One of the greats on the KC music scene has died

[proud2BlibKansan]

Scott Korchak, singer and trumpet player of the Blue Riddim Band, passed away Saturday, Sept. 15, 2007. He was 57. He had been in an induced coma in intensive care in Kansas City for several days undergoing treatment for severe liver disease, according to his longtime friend and Blue Riddim Band co-founder/drummer Steve McLane.

Korchak was one of the group’s two talented singers (the other, Bob Zohn, passed away in the mid-1980s). Korchak can be heard on the albums Alive in Jamaica (the Grammy nominated recording of the band’s historic 1982 Reggae Sunsplash performance) and Restless Spirit. He was also the vocalist on the group’s novelty hit, “Nancy Reagan,” a track that belied the seriousness of Blue Riddim’s approach to its music, which through years of touring across the U.S. earned it a sterling reputation and the honor of being the first U.S.-based band to play at Jamaica’s Reggae Sunsplash.

Blue Riddim emerged in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1977 as Pat’s Blue Riddim out of the core members of Rhythm Funkshun. In 1986, Blue Riddim morphed into S.D.I. (Strategic Dance Initiative) without Korchak. After a brief stint in Ohio, Korchak returned to Kansas City to form New Riddim. Blue Riddim resumed performing again under its original name in the mid-90s and backed artists including Big Youth, Ernie Smith, and Trevor Roper of Chalice at various concerts.

Korchak was gifted with a soulful voice that lent itself exceptionally well to Blue Riddim’s heartfelt interpretations of Jamaican ska, rock steady, and reggae. His performances of “Smile,” “Feeling Soul,” and “Cuss Cuss” are highlights of the Sunsplash album. As members of the band and those in attendance often remember, it was during the performance of “Smile,” just after 5 in the morning and just as Scotti sang “it’s best to rise with the smile on your face” that the Sun crept over the mountains, illuminating Jarrett Park, and within minutes 20,000 people were dancing and ‘feeling soul.’

Korchak is survived by his parents, Tom and Janice, daughters Maryssa and Kyra, and three sisters, Claudia, Christie, and Jennifer.

http://www.bloodandfire.co.uk/db/viewtopic.php?t=24085

Scotty was a good friend. My kids just worshiped him and are devastated by this loss.

The story of the Blue Riddim band is very interesting. They were a bunch of white kids from Johnson County who went to Jamaica to learn reggae and quickly rose to the top of that industry. They are the only local band I know of (in recent years) that has been nominated for a Grammy.

A memorial concert is planned for October 6. PM me if you want more info.

[evlbstrd]

1. And they used to play the Jewelled Crawdad Ball every year.

Those were the days.

[proud2BlibKansan]

2. Yes I remember those days

This memorial concert ought to be great. They put it off for a few weeks so musicians from al over the country could come.

Plus it will be on proud kid's birthday. :)

[evlbstrd]

3. Where will it be held?

[proud2BlibKansan]

4. Proud Jr thinks in Lawrence

at Liberty Hall. But we don't know for sure yet. I will let you know. It's bound to be a great show.

[evlbstrd]

5. Thanks.

Tell Jr I'm sorry.

[proud2BlibKansan]

6. I will - thanks

[proud2BlibKansan]

7. Sat Oct 6

1 pm to 4 pm
Grinders’ Restaurant (Crossroads KC Outdoor Theater)
417 East 18th St., (just east of Oak)
KCMO
there will be a lineup of KC-based reggae bands, to possibly include but not limited to Blue Riddim/SDI/Green Card, the New New Riddim Band, the Sex Police, maybe Urban Safari. Grinder’s is already having a microbrewery festival going on, and are allowing us to commandeer the stage from 1 to 4.

later (~7pm until…)
G’s Jamaican Cuisine
7940 Troost
KCMO
anyone who wants to continue the party is invited to G’s for an after-party. G’s is Kansas City’s longest running Jamaican restaurant and reggae party spot.