Shay Estes and Trio ALL are a key example of the spectacular young jazz talent gracing Kansas City today, the type of talent which inspired me to start this blog. Shay sings, while ALL is an acronym for drummer Zack Albetta, pianist Mark Lowrey and bassist Ben Leifer (note the first letter of each last name).
But, alas, later this summer bassist Ben is bolting to New York City, after a stint in Paris. I wish Ben the best but, damn, I hate to see him go. New York, you may not know it yet, but your jazz scene is about to get even better.
You'd know it if you heard this group. The camaraderie and the respect they hold for each other, from years of performing together, shines through on stage. And all the while that talent plays through in a blend of modern takes on jazz classics and jazz takes on modern pop, deftly arranged, spiced with solos of imagination and wit, topped by soaring vocals.
Of course, we’ll always have their CD, Despite Your Destination, released last year (I’ll always have it, anyway). Now we also have photos of their performance on April 21st at Jardine’s. And a straggler shot of Shay and Ben from a February 13th show at the same locale.
You can find out where to find Shay Estes and Trio ALL's remaining shows together – and upcoming shows with an updated group – on Shay's web site, here (music plays when you open it, so take care if opening at work). For now, here's how their April gig looked (as always, clicking on a photo should open a larger version of it):
Left to right: Mark Lowrey, piano; Shay Estes, vocals; Ben Leifer, bass; Zack Albetta, drums
Shay Estes
Shay and Mark
Mark Lowrey on Wurlitzer
Shay and Ben
Ben Leifer on bass
Zack Albetta on drums
Shay Estes and Trio ALL
From a February show at Jardine's, Ben and Shay
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