Up To Date

Mary Lou Williams' 'Zodiac Suite' Reimagined

By Steve Kraske,

Published May 5, 2021 at 5:30 PM CDT

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Renowned jazz pianist Mary Lou Williams, pictured here at a piano, received an honorary degree from Rockhurst College in Kansas City in 1980.

Williams was an accomplished jazz pianist, arranger and composer whose musical abilities are displayed in the first of her major works.

Over her life, Williams collaborated with greats like Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, and Thelonious Monk. In 'Zodiac Suite' each movement was inspired by a musician born under the astrological sign. Clint Ashlock and the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra are among those contributing to a revival of the suite with a new arrangement.

Clint Ashlock, artistic director, Kansas City Jazz Orchestra

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Up To Date Podcast jazz history Music women Black History

Steve Kraske

When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.

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Danie Alexander

As senior producer of Up To Date, I want our listeners to hear familiar and new voices that shine light on the issues and challenges facing the myriad communities KCUR serves, and to expose our audiences to the wonderful and the creative in the Kansas City area. Just as important to me is an obligation to mentor the next generation of producers to ensure that the important conversations continue. Reach me at alexanderdk@kcur.org.

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Chris Young

Chris Young is an Assistant Producer for KCUR’s Up To Date. Contact him at chrisy@kcur.org.

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