When the producers of A&E's controversial television series "City
Confidential" needed to explore the Kansas City Jazz scene for a new
production, they contacted and filmed veteran musician David Basse.
"... a magnificent drummer and captivating singer who genuinely delights
in a room full of happy people who are enjoying his danceable brand of
jazz." Zan Stewart / LA Times
For the past twenty years, Basse has been at the forefront of the music
scene in this legendary jazz capitol. David Basse carries on a tradition
started many years ago by icons Charlie Parker, Count Basie and Jay
McShann. He has played his special kind of Kansas City jazz at concerts,
clubs and private parties throughout the world.
"I love the soul that is your voice." Maya Angelou
David Basse's City Light Orchestra has long been hailed as Kansas City's
premier swingin' jazz ensemble. Since its inception in 1982, bandleader
and songwriter, David Basse's deep resonant voice has been a signature of
the Orchestra's sound.
A Swedish critic called him "The unbelievable combination of Mel Torme,
Jon Hendricks, and Al Jarreau," but that leaves out other familiar
elements in Basse's smoky voice:
"The winking gris gris of Dr. John, the ecstasy of Ray Charles. Basse adds
a unique twist to his phrasing that makes him more than the sum of those
influences and forbearer." Pitch Magazine / Best Male Vocalist
In our nation's capitol David Basse was featured at "Wolf Trap and All
That Jazz," and his band was part of the 1997 Inaugural Gala for President
Bill Clinton. The title song of David's recording "Strike When Your Iron
Is Hot", released in October 2000 was used by the Gore campaign and the
Kansas City Chiefs to incite crowds.
Internationally, Basse has represented Kansas City at such diverse venues
as Harrods in London, Palacio De Congressi in Lugano, Switzerland and by
special invitation, at the prestigious Peninsula Hotel in Hong Kong. He
has excelled on the concert stage, performing at the New Orleans Jazz &
Heritage Festival, Jazz Aspen-Snowmass, The Kansas City Blues & Jazz
Festival, The Verizon-Playboy Jazz Series in Pasadena, and the Sacramento
Jazz Jubilee.
David Basse has recorded with many of the greats of jazz including, Phil
Woods, Bobby Watson, Les McCann, Larry Bunker and the Grammy nominated
pianist Mike Melvoin, whom David has collaborated with since 1992. David
also hosts the award winning Jazz Scene on Kansas Public Radio at
kpr.ku.edu.
In addition to City Confidential's exposé on saxophonist Steve Harvey,
Basse appeared on Dr. Billy Taylor's CBS Sunday Morning, Weekend: All
Things Considered with Scott Simon and Barbeque America with Rick Browne
on PBS.
