About Me
Getting In Tune With ROD FLEEMAN© 1996 John EncellRod Fleeman Rod Fleeman, one of Kansas City's most noted jazz guitarists, is in constant demand, appearing with many of the best jazz groups in town. His influences cover a wide range of the musical spectrum, which in turn, allow him to fit into many different settings ranging from duos to large jazz ensembles.When Rod first thought about playing music, it was encouragement from his mother, Pat, that got him through the first couple of years as a beginning guitarist. In those days, Rod's goal was to be in a local rock band. But then came a turning point."During my freshman year at Southwest (High School) in 1967, the musical director, George Alter, asked me to listen to a jazz band rehearsal. As the band played, there was a combination of goose bumps and a light bulb going on in my head."He then joined that jazz band and, to this day, credits Alter with changing his life and for giving him the direction necessary to make a career in music.After high school, Rod went on to study jazz guitar at the University of Utah, returning to Kansas City a year later to study with "the Midwest's guru of jazz theory," John Elliot. He also began a working relationship with pianist/organist Greg Meise, and between the two, had "a real baptism of fire.""Greg was working six nights a week, and John was exposing me to more than I'd ever learned before, anytime or anyplace."Rod then chose to continue his formal education at the University of Miami where he was exposed to such musicians as Joe Diorio, Jaco Pastorius, Pat Metheny, Bobby Watson, Steve Morse, Danny Gottlieb, Hiram Bullock and Mark Egan.Back in Kansas City in 1976, Fleeman acquired more invaluable experience with another Kansas City jazz veteran, cornetist Gary Sivils. Although Rod was playing electric bass in the group ("a safety net for out-of-work guitar players"), much was learned from Sivils and a band that included Paul Smith (piano), Brooks Wright (drums) and Lou Longmire (vocals).Fleeman got back to his guitar-playing roots when he joined Dryjack, a popular late-'70s Kansas City-based fusion ensemble specializing in original music. Dryjack became a successful road band and went on to record two albums for the now defunct Inner City label.After Dryjack's eventual demise, Fleeman faced a time of uncertainty that brought on "a period of hibernation." That interlude soon behind him, Rod then joined a working society band led by Steve Miller, a man Rod considers to be "one of the best commercial band leaders anywhere." Through Miller, Rod played many an engagement with KC's finest, including vocalist Julie Turner, saxophonist Herman Bell, trumpeter Carmell Jones, and drummer/clarinetist Mike Perryman."I learned something new every time I played with those musicians," says Fleeman. Although the local jazz club scene was nearly non-existent during this time, there were rewarding stints at Milton's Tap Room with fellow guitarist Steve Cardenas, who now lives in New York."Those gigs paid almost nothing," says Rod, "but they gave me more experience along with the confidence I needed to keep learning and growing."When Rod Fleeman talks of influences, it comes as no surprise that guitarist Wes Montgomery is right at the top of the list."The great jazz arranger Oliver Nelson once said, 'Wes was the most natural soloist I've ever heard; every note was perfectly conceived and executed and always felt completely right.' I completely agree with that."Then there was Pat Martino."Pat Martino has a tremendous rhythmic propulsion in his playing. During one phase of my development, just about all I listened to was Pat Martino."Fleeman also feels fortunate to have observed Pat Metheny's career develop from its beginning."At the age of 15, Pat sounded like he'd been at it for 30 years!"Rod also says that, with the advent of CDs and the restoration and improvement of earlier recordings, he has been able to study such greats as Charlie Christian ("he just plain swung harder than anyone") and Django Reinhart ("the most passionate and soulful musician ever"). But when it comes to the whole process of studying influences, Fleeman offers an interesting and comprehensive analogy."It's like putting on the 'hat' of a 'musical archaeologist;' you dig into the past to unearth the layers of the rich jazz heritage, and then try to learn the various styles in the proper order and sequence of evolution."In the mid to late '80s, a series of "homecomings" began to change the face of the local jazz scene. The return of such stellar musicians as Rod's old buddy Danny Embrey ("emphasis on old!" quips Rod) along with bassist Bob Bowman, drummer Todd Strait, vocalist Karrin Allyson, saxophonist Kim Park and trumpeter Mike Metheny marked the beginning of a restoration Kansas City's status as "a first class jazz town" status. Like everyone else, Rod Fleeman thought we were supposed to lose musicians, not gain them. He was "pleasantly surprised."What began then, and continues to this day, is the marriage of world class jazz musicians with a resurgence of the local club and restaurant scene."With such venues as the Club at Plaza III, the Majestic Steakhouse, the Elbow Room, the Boulevard Cafe, Jardine's, Ivy's, the Phoenix, Club 427, and the Drum Room," says Rod, "the future looks pretty bright right now. The pay is getting better, and there seems to be more of an appreciation from the most audiences, despite the age-old battle between listeners and 'party animals.'"Regarding the latter, Fleeman remembers a time when presentation of the music was more of a priority than it is today."There was a time when supper clubs had a show business atmosphere with real stages, spotlights and dance floors. The food and drinks were served, there was dancing and conversation, and then the lights were lowered and the show began after an introduction of the artists. After the show, audience members could move on to another club, or wait for the second set to begin. Today, the scene is just a mix of music, talk, food and drink... without any clear signal that it's time to listen!"A sign of the times, it could be said.Today, Rod Fleeman speaks with enthusiasm and excitement about "Interstring," a quartet featuring Bob Bowman, Danny Embrey, Todd Strait and Rod. A new CD is to be released sometime this fall."Danny, Bob and Todd are as good as it gets," says Rod with genuine admiration.In addition to dates with Interstring, Rod also stays busy with recording and concert dates with Karrin Allyson. ("Karrin is so gifted in so many different musical styles!") It's the life of a full-time freelancer."Being a full-time musician can be difficult, but it's manageable. I've been able to deal with many of the ups and downs by remembering some advice I was given by Jaco Pastorius. Jaco told me that when he got into the music business at an early age, he was already married, had a child, and needed to immediately provide for his family. He did what he had to do, in a variety of musical styles and settings, to earn a living -- but without losing sight of his long-term goals: to reach his potential as a musician and to become an influential force on his instrument."Rod says that he feels very lucky to have a great wife, Renee, and a wonderful son, Spencer, who help keep things in perspective.When asked about some of the circumstances and conditions musicians are asked to endure in the pursuit of making a living, Rod Fleeman laughs and recalls one of his more memorable gigs. "Mike Perryman and I were once asked to be 'strolling musicians' prior to a wedding reception at the Kansas City Zoo. So, we wandered aimlessly in our tuxedos, until we found a nice gathering of people outside the old Ape House. The chimpanzees were out on their little patio entertaining the crowd, and Mike and I decided that a stirring rendition of 'Hello Dolly' would be the perfect music for the moment. One of the chimps, however, did not agree. 'Cheetah' waved his arms menacingly as 'the band played on' and finally picked up the first thing he could get his hand on -- one guess what that was! -- hurling it a good fifty feet in our direction. The 'missile' cleared the moat and just missed us! ...Everyone's a music critic!"Who knows what's in store for this articulate, serious and sensitive musician who is, and always has been committed to continually improving technique and delivery.Those of us who've heard Rod Fleeman and have followed his progress over the years can only expect that the best is yet to come.Update by Mike Runyon; Rod is busy teaching and performing locally, with the Beach Nuts, The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra, Duos with Dan Bliss, plays for Coleen Cassidy. and Marylin Maye. The Rod Fleeman Trio is fantastic. You can catch Rod with Bram Wyjands at the Majestic or Jardine's. He currently tours with 3 time grammy nominated Karrin Allyson. Check the calander and catch him soon! 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