So, I have been putting this off for quite a while now. I finally decided that it might be interesting to see what happens. This particular performance was a Father’s Day event here in KC. I was blessed to be working with an amazing all-star group consisting entirely of instrumental recording artists. I had an absolute blast!

This song made it’s way onto a set list a while back and has now become a staple at all my shows. It is a true classic both lyrically and musically. Luther set the standard on this one to be certain. Hopefully my rendition will connect with listeners as well. Let me know what you think…………………

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Written by one of the country’s best features writers, Stargazing is not simply the normal “inventory list” blog. It is heavy on info, but written so you want to keep reading. Check it out here:  www.kansascity.com and click on “Stargazing”.

It occurs to me that perhaps this post may become lost among the literally thousands of tributes that are now online. I did not have the great fortune of knowing Wayman personally nor do I have any direct relationship to him or his family. I do, however, have a few friends who were blessed with the opportunity to work with and get to know this truly special person. Along with many others, I also had an indirect but meaningful interaction with him.

It seems that everyone to a person; family, friends, athletes, musicians, can probably close their eyes and see in their minds, that sunlight-bright smile that he generously shared with everyone he met, just as clearly as if they were looking directly at him. What a wonderful memory to be gifted with. I, along with countless others, with tears in my eyes, read and watched the moving tributes from so many of his loyal friends and fans. So many who emulated him, so many who were touched by him, so many who were drawn a little closer to God through him. What a legacy. His ‘walk’ truly measured up to the 6′ 9″ tower of potential that he was entrusted with.

One of the first backstage experiences I was ever able to share with my daughter was to watch Wayman and Kirk Whalum tear it up(!) onstage at the Music City J.A.M. a couple of years ago. I can still imagine her wide eyes, face lit up from the stage lights, as she danced with her mom to “Ain’t no stoppin’ us now”. I remember standing there, recalling his dominance in countless epic battles against my beloved Jayhawks and thinking it all a bit surreal to be standing so close to the “legend” as he displayed an equal command of this stage, effortlessly reeling off bass lines with the same soft touch of that graceful hook shot. My smile that night was from ear to ear.

Rest in Peace, Wayman. I will say a special prayer for your wife, your daughters, your granddaughter, family and friends in their time of loss. May their grief be lightened by the knowledge that you are free of your pain and now stand strong and proud, basking in the warmth of God’s loving smile.

It is 1:23am as I am writing this. Just sent a quick note to the band to tell them “Thank You”. Off to bed, but what an incredible night!! One of those feelings where you can’t imagine how it could feel better than this…..that kind of feeling.

More to come.

I am Truly Blessed.

I cannot tell you how blessed I feel having had the run I’ve had over the past almost three years now. It all started with a monthly slot as a guest at Johnny Cascone’s in Overland Park, with Mike Ning and Jim Mair (Director of Jazz Studies at Kansas City, Kansas Community College and The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra). During a break one night, Jim suggested I call George, the owner of Cascone’s in North Kansas City, as they were looking for a Friday night steady act. Jimmy, the owner of Johnny’s, recommended me to George (his brother) and “Bam!”, I was hired. One year later they added Saturdays and now here we are. The Cascone Family has treated me like a star and for that, I am truly grateful. With an All-Star lineup to come in and accompany me (Paul Smith, Rod Fleeman, Danny Embrey, Allen Monroe, Charles Williams, Tom Pender, Dan Daluca, Greg Richter, Monte Muza), incredible subs (Kathleen Holeman, Lori Tucker, the Kinetic Trio) and a few select exceptional young players like Michael Stephenson, I am proud of the fact that we have provided a well-rounded and high-quality product. As an artist who is travelling more and more, to have this steady “Home Base” is priceless.

Last night, one of my wife’s co-workers stopped in with his wife. They paid me the highest compliment. They said that when it is time for their son to go to sleep, they play our CD to help soothe him. How cool is that? Later in the evening I met a gentleman who is a fellow Army vet. It so happens that he has known my former commander, Colonel Gary F. Lamb, for years. Col. Lamb assumed command of The United States Army Band, “Pershing’s Own” during my second year with the unit. Another small world moment.

Today, Rod came over and we worked again on the last few charts for “CHRISTMAS Hymns in the Key of Jazz”. I am really excited about how this will come together. Shyann came down and went over her song, “I Wonder as I Wander”, and man. You think you can’t be more proud of your kids and then they just blow you away sometimes. She is going to be awesome! If nothing else, I love being able to set the “stage” for her to shine. This reminds me: Have you marked your calendar? Friday, December 5th, 7:30pm. Cure’ of Ars, 9401 Mission Road, Leawood, KS.

At tonight’s gig, Jim and I were swapping stories about gigs here in KC. He said something that is quite true. You can be in the middle of certain musician groups here and never meet other groups. Although we did establish that he was playing in the City Lights Orchestra at Chang’s (a short-lived Chinese restaurant with jazz music in Topeka) back in 1989 when I went for Homecoming while at Hayden High School. He also knew a fellow who played at Harry Starker’s on the Country Club Plaza at the same time I would go and see my friend Hal Wakes sing there, too. It just goes to show. You can see someone a million times, pass them or bump into them and only sometime 8 years later, actually meet them.

This evening I exchanged a message with Denny, my manager Susan’s husband. Susan underwent a significant surgery last week and has a long road of recovery ahead of her. God was certainly watching over her as He always does. I think that spouses who show such incredible support and loyalty deserve every accolade in the world. Those who live out and respect their vows should be held up high as examples and role models.

I can’t follow that. Denny is my Hero of the Day.

Wow! All of cyberspace is ready to be filled with many-a-wise statements. I don’t know quite where to begin! As my best friend Caleb Green once said, “It’s doesn’t happen often. Ron Gutierrez: speechless”. So, how about we start with a bit of what is happening in Gutierrez World today?

I’m just about to head out and make progress with our leaves. This is Day Two of the battle. Last year, we made a priceless investment in a great Toro leaf blower that also mulches. What a back saver! Unfortunately, it doesn’t do much about the COOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOLD!!!!!

Had a gig the other night with Kerry Strayer and The New Kansas City 7. We were performing atop the Aladdin Hotel (Holiday Inn) in downtown Kansas City, for The Perfect Wedding Guide. They are very nice folks. (The owner said he remembered me from a CEF (Catholic Education Foundation) event I did with the St. Thomas Aquinas Chorale a few weeks ago. Joe Heidesch is their Director and they are really quite good.) Quick note: The Aladdin is a beautifully restored boutique hotel. At the end of the night, the elevators were jammed, so Barry Springer, James Albright and I decided to do the 16 floor walk-down. In case you were wondering if this is a good idea….not so much. Although, I now have an updated version of the old tried and true exhortation for my daughter: “So if your musician friend walks down 16 flights of stairs does that mean you’re going to, too?”

Lemming anyone?

Read all about Ron’s music on the new blog!

I’ll post here regularly - so you’ll know everything that’s going on.