Historic Place, New Piano

Honorary ARC member organization, the Mutual Musicians Foundation (MMF) has a new grand piano. The announcement was made by President Will Matthews and Chairman Clarence Smith on June 16, 2010 as a result of an Emergency Board and Membership Meeting that was conducted on June 14th.

After due administrative process and having been presented with the facts and options, those present among the Mutual Musicians Foundation Membership voted unanimously in favor of a motion to purchase the much needed piano.

THE CROWN JEWEL OF KANSAS CITY JAZZ

Located in the heart of the Historic 18th and Vine Jazz District, Kansas City’s Mutual Musicians Foundation is one of the country’s principal cradles of jazz along with New York, New Orleans and Chicago. The Foundation bred numerous nationally significant big bands and a legion of talented soloists who revolutionized American jazz. Among these jazz artists are such luminaries as Count Basie, Jay McShann, Charlie Parker, Lester Young, Andy Kirk, Jimmy Rushing, Big Joe Turner, Hot Lips Page, Mary Lou Williams and Buck Clayton, among many more too numerous to name here.

These musicians belonged to Local 627, one of the African-American musicians unions affiliated with the American Federation of Musicians. Established in 1917, Local 627, then known as the “Colored Musicians Union” operated as a social center, engagement clearinghouse and as a vehicle for grievances against unfair practices by booking agents and band leaders.

The jazz style pioneered and fostered by Local 627 members developed along original lines influenced by, yet unique from, the traditions of New Orleans, Chicago and New York. The Mutual Musicians Foundation, Inc., originally incorporated to manage the building and Local 627’s assets, continued operating the building after the 1970 merger with Local 34.

Jazz has been played continuously within the walls of the Mutual Musicians Foundation building at 1823 Highliand Avenue in Kansas City since 1930 – when Local 627 moved into the building, making it the longest running Jazz place in the United States and in the world.

NEW PIANO FOR THE FOUNDATION

The Mutual Musicians Foudation has been in dire need of a new piano for many years. The “White” grand piano that is located downstairs is extremely old and not in the best of playing condition.

Chairman Smith, Schmidt Music Representative and Board Member Clarke

And, the historic “Jay McShann” grand piano that was once used upstairs, now currently sits on display somewhere over at the American Jazz Museum, and rightfully so. Any consideration of putting it back on duty for full time upstairs use during the Late Night Sessions or for other Concerts would surely have resulted in eventual destruction of an iconic and irreplaceable instrument.

QUOTE: “I was elated when the membership and board members voted unanimously in favor of purchasing the piano” - Will Matthews, President

The Steinway-designed Essex piano incorporates the latest design specifications and engineering standards from Steinway & Sons. In keeping with Steinway’s commitment to excellence, Steinway & Sons provides technical assistance for the production of Essex pianos, to insure that Essex pianos are made to the specifications established by Steinway. And every Essex instrument is inspected by a team of highly experienced Steinway & Sons trained technicians before it leaves the factory.

The Steinway-designed Essex EGP183 | Steinway & Sons

The piano was purchased from Schmidt Music.

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