On Thursday, January 17th, Jeff
Lisenby's jazz accordion concert at the University of Missouri
at Kansas City Performing Arts Center.
If you were one of the many people who attended the Jeff Lisenby
Concert last night at UMKC, you do not need this report; if you
did not attend, I am sorry. You missed out on a wonderful evening
of really great music-making led by an outstanding accordionist.
Jeff grew up in the Kansas City area, got his musical education
here and all the while was busy performing. After moving to Nashville
, he established himself as one of the most sought-after musicians
in that area, too, just as he had been in KC before moving.
Last night he included three well-known local jazz musicians:
Doug Auwarter on drums, Danny Embry on guitar, and Greg Whitfield
on bass. His daughter, Jaclyn Brown, who is a successful songwriter/vocalist,
also joined the group on three pieces, a couple of which were her
own.
Jaclyn is young, vivacious, friendly, a great promoter, but above
all, a very fine singer with a beautiful voice who knows how to
sell a song; she was truly an outstanding addition to the overall
success of the four veteran professional musicians led by Jeff on
Thursday evening. She had presented her own show the night before
at the popular KC spot known as Bar Natasha.
Jeff
Lisenby has the technique to carry out all his musical ideas.
He includes great jazz arrangements of both standard tunes as well
as his own compositions and shares the limelight equally with all
members of the group.
 Even
when others are carrying the solo spot, Jeff provides that extra-special
accompaniment with artistic interest and excitement, always inspiring
the group towards musical excellence throughout. Last night's concert
was laid-back, convivial and intimate, in a space similar to a club;
it offered a perfect climate for a warm connection among the members
of the audience and the musicians, and gave Jeff ample opportunity
to introduce the repertoire with short, sometimes funny, anecdotes.
It was a great evening for everyone and as one departing member
of the audience kept saying, "We need to do this once a month!"
No one wanted to leave and all agreed.
Thank you, Jeff, Jaclyn, Doug, Danny and Greg for a wonderful musical
experience; we loved it!
Prof.
Joan Sommers |
