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There's something to be said for purity.

Yes, plenty of music critics and general audiences will contend, "It's all been done before and musicians need to find a fresh, novel twist." While it's a valid argument, good intentions often lead to more gimmicks than genuinely fresh ideas, and talent often gets thrown to the wayside. When you've had your fill of the seemingly "hip," the time has come to make a pilgrimage to Central Ave and 8^th Street - otherwise known as Scamp's Alley.

Nestled at the intersection of those streets is The Phoenix, Kansas City's historic jazz club that has acted as a home away from home to The Scamps. As one the oldest jazz and swing bands still actively playing in the metro area, The Scamps don't rely on quirky costumes, forced dialogue, or some newly conceived hybrid of their preferred musical genre. Rather, the latest incarnation of the band is still staying true to the roots that the pioneer members planted during the Great Depression. While original vocalist/cocktail drummer Earl Robinson left in 1994 and early pianist Rudy Massingale left his post in 2007, the current lineup is maintaining the tradition that has allowed The Scamps - revolving door of musicians or not - to thrive for close to 70 years.

The quartet's playlist in 2009 could certainly be deemed nostalgic, but their audiences are not limited to people whose formative years took place in the 1930's or 1940's. When the band played at The Phoenix on Saturday, Oct. 3, you could spy an eclectic audience to the nth degree. Among those in attendance for the Happy Hour show were 20-somethings donning hoodies and jeans, a pair of senior ladies out for a night on the town, and more than a few baby boomers who proudly mouthed the words to every musical selection. Like any given club, there were those in attendance who would rather converse than concentrate on the music, but the attentive outnumbered the chatterers on this particular evening.

Led by the quietly charismatic saxophonist (and sometimes vocalist) Dwight Foster, The Scamps kick off their sets with little fanfare. After a bit of tuning and tweaking to their respective instruments, the musicians swiftly begin their hour-long sets with a fairly straightforward order of business: to deliver a seamless and tight set of jazz standards. While at least three out of the four members are likely past the age of 80, the playing was energetic and always on the mark during their 4:30 to 8:30 time slot at The Phoenix.

Guest vocalist Geneva Price has been known to lend her vocal stylings to The Scamps' set occasionally, but the bulk of this particular Saturday show was instrumental. There is a focused nature to each of one of the musicians, and only Foster offers brief commentary (if any at all) between numbers. "Body and Soul," "Fly Me to the Moon" and "Girl From Ipanema" all made it onto the set list, and there were solos galore. "Satin Doll" was especially a highlight in the solo area, with emotional squeaks emanating from Foster's saxophone and a fury of drum fills delivered by Wallace Jones.

For all of the impressive musicianship throughout the night, perhaps the most poignant moment came during "Please Send Me Someone To Love." A blues ballad originally written and performed by Percy Mayfield, the song was delivered with quiet, yet heartfelt sincerity by Dwight Foster. There is certainly a rough-around-the-edges feel to Foster's voice that takes you off guard initially, but that same quality also makes it completely endearing. While there was intermittent conversation within the audience during the night, it seemed everyone's eyes were glued upon Foster during "Please Send Me Someone To Love." Losing oneself in the music was easy while in the thick of any instrumental, but it was impossible to deny Foster's distinct, stately presence during that ballad. His soft-spoken personality dripped out of every lyric sung, and it was only then when you truly became aware that he (and his past and present bandmates in The Scamps) represented a massively significant part of Kansas City's history.

In an era of instant gratification and flashy stage shows, will The Scamps leave every audience member contented? Probably not. But for purists who respect the creativity that comes out of jazz improvisation, it's hard not to relish the fact that these veteran musicians are still holding their own against the up-and-comers. Original compositions are a rarity at The Scamps' show, but again, the nostalgia factor is one of the most appealing aspects of their performance. And after all, you don't have to be 85 years old to appreciate the fact that Duke Ellington could write a hell of a tune.

For more information visit: http://www.myspace.com/scampskansascity

Upcoming Shows:
Saturday, Oct. 10, 4:30-8:30 pm
The Phoenix
302 West 8th Street, Kansas City, MO
Regular Phoenix gigs in November (calendar not yet announced)

By Amy Kelly

theSTEADY Contributor (Past writer)

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