Matt Hopper is a staple of Kansas City’s jazz scene. A leader of his own bands, he's also a valued accompanist for other musicians. Besides the jam session he hosts every Tuesday at The Phoenix, Hopper plays from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Green Lady Lounge on Thursday, June 9.
Why we're listening to him this week:
1. Hopper is a young man who plays mainstream jazz with the authority of an old master. He’s well on his way to becoming a crucial link in Kansas City's jazz tradition.
2. Fledgling musicians and respected veterans sit in with Hopper at his Tuesday jam sessions at The Phoenix. Feeling confident? Ask to sing your favorite torch song.
3. The trio Hopper leads on most Wednesdays at the Green Lady Lounge resembles the soundtrack of a 1950s noirish detective film. Step back in time at the dark tavern, order a highball and plot your next adventure.
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Bill Brownlee’s writing appears weekly in The Kansas City Star and Ink magazine. He blogs about Kansas City’s jazz scene at Plastic Sax.
