A Night to Remember
In the annals of Buffalo’s rich jazz history, an unforgettable night took place in 1960 when Joe Rico, one of the city’s most passionate jazz advocates, brought together two monumental forces in jazz: Stan Kenton and Count Basie. Hosted at the acoustically celebrated Kleinhans Music Hall, the concert featured these iconic bandleaders and two extraordinary vocalists—Joe Williams and Ann Richards—creating a momentous evening to recall for JazzHistory Buffalo.
A Meeting of Orchestra Titans: Kenton and Basie
The concert, curated by Joe Rico, presented a striking juxtaposition of styles. Stan Kenton, known for his progressive and orchestral approach to big band jazz, brought his ensemble’s daring harmonies, lush arrangements, and dramatic flair to the stage. His innovative sound, blending jazz with classical influences, was a hallmark of the modernist movement in jazz during the mid-20th century.
In contrast, Count Basie and his orchestra delivered their trademark swing—light, buoyant, and irresistibly rhythmic. The Basie band was the epitome of swing and groove, and their performance that night reaffirmed their status as the swinging heart of jazz. We can imagine Basie’s understated piano punctuations, the powerful brass, and the unstoppable rhythm section brought a captivating energy that likely made the audience jump to its feet.
The Voices of the Night: Joe Williams and Ann Richards
Adding another layer of brilliance to the evening were the featured vocalists. Joe Williams, one of jazz’s most beloved male vocalists, performed before the audience with his deep, bluesy, soulful baritone. Whether delivering a heartfelt ballad or swinging through blues-infused numbers like “Every Day I Have the Blues”, Williams embodied the emotional core of the Basie sound.
Ann Richards, a frequent collaborator with Stan Kenton, provided a compelling contrast. Her sultry vocals and sophisticated phrasing brought a fresh and modern sensibility to Kenton’s forward-looking arrangements. Richards, without a doubt, captivated the audience with her poise and charisma, offering a glimpse into the evolving role of female vocalists in jazz.
Joe Rico’s Visionary Leadership
Joe Rico, a pioneering jazz producer and radio personality, played an instrumental role in making this extraordinary concert a reality. His dedication to bringing world-class jazz to Buffalo elevated the city’s cultural scene and created a platform for local audiences to experience the music of the genre’s most influential figures. This concert at Kleinhans Music Hall was a testament to his vision, as he united two jazz giants and introduced Buffalo to a once-in-a-lifetime event.
Adding a personal touch to their performances, Kenton and Basie had previously composed pieces inspired by Joe Rico. Stan Kenton’s “Jump for Joe” and Count Basie’s “Port-O-Rico” were tributes to Rico’s unwavering dedication to jazz and his pivotal role in promoting jazz at the time. These compositions were a testament to Rico’s influence. While these songs weren’t directly performed at the concert, their existence symbolized the mutual respect between the artists and the man who helped bring their music to Buffalo’s audience.
The Legacy of the Night
The 1960 concert at Kleinhans Music Hall remains a most memorable event in Buffalo’s jazz legacy. It was more than just a night of great music—it was a celebration of jazz as an art form worthy of being performed in one of the country’s premier philharmonic halls. The juxtaposition of Kenton’s almost avant-garde-like approach and Basie’s timeless swing offered a rich tapestry of jazz while the vocal performances of Joe Williams and Ann Richards showcased the emotional depth that only jazz can deliver.
As we look back on this legendary evening, we are reminded of the enduring power of live jazz to captivate, inspire, and unite. It is a legacy that continues to shape the vibrant jazz community in Buffalo.
A Momentous Chapter in the Jazz History of Buffalo
A momentous 1960 concert serves as a cherished memory and an inspiring chapter in the jazz history of Buffalo. A moment when two giants shared a stage, thanks to the visionary efforts of Joe Rico. Let us honor this legacy by continuing to celebrate and support the live jazz experiences that make history in our own time.
