2026 FELLOWS ALBUM JULY 26, 2026 SESSIONS AT ALLEGRO RECORDING IN KANSAS CITY
A note of thanks and appreciation to all of our 2026 Season 8 Clinicians and Fellows. Yesterday, both the Alaadeen Ensemble and Crain Ensemble recording sessions were fantastic. Both ensembles were very well prepared in all aspects of their performances and these sessions went very smoothly because of your tremendously effective work with the students throughout the season. The experience was positive for all.
Specifically, I would like to personally thank Greg Carroll for his preliminary visit to the studio and interacting with Steve McBride prior to the start of our album recording sessions. And, it was cool that GC was willing to offer his advice during our sessions.
I would like to personally thank Houston Smith for his work again this year and for his insights of bringing Everett Freeman and Mike Herrera aboard as clinicians to realize the vision for the Crain Ensemble. The “mentorship model” that we use is part of our tradition in this music (for further reference to this model, see: Charlie Parker bringing a teenage Miles Davis into his band, as well as the tremendous legacy of Art Blakey mentoring generations of Jazz Messengers.)
Thanks to Dr. Meara Mitchell for serving again as our Band Director Fellow in 2026 and for being of great assistance during our preparatory rehearsals throughout this season and during the recording sessions.
I am personally looking forward to the remaining sessions by the Watson Ensemble and the Leon A. Brady Vocal Ensemble. Based upon what I have heard from your preparations, your sessions should be very successful too.
The 2026 FELLOWS album has the potential to be another high level professional recording in the Kansas City Area Youth Jazz program’s permanent discography catalog.
Thanks to the Carroll Family for hosting an end of season gathering again this year at their home. I look forward to seeing you all there. My Sincere Best, Cb
