We know it's been awhile since our last update, but we have some exciting news to share. Starting the 18th of July, our band will have the honor of performing at the P.S. Speakeasy every other Thursday night. It is located in the historic Hotel Phillips. Simply go up to the front desk and they will escort you to the entrance of the P.S. We are so excited to add another string of performances to our schedule. Some of our other routine performance include every first Friday at Jazz: Louisiana Kitchen in Independence, MO, our Saturday Jazz Brunch at the Phoenix, and every last Friday at Trago: Bar and Tapas in Liberty, MO. We would love for you to come out and enjoy any and all of our performances. "If it ain't Swing'n, it ain't Jazz!"
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If you haven't noticed, our website has undergone a photo makeover and it's courtesy of Jim Mooney Photography. Our band had the priviledge of participating in a photo shoot at the charismatic Black Dolphin in downtown KC. Thank you John Scott for organizing the shoot and letting us use your beautiful venue. We cannot thank Jim Mooney enough for these amazing photographs. You have captured the heart and soul of our band!
Located right next door to the Green Lady Lounge in downtown KC is a hip little lounge called the Black Dolphin. Last Friday, our band had the pleasure of playing our debut performance on the gold curtained stage. We will be performing there again on August 10th from 9pm-1am. If you are looking for a fun, relaxing atmosphere with great drinks and no cover charge, then this is the place to be. We look forward to having you join us and remember, "if it ain't swing'n, it ain't jazz!"
With the season of spring, comes the sounds of wedding bells. If there are any lovebirds out there looking for a fun, upbeat jazz band to join their festivities, please let us know. We can perform at rehearsal dinners, receptions, and after parties. Check out our contact page and we would love to be a part of your special day. Do you have a soon-to-be graduate? We would love to bring our swinging sound to your graduation party. If you are planning a family gathering and are looking for live music, we would love to be your entertainment.
We are excited to announce our newest project currently in the works. Over the next few months, the band will be creating our third album. As of now, we are expecting to hit the studio sometime between April 15 and June 30, with a tentative release expected in the Fall. The album will include 10-16 tracks, in which 6-7 will be originals. The other compositions will come from our some of our greatest influences. We will include three main styles in the album, swing, bebop, and trad-jazz. Besides playing the cornet, Alex will be doing one vocal selection. He will be joined on the album by "Pretty" Ricky Cole on the guitar/banjo, Jeff Schwartz on tuba/bass/trombone, Lisa McKenzie on drums, Max Levy on clarinet/saxophone, and Reggie Watkins on piano. Stay tuned for more details regarding this project and remember "If it ain't Swing'n, it ain't Jazz."
February is always a very special month for the band, as it's our official birth-month.
In February 2008, while attending classes at Johnson County Community College, in Overland Park, KS, 19 year old Alex Abramovitz, and classmate Wayne Alexander (42 years), began rehearsing in Wayne's basement. The material the two worked on came from a variety of sources, including Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, John Coltrane, and the Great American Songbook. Alex began working, almost right away, to book performances for the band. The band's first performance would be at the Johnson County Community College Student Recitals the following May, where the "Dynamic Jazz Duo", as they began to bill themselves, performed Joseph Zawinul's "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy". In the past decade, the band has seen much change. Membership in the group has changed drastically, with many faces coming and going, with each person bringing their own unique voice to create a new blend of Kansas City swing. The band also has changed course; whereas the band presented a more "west coast" feel in the first half of the decade, the later half has been "hot" as the group dedicates itself to highlighting the swing and jump styles of the town they call home - Kansas City. The band has also received much recognition, being named Kansas City's Best Band (Pitch Magazine) in 2017, and Alex has been in the running for Kansas City's Best Jazz Artist (4th - 2016, 3rd (Tie) - 2017). The group has also recorded two albums, Scamp's Alley (2014 - Tantrumn Niche Records), and Ripe Off the Vine! (2015 - Alex Abramovitz Proudctions), the later of which also took home an award. As we look forward to the next decade and what is in store, it is with great excitement and hope that we remain highly optimistic. Many new opportunities are presenting themselves and we look forward to what the years may bring. So let's raise a glass of Kansas City's finest to a decade gone-by, and another for the decade to come. Thank you Kansas City for your support, and always remember, "If it ain't Swing'n, it ain't jazz!" Our band has been performing at Jazz in Independence for the past six months and last night we were proud to entertain at Jazz on 39th Street. We changed things up a bit by trading our usual guitar and bass instruments for a banjo and tuba. Max Levy, our clarinet/saxophone player, also comes with the territory as he is that final element that helps round out our New Orleans sound. The energy in the place was infectious and seeing the smiles on guests faces and watching children dancing to the beat is why we love to do what we do. If you are interested in coming down to a Jazz to hear our band, we are performing February 2nd at the Jazz in Independence. "Laissez les bon temps rouler!"
We are pleased to welcome you to our band website! It has been a work in progress for the past couple of years and it is finally ready for you to enjoy. Be sure to check back with us for our performance schedule and updates.
This week, we have a lot in store for you. Thursday, Jan.17, we will be performing at the P.S Speakeasy located in the basement of the Hotel Phillips from 8-11pm. Friday, Jan. 18, we are making our debut performance at Jazz on 39th Street from 7-11pm. Come and hear that New Orleans sound and enjoy some tasty Cajun cuisine. Finally, on Saturday, Jan. 19, you will find us at the Phoenix in downtown Kansas City. We will be doing our weekly family friendly jazz brunch from 10am-2pm. There are no cover charges for our performances this week. |
AA Swing'n KC Jazz
Alex Abramovitz and His Swing'n Kansas City Jazz Band was first established in 2008. Their goal is to preserve the heritage of Kansas City Jazz through performance and entertainment. Archives
July 2019
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