a charismatic 6-foot-6-inch harpist with a natural stage command and knack for gilding gold and painting lilies.
Since Calvin Arsenia came home to KC after living in Edinburgh, Scotland, he has released his EP, Moments, in 2014, and his EP Prose in 2015, and his Folk Alliance exclusive EP Catastrophe in 2016. His full length album Catastrophe on February 14, 2017, His EP Caviar in Novenber 2017. Calvin’s 2018 national debut, Cantaloupe, was released on September 15, 2018 on Center Cut Records. On June 28, 2019 Calvin released Honeydew, an EP including a remix of three songs from Cantaloupe. On September 20, 2019 Calvin released LA Sessions. On December 13, 2019 Calvin released his full length Christmas album “all is calm.” Calvin is also a graduate of Artist INC. Since 2014 we have been celebrating the music of Calvin Arsenia. He has played Folk Alliance International, Kansas City Fringe Fest, The Nelson Atkins Museum of Art, The Kauffman Center For The Performing Arts, The Middle of the Map Fest., The Folly Theatre. Calvin was first on WMM on July 25, 2012. He has appeared live on 16 shows, (now 17) most recently on Oct 14, 2020]
Kianna White
Kianna White – “Homecoming Queen” from: “Homecoming Queen” – Single / Team Love / September 25, 2020 [Kianna cut her teeth in the critically-acclaimed indie band Tilly and the Wall, touring through the mid to late aughts with bands such as She and Him, Bright Eyes, Rilo Kiley and Of Montreal, playing venues around the world and major festivals like Coachella, Japan’s Summersonic, Iceland Airwaves, Reading and Leeds among others, as well as performing on Late Night with David Letterman and Sesame Street before going on hiatus in 2013. During this era, she also performed guest vocals on Rilo Kiley’s “The Absence of God”, “In the Sun” by She & Him and co-wrote and sang on Tiësto’s song “You Are My Diamond”. // Since 2017, her band Yes You Are, with now husband and co-writer Jared White, has had many song placements in movies, television and commercials, most notably in the Pepsi Super Bowl 51 commercial. When Forbes Magazine asked Lyle Hysen, the founder of Bank Robber Music, about the biggest licensing hits over the years, he spotlit Kianna and Jared’s work alongside artists like Spoon and Phantogram saying “Kianna Alarid from Tilly and the Wall has been working on new music with her band Yes You Are. They’re giving us two songs at a time, and they get placements all the time.” // Known for their electrifying live performances, Yes You Are shared the stage with the likes of K. Flay, Young the Giant and Fitz and the Tantrums, and toured the US with Neon Trees. Even though Yes You Are had proven to be successful in many ways, Kianna and Jared felt like the band hadn’t yet accessed their full artistic potential. In mid 2020 they announced the band’s break up when unexpected and major changes in the lineup served as a clear sign it was time to move on. They also decided that Kianna’s ability to hold the spotlight shouldn’t be ignored and set to work on new songs with a solo career for her in mind. The idea proved to be immediately inspiring to the writing duo, and they quickly assembled a collection of impressive new music that feels artistically fresh and full of potential. // Going now by her married name, and having found the support of Team Love Records, Homecoming Queen is Kianna White’s first solo release. The song’s hazy mood and hypnotic guitar lines take indie pop through the looking glass. What emerges on the other side is not flower child psychedelia, but a modern, luscious, psyche-pop, where lyrics of stoned introspection and longing float around on haunted, seductive melodies. Kianna’s voice keeps the trip from spinning off into a hall of funhouse mirrors, becoming a trusted and sober co-pilot, allowing you to surrender, close your eyes, and dance. // High on the freedom to control her individual narrative for the first time Kianna filmed, starred in and edited Homecoming Queen’s innovative and spellbinding music video. All alone in her bedroom and encumbered with the limitations of self-isolation (she used only an iPhone, a Snapchat filter, a flashlight and iMovie) she managed to create something that feels new, slightly unsettling and entirely captivating. The spooky, trance-inducing visual effects over the song’s eerily inviting hooks, present us with a poignant reflection of our strange and anxious times.]
[Kianna White plays Lemonad(e) Park, 1628 Wyoming (NW corner of Wyoming & 17th St.), behind Voltaire, on May 7, at 7:00 PM with The Creepy Jingles, Monta At Odds and DJ Thundercutz. Lemonade Park is a limited capacity socially distanced outdoor venue created in partnership between recordBar, Voltaire, and Moxie Catering. More at http://www.lemonadeparkkc.com ]
11:28 – Underwriting
Greg LaFollette – “Graceland” from: Graceland – Single / Late Model Leadfoot Music / April 20, 2021 [Greg LaFollette’s version of Paul Simon’s classic song, will also be part of Greg’s upcoming album, THESE DAYS. Singer songwriter, teacher, Greg LaFollette moved to Kansas City from Nashville in the summer of 2020. Greg LaFollette has also played with the Summer Breeze: a Tribute to Yacht Rock with Billy Brimblecom and as well as being in the house band for Thundergong! the annual fundraiser/concert for Steps of Faith Foundation.// Greg LaFollette has had over 2,000,000 plays on Spotify. LaFollette has been involved in more than one hundred records in his career. He has worked with Andrew Peterson, Audrey Assad, Sara Groves, Leslie Jordan of All Sons and Daughters, Robbie Seay Band and many others. He has been featured in multiple prominent podcasts and published in CCM Magazine, The Rabbit Room, Relevant Magazine, and The Gospel Coalition. His previous records have garnered much attention and have been supported by church partnerships across the US. LaFollette has had multiple placements in international advertising campaigns, and has contributed many songs to others’ records. More info at: https://greglafollette.com/home%5D
Greg LaFollette
11:35 – Interview with Greg LaFollette
Greg LaFollette joins us to talk about his new single releases: “Learning To Fly” and “Graceland” that will be on his upcoming album, GHOSTS & EMPTIES. Singer songwriter, teacher, Greg LaFollette moved to Kansas City from Nashville in the summer of 2020. Greg LaFollette plays with Summer Breeze: a Tribute to Yacht Rock, with Billy Brimblecom and is in the house band for Thundergong! the annual fundraiser-concert for Steps of Faith Foundation. Greg LaFollette has had over 2,000,000 plays on Spotify and has been involved in more than one hundred records in his career. He has been featured in multiple prominent podcasts and published in CCM Magazine, The Rabbit Room, Relevant Magazine, and The Gospel Coalition. His previous records have garnered much attention and have been supported by church partnerships across the US. LaFollette has had multiple placements in international advertising campaigns, and has contributed many songs to others’ records. More info at: http://www.greglafollette.com
Greg LaFollette, thank you for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Greg LaFollette grew up in Kansas City Kansas, and graduated from Sumner High School in 2020. Greg studied Psychology at Kansas State University where he graduated in 2004.
Greg lived in Nashville for many years working in the recording industry, and moved to Kansas City from Nashville in the summer of 2020. Greg is remodeling a house in the Historic Westheight Neighborhood of Kansas City, Kansas.
Greg LaFollette plays with Summer Breeze: a Tribute to Yacht Rock, with Billy Brimblecom. The band has been together for over 12 years. Summer Breeze: a Tribute to Yacht Rock is playing an outdoor concert, on the roof of The Westin Crown Center on 4th floor games deck, on Sunday, May 16, at 6:30 PM.
Greg LaFollette in the house band for Thundergong! the annual fundraiser-concert for Steps of Faith Foundation also with with Billy Brimblecom.
Greg LaFollette has released “Learning To Fly” (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers) and “Graceland” (Paul Simon), Also just released “Boots OF Spanish Leather” (Bob Dylan) on April 30, 2021, will be on Greg LaFollette’s upcoming album, GHOSTS & EMPTIES. The album will also include “These Days” (Jackson Brown) and songs from Wilco, Waterdeep and The Killers.
Greg LaFollette releases his music under, Late Model Leadfoot Music. Greg works by trade as a recording engineer and producer in his own studio in Kansas.
Greg LaFollette has had over 2,000,000 plays on Spotify and has been involved in more than one hundred records in his career.
Greg told us the story of working in his recording studio and discovering the voice of Dana Mitchell, who in just her first vocalization of “A-B-C” into the microphones, to test the levels, Greg immediately knew he was hearing an amazing singer. Dana Mitchell sings back up to Greg on his recording of the song “Learning To Fly.”
Greg LaFollette Thank you for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
“Learning To Fly” (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers) and “Graceland” (Paul Simon), Also just released “Boots OF Spanish Leather” (Bob Dylan) on April 30, 2021, will be on Greg LaFollette’s upcoming album, GHOSTS & EMPTIES to be released later in 2021. More info at: http://www.greglafollette.com
11:47
Greg LaFollette – “Learning To Fly” from: Learning To Fly – Single / Late Model Leadfoot Music / February 26, 2021 [Greg LaFollette’s version of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers’ classic song, Learning To Fly, was released as a single and will also be part of Greg’s upcoming album, THESE DAYS. Singer songwriter, teacher, Greg LaFollette moved to Kansas City from Nashville in the summer of 2020. Greg LaFollette has also played with the Summer Breeze: a Tribute to Yacht Rock with Billy Brimblecom and as well as being in the house band for Thundergong! the annual fundraiser/concert for Steps of Faith Foundation.// Greg LaFollette has had over 2,000,000 plays on Spotify. LaFollette has been involved in more than one hundred records in his career. He has worked with Andrew Peterson, Audrey Assad, Sara Groves, Leslie Jordan of All Sons and Daughters, Robbie Seay Band and many others. He has been featured in multiple prominent podcasts and published in CCM Magazine, The Rabbit Room, Relevant Magazine, and The Gospel Coalition. His previous records have garnered much attention and have been supported by church partnerships across the US. LaFollette has had multiple placements in international advertising campaigns, and has contributed many songs to others’ records. More info at: https://greglafollette.com/home%5D
Kadesh Flow
Kadesh Flow – “On Target” from: ”On Target” – Single / Ryan Jamaal Davis / April 23, 2021 [Kadesh Flow released the new single, “So Far” was written, produced, performed, mixed and mastered: Kadesh Flow. More info at: http://www.kadeshflow.com This is one of 14 new singles Kadesh Flow has released so far this year: Kadesh Flow & The Enclave released, “Soft Side,” on Jan. 21, 2021, written, produced, performed, mixed & mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow released, “Assumptions feat. Shubzilla,” on Jan. 29, 2021. Kadesh Flow released, “Frosty,” on February 12, 2021, Written, produced, performed, mixed and mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow & The Enclave released, “Cry For Me 2,” February 12, 2021. Kadesh Flow released, “Not on My Watch,” on February 19, 2021, Inspired by Lord Beerus (Dragonball Super). Kadesh Flow released, “Held Me Longer,” on March 5, 2021, Written, produced, performed, mixed and mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow released, “Your Dream Isn’t Always Yours”, on March 12, 2021, Written, produced, performed, mixed and mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow & The Enclave released, “Forgot About Me,” on March 14, 2021. Kadesh Flow released, “Take Backs (feat. Ryan Heinlein)”, on March 26, 2021, Written, produced, performed, mixed and mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow & The Enclave released, “But Hope” on March 26, 2021, Written, produced, performed, mixed & mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow released the single, “I Don’t Care” on April 9, 2021. Written, performed, mixed and mastered by Kadesh Flow. Produced by D. Professor. Kadesh Flow released the single, “That Way” on April 16, 2021. Written, performed, mixed and mastered by Kadesh Flow. Produced by Dominique “Bassman” Saunders. Kadesh Flow released the new single, “So Far” on April 23, 2021. Written, performed, mixed and mastered: Kadesh Flow. Produced: Dominique “Bassman” Sanders. Kadesh Flow released the single, “On Target” on April 30, 2021, written, produced, performed, mixed and mastered: Kadesh Flow. . More info at: http://www.kadeshflow.com. Kadesh Flow is Ryan Davis is a rapper with an MBA. He is an emcee, producer, & trombonist. At age 11, he began rapping and playing trombone within two weeks of one another. His music has been featured on network television in multiple countries and territories across Southeast Asia. Kadesh performs as a solo hip hop artist. He also plays with The Phantastics, and Marcus Lewis Big Band. Kadesh Flow was on WMM on Oct. 21, 2020.]
[Kadesh Flow plays The Ship with Jessica Paige on May 14]
Noel Coward – “The Party’s Over Now” from: Noel Coward in New York / drg / 2003 [orig. 1957]
Next week on Wednesday, May 12 we welcome special guests: Erin Keller, Lee Langston, and Connor Leimer.
Our Script/Playlist is a “cut and paste” of information. Sources for notes: artist’s websites, bios, wikipedia.org
Wednesday MidDay Medley 