Review: SRJO, Jimmy Heath: The Endless Search

Posted 28 July, 2010 in Seattle Jazz - (0) comments

from All About Jazz.com.

Tenor saxophonist Jimmy Heath is highly respected by his peers and by serious listeners, but he isn’t well known outside the jazz world in the way that Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, John Coltrane are. He played with those legends and many more. He formed The Heath Brothers in 1975 with his siblings, drummer Albert “Tootie Heath and bassist Percy Heath, and has penned numerous tunes that have become classics, including “CTA” and “Gingerbread Boy.” Like Gillespie before him, he reaches beyond jazz in his endless artistic search, having penned suites, compositions for string quartets and a symphonic work.

The Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra, under the dual directorships of drummer Clarence Acox and multiple reedman Michael Brockman, enticed Heath into their fold for the timeless and marvelous Jimmy Heath: The Endless Search Suite. It is an orchestral offering that leaps out of the speakers with a rich fanfare of gorgeous harmony and tight rhythmic zest. Then Heath solos, and proves himself—for those unfamiliar—a giant of melodic invention and improvisational energy; in his eighth decade, and still kickin’ it. For comparison’s sake, Heath the soloist is probably closest to a fellow under-sung tenor man, George Coleman—another all-too-brief Davis cohort. Both saxophonists stay firmly within the mainstream, with extraordinary intelligence, invention and no-holds-barred verve.

Besides Heath’s efforts, there is no shortage of premier soloing happening in the Seattle Repertory Orchestra. On the suite itself, Brockman wields an alto axe that cranks up the intensity a notch, giving way to a bright and shining trumpet turn by Jay Thomas. All this in the eight-plus minute “Part I.” It stays just as stellar in “Part III: Where It Started.” Heath, pianist Randy Halberstadt, the inimitable tenorist Hadley Caliman, and an especially inspired David Marriott, Jr. on trombone, all take things to the highest level of jazz improvisation.

Continue reading at All About Jazz.com.

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Friday Jazz

Posted 23 July, 2010 in Seattle Jazz - (0) comments

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: Stephanie Porter Quartet

BAKE’S PLACE: Greta Matassa: The Music of Ray Charles

NEW ORLEANS: Thomas Marriott’s Flexicon

LATONA PUB: Hadley Caliman, Phil Sparks & Matt Jorgensen
(5:00-7:00pm, no cover)

EGAN’S BALLARD JAM HOUSE:
7pm – Hugh Sutton and Susan Harper
9pm – Honeypie, with Kristy Smith (vocals/guitar/ukelele), Dawn Clement (vocals/piano/nord-electro), Geoff Harper (bass) and Steve Smith (drums)

BOXLEY’S: Clark Gibson Trio

AMORE: Lonnie Williams

LAKESIDE BISTRO: Deems Tsutakawa

JAZZ VOX: Dena DeRose & Chuck Deardorf

THE CHAPEL: Andy Hayleck & Paul Neidhardt

LUCID: Mack Grout Group

SERAFINA: Fred Hoadley Trio

NORTH CITY BISTRO: Gail Pettis Trio

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The Music of Wayne Shorter – Saturday at Tula’s

Posted 22 July, 2010 in Seattle Jazz - (0) comments

MUSIC OF WAYNE SHORTER FOR BRASS
w/Tom Varner, Thomas Marriott and Dave Marriott

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB
2214 2nd Ave, Seattle
7:30pm $15

from Tom Varner:
Tom Varner, Thomas Marriott, David Marriott: The Wayne’ing Brass (New Looks at the Music of Wayne Shorter, with a brass trio–trumpet, horn, trombone, with piano, bass, and drums). With Bill Anschell, piano, Phil Sparks, bass, and Matt Jorgensen, drums.

I have always loved the soulful, intelligent, and searching music of Wayne Shorter, from his three-horn writing for Art Blakey to his more recent projects such as “Alegria.” I’m really excited that the David and Thomas Marriott will join me on an “all-brass Shorter celebration,” and I’m sure that the crack rhythm section of Anschell, Sparks, and Jorgensen will UP the party and keep us honest. A big thanks to David M. for providing the lion’s share of the charts. I haven’t played with a tpt/bone/horn sextet since moving to Seattle in ’05, and I LOVE this sound. Come on over and join us at Tula’s this Saturday, July 24!

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Ray Vega and Thomas Marriott talk about new CD

Posted 22 July, 2010 in Seattle Jazz - (0) comments

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Photos: Hadley Caliman Quintet at Jazz Alley

Posted 19 July, 2010 in Seattle Jazz - (0) comments

There was a packed house last night at Jazz Alley to hear Hadley Caliman’s Quintet featuring Thomas Marriott, Bill Anschell, Phil Sparks and Matt Jorgensen.

The audience was treated to a 90-minute set by the Seattle jazz legend who performed material from his two recent CDs, Straight Ahead and Gratitude. Vocalist Gail Pettis made a special appearance on two songs as well.

Photos by Carolyn Caster

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Sunday Jazz

Posted 18 July, 2010 in Seattle Jazz - (0) comments

JAZZ ALLEY: Hadley Caliman Quintet w/Thomas Marriott

TULAS JAZZ CLUB:
3pm – Jay Thomas Big Band
8pm – Jim Cutler Jazz Orchestra

BOXLEY’S: Danny Kolke Trio

CAFE RACER: Racer Sessions
5828 Roosevelt Way NE, 8pm

BAKE’S PLACE: Sunday Breakfast w/ Michael Gotz

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Thursday Jazz

Posted 15 July, 2010 in Seattle Jazz - (0) comments

SAM Sculpture Park: Thomas Marriott & Tumbao
5:30pm, Free, 2901 Western Avenue

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: Sonando

BARCA: Clark Gibson Trio

LUCID: The Hang w/ The Teaching

NEW ORLEANS: Ham Carson Quintet

THAIKU: Jon Alberts, Jeff Johnson & Tad Britton

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Hadley Caliman at Jazz Alley this Sunday, July 18

Posted 14 July, 2010 in Seattle Jazz - (0) comments

Come support this Seattle legend at this rare Jazz Alley appearance.

Celebrating Hadley Caliman with Thomas Marriott

July 18 – Jazz Alley
2033 6th Avenue
7:30pm, $12.00

Click here to make a reservation for this show or call 206-441-9729.

The Pacific Jazz Institute at Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley presents saxophonist Hadley Caliman with trumpeter Thomas Marriott. Joining them will be Bill Anschell (piano), Phil Sparks (bass) and Matt Jorgensen (drums). Show time is 7:30pm, doors will open at 6:00pm.

Tenor saxophonist Hadley Caliman is part of the living history of jazz music in America. From Dexter Gordon to Freddie Hubbard to Santana to Phoebe Snow through to his recent critically-acclaimed “Gratitude,” Hadley Caliman’s 78 years has been filled with the kind of personal achievement that all creative artists strive for. His influence on the sound of modern jazz music can be heard on many of his albums as a leader. On “Straight Ahead,” Hadley Caliman visits some of his favorite tunes including his old friend Harold Land’s “Rapture,” the Lee Morgan classic “Totem Pole,” and with his own original “Cigar Eddie,” he provides a spirited opening to another classic recording. Featuring his working Seattle band with trumpeter Thomas Marriott, pianist Eric Verlinde, Phil Sparks on bass, and Matt Jorgensen on drums, “Straight Ahead” is another clear example of a living legend in top form.

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Friday Jazz

Posted 9 July, 2010 in Seattle Jazz - (0) comments

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: Hadley Caliman Quintet w/ Thomas Marriott

NEW ORLEANS: Stuart MacDonald Quartet

JAZZ ALLEY: Steve Tyrell

BAKE’S PLACE: Greta Matassa with special guests Gary Scott & Bill Ramsay

LAKESIDE BISTRO: Deems Tsutakawa

LUCID: Lisa Markley

SERAFINA: Djangomatics

NORTH CITY BISTRO: Stephanie Porter & Friends

CHAPEL: Boris Savoldelli

BOXLEY’S: Clark Gibson Trio

HIROSHI’S: Greg Williamson Quartet

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Thursday Jazz

Posted 8 July, 2010 in Seattle Jazz - (0) comments

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: NATHAN EKLUND GROUP w/Mark Taylor, Dawn Clement, Chris Symer, Byron Vannoy
CD RELEASE FOR ‘Coin Flip’

SEATTLE ART MUSEUM: Pearl Django
Entering their sixteenth year of performing Pearl Django continues to be one of America’s most respected and busiest Hot Club style groups. Though still strongly influenced by the music of Django Reinhardt, Pearl Django’s repertoire now includes many original compositions. Their music reaches out across the divides of taste to a wide variety of audiences. Transcending simple categorization, Pearl Django packs in enthusiastic audiences at dancehalls and nightclubs, at folk music festivals and jazz festivals alike. This performance continues Earshot’s Art of Jazz series at the Seattle Art Museum Downtown. The concert is free with museum admission and the performance begins at 5:30pm.

JAZZ ALLEY: Steve Tyrell

THAIKU: Jon Alberts, Jeff Johnson and Tad Britton

SEAMONSTER LOUNGE: Ron Weinstein, Thomas Marriott and Matt Jorgensen

NEW ORLEANS: Ham Carson Quintet

EGAN’S BALLARD JAM HOUSE:
7pm – Alika Lyman Group, with Alika Lyman (guitar), Matthew Mcclosky (piano), Jonathan Small (bass) and Maxx Arnold (drums)
9pm – Laura Rebelloso and the Chris Stover Trio, featuring Chris Stover (trombone), Ben Thomas (vibes) and Alex Chadsey (piano)

BOXLEY’S: Zachary Kellogg CD Release

BARCA: Clark Gibson Trio

LUCID: The Hang w/ The Teaching

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Friday Jazz

Posted 2 July, 2010 in Seattle Jazz - (0) comments

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: Richard Cole Quartet

NEW ORLEANS: Thomas Marriott’s Flexicon

JAZZ ALLEY: Keiko Matsui

TRIPLE DOOR MUSICQUARIUM:
5:30pm: Monarch Duo
9:00pm: Waterbabies

EGAN’S BALLARD JAM HOUSE:
7pm – Dan O’Brien Trio, with Kim Rushing (vocals) – featuring Dan O’Brien (bass), Steve Rice (piano) and Robert Rushing (drums)
9pm – Dina Blade CD Release! with Hans Brehmer (piano) and Larry Halloway (bass).

BAKE’S PLACE: Greta Matassa with wpecial guest Susan Pascal

BOXLEY’S: Clark Gibson Trio

LATONA PUB: Phil Sparks Trio

LAKESIDE BISTRO: Sandra Locklear

CYPRUS LOUNGE: Geoffrey Castle

THE CHAPEL: Seattle Composers’ Salon

HIROSHI’S: Jazz & Sushi

SERAFINA: Kelly Ash Trio

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Photos: East-West Trumpet Summit Release

Posted 28 June, 2010 in Seattle Jazz - (0) comments

from Daniel Sheehan at eyeshotjazz.com

Thomas Marriott celebrated the release of his new CD, “East-West Trumpet Summit“, which is currently #1 on the JazzWeek National Airplay Chart and was recently featured on NPR’s Morning Edition. The “East” portion of the Trumpet Summit is usually Ray Vega, but because of family commitments Vega wasn’t able to make this performance. In his absence, Vern Sielert (still “East” of Seattle as Sielert is now teaching in Idaho), joined the band which also featured Bill Anschell on piano, Phil Sparks on bass and Matt Jorgensen on drums. A great sound on a summer evening.

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Thursday Jazz

Posted 24 June, 2010 in Seattle Jazz - (0) comments

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: Thomas Marriott CD RELEASE: “East-West Trumpet Summit”

JAZZ ALLEY: Bobby Caldwell and The Pony Boy Orchestra

THAIKU: Jon Alberts, Jeff Johnson and Tad Britton

NEW ORLEANS: Ham Carson Quintet

EGAN’S BALLARD JAM HOUSE:
7pm – “Swing Into Summer” featuring Chip Parker, with Darin Clendenin (piano), Clipper Anderson (bass) and Mark Ivestor (drums)
9pm – Nathan Eklund Group, with Nathan Eklund (trumpet/flugel), Mark Taylor (saxophones), Dawn Clement (piano), Chris Symer (bass) and Byron Vannoy (drums) – CD Release!

BARCA: Clark Gibson Trio

LUCID: The Hang w/ The Teaching

HI-FIDELITY LOUNGE: Ray Ohls Trio
2711 6th St, Bremerton, 8:30pm

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CD Release Parties this week at Tula’s

Posted 22 June, 2010 in Seattle Jazz - (0) comments

This week Tula’s Jazz Club features two CD Release Parties featuring groups with Seattle and national connections.

On Wednesday, June 23, drummer Jon Wikan returns to town for the release of “American Rock Beauty” with Danish guitarist Torben Waldorff and New York saxophonist John Ellis.

Thursday night, June 24, Thomas Marriott celebrates the release of his new CD, “East-West Trumpet Summit“, which is currently #1 on the JazzWeek National Airplay Chart and was recently featured on NPR’s Morning Edition. The “East” portion of the Trumpet Summit is usually Ray Vega, but because of family commitments Vega wasn’t able to make this performance. In his absence, Vern Sielert (still “East” of Seattle as Sielert is now teaching in Idaho), will join the band which also features Bill Anschell on piano, Phil Sparks on bass and Matt Jorgensen on drums.

Make sure and call Tula’s and make a reservation for these events (206-443-4221).

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB
2214 2nd Avenue
Seattle
206-443-4221

http://www.tulas.com

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Friday Jazz

Posted 18 June, 2010 in Seattle Jazz - (0) comments

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: Susan Pascal Quartet

JAZZ ALLEY: Joshua Redman, Aaron Parks, Matt Penman & Eric Harland as JAMES FARM

TRIPLE DOOR MUSICQUARIUM: Peter Schmeeckle Sextet (5:30pm)

NEW ORLEANS: Thomas Marriott’s Flexicon

BAKE’S PLACE: Gail Pettis with special guest Darren Motamedy

LATONA PUB: Phil Sparks Trio

AMORE: Lonnie Williams

THE CHAPEL: Seattle Pianist Collective
from Earshot Jazz: The Seattle Pianist Collective performs an eclectic and dynamic program of works by only living composers. The program will include works by Henryk Gorecki, Wayne Horvitz, and Peter V Stevens, featuring new pieces for piano and Buddha Machine. Seattle Pianist Collective members performing at this concert include local stars Dawn Clement, Julie Ives, Michael Owcharuk, Peter V Stevens, and Kelly Wyse. The Seattle Pianist Collective’s mission is to present engaging and open programs of new and used music for piano. For more information about the collective and to hear them in action, visit myspace.com/seattlepianocollective. Night of the Living composers is Friday, June 18 at the Chapel Performance Space in the Good Shepherd Center in Wallingford at 8pm.

SERAFINA: Karin Kajita

HIROSHI’S: Jazz & Sushi

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Thomas Marriott & Ray Vega reaches #1 on JazzWeek

Posted 15 June, 2010 in Seattle Jazz - (0) comments

Thomas Marriott and Ray Vega’s new CD, East-West Trumpet Summit, just reached the #1 spot on JazzWeek’s National Airplay Chart. This is the first Origin title to reach the top spot. Earlier this year Hadley Caliman’s Straight Ahead (which also features Thomas Marriott) spent two weeks at #2.

You can hear samples and buy East-West Trumpet Summit at Origin Records’ website.

JAZZWEEK TOP 10:

1 RAY VEGA & THOMAS MARRIOTT East-West Trumpet Summit (Origin)
2 TROMBONE SHORTY Backatown (Verve Forecast)
3 DR. LONNIE SMITH Spiral (Palmetto)
4 JOE CHAMBERS Horace To Max (Savant)
5 ONE FOR ALL Incorrigible (JLP)
6 BRAD MEHLDAU Highway Rider (Nonesuch)
7 KEITH JARRETT & CHARLIE HADEN Jasmine (ECM)
8 BILL CHARLAP & RENEE ROSNES Double Portrait (Blue Note)
8 NNENNA FREELON Homefree (Concord)
10 JOHN FEDCHOCK Live At The Red Sea Jazz Festival (Capri)

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