Jazz Beat: The People’s Liberation Big Band of Greater Kansas City, at RecordBar

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As RecordBar’s days at its current location wind down (the venue loses its lease at the end of the year), few chances remain to celebrate with the People’s Liberation Big Band of Greater Kansas City, which has made the Westport club its home the first Sunday of each month for the past seven years. The band’s original compositions ride the cutting edge of jazz, its music striking in eclectic directions that few other ensembles take. Leader Brad Cox is the glue: His dry, caustic wit makes him the listener’s Everyman entrée into this world, bringing sense and understanding to the music. It also doesn’t hurt that this band is a collection of some of the best musicians now playing contemporary jazz in KC.