Jay McShann

Does anyone, especially someone who lives here, need two more versions of “Kansas City”? When the recording artist in question is Jay McShann, the answer is: absolutely. On his 2003 release Goin’ to Kansas City, the 87-year-old vocalist and pianist joins with guitarist Duke Robillard, who turns in a surprisingly subtle supporting performance, and fellow legend Johnnie Johnson, whose duets with McShann bring new fire to the dueling-piano concept. Neither of those artists will be on hand at the Folly, but McShann has recruited some of the area’s finest players, including Rod Fleeman, Gerald Spaits and Tommy Ruskin, to fill their parts. Featured tenor saxophonist Plas Johnson, best known for his slinking melody line in Henry Mancini’s Pink Panther theme, adds even more historic clout to the bill.