Jazz Town: Kim Waters brings smooth sax to KC’s Gem

There’s a lot of snobbery among jazz fans. But when saxophonist Kim Waters comes to the Gem Theater on Saturday, there’s no room for that stuff.

It’s this simple: The imploring sound of Waters’ alto and soprano saxes seems like the voice of a soul singer — a good one. And since this is a Valentine’s Day-themed show, Waters’ horns will be singing smooth-jazz songs of love.

There’s no arguing with Waters’ success. He’s sold millions of albums over 25 years, on his own and as part of the Sax Pack supergroup.

This is the silky and funky sound that’s the embodiment of jazz to some people. Waters will be showing us exactly how it’s done and exactly why it’s so popular.

The show is at 8 p.m. Saturday at the Gem, 1615 E. 18th St. Tickets are $45; see americanjazzmuseum.org or call 816-474-4444.

Noteworthy

▪ The next live performance-recording session for the “12th Street Jump” radio show features singer Eboni Fondren and marks the birthdays of Nina Simone and Nancy Wilson. It’s at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Green Lady Lounge, 1809 Grand Blvd.

▪ The Blue Room, 1600 E. 18th St., has organist Everette DeVan in charge of the Monday jam at 7 p.m. There’s a Mardi Gras blues show with John Paul’s Flying Circus at 8 p.m. Tuesday. The group Shades of Jade performs at 7 p.m. Thursday, and bassist James Ward’s band is on at 8:30 p.m. Friday. Pianist Charles Williams brings on singer Asa Barnes, an “American Idol” competitor, for a “Love Songs for Lovers” show at 8:30 p.m. Saturday.

▪ The Green Lady Lounge also has the Foundation 627 Big Band at 8:30 p.m. Sunday; trumpeter Stan Kessler’s quintet at 9 p.m. Monday; the group Dojo at 8 p.m. Tuesday; organist Ken Lovern’s OJT at 9 p.m. Wednesday; guitarist Matt Hopper’s trio at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, followed by saxophonist Brett Jackson’s group at 9 p.m.; pianist Tim Whitmer at 5:30 p.m. Friday, followed by organist Chris Hazelton’s Boogaloo 7 at 9 p.m. downstairs and OJT at 10 p.m. upstairs; and singer Molly Hammer’s group at 6 p.m. Saturday, followed by pianist Paul Shinn’s trio at 9 p.m. downstairs and OJT at 9:30 p.m. upstairs.

▪ Out south, the Sons of Brasil perform at 8 p.m. Saturday at the Art Factory, 5621 W. 135th St., Suite 2630, at the PrairieFire development in Overland Park.

▪ Trumpeter Nate Nall’s group performs at 8 p.m. Thursday at the Westport CoffeeHouse Theatre, 4010 Pennsylvania Ave.

This story was originally published February 7, 2016 at 2:00 AM with the headline "Jazz Town: Kim Waters brings smooth sax to KC’s Gem."