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WMM Playlist from Jan. 29, 2020

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Wednesday MidDay Medley
TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org
90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio
Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning

Wednesday, January 29, 2020

Jairy + New & MidCoastal Releases
+ Spinning Tree Theatre’s “Girlfriend”

1. “Main Title Instrumental – It’s Showtime Folks”
from: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack to All That Jazz / 1980
WMM’s theme song]

2. Yes You Are – “Comet Bicycle”
from: Here’s To The Great Unknowns / Yes You Are / November 15, 2019
[Kianna Alarid on vocals, Jared White on rhythm guitar, Jacob Temeyer on guitars & keyboards, and Willie Jordan on bass. “We play black pop.” says Kianna Alarid, Yes You Are’s intense front woman, “It implies that there might be shadows lurking, even in the shiny places.” Listening to their upcoming album, it IS essentially pop, but they redefine the genre with each and every song. From gospel choirs to guitar-heavy rock to synth-covered dance rhythms, the mainstay (and mainstream friendly) sing-along hooks are what binds all of their work together. Alarid 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, Of Montreal and CSS, playing venues around the world and hitting major festivals like Coachella, Japan’s Summersonic, Iceland Airwaves, Reading, Leeds, Scotland’s T In The Park and Australia’s Splendor In The Grass as well as performing on Late Night with David Letterman and Sesame Street. You’ve probably already heard Yes You Are, as their first single debuted on Pepsi’s Superbowl 51 commercial, as has played over 15,000 times since, all over the world. The song was also featured in the hit movie Bad Moms, as well as FX’s Tyrant and MTV’s Scream. Yes You Are has shared the stage with the likes of K. Flay, Moon Taxi, Marion Hill, Lucius and Neon Trees.]

3. Art d’Ecco – “This Flight Tonight”
from: This Flight Tonight – Single / Paper Bag / July 23, 2019
[Written by Joni Mitchell and originally recorded for her 1971 album “Blue.” Special thanks to our friend Nico Gray for turning us onto Art D’Ecco. 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.]

4. M. Ward – “Unreal City”
from: Migration Stories / Anti / April 3, 2020
[Matthew Stephen Ward was born October 4, 1973) is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist from Portland, Oregon. Ward’s solo work is a mixture of folk and blues-inspired Americana analog recordings; he has released eleven albums since 1999, his first nine through independent label Merge Records, and his last two on Anti Records. In addition to his solo work, he is a member of indie pop duo She & Him and folk-rock supergroup Monsters of Folk, and also participates in recording, producing, and playing with multiple other artists. Ward recorded Migration Stories with Arcade Fire’s Tim Kingsbury, Richard Reed Parry, producer/mixer Craig Silvey (Arcade Fire, Arctic Monkeys etc.), and Teddy Impakt. Of the new album, Ward said in a press release: “Some time went by, the stories wove together and I remember them now closer to characters in a dream of how people could treat each other than any kind of front-page news realism. I think music subconsciously—whether writing or listening—is a filter for me. Helping to process all the bad news into something new to build from. Some records to me are like self-fulfilling prophecies—visualizing change to wish something into being. Those records inspired this one.”]

5. Mackenzie Nicole – “Heart of Darkness”
from: Mystic / Strange Music / February 14, 2020
[A rafter-reaching voice, classically trained chops, literate lyricism, and a sassy spark enable Mackenzie Nicole to quietly rewrite the rulebook for pop. Equally inspired by Rihanna, Halsey, Johnny Cash, and The Doors, the 18-year-old impresario who can readily quote The Shining or Wuthering Heights honed her immense vocal talents via singing operas in several different languages since the age of six. Now, she embarks on a mission with focused, albeit far-reaching intentions… “I want to trojan horse some substance and variety into pop,” she exclaims. “I’d like to join a tide of valuable artists changing what happens in mainstream culture, art, and writing. That’s really important to me.” If anybody can do it, it’s Mackenzie. She spent her formative years studying piano and voice under the rigorous instruction of a strict and seasoned professional teacher. Between sharpening those abilities, she devoured art of all forms—from reading Heart of Darkness as a high school sophomore to obsessing over the Insidious film series as a teen (and to this day!) “I was formally trained on how to do everything ‘right’,” she admits. “From a very young age, I knew what was technically correct given theory and according to these rules that I’d learned over and over again. However, I had this realization where I thought, ‘Music doesn’t have to be proper.’ It doesn’t need to pass the litmus test of being technically accurate in order to be good or enjoyable. So, I started experimenting at that point.” That experimentation led to her debut single “Actin Like You Know.” Co-written by the budding artist, she caught the attention of her father Travis O’Guin cofounder and C.E.O. of independent juggernaut Strange Music Inc., proving herself by obsessively nailing the vocal take. Her recording history predates the single as she made her debut on platinum-certified rap icon Tech N9ne’s 2009 K.O.D. before lending her voice to tracks on All 6’s and 7’s [2011] and Something Else [2013]—which both bowed at #4 on the Billboard Top 200. Signing to Strange Music in 2015, she formally unveiled “Actin Like You Know” boasting a cameo from Tech. Early acclaim came as the track racked up over 3.9 million YouTube views and 1.9 million Spotify streams, while the song served as a centerpiece on the Tech N9ne Collabos album Strangeulation Vol. II. 2017 saw her feature on two songs from Strange Reign in addition to guesting at various tour stops. “Deleted” turned up as her next solo hit with over 978K Spotify streams and 599K YouTube views to date. Simultaneously, the songstress assembled what would become her full-length debut and the first release for the Strange Main imprint, The Edge, co-written with and produced by Los Angeles duo The Jam (Lady Gaga, Santana, Jojo). In many ways, that title sums up the expanse of her nuanced and intricate personality. “Personally, and professionally, I’m a very intense and extreme person,” she admits. “I take everything as far as possible before breaking. Sometimes, I take things a little too far to the edge and almost fall off. This is an introduction to me and who I am. It talks about a lot of different subjects that are relevant to me. I can be very serious. I tend to gravitate towards the darker and grimier side of things. The Edge is a glimpse into that. This is me in every way on the record.” She paved the way for the album with the single “Preview,” which begins with orchestral flourishes before building towards a climactic and catchy chorus. “For two years, I was off and on with this guy,” she sighs. “‘Preview’ takes place when we were on again. Even when things are terrible and going horribly, we still end up back with each other. We had to cut things off, dive in, and finally see it through though. ‘Preview’ was the choice to dive in. This relationship was good for the art, but bad for my mental health,” she adds with a laugh. The follow-up “Back to You” illuminates her staggering range over a cinematic musical backdrop. Elsewhere, “Anxious” touts an infectious refrain. “Fix Me” unearths raw emotion in each verse and she admits, “That one is the most authentic to me.” Everything culminates on the expansive and entrancing title track. Over a shimmer of piano keys, she delivers the admission, “Sometimes you need to walk to the edge and just let it take over…” In the end, this trojan horse unlocks a big surprise for pop by channeling a timeless sentiment like only Mackenzie can. “I love it when I listen to a track and completely get chills, because the artist said something that speaks directly to me,” she leaves off. “In this moment, you now have an anthem for your thought or emotion. It’s very individual and intimate. We all go through happiness, love, and anger. I hope listeners can connect on a deeper level. We’re experiencing this art together. I’m sharing it; you’re hopefully feeling it.”]

6. The Anniversary – “The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter”
from: Designing a Nervous Breakdown / Vagrant Records – BMG / January 25, 2000
[The Anniversary were formed in Lawrence, Kansas in 1997 by Josh Berwanger, James David, Christian Jankowski, Adrianne Verhoeven and Justin Roelofs. The Anniversary was the solidification of a line-up that had been in flux for a year. After two years of playing shows across with the Midwest with bands that included The Get Up Kids, Braid and Superchunk, The Anniversary signed to Vagrant Records. Originally perceived as a poppy, keyboard-driven emo band with the release of their debut album Designing a Nervous Breakdown in 2000, they developed a stronger, classic rock-influenced sound with the release of a split CD with Superdrag in 2001 and their second full length, 2002’s Your Majesty. After touring heavily throughout 2002 and 2003, The Anniversary began demoing tracks for what would be their third full length. But four years of constant touring and personal strains within the group led to the band’s demise in early 2004. Four and a half years after their breakup, Devil on Our Side, a compilation of b-sides and unreleased tracks, was released by Vagrant Records. On March 28, 2016, it was announced that The Anniversary would join headliners Dashboard Confessional and Taking Back Sunday at the Taste of Chaos Festival on July 16, 2016, in San Bernardino, CA. On September 8, 2016, the band kicked off its reunion tour in Boston, at The Brighton Music Hall.]

[The Anniversary celebrate the 20th Anniversary of their debut album playing The Bottleneck, 737 New Hampshire, Lawrence, KS, Saturday, February 1, with Matt Pryor (acoustic) and other Americans.]

10:23 – Underwriting

7. Free Nationals – “Shibuya (feat. Syd)”
from: Free Nationals / OBE, LLC – Empire / December 13, 2019
[Free Nationals are best known as Anderson . Paak’s live band, until now. Band members include: Kelsey Gonzalez on bass, Ron “Tnava” Avant on keyboards & vocoder, Callum Connor on drums, and José Rios on guitar. Free Nationals have graced the stage at Coachella, opened for Beyoncé and completed World Tours alongside J. For this track Free Nationals ecorded with Sydney Loren Bennett was born April 23, 1992. Known professionally as Syd (formerly Syd tha Kyd), Syd is an American singer and songwriter from Los Angeles, California. She is a founding member of the band The Internet, and was a member of the alternative hip hop collective Odd Future.]

Jairy photo by Coal Simmons ⁠

8. Jairy – “Into The Morning”
from: Into The Morning / Manor Records / January 27, 2020
[Jairy is the pop-focused solo project of Jared Bajkowski, bass player of KC indie outfit Momma’s Boy. The music of Jairy explores dissociation, romance, hallucinations, sexuality and the despair of living in a capital-driven world via smooth, sassy and theatrical 70s- and 80s-inspired pop sounds.]

Jared Bajkowski on the January 29, 2020 edition of Wednesday MidDay Medley on KKFI.

10:32 – Interview with Jared Bajkowski

KC based musician & singer songwriter, Jared Bajkowski joins us live in our 90.1 FM Studios to share details about his new project Jairy, and his new single “Into The Morning” released through Manor Records. Jared is a Manor Records team member and also plays bass and sings in the KC based band, Momma’s Boy. More info at http://www.manorrecords.com

Jared Bajkowski thanks for being with us on WMM.

Jared Bajkowski’s new project Jairy, and his new single “Into The Morning” that is being released through Manor Records.

“Into The Morning” was produced by Ross Brown.

Jairy is a nickname. Jared’s mom doesn’t like it, she says that she “named him Jared, his name is Jared.”

The music of Jairy explores dissociation, romance, hallucinations, sexuality and the despair of living in a capital-driven world via smooth, sassy and theatrical 70s- and 80s-inspired pop sounds.

For the past 4 years Jared has played bass and sand lead on a few songs in the Kansas City based band, Momma’s Boy.

Manor Records and Jairy presented an “Into The Morning” Listening Party at Thou Mayest Coffee Roasters, 519 E 18th Street, KCMO on Sunday, January 26, 2020 at 7:00 PM.

More information at http://www.manorrecords.com

Jared Bajkowski is Senior UX Designer at H&R Block

Jared Bajkowski Studied Entrepreneurship at Missouri State University

Jared Bajkowski lives in Kansas City, Missouri

Jared Bajkowski is from Lee’s Summit, Missouri

Jared Bajkowski thanks for being with us on WMM.

Momma’s Boy plays recordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd, KCMO, Thurs, Jan 30, at 8:00 PM w/ Surf Curse.

Momma’s Boy plays miniBar, 3810 Broadway, Wed, Feb 5, at 9:00 PM w/ Stary, The Creepy Jingles, and Shady Bug.

10:47

9. Momma’s Boy – “Want Me Back”
from: Want Me Back – Single / Dead Summer Single Series / January 19, 2018
[3rd release of Momma’s Boys’ Dead Summer Single Series. Written by Jared bajkowski. Lead vocals by Jared Bajkowski. Momma’s Boy is an Indie Surf Pop 4-piece band from KCMO, formed December 2015, and made up of former members of Rev Gusto: Peter Beatty on guitar & vocals, Shaun Crowley on guitar & vocals, Quinn Hernandez on drums, and Jared Bajkowski on bass & vocals. Mixed, mastered and recorded by Joel Nanos at Element Recording Studios.Their debut EP Liquid Courage was released Feb. 25, 2017.]

[Momma’s Boy plays recordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd, KCMO, Thurs, Jan 30, at 8:00 PM w/ Surf Curse.]

[Momma’s Boy plays miniBar, 3810 Broadway, Wed, Feb 5, at 9:00 PM w/ Stary, The Creepy Jingles, and Shady Bug.]

10. The War and Treaty – “Hustlin'”
from: Jealousy / Hustlin’ – Single / Rounder Records / January 24, 2020
[New music on a new label from The War and Treaty who released their full length debut album, “Healing Tide” on August 10, 2018. Michael Trotter Jr & Tanya Blount-Trotter are from Albion, Michigan. For Michael Trotter Jr., the journey began in 2004, when he arrived in Iraq, an untested soldier stricken by fear and self-doubt. His captain made it his personal mission to see to Trotter’s survival. The unit was encamped in one of Saddam Hussein’s private palaces, and in a forgotten corner in its basement, they found a black upright piano that once belonged to the dictator himself. When Trotter shared the fact he could sing, he was encouraged to teach himself to play piano on that confiscated keyboard. “I wrote my first song after that captain was killed,” Trotter recalls. “I sang it for his memorial in Iraq.” Soon after it became his mission to sing at the memorial services for those that had fallen. For the next three years, he sang songs that brought solace and comfort to the members of his unit. His efforts eventually garnered wider recognition as well. He came in first place in “Military Idol,” the army’s version of “American Idol,” during a competition held in Baumholder, Germany. Following his discharge, he was featured on the Hope Channel program “My Story, My Song.” Then he met Tanya Blount. Blount’s musically influences include Mahalia Jackson, Sister Odette and Aretha Franklin. The two fell in love, got married and used the experiences they had gained to create a new musical collaboration. The couple then secured the services of musicians whose skills add a distinctive sound to The War and Treaty’s blend of roots music, blue grass, folk, gospel and soul. Their 2017 EP Down to the River was released July 21, 2017. Recorded in Albion, Michigan, Down to the River boasts a sound that’s both stirring and sensual, driven by joy, determination and an unceasing upward gaze. The music is visceral but never morose, flush with emotion but void of despair… a style that touches on a variety of genres, but never finds itself confined to anyone. The arrangements are uncluttered– harmonies, basslines, guitar and mandolin licks, settle drum patterns and keyboards create an immensely moving soundscape — but the sentiments and emotions are fully realized and soar with a steady, chilling assurance. “The recording process wasn’t like anything I ever experienced,” Tanya recalls. “This EP has allowed me to breathe musically. I feel like all I have wanted to express for the past ten years has come forth with what we’ve done. The combination of heart, soul and the overwhelming amount of love that Michael and I have for one another comes across in this record.“ “I was sitting on the banks of the Euphrates River in Baghdad dreaming about one day being able to play and sing professionally for people all around the world,” Michael reflects. “As we recorded our music, I constantly had flashbacks of those desert dreams. I thought to myself that this is actually the perfect ending to usher in a new beginning in my life.” ] [First Played February 7, 2018]

11. Various Blonde – “Dirty Martini”
from: 3s 1 / The Record Machine / January 10, 2020
[New three song release from Various Blonde. Kansas City based experimental, rock, pop, and funk band originally formed in 2008 and currently served by founder Joshua Allen on guitar, synthesizers, and vocals; and Mark Lomas on drums. The band has been described by Mills Record Company as, “Having all the sex appeal of The Weeknd and all the grit of Rage Against the Machine–the combination makes for a performance that is explosive.”]

[Various Blonde play The Brick 1727 Mcgee Street, KCMO on Friday, January 31, at 10:00 PM with Knife Crime, and The Beholders.]

[Various Blonde play Replay Lounge 946 Massachusetts, Lawrence, KS, on Saturday, February 1, at 10:00 PM with Not A Planet, and The Black Mariah Theatre.]

11:00 – Station ID

12. Matthew Sweet – “Girlfriend”
from: Girlfriend / Volcano Entertainment / October 22, 1991
[Sidney Matthew Sweet was born October 6, 1964 in Lincoln, Nebraska. He graduated from Southeast High School in Lincoln, in 1983. Upon graduation he moved to Athens, Georgia to attend college and join the burgeoning music scene in Athens, Georgia, during the 1980s before gaining commercial success in the 1990s. His latest albums, Tomorrow Forever and Tomorrow’s Daughter, were followed by 2018’s Wicked System of Things. As a high school student in 1980, Sweet wrote songs and recorded them on four-track cassettes. He joined the band The Specs and released his first recording on a battle of bands LP produced by a local radio station, and fronted his own local band called The Dialtones. After graduating, Sweet traveled to Athens, Georgia, to attend college during the vibrant Athens music scene. That same year, Sweet, who had met the band R.E.M. when they played a show in his hometown the previous year, collaborated with frontman Michael Stipe in a duo group under the name Community Trolls, as well as played guitar in Stipe’s sister Lynda Stipe’s band, Oh-OK. In addition, he formed another duo, The Buzz of Delight, with Oh-OK drummer David Pierce, releasing an EP, Sound Castles, in 1984 on DB Records. On the strength of this 12″ vinyl, Sweet was signed to a solo recording contract with Columbia Records. In 1986, he released Inside, his debut album, to good reviews but little commercial success. In 1989, he released Earth after signing with A&M Records; likewise, it was well-received critically, yet not commercially. This marked a personal and professional low period as his record company lost interest and his marriage failed. In 1990, A&M released Sweet from his contract, and he signed with rival Zoo Entertainment, which evolved into Volcano Entertainment. Sweet formed a new band (which included Richard Lloyd, Robert Quine, Greg Leisz, Lloyd Cole, and Fred Maher), and together they spent that year assembling his next work, originally titled Nothing Lasts. In 1991, Sweet released Girlfriend, the re-titled pop-rock album which was widely considered an artistic breakthrough. It quickly garnered impressive U.S. sales, spawning a Top 10 single with the title track. The music video for “Girlfriend” (heavily aired on MTV, MuchMusic and Night Tracks) featured clips from the anime film, Space Adventure Cobra, while the video for “I’ve Been Waiting” used clips of the Urusei Yatsura character, Lum Invader.]

Michael Grayman Parkhurst, Dakotta Hagar, and Jeremy Ragland on the January 29, 2020 edition of Wednesday MidDay Medley on KKFI

11:04 – Interview with Michael Grayman-Parkhurst, Jeremy Ragland, and Dakotta Hagar

Spinning Tree Artistic Director Michael Grayman-Parkhurst and actors: Jeremy Ragland and Dakotta Hagar join us to share details about Spinning Tree Theatre’s KC premiere of “Girlfriend” based on Matthew Sweet’s 1991 album “Girlfriend. Set in 1993 small-town Nebraska during the summer between high school and whatever comes next, college-bound jock Mike and self-assured but aimless Will are romantically brought together. Their rush of first-time love, confusion and passion, is captured by the power-pop precision and frayed guitar emotion of Sweet’s alternative rock album performed with an all femme band backing up actors: Jeremy Ragland and Dakotta Hagar, who sing the songs and are both making company debuts.

“Girlfriend” runs January 24 through February 9 at Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf, Overland Park, KS. More information at http://www.spinningtreetheatre.com

Michael Grayman Parkhurst, Jeremy Ragland, and Dakotta Hagar thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Jeremy Ragland plays college-bound jock Mike
Dakotta Hagar plays self-assured but aimless Will

This musical is similar instill to “Jagged Little Pill” the Alanis Morissette Musical on Broadway where a creative writer takes a preexisiting music album and puts the songs into characters and story lines invented around the music. Not an easy task.

Casting, making the a love story between two young men, have an all femme band.

“Girlfriend,” is based on Matthew Sweet’s 1991 rock album of the same name, is set in 1993 small-town Nebraska during the summer between high school and whatever comes next. College-bound jock Mike and self-assured but aimless Will find themselves drawn to each other. Their rush of first-time love, full of excitement, confusion and passion, is captured by the power-pop precision and frayed guitar emotion of Sweet’s alternative rock album.

Spinning Tree Theatre photo by Richard Fabac

Jeremy Ragland plays Mike and Dakotta Hagar plays Will, both making company debuts. Spinning Tree Artistic Director Michael Grayman-Parkhurst directs, with music direction by Pamela Baskin-Watson (Billy Elliot, Once on this Island). The Girlfriend band is Baskin-Watson (keyboard), Kelly Crane (bass), Caitlyn Henson (drums) and Darcie Hingula (guitar).

The creative and design team also includes Conor Tierney (projections), Eric Palmquist (props), Jeff Eubank (sound), Rachael Carney (lights) and Lydia Krause (stage management).

ASL Shadow Interpreted performances of Girlfriend will be offered January 29 – February 2. Certified interpreters Lisa Lehnen and Juliana Ladd will perform all five performances that week. Shadow interpreting, in which interpreters “shadow” the actors, allows D/deaf and hard-of-hearing patrons the ability to take in both the sign language and the action simultaneously and offers a more seamless experience for the entire audience.

Managing Director Andrew Grayman-Parkhurst: “We’re honored to produce the area premiere of Matthew Sweet and Todd Almond’s Girlfriend, which offers a relatable love story that happens to be between two young men. Hopefully our production will not only rock the house, but also allow our city’s LGBTQ-identifying youth the opportunity to see themselves reflected onstage honestly and tenderly.”

Michael Grayman Parkhurst, Jeremy Ragland, and Dakotta Hagar thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Dakotta Hagar and Jeremy Ragland of Spinning Tree Theatre’s “Girlfriend.” Photo by Richard Fabac

“Girlfriend” runs through February 9 at Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf, Overland Park, KS. More information at http://www.spinningtreetheatre.com

11:20

13. Matthew Sweet – “I’ve Been Waiting”
from: Girlfriend / Volcano Entertaiment / October 22, 1991

14. SUNU – “Liberation” (on 7” Vinyl)
from: Food, Inc. – Single b/w “Liberation” / Sunflower Soul Records / December 11, 2015
[Rev. Aaron Morris – Trumpet & Lead Vocals; Dan Pem – Tenor Sax; Chris Leopold – Trombone; Mike Hamm – Guitar; Chris Shaw – Bass; Dylan Bassett – Drums & Percussion; Alex Thiessen – Drums & Percussion; Taylor Babb – Drums & Percussion. Recorded, mixed, & produced by Chris Hazelton. Mastered by Adam Boose at Cauliflower Audio.]

[SUNU plays The Ship, Friday, January 31, at 10:00 PM.]

11:28 – Underwriting

15. Sudan Archives – “Glorious”
from: Athena / Stones Throw Records / November 1, 2019
[LA based violinist Sudan Archives, combines elements of the modern and ancient. The 23 year-old self-taught violinist draws inspiration from Sudanese fiddlers, R&B, West African rhythms, and experimental electronic music. Building records around rhythms and melodies from the strings of her violin and raw vocals, Sudan effortlessly draws the link between traditional African music and contemporary electronic production.]

16. The Phantastics – “Heartbreaker”
from: Life of the Party – EP / Kemet Creative / August 24, 2018
[Eight member band from Kansas City formed in December 0f 2010 made up of: Kemet the Phantom -lead vocals; Kim “Phirst Lady” Newsome on lead vocals; JJ Cantrell on lead guitar & vocals; Danny Florez on electric bass; Ashley Thompson on drums, Ernest Melton on saxophone; Ryan Davis on Trombone and rap vocals; Austin Quick on keyboards. The Phantastics specialize in genre-blending dance floor activators. In 2015, the music group was crowned “Kansas City’s best party band” by the Kansas City Star. Musicianship and diversity are at the core of their success. Rock, Rap, Dance, Funk, Jazz and Soul are all incorporated into their music. “The band that can do it all”, according to I Heart Local Music, has shared the stage with some of music’s most legendary acts including George Clinton and the Parliament Funkadelic.]

[The Phantistics play the HEMP HOP: The Future of Missouri Hemp and Hip-Hop, Saturday, February 1, at 7:00 PM at The Riot Room, 4048 Broadway, KCMO with NuBlvckCity.]

[The Phantastics play the I Heart Local Music Presents: Black Prom with The Phantastics! Saturday, February 8, at 7:00 PM at The Granada Theater, 1020 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS]

17. Misha Roberts – “Glass”
from: Exposed – EP / Misha Roberts / January 2020 (Unreleased)
[Originally from San Antonio, Texas, Misha Roberts has worked extensively in Kansas City as a vocalist for over 10 years. Misha is currently in the studio working on her solo album. She recently released this song as a You Tube video. Misha plays with the band The Freedom Affair.]

18. True Lions – “No Thanks”
from: Cute At Best / True Lions / February 5, 2019
[This is the band’s EP debut. It features an early configuration of the band with Alison Hawkins on guitar, piano, synth, vocals; Mikala Petillo on percussion, bass, guitar, vocals; and with Ross Brown serving as producer & engineer; and Nika Winn providing artwork. This EP began as an unrelated, musical dispute between lovers, but triumphantly became the spunky collaboration of two midwestern “woms” whose passion for playing music nearly exceeds their desire to create it. The band released a second EP titled “You’re Not Invited” on November 9, 2019 with: 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 and Alison Hawkins. Tracking Engineering by Claire Adams. Mixing and Mastering by Ian Dobyns and Chase Horseman. Album Artwork by Genevieve Sloan. Special thanks to Calvin Arsenia and Fritz Hutchison .]

[True Lions play a Birthday House Show with Oh Nelly, Saturday, February 1 at 8:00 PM at 1020 W 24th St, KCMO]

19. U.S. Girls – “Overtime”
from: Heavy Light / 4AD / March 6, 2020
[7th studio album from U.S. Girls, the recording moniker of American-Canadian musician Meghan Remy. Formed in the United States in 2007 as a noise-pop project, Remy later moved the band to Toronto after marrying Canadian musician Max “Slim Twig” Turnbull. She released music on a variety of independent labels in both the United States and Canada before signing to 4AD in 2015. Her first record for that label, Half Free, was released the same year. Half Free garnered a Juno Award nomination for Alternative Album of the Year at the Juno Awards of 2016, and was a shortlisted finalist for the 2016 Polaris Music Prize. Heavy Light is a follow up to 2018 “In a Poem Unlimited” and is her third release on 4AD.] [First played on February 28, 2018]

20. Stary – “Rainy”
from: Stary / Stary / June 5, 2019
[Debut EP from alternative, lo-fi, indie rock band formed in Kansas City with Adam Stary on guitar & vocals; Marisa Bee on bass & vocals, and Seth Props on drums. Production by Sean Obrecht and Wallace McCanless.]

[Stary play miniBar, 3810 Broadway, Wed, Feb 5, at 9:00 PM w/ Momma’s Boys, The Creepy Jingles, and Shady Bug.]

21. Amy Marcus – “Sweater”
from: Sweater – Single / Independent / January 28, 2019
[Singer songwriter Amy Marcus was born and raised in Kansas City. She has been writing song since she was a child and in May 2016 she released her debut 5-song EP Brave with Kansas City based Serve Productions. In January 2017 she released ” I Want More For My Daughters” that was produced by musician Zach Balch at his studios in Dallas. Amy writes music to bring her honest lyrics to life. Amy Marcus studied photography at the Kansas City Art Institute. She is a mother of three and works as a professional photographer and personal chef. Amy is currently working on a new EP and will be our guest on WMM on March 4.]

22. Noel Coward – “The Party’s Over Now”
from: Noel Coward in New York / drg / 2003 [orig. 1957]

Next week, on February 5, Belle & The Vertigo Waves share their new single with us. We talk with broadway actor Marty Thomas, and Sondra Freeman of Midwest Music Foundation joins us to shre details about MidCoast Takeover.

Our Script/Playlist is a “cut and paste” of information.
Sources for notes: artist’s websites, bios, wikipedia.org

Spinning Tree Theatre photo by Richard Fabac
Jairy photo by Coal Simmons

Wednesday MidDay Medley in on the web:
http://www.kkfi.org,
http://www.WednesdayMidDayMedley.org,
http://www.facebook.com/WednesdayMidDayMedleyon90.1FM

Show #822

⁠WMM presents Jairy + Spinning Tree Theatre’s “Girlfriend”

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Wednesday MidDay Medley
TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org
90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio
Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning

Wednesday, January 29, 2020

Jairy + New & MidCoastal Releases
+ Spinning Tree Theatre’s “Girlfriend”

Mark plays more New & MidCoastal Releases from: Jairy, Misha Roberts, Various Blonde, Yes You Are, True Lions, Mackenzie Nicole, The Phantastics, Stary, Amy Marcus, SUNU, Momma’s Boy, The Anniversary, The War and Treaty, Sudan Archives, Free Nationals, U.S. Girls, Art d’Ecco, M. Ward and Matthew Sweet.

Jairy photo by Coal Simmons ⁠

At 10:30 we’ll talk with Jared Bajkowski about his new project Jairy, and his new single “Into The Morning” that is being released through Manor Records on January 27. Jared Bajkowski also plays bass and sings in the Kansas City based band, Momma’s Boy. Jared is a Manor Records team member. Manor Records and Jairy present an “Into The Morning” Listening Party at Thou Mayest Coffee Roasters, 519 E 18th Street, KCMO on Sunday, January 26, 2020 at 7:00 PM. More information at http://www.manorrecords.com

Spinning Tree Theatre photo by Richard Fabac

At 11:00 Mark welcomes company members of Spinning Tree Theatre‘s KC premiere of “Girlfriend,” based on Matthew Sweet‘s 1991 album “Girlfriend. Set in 1993 small-town Nebraska during the summer between high school and whatever comes next, college-bound jock Mike and self-assured but aimless Will are romantically brought together. Their rush of first-time love, confusion and passion, is captured by the power-pop precision and frayed guitar emotion of Sweet’s alternative rock album performed with an all femme band backing up actors: Jeremy Ragland and Dakotta Hagar, both making company debuts. “Girlfriend” runs January 24 through February 9 at Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf, Overland Park, KS. More information at http://www.spinningtreetheatre.com

On your local radio dial 90.1 FM or
STREAMING LIVE at: kkfi.org

Show #822

WMM Playlist from Jan. 22, 2020

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Wednesday MidDay Medley
TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org
90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio
Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning

Wednesday, January 22, 2020

Hadiza. & Les Izmore
+ Scott Hobart of Giants Chair
+ New & MidCoastal Releases

1. “Main Title Instrumental – It’s Showtime Folks”
from: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack to All That Jazz / 1980
[WMM’s theme song]

2. David Bowie – “Everyone Says “Hi” (Edit)”
from: Nothing Has Changed / dBpm Records / October 4, 2019
[“Everyone Says ‘Hi'” is a song recorded by English singer David Bowie for his twenty-second studio album Heathen (2002). It was written by Bowie, and produced by British duo Brian Rawling and Gary Miller, with vocals produced by the singer himself with Tony Visconti. The song was released on September 16, 2002, by ISO and Columbia Records. “Everyone Says ‘Hi'” peaked at number 20 on the UK Singles Chart and also reached number 83 in the German Singles Chart. Reeves Gabrels, Bowie’s guitarist throughout the 1990s and close creative partner up until a few years before Heathen’s released, said that “Everyone Says ‘Hi'” was the only song Bowie made after his departure that he heard “because someone told me that David wrote that for me. That made me cry. An edited version of this song was included in the 2014 compilation “Nothing has Changed” the first album to showcase Bowie’s entire career and includes a new composition, “Sue (Or in a Season of Crime)”, which was later re-recorded for his final album Blackstar go 2016. Nothing Has Changed is notable for including songs from Bowie’s unreleased 2001 album Toy: “Your Turn to Drive”, previously an internet-only single, and a previously unreleased re-recorded version of “Let Me Sleep Beside You”, both of which are found on the triple CD version of the album.]

[The Band That Fell To Earth: A Tribute to David Bowie, is 2 nights: Friday, Jan. 24 & Saturday, Jan. 25. Doors at 8:PM, show at 9:PM, recordBar, 1520 Grand. A portion of sales benefit KC Anti-Violence Project. ]

3. Emily King – “Radio (Acoustic)”
from: Sides (Acoustic) / ATO Records / January 17, 2020
[Emily King has been nominated for two 2020 Grammy Awards: for best R&B song “Look at Me Now” and for best engineered album Scenery. Sides is a new collection of 11 acoustic versions of previously released from her 2011 EP The Seven, 2016 album The Switch and 2019 album Scenery. Sides was produced by Jeremy Most and features string arrangements by Rob Moose. We fIrst played Emily King on June 29, 2016 when our friend Krystle Warren was Guest Producer and played the song “Georgia” from King’s 2011 EP Seven. She is an American singer and songwriter. She started her career in 2004 and her debut album East Side Story was released three years later in August 2007. In December 2007, King was listed as a Grammy nominee for Best Contemporary R&B Album. Born July 10, 1985, in NYC in 1985, King grew up in a small apartment on the Lower East Side. Her parents, Marion Cowings and Kim Kalesti, were a singing duo who performed and traveled regularly bringing her and her older brother along with them. At age 16, King left high school after earning her GED to pursue her music career. She began playing shows in restaurants and venues around New York City including CBGB and The Bitter End. King signed her first record deal with J Records in 2004 and was featured on Nas’ 2004 album Street’s Disciple credited as simply “Emily”. Her debut album East Side Story was released 3 years later in August 2007. It went on to earn a Grammy nomination for “Best Contemporary R&B Album of the Year.” During that time King toured with John Legend & Floetry. She opened for various artists such as Nas, Alicia Keys, Chaka Khan & Erykah Badu. After parting ways with her label in 2008, King continued independently. She self-recorded her follow-up EP Seven in her home, released July 2011. In October 2011, she accepted an invite from Maroon 5 to open on their European/Scandinavian tour. In 2012, King was awarded the Holly Prize (a tribute to the legacy of Buddy Holly) from The Songwriters Hall of Fame for recognition of the “all-in songwriter” whose work exhibits the qualities of Holly’s music: true, great and original. King was invited by Emeli Sande to open for her UK tour playing sold out shows in 5 cities including The Royal Albert Hall in London. King collaborated with José James on his album No Beginning No End in 2013 and can be heard on tracks Heaven on the Ground and the acoustic version of Come to My Door. In 2014, King was performing as an opening act for Sara Bareilles’ Little Black Dress tour. The year 2015 marked the release of King’s 2nd studio album, The Switch, Emily self-released on her label Making Music Records on June 26. The Wall Street Journal remarked that the album is “a tasteful collection of 11 songs that showcase King’s distinctive voice.” After signing with the ATO Records in 2017, King became label mates with Brittany Howard, Benjamin Booker & Brandi Carlile. More info at: http://www.emilykingmusic.com]

4. Adam Scott York – “What I Need”
from: The Twin Rivers EP / Adam Scott York / December 20, 2019
[Adam Scott York is a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter from Kansas City, who specializes in bass guitar. His versatile range of influences vary from hip-hop to folk to classic rock. Adam first took up the piano at age 4 at the behest of his parents and thus began the endless curiosity that led him to learn any instrument he could get his hands on, be it guitar, banjo, drums, or bass. Adam previously played bass for The Creepy Jingles.]

5. Una Walkenhorst – “People in the Paper”
from: People in the Paper – Single / Una Walkenhorst / December 7, 2019
[25 year old Una Walkenhorst is a singer/songwriter from Kansas City, Missouri. Following the release of her debut album “Scars” in 2014, Una immediately had “new fans. . . coming out of the proverbial woodwork” (AXS). Paired with refreshingly raw vocals, Una’s heartfelt lyrics “will stop you in your tracks (at once beautiful and chilling),” wrote Gilded Palace Radio, as she weaves stories of genuine human experience. Una told KCUR FM that her father was one of the people who made her love music. But having a famous father can be challenging: “I knew that if I started my music career here I would have a lot of opportunities, but not all of them would be because of my music. They would be because I am someone’s daughter,” Walkenhorst says. Loading up her 97 Honda Civic, Una then spent a year traveling across North America promoting her music and connecting with listeners one-on-one. She ended up living in New Orleans. 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. In January of 2018 Una Walkenhorst returned home to Kansas City from New Orleans. Over the past several years, Una and Bob had performed together at selected events, including Folk Alliance International. In 2018 the father and daughter duo decided to record an album together, 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.]

6. Miss Boating – “Junk Food”
from: The Vhargon Sidestep / Miss Boating / January 1, 2020
[From the ashes of their former band The Sleazebeats, Charles Colborne and Bill Belzer faced a difficult 2019 when combined with the death of Charlie’s own beloved mother, their friend and bassist Evan Vhargon died. The band wrote that they “were lost when Evan passed.” Through the tough times Bill and Charlie kept playing and wrote that they “were blown away when Phil Dickey wanted to jam with us… the jamming turned into something more and we were going again. We couldn’t be more thankful and humbled.” Phil is part of the bands Dragon Inn 3, and Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin. Miss Boating is: Charlie Colborne on keyboards, guitar, vocals; Bill Belzer: drums, vocals; Phil Dickey on bass; Aaron Jones on trombone; Tim Gillespie on saxophone. Ross Brown served as engineering, did all of the mixing for The Vhargon Sidestep and Mike Nolte handled all of the mastering.]

10:25 – Underwriting

7. Jametatone – “I Can Tell”
from: A Bird In The Hand / Jametatone / December 8, 2019
[Jametatone, is the solo project of J. Ashley Miller who has recorded with his band as Metatone. Jametatone collaborates with an esemble of musicians under the moniker Blastocyst. The recording of A Bird In The Hand was Engineered, Mixed and Mastered by Jametatone at The Infoaming Vertex Studio. Assistant Engineering by Simon Huntley. Dedicated to Love. bLASTOCYST is: Jon Kizilarmut on drums & percussion; Jeff Harshbarger on bass; Eddie Moore on Rhodes, Wurlitzer & Piano; Fritz Hutchison on guitar, percussion, & piano; Billy Winston on saxophone; Simon Huntley on drums & percussion; Allison Hawkins on piano; and Jametatone on vocals & guitar. 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 of Ashley’s work at http://www.jametatone.com]

[Jametatone plays Hadiza’s band Collidescope play recordBar, 1520 Grand Boulevard, KCMO, Wednesday, February 12, at 7:00 PM with ARQuesta Del SolSoul.]

8. Hadiza. – “Reactions”
from: Shadow Weight / Hadiza. / November 22, 2019
[Hadiza. released her Ep “Gone” on December 29, 2018 with Madi Mclaughlin on bass & guitar, JL Bolinger on drums, and Hadiza Sa-Aadu on keyboards & vocals. Recording & Engineering: JL Bolinger & Madi Mclaughlin. Mixing & Mastering: Madi Mclaughlin. Hadiza. is a singer-songwriter who wants you to know SHE IS NOW BASED IN KANSAS CITY. Previously based in her hometown of Iowa City, she has spent the past year slowly but surely carving out her place in the Kansas City scene both as a solo performer (as Hadiza.) and as lead vocalist and songwriter of experimental electronic group Collidescope. Blessed to have had parents who are very much NOT students of music, but recognized the importance of music education, Hadiza spent her childhood and adolescence in part as a student of piano. Vocally, Hadiza takes her cues from American artists including Fiona Apple, Tracey Chapman, and Billie Holiday and African artists including Angelique Kidjo,. Her sound/genre is best described as an eclectic blend of blues, soul, folk, jazz and classical. Her songwriting is a process of release and acceptance of life events navigating an often brutal bleak and harsh world and is a form of therapy. If you don’t relate to the content, you just don’t relate. Oh well. The most amazing experience however is when a stranger in the audience connects with a song in their own way and is courageous enough to share that with her. Aside from the therapeutic aspect of creating music, this is why she continues to write and perform.]

[Hadiza. plays Hadiza’s Shadow Weight Release Ritual at miniBar, 3810 Broadway, KCMO on Sat, January 25, at 9:00 PM with Hadiza., Babydoll, The Black Creatures, and Les Izmore and the GOATs.]

[Hadiza’s band Collidescope play recordBar, 1520 Grand Boulevard, KCMO, Wednesday, February 12, at 7:00 PM with Jametatone and ARQuesta Del SolSoul.]

Hadiza. and Les Izmore on the January 22, 2020 edition Wednesday MidDay Medley on 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio

10:34 – Interview with Hadiza. and Les Izmore

On December 29, 2018, Hadiza. released her EP Gone, and on Novenber 22, 2019 Hadiza. released her new 10 song, full-length album called, Shadow Weight, which continues to showcase her deeply moving voice and piano. Born in Iowa City, Iowa, she has lived in Bushwick, and Atlanta, and worked in corporate America in the New York Finance District. For many years she studied the piano, while keeping her singing voice private. Eventually she made the jump into her new life of composing, singing, writing, collaborating and presenting what she calls a blend of soul, classical, blues and folk. Since relocating to Kansas City, Hadiza. has been slowly carving out her place as a solo artist and also as lead vocalist and lyricist for the experimental electronic duo Collidescope.

Hadiza., thanks for being with us on WMM.

Les Izmore is a veteran of the Kansas City Music Community fusing American Funk and Soul, Afrobeat, Kansas City Big Band, Rock, and Hip Hop as frontman for the critically acclaimed multi-genre Kansas City ensemble, Hearts of Darkness. Les has also collaborated with D/Will for the Hip Hop album release of Heartfelt Anarchy. Les has also collaborated with Julia Haile, Herman Mehari, Lee Langston, Anthony Saunders, Brad Williams and Reach to perform and release music as The Buhs. Most recently Les has been involved in exploring the indigenous sounds of the Caribbean, Latin America, West, Central, and Southern Africa with the Kansas City based collective Arquesta Del SolsSoul with Jessica Ayala, Brad Williams, Jade Green, Chalis O’Neal, Irving Graham, Ernest Melton, Andres Ramirez, Fabian Prado.

Les Izmore, thanks for being with us on WMM.

Hadiza. and Les are here to share informaton about their new music and upcoming shows:

Hadiza’s Shadow Weight Release Ritual at miniBar, 3810 Broadway, KCMO on Saturday, January 25, at 9:00 PM with Hadiza., Babydoll, Les Izmore and the GOATS, and The Black Creatures.

Hadiza’s band Collidescope with Jametatone and ARQuesta Del SolSoul play recordBar, 1520 Grand Boulevard, KCMO, Wednesday, February 12, at 7:00 PM.

More info is at: http://www.hadizaisnothere.bandcamp.com

Hadiza. released her Ep “Gone” on December 29, 2018 with Madi Mclaughlin on bass & guitar, JL Bolinger on drums, and Hadiza Sa-Aadu on keyboards & vocals. Recording & Engineering: JL Bolinger & Madi Mclaughlin. Mixing & Mastering: Madi Mclaughlin.

Hadiza. and Les Izmore on the January 22, 2020 edition Wednesday MidDay Medley on 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio

Vocally, Hadiza takes her cues from American artists including Fiona Apple, Tracey Chapman, and Billie Holiday and African artists including Angelique Kidjo,. Her sound/genre is best described as an eclectic blend of blues, soul, folk, jazz and classical. Her songwriting is a process of release and acceptance of life events navigating an often brutal bleak and harsh world and is a form of therapy.

Les Izmore is a veteran of the Kansas City Music Community as frontman for the critically acclaimed multi-genre Kansas City ensemble, Hearts of Darkness.

Les has also collaborated with D/Will for the Hip Hop band Heartfelt Anarchy.

Les has also collaborated with Julia Haile, Herman Mehari, Lee Langston, Anthony Saunders, Brad Williams and Reach to perform and release music as The Buhs.

Les has been involved in exploring the indigenous sounds of the Caribbean, Latin America, West, Central, and Southern Africa with the Kansas City based collective Arquesta Del SolsSoul with Jessica Ayala, Brad Williams, Jade Green, Chalis O’Neal, Irving Graham, Ernest Melton, Andres Ramirez, Fabian Prado.

Hadiza. and Les Izmore on the January 22, 2020 edition Wednesday MidDay Medley on 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio

One of the first recordings from Arquesta Del SolSoul was a track titled “SOL SOL SIX” recorded by Ted Rieder for Never Records during Open Spaces Kansas City. Featuring Les Izmore, Jessica Ayala on vocals. Recorded October 27, 2017 by Ted Rieder for Never Records during Open Spaces Kansas City. Featuring Les Izmore, Jessica Ayala on vocals. ”

Arquesta Del SolSoul is 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.”

10:55

9. Arquesta Del SolSoul – “GROW SOMETHING (Fela Minded KC)
from: GROW SOMETHING (Fela Minded KC) – Single / unreleased

11:00 – Station ID

11:00 – More Interview with Hadiza. and Les Izmore

Hadiza. and Les Izmore on the January 22, 2020 edition Wednesday MidDay Medley on 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio

We are talking to Kansas City musicians Hadiza. and Les Izmore who join us to share informaton about their new music and upcoming shows:

Hadiza. and Les Izmore, thanks for being with us on WMM.

Hadiza’s Shadow Weight Release Ritual at miniBar, 3810 Broadway, KCMO on Saturday, January 25, at 9:00 PM with Hadiza., Babydoll, Les Izmore and the GOATS, and The Black Creatures.

Hadiza’s band Collidescope with Jametatone and ARQuesta Del SolSoul play recordBar, 1520 Grand Boulevard, KCMO, Wednesday, February 12, at 7:00 PM.

More info is at: http://www.hadizaisnothere.bandcamp.com

11:10

10. The Black Creatures – “wretched (it goes)”
from: “Wild Echoes / The Black Creatures / September 30, 2019
[Darkpop hip-hop musical pulling elements from sci-fi to tell an inter-dimensional story. Xavier Martin and Jade Green have made an impression of the KC music community with their videos and songs, live shows in clubs, art galleries, record stores, area music festivals and shows in surrounding areas. They’ve released an EP, an album, several singles.]

[The Black Creatures play Hadiza’s Shadow Weight Release Ritual at miniBar, 3810 Broadway, KCMO on Sat, January 25, at 9:00 PM with Hadiza., Babydoll,, and Les Izmore and the Goats.]

[Arquesta Del SolSoul play recordBar, 1520 Grand Boulevard, KCMO, Wednesday, February 12, at 7:00 PM with Collidescope, and Jametatone.]

11. Ebony Tusks – “HDF”
from: HDF – Single / High Dive Records / January 17, 2020
[Ebony Tusks is Daniel Smith on DJ & Production, Geese Giesecke on vocals & Production, and Marty Hillard on vocals & Production. A rattling subwoofer is a sonic aberration, a byproduct of high volume that often results in a speaker system’s long-term damage. It takes the listening experience from exclusively aural to physical, evoking a range of reactions from listeners. This experience is bonded inextricably with rap music for both its fans and dissenters, a familiar beacon for some and an unwelcome nuisance for others. Marty was a cashier at Burger King while in high school, spending every Saturday morning working the drive-thru window. One of his best friends pulled up to the menu and filled the speaker with sounds from his 1972 Volkswagen Beetle’s cassette adapter. Marty’s headset was filled with hot, white noise. He knew it was a rap song but it was mutated to scorched earth. It also happened to come through the main speaker right inside the drive-thru window. His manager was not at all pleased, rushing quickly to turn it off. Marty and his friend laughed it off at the time. EBONY TUSKS is a compilation of moments like these. Daniel, Geese, and Marty are three people from the Midwest who take pleasure in the mutations of sound available in the least expected places.]

11:17 – Where are all the protest songs?

12. Kate Bush – “Army Dreamers”
from: Never for Ever / EMI America / September 7, 1980
[“Army Dreamers” is a 1980 song, the third and final single to be released from the album Never for Ever, by Kate Bush. It was a UK top 20 hit in October 1980. Norwegian songwriter Pål Knutsen, released his fourth studio album Unsongs on September 16, 2016 on Propeller Recordings. A collection of covers of protest songs which included Kate Bush’s “Army Dreamers” which was banned by the BBC for anti-war sentiments during the Falklands conflict. “Army Dreamers” is an example of a song which only grows more powerful and relevant through the establishment trying to silence it. Of the track, Moddi says “while most of the songs on the album are explicitly political in form, it was difficult for me to see how ‘Army Dreamers’ would pose a threat to anyone at first glance. Initially, I thought it was ridiculous to ban it. However, when I tried singing the song, I began taking in the message. The words are so simple, describing nothing but pure and bottomless motherly sorrow, a sorrow against which I could not defend myself. Then I understood why the song was dangerous: because it calls forth compassion. Inescapably. Kate Bush was never imprisoned like Pussy Riot or killed like Víctor Jara but the message she was trying to spread was nonetheless silenced. This song made me realise that censorship is so much more than violent suppression. It happens quietly, in our homes and on our radios, every day. And usually we don’t talk too much about it.”]

13. Anti-Flag – “Christian Nationalist”
from: 20/20 Vision / Spinefarm Records / January 17, 2020
[Anti-Flag is an American punk rock band from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. The band is well known for its politically charged lyrics and activism, focusing on human rights and various left-wing causes. The line-up includes singer/guitarist Justin Sane and drummer Pat Thetic, who founded the band together; later members are guitarist Chris Head, and singer/bassist Chris Barker who replaced Jamie “Cock” Towns, who had replaced original bassist Andy Flag in 1997 following his departure one year prior. Anti-Flag is known also for their advocacy of progressive political action groups such as Greenpeace and Amnesty International. Most recently, the band has declared solidarity with the global Occupy Together movement. On October 7, 2019, the band released their song “Christian Nationalists”, alongside the announcement of a European tour the following year. On the band’s website, the song’s meaning was explained by a quote from Justin: “History is full of wealthy and powerful people using religion and cultism to justify policies of oppression and inequality. Invariably, these policies target the most vulnerable in society so that elites can maintain their dominance. Today we see this same strategy employed by right wing politicians all over the world. Just as the anti-fascists of the 1930s and 1940s rejected the fascist ideologies of their era, we reject the neo-fascists of this era. Theocracy is dangerous and inherently anti-democratic because it restricts individual choice and provides an avenue by which politicians can claim a moral superiority over “the other”. It gives political cover and justification for policies and actions which might otherwise be deemed morally objectionable, inhuman, or adverse to the best interest of the country.” The website also provided a list of Republican politicians, along with sources indicating that said politicians had accepted large amounts of donations from the NRA and gun lobbyists for their support of many of the concepts that are explained in the quote, along with a list of mass shooting incidents. Later that month, the band announced their twelfth studio album, 20/20 Vision, alongside the release of the song “Hate Conquers All” and the song’s music video. More info at: http://www.anti-flag.com]

11:24 – Underwriting

14. Pedaljets – “Dissassociation Blues”
from: Twist The Lens / Electric Moth Records / February 14, 2020
[Twist The Lens was recorded in three main sessions, produced by the Pedaljets alongside their former lead guitarist Paul Malinowski (Shiner, Season To Risk). Though the Pedaljets core trio of lead vocalist Mike Allmayer, bassist Matt Kesler, and drummer Rob Morrow has remained a constant throughout their tenure as a band, they’ve worked with multiple lead guitarists throughout the years, with Twist The Lens being the first record to showcase their newest addition, Cody Wyoming. Bringing in Wyoming, and working alongside Malinowski, allowed the new songs to benefit from a fresh and outside perspective, while still keeping the album within the Pedaljets family. It also lent itself to a more utilitarian process where, as Allmayer describes, “We would constantly listen back and ask ourselves, ‘Are you hearing something this song needs?’ We were really focused on pushing ourselves to make the best music we can and being extra critical.” To round out the team, the band brought in veteran producer John Agnello (Sonic Youth, Dinosaur Jr., Kurt Vile) to mix the record and reunited with Archer Prewitt (The Sea and Cake) whose artwork has adorned the last three Pedaljets album covers. Once hailed as “Kansas City’s answer to the Replacements,” the Pedaljets formed in the mid-80s and immediately began touring the United States nonstop, gaining critical acclaim and support slots with some of the decade’s biggest acts, but never becoming a household name on their own. After releasing two LPs, 1988’s Today Today and 1989’s Pedaljets, the band split up. After laying low for a few years, Allmayer and Morrow formed the band Grither and signed with MCA before Morrow decided to go back to school and relocate to Scotland. Kesler owned and operated the Kansas City vintage music shop Midwestern Musical Company, selling gear to artists including St. Vincent, The Arcade Fire, Jason Isbell and more. The Pedaljets couldn’t stay apart forever, though, and returned in 2008 with a re-recorded version of their self-titled album and a rekindled hunger to perform.]

[The Pedaljets play miniBar, 3810 Broadway Rd, KCMO, on Saturday, February 15, 2020 at 8 PM with Dan Jones & the Squids.]

15. Giants Chair – “Kids Running”
from: Prefabylon / Spartan Records / December 6, 2019
[Third album from Giants Chair who are: Scott Hobart on lead vocals & guitar, Byron Collum on bass, and Paul Ackerman on drums. Recorded, mixed, and mastered by Duane Trower at Weights & Measures Soundlab, KCMO. Scott and Byron met at the KC Art Institute in 1989. After college they moved to Collum’s hometown of Green Bay, and formed Giant’s Chair in 1993. The band moved back to Kansas City became part of the burgeoning, mid-90’s KC rock scene, sharing bills with Germbox, Season To Risk, Molly McGuire and Shiner. Shiner even named one of their songs after the band. After being signed to Caulfield Records out of Lincoln NE. on the strength of their debut 7″ single, Giant’s Chair recorded two full-length albums and toured the U.S. twice. Giant’s Chair ended in 1997 but have recently been working on new music. In 2017 they releases the singles “The Streets” and “Featureless Horizon”.]

Scott Hobart on the January 22, 2020 edition Wednesday MidDay Medley on 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio

11:33 – Interview with Scott Hobart

Originally from St. James, Missouri Scott Hobart is a multi-talented artist, singer-songwriter, guitarist. Known for his acclaimed honky-tonk country band, Rex Hobart & The Misery Boys that were signed to Bloodshot Records, and their newest incarnation, Scott Hobart & The Honky Tonk Standards (who have a regular monthly slot at The Ship in the West Bottoms). Along with being a husband and a dad, Scott Hobart also works as the Coterie Theatre’s Resident Technical Director. He has also composed music and performed on stage in the Coterie’s Latenight series. Scott is also the co-founder of the mid 1990s ‘post-hardcore power trio” Giants Chair formed with friend Byron Collum who he mat at the Kansas City Art Institute in 1989, and with drummer Paul Ackerman who Byron had gone to high school with. Giants Chair recorded two critically-acclaimed full-length albums and oured the U.S. twice, before ending in 1997. After several reunion shows, on December 6, 2019, Giants Chair released their third album on Spartan Records.

Scott Hobart thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

After being signed to Caulfield Records out of Lincoln NE. on the strength of their debut 7″ single, Giants Chair recorded 2 acclaimed full-length albums and toured the U.S. twice.

Giants Chair sorted ended things in 1997 but have gotten back together here and there. In 2017 the band released 2 new songs and are working on material.

Scott Hobart in Giants Chair in the mid 1990s.

Giants Chair started in fall of 1993 when the bassist, Byron Collum and I, Scott Hobart, moved from KC to Green Bay, WI to play with drummer Paul Ackerman who Byron had gone to high school with. As this trio, we started writing and made a 7” that winter that was picked up by now-legendary mid-west indie label, Caulfield Records.

Giants Chair toured the U.S. twice, once with fellow KC indie band, BOYS LIFE, before going on “unofficial hiatus” in 1997 when members pursued other projects, including Scott’s interest in straight-forward, country, honky-Tonk with Rex Hobart & The Misery Boys (Bloodshot Records).

In the last 20-plus years, Giants Chair have done a handful of reunion shows and were then approached by Duane Trower with whom we had recorded the second album with back in 1996. Duane offered to remake that record start-to-finish now as a more-seasoned engineer with his own studio. We thought about it, and decided we’d rather try to write a new album than re-learn an old one – so we got to work in November of 2016 and finally had 10 new songs by November 2018.

Giants Chair recorded the album during the Winter of 2018-2019, with Duane Trower at Weights and Measures Sound Lab, in Duane’s new studio. It’s currently available everywhere digitally and it is also available on vinyl.

Scott wrote that about why the band put this album now? “At first it was kind of a ‘Why not? We’re still all here.’ And ‘Can we make up some new songs that we like?’ – and I feel like the music actually came pretty naturally – we’ve never talked too much about the music. We just get together and get loud. I bring some guitar parts and scratch vocal things and we see how it all falls. But I will say that, as a lyricist, it was an interesting ‘journey’ to write and sing this kind of stuff after having now spent the last couple of decades writing very straightforward country story-songs. We can talk about that and how, ultimately, I think I found this side of me again – possibly by trying to come to terms with the uncertainty of so many things in the world and America right now.

11:13

Scott Hobart thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

11:45

16. Giants Chair – “Ghost Love”
from: Prefabylon / Spartan Records / December 6, 2019
[Third album from Giants Chair who are: Scott Hobart on lead vocals & guitar, Byron Collum on bass, and Paul Ackerman on drums. Recorded, mixed, and mastered by Duane Trower at Weights & Measures Soundlab, KCMO. Scott and Byron met at the KC Art Institute in 1989. After college they moved to Collum’s hometown of Green Bay, and formed Giant’s Chair in 1993. The band moved back to Kansas City became part of the burgeoning, mid-90’s KC rock scene, sharing bills with Germbox, Season To Risk, Molly McGuire and Shiner. Shiner even named one of their songs after the band. After being signed to Caulfield Records out of Lincoln NE. on the strength of their debut 7″ single, Giant’s Chair recorded two full-length albums and toured the U.S. twice. Giant’s Chair ended in 1997 but have recently been working on new music. In 2017 they releases the singles “The Streets” and “Featureless Horizon”.]

17. Miki P and The Swallowtails – “Not Mine”
from: Not Mine – Single / Miki P/ November 21, 2019
[Meeting in the vast network of Kansas City’s rich music scene, in October of 2018 Miki P and the Swallowtails was created, and by the fall of 2019 they released their first EP Swallowtail independently. With half of the band’s members having Classical music degrees, and the other half with Jazz degrees, Miki P is a self-taught musician/multi-instrumentalist & songwriter driving the Swallowtails into a creative collaboration like any other. The group includes Miki P on guitar & vocals, Rachel Lovelace on bassoon, Adee Dancy on cello & vocals, Robert Castillo on bass, and Cade Pool on drums. Each member is an integral part of the Kansas City music scene, writing, arranging, performing, and collaborating original music for their own groups and several other projects in the metro. “Introspective pop music with lyric-driven folk influences, mixed with collaborative energy & an odd pairing of instruments, Miki P locked in with the Swallowtails create a moment with music written and arranged from the heart.” Miki P started playing guitar in middle school. She taught herself to play the drums, while listening to Mitch Mitchell, Keith Moon and Ringo Starr. As a teen she played drums for various groups including tAmerican Slim. She wrote songs for their full-length album Irreplaceable released in 2017, followed by a single “Queen of Hearts” released April 11, 2018. She also plays ukulele & piano, teaching herself how to play both the instruments, using them frequently in all projects she is involved in. She was a featured vocalist with The Band That Fel to Earth Bowie Tribute. She’s played Boulevardia, Middle of the Map Fest, Royal’s Kaufman Stadium, recordBar, Uptown Theater, Arrowhead Stadium, Nelson Atkins Museum, the Crossroads Music Festival and the SXSW Music Fest.]

11:55

18. David Byrne – “Road To Nowhere”
from: American Utopia on Broadway: Original Cast Recording / Nonesuch / Oct. 18, 2019
[We saw this show from the front row at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts on June 7, 2018. Following a sold-out world tour, the acclaimed theatrical concert is now in performances at Broadway’s intimate Hudson Theatre for a limited engagement. DAVID BYRNE’S AMERICAN UTOPIA delivers “an experience unlike anything else” (Billboard) and marks a major cultural milestone in the worlds of music and theater. Pitchfork reviewed American Utopia on Broadway, writing that Bryne, “… remains an artist to be grateful for—same as he ever was.” Innovative pop/rock icon David Byrne (Talking Heads, Here Lies Love) shares the spotlight with a diverse ensemble of 11 musical artists from around the globe. Together with production consultant Alex Timbers and choreographer Annie-B Parson (his collaborators on Here Lies Love), Byrne and ensemble deliver “a marvel of staging and motion” (Chicago Tribune) that’s as surprisingly poignant as it is supremely funky. Don’t miss this “thought-provoking example of the power of live music” (Forbes). “The boisterous ensemble surrounding Byrne is able to capture and amplify already-iconic moments in his catalog. Their Afropop drum grooves nod to My Life in the Bush of Ghosts, Byrne’s landmark 1981 collaboration with Brian Eno, while their guileless twitches of choreography and playful melodrama point back, once more, to Stop Making Sense. When they stomp in methodical marching band moves—including that rotating spiral that high school music nerds know all too well—they evoke the live show for Love This Giant, Byrne’s 2012 joint record with St. Vincent, only far more euphoric. Their greatest moment may well be their gauzy inversion of Remain in Light opener “Born Under Punches (The Heat Goes On)”: Nimble in the melodies and forceful in the percussion, their version is even more thrilling than the original.” (Pitchfork).]


19. Noel Coward – “The Party’s Over Now”
from: Noel Coward in New York / drg / 2003 [orig. 1957]

Next week, on January 29 We talk and play new music from Jairy. We also welcome company members of Spinning Tree Theatre’s KC premiere of “Girlfriend” based on Matthew Sweet’s 1991 rock album of the same name. The show runs January 24 through February 9 at Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf, Overland Park, Kansas. “Girlfriend is set in 1993 small-town Nebraska during the summer between high school and whatever comes next. College-bound jock Mike and self-assured but aimless Will find themselves drawn to each other. Their rush of first-time love, full of excitement, confusion and passion, is captured by the power-pop precision and frayed guitar emotion of Sweet’s alternative rock album.

Our Script/Playlist is a “cut and paste” of information.
Sources for notes: artist’s websites, bios, wikipedia.org

Wednesday MidDay Medley in on the web:
http://www.kkfi.org,
http://www.WednesdayMidDayMedley.org,
http://www.facebook.com/WednesdayMidDayMedleyon90.1FM

Show #821