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Kansas City vs Philadelphia: A Super Bowl for Jazz

By Michael Ricci
February 2, 2025
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This article was first published on February 13, 2023. Aside from one of the Kelce brothers retiring, it still applies today.

We're celebrating Super Bowl LVII with chili, wings, barbecue and... jazz! Two of the most notable jazz cities in the United States square off in this year's big game: Kansas City vs. Philadelphia. Both boast an impressive list of jazz luminaries and both played an important role in shaping jazz history. Jon McGraw of KC Jazz ALIVE and I thought it would be fun to represent our respective cities with (jazz) players and videos. Regarding the football game, well, may the best Kelce win!


The King of Kansas City Swing, Bennie Moten composer / conductor 1894 - 1935 " data-original-title="" title="">Bennie Moten and his orchestra...	Pat Martino guitar 1944 - 2021 " data-original-title="" title="">Pat Martino, Joey DeFrancesco organ, Hammond B3 1971 - 2022 " data-original-title="" title="">Joey DeFrancesco, and Byron Landham drums b.1969 " data-original-title="" title="">Byron Landham take "Sunny" to new heights...
Progenitor of bebop, Charlie Parker saxophone, alto 1920 - 1955 " data-original-title="" title="">Charlie Parker...	A giant step for jazz: John Coltrane saxophone 1926 - 1967 " data-original-title="" title="">John Coltrane...
The count of jazz, William Basie...	Preach, Jimmy Smith organ, Hammond B3 1925 - 2005 " data-original-title="" title="">Jimmy Smith, preach...
The legend of Lee's Summit, Pat Metheny guitar b.1954 " data-original-title="" title="">Pat Metheny...	The legend of Norristown, Jaco Pastorius bass, electric 1951 - 1987 " data-original-title="" title="">Jaco Pastorius...
Jazz messenger, Bobby Watson saxophone, alto b.1953 " data-original-title="" title="">Bobby Watson...	The ubiquitous Christian McBride bass b.1972 " data-original-title="" title="">Christian McBride...
Exquisite vocalist, Karrin Allyson vocals " data-original-title="" title="">Karrin Allyson...	Jimmy, Percy & "Tootie" are The Heath Brothers...
Rising star, Logan Richardson saxophone, alto " data-original-title="" title="">Logan Richardson...	Kurt Rosenwinkel guitar b.1970 " data-original-title="" title="">Kurt Rosenwinkel and The New Generation...

Use the comments section below to identify other noteworthy jazz musicians from Kansas City and Philadelphia. Embed videos too!

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