JAZZ BEAT: Jazz Disciples play the Blue Room on Saturday

Each month, for nearly 20 years, the Jazz Disciples have played the Blue Room. Overlooking a Kansas City staple can be easy, but this is an ensemble of exceptional musicians who represent the modern face of 18th and Vine. Saxophonist Gerald Dunn has been featured in bands with Illinois Jacquet and Bobby Watson. He plays an inventive, contemporary sound and knows how to capture an audience’s attention. Pianist Everette Freeman has toured with Oleta Adams, performing with a deliciously intricate yet fluid grace. There are few Kansas City jazz musicians whom drummer Michael Warren hasn’t backed. The Jazz Disciples give him unique opportunities to stretch. Bassist DeAndre Manning provides a solid footing. On Saturday night, they’re joined by singer Lisa Henry, once a finalist in the prestigious Thelonious Monk competition, and trombonist Jason Goudeau. The face of 18th and Vine has rarely looked — or sounded — better.

Jazz Disciples
8:30 p.m. Saturday, September 24, at
the Blue Room, 1600 East 18th Street ($10)