WMM Playlist from August 23, 2017

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, August 23, 2017

More New & MidCoastal Releases
+ Shortsweather + Mr. Marco’s V7 + Schwervon!

1. “Main Title Instrumental – It’s Showtime Folks”
from: Motion Picture Soundtrack to All That Jazz / Universal / Dec. 20, 1979 [WMM’s theme]

2. Car Seat Headrest – “War Is Coming (If You Want It)”
from: War Is Coming (If You Want It) – Single / Matador / August 14, 2017
[According to Will Toledo “This is a song about not murdering people.” Originally a started as a solo recording project by 24 year old, Will Toledo, in Leesburg, Virginia. Toledo chose the name “Car Seat Headrest” after recording the vocals of his first albums in the back seat of his car, for privacy. Car Seat Headrest released 12 albums on Bandcamp. Toledo’s production has gradually grown less lo-fi, but he still remains an effective example of the DIY ethic. Toledo saw a large influx of new fans with his 2011 release Twin Fantasy, which has become the most popular of his self-released albums. In September 2015, Car Seat Headrest announced on his Facebook page that he had signed an album deal with Matador Records. In October 2015, Car Seat Headrest released the compilation album, Teens of Style under the label. This was his first album that was not self-released via Bandcamp. His 2016 album, Teens of Denial, was created with traditional studio processes. Car Seat Headrest are currently on tour as a full band.]

3. The Slowdown – “Look Older”
from: Summer Snow / The Slowdown / August 25, 2017
[Founded in 2006, The Slowdown is a Kansas City-based alternative rock/pop band led by multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer Sam Hoskins. The band is supported by seasoned Kansas City musicians: Josh Johnson on guitars and keyboards, and Jordan Smith on bass & backing vocals. Matt Clibanoff of All Things Go Music writes: “Kansas City alternative trio, The Slowdown has just released a new single off their forthcoming album. Gorgeous, though drenched despair, “Look Older” plunges into the solipsistic trench at the heart of the human condition. Guitars and synth dance in annular swirls as a voice skates across the frozen backdrop and breathily delivers the bad news: we’re all painfully and irrevocably lonely. Coolly delivered heartache has never sounded so sweet.”]

[The Slowdown play recordBar, 1520 Grand, Thurs, Aug. 24, w/ Not A Planet and Emmaline Twist.]

4. Benjamin Gibbard – “December”
from: Bandwagonesque / Benjamin Gibbard – Atlantic / July 28, 2017
[Death Cab for Cutie frontman Ben Gibbard’s latest project, is a song-for-song cover of Teenage Fanclub’s entire 1991 album, Bandwagonesque. “It’s my favorite record by my favorite band of all time,” Gibbard said in a press release. “It came along at a pivotal time in my musical life and I’ve loved it for over 25 years. It’s been such a blast taking these songs apart to see how they work and then putting them back together again.”]

5. Krystle Warren – “Thanks and Praise”
from: Three the Hard Way / Parlour Door Music / August 18, 2017
[Produced by Krystle Warren and Ben Kane (D’Angelo, Emily King, PJ Morton). Recorded, engineered, and mixed by Ben Kane. Written & performed by Krystle Warre. Mixed at The Garden, Brooklyn. Mastered & cut by Alex DeTurk at Masterdisk. Last year in Krystle Warren premiered this song and her other new songs from this album at the Middle of the Map Fest in a packed room at Californos in Westport and later at The Polsky Theatre for the Performing Arts Series of Johnsons County Community College. For this record Krystle decided to play every instrument and vocals & back up vocals, “playing bass, drums, lap steel, piano, guitar, and vocals directly to analog tape. She and Ben Kane recorded in Villetaneuse, France, a small town on the outskirts of Paris in a vintage 70s era studio that offered just the right, rich sound to suggest the musical foundation for the record, and to do justice to the duo’s carefully balanced arrangements.” On the radio show last year Krystle shared inspirations for this record, early gospel recordings, that crossed over into Jazz from Pharoah Sanders, Edwin Hawkins, and The Swan Silvertones. Originally from KC, Krystle learned to play the guitar by listening to Rubber Soul & Revolver from The Beatles. Krystle graduated from Paseo Arts Academy in 2001 and began her musical career in collaborating with area jazz and pop musicians. After living in San Francisco and NYC, Krystle was signed to a French label, Because Music, and moved to Paris to release “Circles” in 2009. Krystle played French and British television programs, including Later with Jools Holland, garnering critical acclaim and traveling all over the world with Rufus Wainwright, Nick Cave, Norah Jones, and Joan As Police Woman. Krystle created, Parlour Door Music, to release “Love Songs: A Time You May Embrace” a recording from a 13-day session in Brooklyn, where she recorded 24 songs live with 28 musicians including her band, The Faculty, alongside choirs, horn and string sections.]

6. Broken Social Scene – “Protest Song”
from: Hug of Thunder / Arts & Crafts Productions / July 7, 2017
[Hug of Thunder is the 5th studio album by Toronto, Ontario based, indie rock musical collective Broken Social Scene that was formed in 1999 and continues 15 members. Most of its members play in various other groups and solo projects, mainly in the city of Toronto. These associated acts include Metric, Feist, Stars, Apostle of Hustle, Do Make Say Think, KC Accidental, Emily Haines & The Soft Skeleton, Amy Millan, and Jason Collett. The group’s sound combines elements of all of its members’ respective musical projects, and is occasionally considered baroque pop. It includes grand orchestrations featuring guitars, horns, woodwinds, and violins, unusual song structures, and an experimental, and sometimes chaotic production style from David Newfeld, who produced the second and third albums.After declaring a hiatus in September 2011, Broken Social Scene performed at the Field Trip Arts & Crafts Music Festival in 2013 and a couple of festivals in 2015, the latter of which prompted band members Kevin Drew, Brendan Canning, Charles Spearin, Justin Peroff, and Andrew Whiteman to discuss recording new material. “When we’re working, we understand that there will be a lot more input, so we leave space in the music as we’re writing it,” Spearin said. “We would send out invitations for all the usual crew, and say, ‘Hey, we’re doing this again. Would you be interested in being part of this?'” In the end, 18 musicians were credited on Hug of Thunder. During sessions for the album, Leslie Feist conceived the idea for the title track, her first lead vocal on a Broken Social Scene song since 2006.[3] Drew explained that the title represents “exactly who we are. That is our show. We’re trying to create that hug of thunder. That sound. That embrace amongst the chaos.]

7. Eems – “Excuses”
from: Rocket Ship / Independent / August 11, 2017
[Eems is a KC based ukulele loop artist, singer songwriter, rapper, pianist, drummer, The resonance of his bright musical sounds, and lyrical calls, are woven through genres of folk, hip hop, pop, and dance influences. He has shared the stage with notable hop hop artists, and KC Folk Music Fest, Middle of The Map Fest.]

[EEMS plays American Culture in Blue Springs, Missouri on Saturday, August 26]

[EEMS plays the Crossroads Music Fest, Saturday, September 9.]

10:29 – Underwriting

8. Shortsweather – “Fit Dads”
from: Fit Dads – Single / Parrot Ice Studio / January 13, 2017
[1st single from upcoming record Patio Naps, from the KC based alternative indie dreampop surf punk band formed by Patrick Keizer, Davy Langerak, Bennett Jones, Josiah Hunter. Engineered / Produced / Mixed / Mastered / Loved By Jordan Richardson. Written by Shortsweather with Alie Warman.]

[Shortsweather play The Riot Room, August 30, with Dreamgirl, and Bleached.]

[Shortsweather also play the 90.1 FM Crossroads Music Fest, Saturday, September 9.]

10:32 – Interview with Patrick Keizer, Josiah Hunter, Davy Langerak, and Bennett Jones

Davy Langerak, Josiah Hunter, Patrick Keizer, and Bennett Jones of Shortsweather on Wednesday MidDay Medley on KKFI 90.1 FM (8/23/17)

Formed in 2015, the KC based band, Shortsweather are Patrick Keizer on vocals and keyboards, Josiah Hunter on on guitar, Davy Langerak on bass, and Bennett Jones on drums. Shortsweather play The Riot Room, Wednesday, August 30, with Dreamgirl and Bleached. Shortsweather also play the 90.1 FM Crossroads Music Fest, Saturday, September 9.

Patrick Keizer , Josiah Hunter, Davy Langerak, and Bennett Jones thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley.

We just heard the bands most recent single, “Fit Dads.”

For more information about Shortsweather’s musical recordings you can visit: http://www.shortsweather.bandcamp.com.

Patrick Keizer, born February 2, 1994, 23 years, is from Lawrence, Kansas. He graduated from Blue Valley North High School. Patrick studied Special Education at University of North Texas in Denton, Texas.

Josiah Hunter is originally from the Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas area. While Patrick Keizer was going to University of North Texas he met Josiah and they started creating music together. Josiah eventually moved to Kansas City. He works at Westport Cafe.

Davy Langerak, born April 30, 1991. He plays bass. He is originally from Arvada, Colorado.

Bennett Jones, born December 10, 1992, plays drums. He works at Voltaire, 1617 Genessee St. with Wes Gartner.

10:49

9. Shortsweather – “Sundream”
from: I’ll Teach You What You Don’t Know, And You Can Teach Me What I Don’t Know/ Parrot Ice Studio / February 17, 2016
[Debut 2-song EP release from the KC based alternative indie dreampop surf punk band. recorded by Patrick Keizer and Josiah Hunter.]

[Shortsweather play The Riot Room, August 30, with Dreamgirl and Bleached.]

[Shortsweather also play the 90.1 FM Crossroads Music Fest, Sat, September 9.]

10. Mr. Marco’s V7 – “The Yin & Yang Of A Killing Device In Honor To My Mother’s Wooden Spoon”
from: Man Of Action! II Vol. 1 Motion Picture Soundtrack / MK 12 / 2016
[Originally from Mr. Marco’s V7 Debut album Cowtown Ballroom Sessions from 1997. Marco Pascolini on guitar, Johnny Hamil on bass, Chris Fugitt on drums, Clarke Wyatt on keyboards.]

[Mr. Marco’s V7 original lineup will reunite for a special “Cocktail Hour” performance on Saturday, August 26, 7:00 PM at Davey’s Uptown Rambler’s Club, 3402 Main St, KCMO]

11:00 – Station ID

11:00 – Interview with Johnny Hamil, and Marco Pascolini

Marco Pascolini and Johnny Hamil of Mr. Marco’s V7 on Wednesday MidDay Medley on KKFI 90.1 FM (8/23/17)

Johnny Hamil and Marco Pascolini are original members of Mr. Marco’s V7 a band that was formed in the 1990s and released their debut record, “Cowtown Ballroom Sessions” in 1997. That record is now out of print, however the original lineup will reunite for a special “Cocktail Hour” performance on Saturday, August 26, 7:00 PM at Davey’s Uptown Rambler’s Club, 3402 Main St, KCMO, where the band first performed live in the early 90s. Marco Pascolini, Johnny Hamil, Chris Fugitt, and Clark Wyatt formed the original band and will be playing material from this era. Mark Southerland will join the band as a special guest, just as he did on the album before he officially joined the band. Chad Meise will be running the sound and spinning tiki lounge tracks when the band isn’t performing.

Johnny Hamil, and Marco Pascolini, thanks for being with us on WMM.

Johnny Hamil grew up in KCK. Johnny has also played in the bands Pamper the Madman, Malachy Papers and with many collaborations. Johnny is a teacher and organizes the Kansas City Bass Camp

Marco Pascolini grew up in a family of artists. His parents were both artists at Hallmark. Marco has played in the bands The Naughty Pines, Scott Hrabko and the Rabbits, Folkicide, Dead Voices, Mr. Marco’s V7, Expassionates, the Brannock Device, Snakebite Orphans, The Country Duo, and Fred Wickham

Mr. Marco’s V7 was titled after Johnny’s determination to put Marco’s name in the title of the band and Marco’s randomly looking at a hair tonic’s bottle’s secret formula (V7).

11:09

11. Mr. Marco’s V7 – “Trouble In Delivery (Cha Cha Cha At The D.M.V.)”
from: Man Of Action! II Vol. 1 Motion Picture Soundtrack / MK 12 / 2016
[Originally from Mr. Marco’s V7 debut album Cowtown Ballroom Sessions from 1997. Marco Pascolini on guitar, Johnny Hamil on bass, Chris Fugitt on drums, Clarke Wyatt on keyboards.]

[Mr. Marco’s V7 original lineup will reunite for a special “Cocktail Hour” performance on Saturday, August 26, 7:00 PM at Davey’s Uptown Rambler’s Club, 3402 Main St, KCMO]

Mr. Marco’s V7 / Cowtown Ballroom Sessions / Year: 1997 / Tracks: 11 / Total time: 53:55

1. Meanwhile…the hero waits 3:10
2. Latin Mood 4:52 *
3. Quite night at the Cowtown 5:21
4. BULLDOGged in lulling 3:58
5. the Yin & Yang of a killing device 6:54 *
6. Ah Yeah… 5:01
7. Counterfeit 3:35
8. Dartanian steps out. 9:31
9. My Favorite Milkshake 2:27
10. Shanty 3:13
11. Trouble in Delivery 5:44 *

Mr. Marco’s V7 will also be re-releasing their out-of-print first album that was recorded live at The Cowtown Ballroom.

Johnny Hamil’s notes:

The three V7 songs we are playing on the radio show today are more in the genre of “exotic lounge” but early V7 also had a lot of rockabilly stuff on that first record. We were a short lived rockabilly band called the Rod Knockers, this was before Marco and I started the V7. In the first incarnation of the band, members merged together styles and genre that were not normally mixed together. Marcos and I didn’t accept classifications so easily. The music wasn’t forced in any specific way, we just went where we wanted to go. Truly my favorite part of our music is the trust we all have in each other. It brought out the uniqueness of the music.

The first band/album highlighted Marco Pascolini’s compositions the most. The record really highlights his unique playing style (really unlike any other guitar player). So to some extent, the first album is the most unique out of all our records (all are based on taking some left turn and very worked out compositions until we found a new sound). So, no V7 record sounds the same on purpose. However the first one is so darn happy!

We will be trying to re-issue the first V7 record, “Cowtown Ballroom Sessions” later this year. The packaging won some design awards since Marco is an amazing graphic designer as well as musician (his whole family are well known artists, mostly his father and mother who helped put Hallmark on the map). His father is from a small town near Florence, Italy so art has been in his family for a longtime. Marco Pascolini’s flyers and artwork are on everything we’ve done.

From The Pitch Jan. 24, 2002 – Andrew Miller

V7 — Mr. Marco’s V7, that is — tops all of this column’s area alphabetical representatives in numerous categories: best packaging (a round-edged screw-fashioned cardboard concoction); best song titles (“The Yin & Yang of a Killing Device … in Homage to My Mother’s Wooden Spoon”), and, last but not least, best music. Recorded live at El Torreon in 1997, well before the venue’s resurgence as a punk club, Cowtown Ballroom Sessions captures one of the area’s sharpest instrumental ensembles at its freewheeling best, with the fascinating interaction between lead guitarist Marco Pascolini and Fender Rhodes player Clarke Wyatt fueling the group’s sometimes funky, often jazzy, invariably engaging explorations.

11:24

12. Mr. Marco’s V7 – “Latin Mood”
from: Man Of Action! II Vol. 1 Motion Picture Soundtrack / MK 12 / 2016
[Originally from Mr. Marco’s V7 Debut album Cowtown Ballroom Sessions from 1997. Marco Pascolini on guitar, Johnny Hamil on bass, Chris Fugitt on drums, Clarke Wyatt on keyboards.]

[Mr. Marco’s V7 original lineup will reunite for this special “Cocktail Hour” performance on Saturday, August 26, 7:00 PM at Davey’s Uptown Rambler’s Club, 3402 Main St, KCMO]

11:29 – Underwriting

13. Schwervon! – “Blood Eagle”
from: “Blood Eagle” b/w “Wrath” – Single / Broker’s Tip / September 23, 2017
[Schwervon! is a two piece rock band. Nan plays drums and Matt plays guitar and they both sing. They lived in NYC for 15 years and relocated to Kansas City several years ago. The duo makes annual US and European tours. On tour they’ve opened for The Vaselines and Belle & Sebastian. They recorded Courage with Memphis-based engineer Doug Easley who has worked with Pavement, Sonic Youth, and Cat Power.]

[Schwervon! play a Tour Kick Off Show at Californos in Westport August 26, with Abandoned Bells, and Folkicide Duo.]

[Schwervon! also play a 7″ Release Show! on Saturday, September 23, at 10:00 PM at Replay Lounge.]

11:35 – Interview With Matthew Roth and Nan Turner

Marco Pascolini, Nan Turner & Matthew Roth (of Schwervon!), and Johnny Hamil on Wednesday MidDay Medley on KKFI 90.1 FM (8/23/17)

Matthew Roth and Nan Turner are Schwervon! a two piece rock band band born in New York City and based in Shawnee, Kansas. Nan plays drums. Matt plays guitar. They both sing. Schwervon! have toured the world and performed with Belle and Sebastian, The Vaselines, The Wedding Present, Vampire Weekend, Kimya Dawson, The Thermals, R. Ring (Kelley Deal & Mike Montgomery), Speedy Ortiz, Jeffrey Lewis, and Wussy. Matt also performs and records as Major Matt Mason USA. Nan also performs and records as Nan and The One Nite Stands.

Schwervon! play a Tour Kick Off Show at Californos in Westport August 26, with Abandoned Bells, and Folkicide Duo.

Schwervon! also play a 7″ Release Show! on Saturday, September 23, at 10:00 PM at Replay Lounge.

Matthew Roth and Nan Turner thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Schwervon! have a new 7″ that will released on Broker’s Tip the record label founded by Bob Nastanovich of Pavement, and Silver Jews.

Schwervon! is hitting the road in September to the East Coast and back.

SCHWERVON! SEPTEMBER SPIN OUT TOUR!!
TOUR KICKOFF SHOW AUGUST 26th @ Californo’s (KCMO)
w/ Abandoned Bells + Folkicide Duo)!

SEPTEMBER
1 – Omaha, NE @ Barley Street Tavern (for BFF Femme Fest!!)
2 – Des Moines, IA @ Vaudeville Mews w/ Greg Wheeler & the Polygamist Mall Cops + Easy Fruit + DJ Need a Stack
3 – Rock Island, IL – Rozz Toxx
4 – Michigan City, IN – Quality Beet
5 – Lansing, MI – The Fledge
6 – Hamtramck, MI – Trixie’s Bar w/ Kit Parks + Counter Elites + Plutonic Boyfriends
7 – Buffalo, NY @ Mohawk w/ Pat Kewley + Jack Topht + Slow Mutants
8 – Beacon, NY @ Beacon Music Factory
9 – New Brunswick, NJ @ Volume IV w/ Spowder + Glazer + Mr. Payday
12 – Brooklyn, NJ @ Silent Barn w/ Wooing + Fraidycat + Little Cobweb
13 – Washington, D.C. @ Fort Davie (message for details)
14 – Baltimore, MD @ Reverb w/ Manners Manners + Flaming Creatures
15 – Youngstown, OH @ Cedars w/ Sam Goodwill
16 – Cincinnati, OH @ Northside Yacht Club w/ Wussy Duo + Breaking Glass
17 – Murray, KY @ Terrapin Station

Schwervon! Photo by Lippe

Their music is “an expression of imperfect love through jagged rock minimalism.” Their casual interactions on stage, combined with a love of dance and poetry, result in some unique live show experiences. Their ever expanding catalog hearkens to a golden age of Indie rock music that was equal parts fascination and fun.

11:44

14. Schwervon! – “Wrath of Angels”
from: “Blood Eagle” b/w “Wrath” – Single / Broker’s Tip / September 23, 2017
[Schwervon! is a two piece rock band. Nan plays drums and Matt plays guitar and they both sing. They lived in NYC for 15 years and relocated to Kansas City several years ago. The duo makes annual US and European tours. On tour they’ve opened for The Vaselines and Belle & Sebastian. They recorded Courage with Memphis-based engineer Doug Easley who has worked with Pavement, Sonic Youth, and Cat Power.]

Schwervon! is a two piece American band born on the Lower East Side of New York City. Their band name is taken from the warped abbreviation of an urban slang, meaning: “to do something well in one’s own way or in a unique manner, usually involving members of the opposite sex.”

Schwervon! have been described as Antifolk, Minimalist Rock, Noise Pop, DIY, and even 90’s Indie Revivalist. Their longish career spans five albums and three seven inches. Schwervon! are a perpetual experiment between a drumset, a guitar, a couple and a song. But a particular reaction to their music has remained consistent, as David Gedge of The Wedding Present so eloquently put it: “I’m not sure how just two people manage to make such a big sound!”

Live Schwervon! performance intermissions occasionally involve Matt reciting original poetry while Nan improv dances amongst the audience.

Schwervon’s album Courage was recorded in Memphis, Tennessee, with Doug Easley (Cat Power, Pavement, Breeders). Guest artists included Frances McKee (The Vaselines, Sunny Moon) and Dave Shouse (Grifters, Those Bastard Souls).

Schwervon! play a Tour Kick Off Show at Californos in Westport August 26, with Abandoned Bells, and Folkicide Duo.

Schwervon! also play a 7″ Release Show! on Saturday, September 23, at 10:00 PM at Replay Lounge. More info at http://www.schwervon.com

11:57

15. Schwervon! – “American Idle”
from: Courage / Olive Juice Music / September 28, 2012
[Schwervon! is a two piece rock band. Nan plays drums and Matt plays guitar and they both sing. They lived in NYC for 15 years and relocated to Kansas City several years ago. The duo makes annual US and European tours. On tour they’ve opened for The Vaselines and Belle & Sebastian. They recorded Courage with Memphis-based engineer Doug Easley who has worked with Pavement, Sonic Youth, and Cat Power.]

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

Next week, on August 30 Marion Merritt returns with new musical discoveries and information from her musically encyclopedic brain. Plus Ada Jay joins us live in the 90.1 FM Studios.

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 #696

WMM Playlist from Dec. 28 – The 111 Best Recordings of 2011 (part 4 of 4)

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, December 28, 2011:

The 111 Best Recordings of 2011
(Part 4 of 4)

The 111 Best Recordings of 2011 are based on the playlists of Wednesday MidDay Medley. In 2011 we’ve featured hundreds of New & Local Releases, we’ve featured dozens of LIVE, in-studio performances from area musicians, and we’ve interviewed over 150 local and national artists. Over 40 recordings on our list are from the KC & Lawrence area. All December we’ve been playing nearly 8-hours of music that represent: The 111 of Best Recordings of 2011!

Howard Iceberg's 7-CD collection of over 100 songs, "Welcome Aboard" tops our list of The 111 Best Recordings of 2011

The Wilders also make our list with their 2011 release, "The Wilders"

1. (27.) Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. – “Morning Thought”
from: It’s A Corporate World / Warner Brothers / June 3, 2011
[A project started by Detroit based Joshua Epstein and Daniel Zott, recording in a basement without the benefit of expensive microphones or big-name producers.]

2. (26.) The Low Anthem – “Boeing 737”
from: Smart Flesh / Nonesuch / February 21, 2011
[The follow up to their critically acclaimed “Oh My God, Charlie Darwin” where the three original band members-Jocie Adams, Ben Knox Miller, and Jeff Prystowsky took over a Block Island cabin in the dead of winter. To record Smart Flesh, the group expanded to a quartet with the addition of drummer Mat Davidson and they found a former pasta factory in Central Falls, Rhode Island, a cavernous loft space that became crucial to the shape of the album. Says vocalist Miller, “We knew right away when we stepped into the factory that the space was really the main instrument for the whole record. The resonance was chilling. We were able to experiment with new recording techniques to capture the sound at different distances. Mics 100-200 feet away caught the sound barreling across the room.” Additional tracks were recorded in a garage that had previously been home to a reptile breeder, another unconventional studio space that the quartet dubbed “the gator pit.”]

3. (25.) Dengue Fever – “Cement Slippers”
from: Cannibal Courtship / Concord Music / April 19, 2011
[Newest release from 6-piece band formed by brothers: Zac and Ethan Holtzman in 1981 after being inspired by a trip to Cambodia.]

4. (24.) Thee Oh Sees – “Crushed Grass”
from: Carrion Crawler – The Dream / In The Red Records / Nov. 8, 2011
[From San Francisco. It began as an outlet for John Dwyer to release his instrumental, experimental home recordings, and over the course of several albums evolved into a full band. We first played The Oh Sees on Sept. 28.]

5. (23.) David Kilgour & the Heavy Eights – “I’ll Climb Back Up That Hill”
from: Left By Soft / Merge Records / April 26, 2011
[8th album from former leader of legendary New Zealand band, the Clean.]

6. (22.) Tom Waits – “Chicago”
from: Bad As Me / Anti Records / October 21, 2011,
[17th studio album and Waits’ first album consisting completely of new material in seven years since Real Gone (2004). Waits’ label, ANTI-, recently agreed on a distribution deal with Warner Music Group allowing them to release the album internationally. This marks Waits’ first release through the Warner organization since Heartattack and Vine (1980). Upon its release, Bad As Me received widespread critical acclaim.]

7. (21.) Austra –“Lose It”
from: Feel It Break / Domino Records / May 17, 2011
[Co-founder and lead singer, and songwriter Katie Stelmanis, draws upon her classical and operatic upbringing and mixes it up with drummer Maya Postepski and bassist Dorian Wolf to create what Amazon calls, “a stark, danceable masterpiece suitable for both ritual incantations and clubs.”]

10:30

8. (20.) Victor & Penny – “Exactly Like You”
from: Antique Pop / V & P Productions / December 9, 2011
[Victor & Penny performed LIVE on our Sept. 7 Wednesday MidDay Medley. This Chicago / KC based duo is Jeff Freling of the Chicago Blue Man Group; and Erin McGrane of the cabaret group Alacartoona. Antique Pop which contains 8 vintage songs plus 2 original songs written by Jeff Freling and a song written by Barclay Martin.]

9. (19.) Pieta Brown – “Mercury”
from: Mercury / Red House / September 27, 2011
[Born in Iowa City, Iowa in 1973, she is the daughter of two preachers’ kids. Her early upbringing in Iowa was in a rural outpost with no furnace or running water. There, Brown was exposed to traditional and rural folk music through her father, singer songwriter Greg Brown. Brown spent her childhood living in 17 different residences between Iowa and Alabama. While living with her mother in Alabama, Brown began writing poetry and composing instrumental songs on piano. She has released four critically acclaimed albums and three EPs in the last decade. She has performed with artists such as Mark Knopfler, John Prine, Amos Lee and Calexico. Collaborator Bo Ramsey produced her 2002 debut record, Pieta Brown and co-produced her 2005 album In the Cool which was named one of the year’s best by Amazon. Pieta and Bo are now married.]

10. (18.) Low – “Something’s Turning Over”
from: C’Mon / Sub Pop / April 12, 2011
[9th full-length album from the band formed in Duluth, Minnesota, in 1993. C’mon was recorded in an old church in Duluth, MN and mixed in an apartment in Hollywood, CA.]

11. (17.) Wire – “Adapt”
from: Red Barked Tree / Pink Flag / Jan. 10, 2011
[12th studio album from Wire, formed in London in 1976 by Colin Newman (vocals, guitar), Graham Lewis (bass, vocals), Bruce Gilbert (guitar), and Robert Gotobed (drums). They were originally associated with the punk rock scene. Wire’s debut album, Pink Flag from 1977, is one of my all-time favorite recordings.]

10:45

12. (16.) Deer Tick – “Main Street”
from: Divine Providence / Partisan Records / October 24, 2011
[from Providence, Rhode Island led by guitarist and singer-songwriter John McCauley]

13. (15.) tUnE- yArDs – “Gangsta”
from: W H O K I L L / 4AD Records / April 19, 2011
[2nd studio release by Merrill Garbus’ experimental solo-project tUnE-yArDs. When performing live, Garbus creates drum loops on the spot, and layers these w/ ukulele, voice, & electric bass played by Nate Brenner. tUnE-yArDs played The Jackpot Lounge in Lawrence on November 7.]

14. (14.) John Vanderslice – “Sea Salt”
from: Whte Wilderness / Dead Oceans / Jan 25, 2011 [9 new songs captured live over 3 days in a collaboration with the Magik*Magik Orchestra, a collective of classically trained musicians in the Bay Area led by artistic director Minna Choi who arranged and conducted White Wilderness with 19 members of the Magik*Magik playing strings and horns, vibraphone, pedal steel and piano, an assortment of reed instruments, and with the voice of Minna Choi singing backup at key moments throughout the album.]

11:00

15. (13.) The Empty Spaces – “Mind Over Matter”
from: Low Noise / Golden Sounds / 2011
[Debut EP from a KC based band formed from a studio band that recorded Mat Shoare’s solo album The Empty Spaces in 2010. The three piece began to collaborate more with song arrangements and came up with a kind of “retro-punk rock” that is fronted by an energetic, yelping vocal style. One writer described their sound as “charming fuzzed-out slacker rock.” The band has been touring to support the release. Mat Shoare is also a founding member of Everyday/Everynight and a founding partner in Golden Sound Records.]

16. (12.) Cass McCombs – “County Line”
from: Wit’s End / Domino / April 26, 2011
[Born in Concord, California in 1977. Famed DJ John Peel called his music “unobtrusively brilliant.” Cass McCombs has received widespread critical acclaim. He has led a nomadic existence for most of his adult life, moving from one city to the next, living in cars, on couches and at campsites. McCombs spent time developing his music bouncing between New York City, San Francisco, the Pacific Northwest, England and Baltimore. McCombs has stated that his tombstone will read “Home At Last.”]

17. (11.) Cut Copy – “Where I’m Going”
from: Zonoscope / Modular / Feb. 8, 2011
[3rd studio album by electronic band Cut Copy, formed in 2001 in Melbourne, Australia. It was originally a solo-project of Dan Whitford, a DJ and graphic designer. The band now includes: Tim Hoey on guitar and sampler, Ben Browning on bass guitar and Mitchell Scott on drums. Zonoscope has also been nominated for Best Dance/Electronica Album at the 54th Grammy Awards.]

11:15

18. (10.) The I’ms – “Bully Fight”
from: Second MIXES / Independent / 2011
[from their Facebook Page – Collin Rausch, Kyle Rausch. Hearing Collin Rausch and his cousin Kasey Rausch performed together at Barry Lee’s night of Beatles music was a real treat. Kyle Rausch also plays with The ACB’s.]

19. (9.) Greg Brown – “The Lovinest One”
from: Freak Flag / Yep Roc / May 10, 2011
[Accomplished songwriter, co-founder of the influential indie roots label Red House, and former musical director for Garrison Keillor’s A Prairie Home Companion radio program,. While recording what was to be his next album lighting hit the studio where he was working, and Greg Brown lost the recordings. Greg, used the experience to turn inward and write more songs that comprise his 24th album: Freak Flag, the title track is all that remains of the lost original album. Greg wrote ten new songs, recording them at Memphis, Tennessee’s legendary Ardent Studios. Produced by Bo Ramsey, the album also includes a cover of Brown’s wife Iris Dement’s ”Let the Mystery Be” and Brown’s daughter Pieta’s song ”Remember the Sun.” Greg Brown played LIVE on our Nov. 9 WMM.]

20. (8.) Sara Swenson and The Pearl Snaps – “Windows and Doors”
from: Never Left My Mind EP / Independent / Nov. 19, 2011
[The Pearl Snaps are: Ian Davidson, John Flynn, Brandon Graves, Sarah Magill and Roger Strong. Their new EP, “Never Left My Mind,” features five tracks recorded and produced in Kansas City by Mike Crawford and Beau Davidson. Sara Swenson & The Pearl Snaps EP Release was November 19 at The Brick.]

21. (7.) Mr. Marco’s V-7 – “Sweet 2”
from: Sparkin’ Your Mama / Independent / 2011
[drummer Kent “Precious Metalz’ Burnham, bassist Johnny “License Bolt” Hamil, guitarist Marco “Hair Party” Pascolini and console/steel / Theremin / moog man Mike “Creeping Death” Stover. 3 0f the 4 members were our guests, Feb 16, on Wednesday MidDay Medley.]

11:30

22. (6.) Atlantic Fadeout – “Traveling Girl”
from: Better Run of Bad Luck / Flyover Records / May 23, 2011
[Debut album of Atlantic Fadeout featuring: the great…Abigail Henderson on lead vocals and guitar; Chris Meck lead guitar, steel guitar, vocals; Dutch Humphrey on bass, vocals; and Amy Farrand on drums. The new band was created from the ashes of The Gaslights, combined with the super powers of Amy Farrand who plays bass in American Catastrophe (amoung several other bands) and Dutch Humphrey who sings lead in Cherokee Rock Rifle.]

23. (5.) Everyday/Everynight –“Breathe Deep”
from: Etc. / Golden Sound Records / May 3, 2011
[Nominated for a Pitch Music Award for “Best Emerging Act” this is the brand new release from Evan Ashby on Guitar, Mat Shoare on Guitar/Keyboard/Vocals, Austin Lyon on Drums, and Jerad Colton Tomasino on Guitar/Keyboard/Vocals of Everyday/Everynight. The band includes three of the members who sing and write songs. Golden Sound Records is a new local recording company who also release the music of Oriole Post. The Fullbloods, and The Empty Spaces, as well as the solo works of Jerad Colton Tomasina and Mat Shoare.]

24. (4.) Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey – “Mt. Zion”
from: Race Riot Suite / Kinnara Records – The Royal Family / August 30, 2011
[from Tulsa, Ok, their 20th album, Race Riot Suite, written by Chris Combs for the current quartet of Brian Haas on piano & keyboards, Josh Raymer on drums, Chris Combs on lap steel and Jeff Harshbarger on upright bass. For this recording the band is accompanied by a horn section consisting of Sex Mob’s Steven Bernstein, Jeff Coffin (of Dave Matthews and Bela Fleck fame), Mark Southerland (Snuff Jazz, Malachy Papers), Peter Apfelbaum, and former JFJO member Matt Leland. The album is dedicated to the victims of the 1921 Tulsa Race Riot, the largest race riot in United States history. Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey join us LIVE in the studio on March 30. ]

11:45

25. (3.) Hidden Pictures – “It’s My Fantasy (It’s Not Your Fantasy)”
from: Synchronized Sleeping / Hidden Pictures / April 1, 2011
[Richard Gintowt and Michelle Sanders first met at the Record bar and performed together in OK Jones before starting Hidden Pictures. This is their debut full length. Several songs had been previously released in two separate EPs in 2010.]

26. (2.) The Wilders – “Things They Say About Home”
from: The Wilders / Free Dirt Records / June 21, 2011
[10th release from Ike Sheldon- Guitar, Lead Vocals, Betse Ellis- Fiddle, Vocals, Phil Wade- Dobro, Banjo, Mandolin, Vocals, Nate Gawron- Bass, Vocals. Sarah Carpenter also sings back-up on this track. On December 6, Ike and the band announced that they would be taking a hiatus in 2012, after 12 years of almost constant touring. We absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE this band and each of the members who are some of the most amazing musicians and as well as being really great human beings. Betse Ellis was our guest producer and host on march 2, in a show celebrating Cajun Music.]

27. (1.) Howard Iceberg & The Titanics – “Jacksonville”
from: Welcome Aboard / Independent / June 26, 2011
[7-CD set, includes over 100 new songs, feat. The Titanics: Gary Paredes on lead guitar, Dan Mesh on rhythm guitar, Scott Easterday on bass, Pat Tomek on drums. W/ contributions from over 70 local artists participating in Howard’s “never-ending recording project” conducted in Pat Tomek’s home studio. Howard Iceberg, Pat Tomek, Scott Easterday, Elaine McMilian & Danny Alexander joined us LIVE on June 22, before the tribute to Howard at Crosstown Station on June 26.]

Concert Calendar:
12-29 BCR at Californos
12-29 Antennas Up/Not A Planet/Margo May at recordBar
12-30 Ad Astra Arkestra/The Caves/The Grisly Hand at Davey’s
12-30 Mr Marcos V7 at The Brick
12-30 Trampled Under Foot at Knuckleheads
12-31 INK PRESENTS: NYE w/The Sex Police/77 Jefferson/DJ 2-Tone at Beaumont
12-31 Hammerlord/Walking Oceans/Mansion/Humans at The Riot Room
12-31 Minden/Capybara/Ghosty at recordBar
12-31 Katy and Go-Go/New Years Eve Happy Hour at The Brick
12-31 Split Lip Rayfield/Dumptruck Butterlips/Ashes To Immortality at The Bottleneck
12-31 The Rainmakers & The Belairs (sold out) at Knuckleheads

11:59:30

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

Sources for note: Wikipedia.org, artist’s websites

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

Show #401

WMM Playlist from Sept. 14, 2011

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, September 14, 2011
New Jazz & Afro Beat! + Christel Highland 

+ Jeff Harshbarger & Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey’s “Race Riot Suite”

1. Femi Kuti – “Dem Bobo”

from: Africa For Africa / Knitting Factory Records / Apil 12, 2011

[In a career spanning over twenty years, Femi Kuti has been performing for 20 years, preserving the legacy of his father, Fela Kuti and revealing his own voice. He recorded this new album in the same studio where he produced his first recordings with his father and his breakthrough solo album, Shoki Shoki. He wanted to present Afrobeat in its rough, purest form. One music critic noted that his music is, “inspired as much by Miles Davis as James Brown.”]

2. Hearts of Darkness – “Terror Flu”

from: Hearts of Darkness / Shipshape Music / July 10, 2010

[KC’s very own: funk/soul/rock/hip-hop ensemble featuring: Les Izmore: Vox & Perc, Brandy Gordon, Rachel Robinson & Erica Townsend: Voices / Sean P Branagan: Drum Kit, Mikael Spears: Congas, Perc, Phil Keegan: Shakere, Aux Perc, Brad “Bad Brad” Williams: Percussion, Kit / Pete Leibert: Bass Guitar, Josh Mobley: Rhodes, Hammond, Clavinet, Mark Vick: Guitar 1, Jeff Harshbarger: Guitar 2 / Jolan Smith: Tenor Sax, Vox, Perc, Shawn Hansen: Alto Sax, Vox, Perc, Alex Smith: Alto Sax, Vox, Perc, Sam Hughes: Baritone Sax, Vox, Perc / Andrew Ford: Slide Trombone, Vox, Perc, Ken Walker: Valve Trombone, Vox, Perc, Bob Asher: Trumpet, Vox, Claves, High Kicks.]

[Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey will be in concert at Crosstown Station, 1522 McGee, on Friday, Sept. 16, with The Hearts of Darkness.]

10:15

3. Loose Cannon Brass Band – “Funkin’ at YJs”

from: I Heard It On 18th Street II: No Foolin’ We Schoolin’ / Independent (David Ford) / 2009

4. The Creighton Organization featuring: Jimmy Dykes -“Goin To New Orleans”

from: I Heard It On 18th Street II: No Foolin’ We Schoolin’ / Independent (David Ford) / 2009

5. Mike Dillon’s Gogo Jungle – “Stupid Americans”

from: Battery Milk / Hyena Records / Jan. 30, 2007

[Born and raised in Houston, TX, Mike Dillon was a member of the pivotal bands Billy Goat and Hairy Apes BMX, and The Malachy Papers and has collaborated with MC 900 Ft. Jesus, Secret Chiefs 3, Polyphonic Spree and Sex Mob.]

6. Malachy Papers with Earl Harvin – “Four Titter Puppet”

from:  Malachy Papers with Earl Harvin / Reap and Sow / 2005

[a track written by Mike Dillon featuring Mark Southerland on horns, Mike Dillon on vibraphone, Johnny Hamil on Bass, and Earl Harvin on Drum Kit and Tiympani.  Recorded in December of 2004.]

10:30 –  Interview with Christel Highland 

Christel Highland is an Artist and Designer who has created her own line of fashion line of clothes and wearable art called Pistol Threads.  Through Christel’s work she is devolping new trade between artists and products in Morocco and Kansas City with Argon Naturals and Atlas Weavers. Christel is also an artist and Mother and she will be featured in “Paint The Town” at The Intercontinental on September 24 during the weekend of The Plaza Art Fair.

We talked with Christel about her fashion line of clothes and wearable art called Pistol Threads, being an independent artist, the Journey.

Christel will be featured at: Paint The Town 2011, Celebrating Saint Luke’s Nurses, Above the Plaza Art Fair, September 24, 2011, from 6-11 PM. Poolside at the InterContinental Kansas City at the Plaza, 401 Ward Pkwy, Kansas City, MO 64112, More info at:  PaintTheTownKC.org

Christel is working with two new ventures including: Argon Naturals and Atlas Weavers.

You can learn more about Christel’s work at PistolThreads.com or ChristelHighland.com.

10:45

7. Snuff Jazz featuring Brian Haas – “Trailer Ride”

from: I Heard It On 18th Street II: No Foolin’ We Schoolin’ / Independent (David Ford) / 2009

8. Diverse – “Sojourner”

from: Diverse / Origin Records / July 21, 2009

[Mentored by the great Bobby Watson at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, trumpeter Hermon Mehari, saxophonist William Sanders, pianist John Brewer, bassist Ben Leifer, and drummer Ryan Lee were the winners of the 2008 Origin Records / Gene Harris Jazz Festival Competition, beating out 10 other very original groups from across the country, the quintet opened for Roy Haynes’ ‘Birds of a Feather’ band at the Gene Harris Jazz Festival and were awarded a deal to record this album of original music.]

[Jeff Harshbarger Presents: DIVERSE Trio @ Record Bar, Sunday, September 18, 8:00pm – 11:00pm, The DIVERSE Trio will be celebrating Ben Leifer’s return to Kansas City.  The trio consists of Hermon Mehari (trumpet), Ryan Lee (drums), and Ben Leifer (bass). Diverse Trio will be playing a mix of original music and standards, as well as other types of music that have inspired us in the past year. More info at: diversejazz.com.]

11:00

9. The People’s Liberation Big Band  – “The Council of Mice”

from: The People’s Liberation Big Band / Tzigane / November 7, 2010

[Recipient of the 2010 Charlotte Street Generative Performing Award, Brad Cox is founder of The People’s Liberation Big Band of Greater Kansas City, Brad was out guest olast year in December.  The Owen/Cox Dance Group with The People’s Liberation Big Band of Greater Kansas City presenting annually “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” at the H&R Block City Stage Theater at Union Station.  More information at owencoxdance.org. The People’s Liberation Big Band of Greater Kansas City appears the first Sunday of each month at the Record Bar as part of Harshbarger’s Alternative Jazz Series. ]

10. Hearts of Darkness – “Come Forward”

from: Studio Dailies / unreleased recording from sessions for new album / April 6, 2011

[Thank you Bobby Asher.]

11.   Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey – “Black Wall Street”

from: Race Riot Suite / Kinnara Records – The Royal Family / August 30, 2011

[from Tulsa, Oklahoma, their 20th album, Race Riot Suite,  written by Chris Combs for the current quartet of Brian Haas on piano & keyboards, Josh Raymer on drums, Chris Combs on lap steel and Jeff Harshbarger on upright bass.  For this recording the band is accompanied by a horn section consisting of Sex Mob’s Steven Bernstein, Jeff Coffin (of Dave Matthews and Bela Fleck fame), Mark Southerland (Snuff Jazz, Malachy Papers), Peter Apfelbaum, and former JFJO member Matt Leland. The album is dedicated to the victims of the 1921 Tulsa race riot, the largest race riot in United States history.  Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey will be in concert at Crosstown Station, 1522 McGee, Friday, Sept. 16, w/ The Hearts of Darkness, in one of the final shows at Crosstown Station.]

11:15 – Interview with Jeff Harshbarger

Jeff Harshbarger was voted Kansas City’s Best Bassist by The Pitch Magazine in 2007.  A Composer, bandleader, and collaborator, Jeff has recorded and performed with Bobby Watson, Forever Tango, Krystle Warren, Milt Abel, Tango Lorca, Snuff Jazz, Ghosty, Forrest Whitlow, and The People’s Liberation Big Band.  Jeff is curator pf Jeff Harshbarger Presents: An Alternative jazz Series, promoting new improvised music in Kansas City.  Jeff has received numerous grants and awards, including The Kennedy Center’s Betty Carter Fellowship, the Steans Institute fellowship, and the professional Development Grant from the Creative Capital Foundation.  Jeff also host the Wednesday edition of Jazz Afternoon, 1:00 to 3:00, on 90.1 FM.  Jeff joins us to talk about Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey’s newest release, “Race Riot Suite.”

While this is Jacob Fred’s 20th album release, this is actually Jeff’s first recording with the band, as he joined just a year ago.

Written by Chris Combs for the current quartet of Brian Haas on piano & keyboards, Josh Raymer on drums, Chris Combs on lap steel and Jeff Harshbarger on upright bass.

For this recording the band is accompanied by a horn section consisting of Sex Mob’s Steven Bernstein, Jeff Coffin (of Dave Matthews and Bela Fleck fame), Mark Southerland (Snuff Jazz, Malachy Papers), Peter Apfelbaum, and former JFJO member Matt Leland.

The album is dedicated to the victims of the 1921 Tulsa Race Riot, the largest race riot in United States history.

12.   Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey – “Second Prayer”

from: Race Riot Suite / Kinnara Records – The Royal Family / August 30, 2011

Jeff Harshbarger has played on the recordings from many of our featured artists toddy including: The Hearts of Darkness, Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, Snuff Jazz, The People’s Liberation Big Band of Greater Kansas City, Shay Estes & Trio All.

The People’s Liberation Big Band of Greater Kansas City

Jeff Harshbarger hosts Jazz Afternoon, Wednesdays, 1:00 to 3:00 PM on 90.1 FM

Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey will be in concert at Crosstown Station, 1522 McGee, Friday, Sept. 16, w/ The Hearts of Darkness, in one of the final shows at Crosstown Station.

11:30

13.  Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey – “Lost in The Battle For Greenwood”

from: The Race Riot Suite / Kinnara Records – The Royal Family / August 30, 2011

14. Sex Mob – “Roswell”

from: Din of Inequity / Sony / May 7, 1998

15.  Shay Estes & Trio All – “Where You At?”

from: Despite Your Destination / Independent / 2009

16.  Mark Lowrey – “Roman Candle”

from: Live At Jardines / MarkLowreyMusic.com / 2010

[Recorded Live at Jardine’s, 4536 Main street]

11:45

17.  Barclay Martin Ensemble – “Wishing Well”

from: Pools That Swell With The Rain / Independent  / September 24, 2010

[Barclay Martin Ensemble will be featured at SHINE A LIGHT, A CFCA benefit concert, on Sunday, September 25, 2011, 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., rain or shine, at The Theatre in the Park, Shawnee Mission Park, 7710 Renner Road , Shawnee, Kansas. Parking Opens at 2:00 p.m., The Box Office Open at 2:30 p.m.  The Doors Open at 3 p.m.  More info at: shinealightconcert.com or BarclayMartin.com.]

18.  Seun Kuti – “Mr. Big Thief”

from: From Africa With Fury: Rise / Knitting Factory Records / June 21, 2011

19. Noel Coward – “The Party’s Over Now”

from: Noel Coward in New York / drg / 2003 [orig. 1957]

Sources for Notes: Artist’s websites noted above and wikipedia.org

Show #386