Portland trumpeter Thara Memory shares Grammy win with Esperanza Spalding

Legendary Portland trumpeter Thara Memory and vocalist Esperanza Spalding won the Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Arrangement with Accompanying Vocalist for the arrangement of City of Roses from Spalding’s recording Radio Music Society.

Those of us in the Northwest know what an impact Thara Memory has had on the Portland and Northwest jazz community. Check out the video above and Spalding’s acknowledgement of Thara Memory influence on her.

Wednesday Jazz

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: Hal Sherman’s Bellevue College Big Band
2214 2nd Ave, 206-443-4221, 7:30pm

ROYAL ROOM: Jay Clayton
5000 Rainier Avenue South, 8:00pm

JAZZ ALLEY: Janiva Magness with Special Guest Cindy Alexander
2033 6th Ave, 206-441-9729, 7:30pm

NEW ORLEANS: The Legacy Band with Clarence Acox
114 First Ave S, 206-622-2563, 7:00pm

BOXLEY’S: 5:00pm: Future Jazz Heads; 7:00pm: Jazz Heads
101 West North Bend Way, North Bend, WA, 425-292-9307, 7:00pm

418 PUBLIC HOUSE: 418 session w/ Claudio Rochat-Felix
418 NW 65th St, 9:00pm

OWL ‘N THISTLE: Skerik Trio
808 Post Ave, 206-621-7777, 9:30pm

VITO’S: Jerry Zimmerman
927 9th Ave, Seattle, 206-682-2695, 8:00pm

CAFE CON LECHE: Brazilian jam w/ Jeff Busch
2901 1st Ave South, Seattle, 9:00pm

EGAN’S BALLARD JAM HOUSE:
7pm – Vocal Showcase featuring Chip Parker, Lizzie Clauss and Bradley Leavens
9pm – Vocal Jam hosted by Julie Olson
1707 NW Market Street, Seattle, 206-789-1621

Innovative jazz trumpeter Donald Byrd dies at 80

via AP:

Jazz musician Donald Byrd, a leading hard-bop trumpeter of the 1950s who collaborated on dozens of albums with top artists of his time and later enjoyed commercial success with hit jazz-funk fusion records such as “Black Byrd,” has died. He was 80.

He died Feb. 4 in Delaware, according to Haley Funeral Directors in the Detroit suburb of Southfield, Mich., which is handling arrangements. It didn’t have details on his death.

Byrd, who was also a pioneer in jazz education, attended Cass Technical High School in Detroit, played in military bands in the Air Force and moved to New York in 1955. The trumpeter, whose given name was Donaldson Toussaint L’Ouverture Byrd II, rose to national prominence when he joined Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers later that year, filling the seat in the bebop group held by his idol Clifford Brown.

He soon became one of the most in-demand trumpeters on the New York scene, playing with Max Roach, Sonny Rollins, John Coltrane and Thelonious Monk. He also began his recording career by leading sessions for Savoy and other labels.

In 1958, he signed an exclusive recording contract with the Blue Note label and formed a band with a fellow Detroit native, baritone saxophonist Pepper Adams, making their label debut with the 1959 album “Off to the Races.” The band became one of the leading exponents of the hard-bop style, which evolved from bebop and blended in elements of R&B, soul and gospel music. A 1961 recording, “Free Form,” brought attention to then 20-year-old pianist Herbie Hancock.

Continue reading at The Seattle Times.

Review: Hardcoretet at the Triple Door

On The Scene with Howard LonderON THE SCENE WITH HOWARD LONDNER

Jan 17, 2013
Hardcoretet at the Triple Door
Art Brown – alto sax
Aaron Otheim – keyboard
Tim Carey – electric bass
Tarik Abouzied – drums

These young men play in a jazz fusion genre. Not my favorite kind of jazz. Tarik explained it to me on the break,… Older jazz tunes the head (the A) is played, then all the solos (the B), longer solos than with fusion stuff, then the head (the A) to finish up. With fusion songs the head will be played multiple times with one solo between each time the head is played. Tarik, I hope I got it right. If not, please write in and correct me. I owe you a beer ( there you go dude, I put it in writing!).

The main thing I didn’t care for is that their harmony was too tight. I prefer a little more edginess between the bass and keyboards. Sometimes I couldn’t tell where the keyboards left off and where the bass began. Besides that I had a real good time listening to these four guys.

They played some Herbie Hancock tunes, a lot of originals, and I thought I recognized one song from a Dave Holland CD.

Read More

Tuesday Jazz

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: Emerald City Jazz Orchestra
2214 2nd Ave, 206-443-4221, 7:30pm

EGAN’S BALLARD JAM HOUSE: Dina Blade Student Showcase with the Hans Bremer Trio
1707 NW Market Street, Seattle, 206-789-1621, 7:00pm

JAZZ ALLEY: Janiva Magness with Special Guest Cindy Alexander
2033 6th Ave, 206-441-9729, 7:30pm

OWL ‘N THISTLE: Jam w/ Ryan Burns & Mark Taylor
808 Post Ave, 206-621-7777, 10:00pm

SEAMONSTER LOUNGE: McTuff Trio
2202 N 45th St, 206-633-1824, 10:00pm

COPPER GATE: Suffering F#ckheads
6301 24th Ave NW, 206-706-3292, 8:00pm

BOXLEY’S: Mardi Gras
101 West North Bend Way, North Bend, WA, 425-292-9307, 7:00pm

BAKE’S PLACE: Milo Peterson Trio
155 108th Ave NE, Bellevue, (425) 454-2776, 8:00pm

Monday Jazz

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: David Marriott Big Band
2214 Second Ave, 206-443-4221, 7:30pm

NEW ORLEANS: New Orleans Quintet
114 First Ave S, 206-622-2563, 7:00pm

EL GAUCHO: Paul Richardson
2505 1st Ave, 6:00pm

PARATII: Paratii session w/ Jeff Busch
5463 Leary Ave NW, 206-420-7406, 9:00pm

EL GAUCHO BELLEVUE: Primo Kim
555 110th Ave NE, Bellevue, 425-455-2734, 6:00pm

WHITE RABBIT: Michael Shrieve’s Spellbinder
513 N 36th St Suite E, Seattle, 9:30pm

STILL LIQUOR: O’Brien & Kessler Trio w/ Nate Parker
1524 Minor Ave, Seattle, 9:00pm

ROYAL ROOM: Majestical Quintet
5000 Rainier Ave South, Seattle, 8:00PM

BOXLEY’S: 5:00pm: Mt Si Vocal Workshop; 7:00pm: CCK Workshop
101 West North Bend Way, North Bend, WA, 425-292-9307

Photos: Clave Gringa at Tula’s

By Jim Levitt

Eariler this week I made it to Tula’s for a show by Clave Gringa, the band helmed by Ann Reynolds, with a decidedly Cuban flavor. Here’s a selection of photos.

A couple of Ann’s friends from the Afro-Cuban All-Stars (playing at Jazz Alley) came by after they finished their own set, but they got to Tula’s after Clave Gringa had wrapped up. Too bad!

Sunday Jazz

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: 3:00pm: Jazz Police Big Band; 8:00pm: Jim Cutler Jazz Orchestra
2214 2nd Ave, 206-443-4221

JAZZ ALLEY: Juan de Marcos and the Afro-Cuban All Stars
2033 6th Ave, 206-441-9729, 7:30pm

BOXLEY’S: Danny Kolke Trio
101 West North Bend Way, North Bend, WA, 425-292-9307, 6:00pm

TRIPLE DOOR MUSICQUARIUM: Seattle Jazz Composers Ensemble
216 Union Street, 206-838-4333, 8:00pm

CAFE RACER: Lorin Benedict
5828 Roosevelt Way NE, 8pm
{click here to read a Seattle Jazz Scene review of The Racer Sessions}

DARRELL’S TAVERN: Kevin Mccarthy & Friends Jam Session
18041 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline, 8:00pm

SERAFINA: 11am: Alex Guilbert Duo; 6:30pm: Ann Reynolds & Burt Boice
2043 Eastlake Ave E, 206-323-0807

VITO’S LOUNGE: 6pm: Ruby Bishop; 9:30pm: Ron Weinstein Trio
927 9th Ave, Seattle, 6:00pm

PROHIBITION GRILL: Bob Strickland jam
1414 Hewitt Ave, Everett, 425-258-6100, 5:00pm

ROYAL ROOM: Mats Eilertsen Trio
5000 Rainier Avenue South, 206-906-9920, 9:30pm

Review: Ply at Cafe Racer

 

ON THE SCENE WITH HOWARD LONDNER

On The Scene with Howard Londer

Jan 06, 2013
The Racer Sessions, Cafe Racer

Curators:
PLY
Michael Owcharuk- keyboard
Beth Fleener – clarinet
Paul Kemmish – double bass

The compositions were a M. Owchurak gig. The music was carefully crafted.
Mr Owcharuk played ok, helping give the music a little more fullness, that is, rounding it out. Giving the sound more depth. It didn’t need much of that as Mr Kemmish and Ms Fleener owned the place.

I’ve heard PK (Paul Kemmish) play double bass before, and I wasn’t really paying a whole lot of attention. I have heard him play bass guitar, and that’s very good. Now I just want to hear him play double bass. ‘Cause, man, he sounded very, very good. One solo he took was exciting, excellent.

Ms Fleener plays clarinet like a dream. Enjoyable, with substance, drive, as beautiful art. Great tone, clear, crisp and deep as appropriate.Wonderfully expressed. If you get a chance to hear her play, do it! She writes a whole new page for clarinet.

The way they do things at the Racer Sessions… after the evening curator(s) give an initial presentation (usually btween 15 to 30 minutes) things open up for anyone to come up and play. Music starts at 8, quits at 10. After the curator it’s no holds barred. Usually one person will start playing and others will join in, completely spontaneous.

You can take this to the bank… the Racer Session is the most happening weekly gig in Seattle! These are good kids, trying to make a difference in this world, their way, with music. I hang there almost every Sunday night if I’m not at the Royal Room. Sometimes I don’t care for the music,sometimes it’s kinda disjointed. After doing it for three years, these kids are starting to really get it together and play stuff harmoniously, with a lot of pop, spirit, and excitement. The slower tunes are making more sense. Later this night Jacob Zimmerman playing alto and Neil Welch on tenor did a great wonderful duet.

Ya better get down here. ‘Cause the next round of great jazz and music in general, in Seattle, will be coming from here. And no cover, always good. Thanks to all the great musicians at the Racer, and thanks for reading.

Saturday Jazz

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: Susan Pascal Quartet with Chuck Deardorf, Bill Anschell & Mark Ivester
2214 2nd Ave, 206-443-4221, 7:30pm

JAZZVOX CONCERTS: John Proulx w/ Chuck Kistler
for more information: Jazzvox.com, 8:00pm

BOXLEY’S: Diana Page Quartet
101 West North Bend Way, North Bend, WA, 425-292-9307, 7:00pm

JAZZ ALLEY: Juan de Marcos and the Afro-Cuban All Stars
2033 6th Ave, 206-441-9729, 7:30 & 10:00pm

LAKESIDE BISTRO: Murl Allen Sanders
11425 Rainier Avenue South, Seattle, 206-772-6891

SERAFINA: Jose “Juicy” Gonzales, Jazz Trio
2043 Eastlake Ave E, 206-323-0807, 9:00pm

VITO’S: 6:00pm: Ruby Bishop; 9:30pm: The Fig Trio
927 9th Ave, Seattle, 206-682-2695

ROYAL ROOM: Marco Benevento
5000 Rainier Avenue South, 8:30pm

SCOTCH AND VINE: Scott Lindenmuth
22341 Marine View Dr S, Des Moines, 7:00pm

GRAZIE: Edward Paul Trio
23207 Bothell-Everett Hwy, Bothell, 425-402-9600, 7:00pm

Icelandic pianist Sunna Gunnlaugs, and Trombonasaurus Wrecks on KPLU’s Jazz NW, February 10

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A double bill featuring a piano trio from Iceland, and a six trombone band will be featured on Jazz Northwest on Sunday February 10 at 2 PM Pacific on 88.5, KPLU. The groups were recorded on separate occasions playing at Tula’s in Seattle. Pianist Sunna Gunnlaugs was born in Iceland but studied at William Paterson University in New Jersey and lived in Brooklyn before returning to Iceland. She was in Seattle last Spring as part of a US tour in connection with her latest CD, Long Pair Bond. Her trio includes Porgrímur “Toggi” Jóhnsson on bass, and Scott McLemore on drums. The trio plays several original compositions from her latest CD. The Sunna Gunnlaugs Trio has recently been selected as The Offiical Band of Reykjavik 2013.

The second part of this Jazz Northwest features a six trombone band called Trombonasaurus Wrecks, reputedly hatched in Dan Marcus’ basement 40 million years ago. They play three beautifully crafted arrangements and orchestrations by Curt Berg (third from left above) of lyrical music associated with pianist Bill Evans.

Jazz Northwest is recorded and produced by Jim Wilke and features resident and visiting jazz artists. The program can be heard each Sunday at 2 PM Pacific on 88.5 KPLU and simultaneously streamed at kplu.org to internet listeners. The program is also available as a podcast following the broadcast.

Our next recording session is the Dmitri Matheny Quartet at Seattle Art Museum’s Art of Jazz concert at 5:30 PM, February 14. Highlights will air on February 24.

More info:
sunnagunnlaugs.com
curtberg.com
jazznw.org

Friday Jazz

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: Kelley Johnson Quartet
2214 2nd Ave, 206-443-4221, 7:30pm

JAZZ ALLEY: Juan de Marcos and the Afro-Cuban All Stars
2033 6th Ave, 206-441-9729, 7:30 & 10:00pm

HIROSHI’S: Jazz and Sushi
2501 Eastlake Ave E, 726-4966

LATONA PUB: Phil Sparks Trio
6423 Latona Avenue NE, 5:00 – 7:00pm, No Cover, 21+

NORTH CITY BISTRO: Greg Schroeder Trio
1520 NE 177th, Shoreline, (206) 365-4447, 7:00pm

SERAFINA: Tim Kennedy Trio
2043 Eastlake Ave E, 206-323-0807, 9pm

VITO’S: Casey MacGill
927 9th Ave, Seattle, 206-682-2695, 9:00pm

ROYAL ROOM: Piano Royale / Leni Stern / Erev Rav
5000 Rainier Avenue South, Seattle, 8:00pm

LAKESIDE BISTRO: Bistro jam w/ Thelxie Eaves, Michael Berman, Pavel Shepp
11425 Rainier Ave S, 206-772-6891, 7:00pm

GRAZIE: Edward Paul Trio
23207 Bothell-Everett Hwy, Bothell, 425-402-9600, 7:00pm

BOXLEY’S: Pete Peterson Trio
101 West North Bend Way, North Bend, WA, 425-292-9307, 7:00pm

EGAN’S BALLARD JAM HOUSE:
7pm – David Arteaga, with Hans Brehmer (piano), Geoff Cooke (bass), Steve Yusen (drums), plus special guest Stephanie Porter (vocals)
1707 NW Market Street , 206-789-1621

UNCLE THURMS: Jho Blenis w/Shelly Ely
3709 South G Street, Tacoma, (253) 475-1881, 7:30pm

Thursday Jazz

TRIPLE DOOR MUSICQUARIUM: Gregg Belisle-Chi Trio
218 Union Street, Seattle, 206-838-4333, 9:00pm

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: Clave Gringa
2214 Second Avenue, 206-443-4221, 7:30pm

JAZZ ALLEY: Juan de Marcos and the Afro-Cuban All Stars
2033 6th Ave, 206-441-9729, 7:30pm & 9:30pm
from Earshot Jazz: Buena Vista Social Club’s Juan de Marcos, guitar and vocals, is at Jazz Alley, February 7-10. Band members Gliceria (percussion), Glicy (keys and vocals), Lauri (bass and clarinet), Julito Padron (trumpet and flugelhorn), Yoanny Pino (trumpet and flugelhorn), Lazaro Oviedo (trumpet and flugelhorn), Alberto Pantalion (bass), Antonio Portuondo (timbale), Gabriel Hernandez (piano), Jose “Tony” Moreaux (bongo and cowbell), Roland Salgado (congas), Jose Pinera (vocals), Emilio Suarez (vocals) and Evelio Galan (vocals) are the same orchestra that can be seen in the Oscar-nominated Buena Vista Social Club documentary by Wim Wenders. Show times are 7:30pm, Thursday and Sunday, and 7:30pm and 9:30pm, Friday and Saturday. All sets are all ages. Admission is $35. Call Jazz Alley, (206) 441-9729, or TicketMaster, (206) 628-0888, for tickets.

LAKESIDE BISTRO: Lakeside Jam
11425 Rainier Ave S, 206-772-6891, 6:00pm

COPPER GATE: Jon Alberts, Jeff Johnson & Tad Britton
6301 24th Ave NW, 206-706-3292, 8:00pm

VITO’S: Jennifer Kienzle and Friends
927 9th Ave, Seattle, 206-682-2695, 8:00pm

BOXLEY’S: Oscar Peterson Tribute with Darin Clendenin
101 West North Bend Way, North Bend, WA, 425-292-9307, 7:00pm

BARCA: Phil Sparks / Adam Kessler Trio
1510 11th Avenue, Seattle, (206) 325-8263, 9:00pm

THE ROYAL ROOM: Alchymeia/ Orchestar Zirconium
5000 Rainier Avenue South, 8:00pm

Wednesday Jazz

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: Curt Berg with Jay Thomas, John Hansen, Chris Symer and Jarred Katz
2214 2nd Ave, 206-443-4221, 7:30pm

JAZZ ALLEY: 3 Brave Souls (John Beasley, Ronald Bruner, Jr., Darryl Jones, featuring singer Dwight Trible)
2033 6th Ave, 206-441-9729, 7:30pm

NEW ORLEANS: The Legacy Band with Clarence Acox
114 First Ave S, 206-622-2563, 7:00pm

BOXLEY’S: 5:00pm: Future Jazz Heads; 7:00pm: Jazz Heads
101 West North Bend Way, North Bend, WA, 425-292-9307, 7:00pm

418 PUBLIC HOUSE: 418 session w/ Claudio Rochat-Felix
418 NW 65th St, 9:00pm

OWL ‘N THISTLE: Skerik Trio
808 Post Ave, 206-621-7777, 9:30pm

VITO’S: Ben von Wildenhaus
927 9th Ave, Seattle, 206-682-2695, 8:00pm

CAFE CON LECHE: Brazilian jam w/ Jeff Busch
2901 1st Ave South, Seattle, 9:00pm

ROYAL ROOM: Free World Jazz/ Savani Jazz Quartet
5000 Rainier Avenue South, 8:00pm

Monday Jazz

JAZZ ALLEY: Kelly Harland Band
2033 6th Ave, 206-441-9729, 7:30pm

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: NrG
2214 Second Ave, 206-443-4221, 7:30pm

NEW ORLEANS: New Orleans Quintet
114 First Ave S, 206-622-2563, 7:00pm

EL GAUCHO: Paul Richardson
2505 1st Ave, 6:00pm

PARATII: Paratii session w/ Jeff Busch
5463 Leary Ave NW, 206-420-7406, 9:00pm

EL GAUCHO BELLEVUE: Primo Kim
555 110th Ave NE, Bellevue, 425-455-2734, 6:00pm

WHITE RABBIT: Michael Shrieve’s Spellbinder
513 N 36th St Suite E, Seattle, 9:30pm

STILL LIQUOR: O’Brien & Kessler Trio w/ Nate Parker
1524 Minor Ave, Seattle, 9:00pm

ROYAL ROOM: Michael Vlatkovich Quartet, Royal Room Collective Music Ensemble, Majestical Quintet
5000 Rainier Ave South, Seattle, 8:00PM

BOXLEY’S: Danny Kolke
101 West North Bend Way, North Bend, WA, 425-292-9307, 7:00pm

Kelly Harland Band at Jazz Alley on Monday

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4
JAZZ ALLEY
2033 6th Avenue
Show at 7:30pm
Reservation: (206) 441-9729

The Pacific Jazz Institute at Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley presents blues and soul group The Kelly Harland Band for one night only! Band members are Kelly Harland (vocals), Chuck Deardorf (bass), Danny Hoefer (guitar), Nick Moore (keyboards), Chris Leighton (drums), Johnaye Kendrick and Jimmie Herrod (background vocals). Set time on Monday is 7:30 pm, doors open at 6:00 pm.

Soul-stirring, impassioned, hard-grooving – these are words to describe rock-the-house performances by The Kelly Harland Band, led by vocalist Kelly Harland. The show will feature powerful blues ballads, original songs, and R&B gems – a return to Kelly’s days when she performed as a backup singer for Etta James and Ray Charles.

Having made her mark as an accomplished studio vocalist, songwriter and producer – and as an international recording artist on A&M and Origin Records in the worlds of both rock and jazz – in 2010 Kelly Harland turned to singing her seasoned brand of soul and never looked back. She gathered together the best of the Northwest’s blues

East-West Alliance on Jazz Northwest, 88.5 KPLU February 3

Jay Thomas

Atsushi Ikeda, Yasuhiro Kohama, Jay Thomas

Seattle musician Jay Thomas frequently performs in Japan and has become friends with numerous musicians there with whom he has performed and recorded.   A new release by this “East West Alliance” presents Jay in Japan with his friends and the CD is sampled on this week’s Jazz NW.  There’s also music by Vern Sielert’s Dektet, Kelley Johnson, Douce Ambiance (a string trio), some Latin jazz with Lary Barilleau and much more, including recommendations for live jazz in the coming week.

Jazz Northwest surveys the regional jazz scene each Sunday afternoon at 2 pm Pacific.  Jim Wilke is host for the program which airs on 88.5 KPLU and simultaneously streams to the internet and is available as a podcast at kplu.org following the broadcast.

(Jay Thomas Quartet and Kelley Johnson perform at the Jazz Vespers at Seattle First Baptist Church in Seattle this Sunday at 6 pm)

Friday Jazz

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: Johnaye Kendrick Quartet
2214 2nd Ave, 206-443-4221, 7:30pm

JAZZ ALLEY: Dr. John and his all-new band
2033 6th Ave, 206-441-9729, 7:30 & 10:00pm

HIROSHI’S: Jazz and Sushi
2501 Eastlake Ave E, 726-4966

LATONA PUB: Phil Sparks Trio
6423 Latona Avenue NE, 5:00 – 7:00pm, No Cover, 21+

NORTH CITY BISTRO: Michael Martinez Duo
1520 NE 177th, Shoreline, (206) 365-4447, 7:00pm

SERAFINA: Alex Guilbert Duo
2043 Eastlake Ave E, 206-323-0807, 9pm

VITO’S: Rat City Brass
927 9th Ave, Seattle, 206-682-2695, 9:00pm

ROYAL ROOM: Piano Royale/ Sonny Clark Memorial Sextet
5000 Rainier Avenue South, Seattle, 8:00pm

LAKESIDE BISTRO: Bistro jam w/ Thelxie Eaves, Michael Berman, Pavel Shepp
11425 Rainier Ave S, 206-772-6891, 7:00pm

GRAZIE: Andre Thomas and Quiet Fire
23207 Bothell-Everett Hwy, Bothell, 425-402-9600, 7:00pm

BOXLEY’S: Ham Carson Quartet w/ Bob Hammer, Michael Barnett, Patty Padden
101 West North Bend Way, North Bend, WA, 425-292-9307, 7:00pm

EGAN’S BALLARD JAM HOUSE:
7pm – Ross Eustis Quartet  performing “Dialects of Jazz” – originals inspired by his travels, standards from Sweden, South Africa, Brazil and Cuba
9pm – Flexicon with Thomas Marriott (trumpet), Rick Mandyck (piano), Phil Sparks (bass) and Luke Woodle (drums)
1707 NW Market Street , 206-789-1621

UNCLE THURMS: Urban Rhapsody
3709 South G Street, Tacoma, (253) 475-1881, 7:30pm