Review: Quality Hill adds more rhythm to ‘In the Mood’

by Alan Hoskins

When it comes to bringing back the great music of the past, no one does it better than J. Kent Barnhart – except that he’s taken it to a new level in the songs of the great band leaders at Quality Hill Playhouse.

Already blessed with Kansas City’s best rhythm duo in drummer Ken Remmert and Brian Wilson on bass, Barnhart has added Matt Baldwin on clarinet and saxophone in his current production of “In The Mood” playing through Feb. 21.

The result is that the trio not only provides a perfect complement to the voices of Melinda MacDonald, Lauren Braton, Tim Noland and newcomer Taylor Avazpour, it gives the production a whole new dimension to an already outstanding program.

That is particularly true when Wilson and MacDonald team up on a rousing production of “Slap That Bass,” a piece that gives Wilson a rare chance to show off his multiple talents.

If you grew up loving the works of the great band leaders – especially Glenn Miller – you’ll love “In The Mood.” Pick out your favorite Miller classic and it’s there – “Moonlight Serenade,” “Tuxedo Junction,” “I’ve Got a Gal in Kalamazoo,” ‘ Pennsylvania 6-500,” “In The Mood” and a show-stopping rendition of “Chattanooga Choo Choo.”

A graduate of the Boston Conservatory, Taylor Avazpour makes his Quality Hill debut on “I’ll Never Smile Again,” “Imagination” and “And the Angels Sing” while Melinda MacDonald’s 18th season at the Playhouse is highlighted by “Moonglow” and “ Don’t Blame Me” in addition to “Slap That Bass.”

Tim Noland and Lauren Braton are also long-time Playhouse favorites with Noland soloing on “Star Dust,” ”Kalamazoo” and “I Don’t Want to Walk Without You” and Braton on “Serenade in Blue” and “I’m Beginning to See The Light.”

Each outstanding, they are even better in harmony on such classics as “Route 66,” “Sing, Sing, Sing,” “Ain’t Misbehavin,’ ” “It Don’t Mean A Thing (If It Ain’t Got Swing)” and most of the Miller classics.

A graduate of UMKC who has shared the stage with Bobby Watson, the Four Tops, Michael Feinstein and the New York Voices, Matt Baldwin’s talents on both the clarinet and saxophone teamed with the hugely popular duo of Remmert and Wilson add immeasurably to the performance.

While performances will run through Feb. 21, if Monday’s near sell out is any indication, tickets will go fast. They can be reserved by mail at 816-421-1700 or at Quality Hill Playhouse at 303 W. 10th in Kansas City, Mo.