Seattle Jazz Scene

ON THE SCENE WITH HOWARD LONDNER

Boxley’s is a vanguard for jazz in the village of North Bend. It’s owner, Danny Kolke, leads a trio on Sunday nights. On Wednesday nights the local middle and high schoolers perform, The Future Jazzheads.  Never a cover. Good food, good drinks, friendly and attentive staff. Danny always wants you to have a good dinner and hear great music.

Feb 9, 2013 – The Diana Page Quartet
Diana Page – vocals
Darin Clendenin – piano
Nate Parker – double bass
Greg Williamson – drums

This quartet played two sets. The only things I disliked was the balance the first set, it was hard to hear the vocals, and Ms Page didn’t do any scat singing. What I like about scat singing is it frees the singer up, allows him or her to improvise outside the lyrics, and then they can really show their stuff. The more a singer does it, the more I like it.

I once heard another vocalist in the Seattle area describe Ms Page’s singing and presentation as “charming”. She is my second favorite singer in the Northwest after Johnaye Kendrick. Her voice is beautiful. Very lyrical, a high range. I’ve heard her sing “Body and Soul” before in a more traditional mournful sort of way.  Tonight she picked up the tempo and put a little edge on it. Cool. Which one do I like better? I don’t know, both great in their own way. Next song, “Bye bye Blackbird” also had some edge thrown in. Cool again.

Darin Clendenin played good. Good solos, and accompanied Diana beautifully. Nate Parker is a real steady cat. His bass is big and bold. His solos are like a pitcher throwing a bunch of well located fastballs, and then, a breaking ball, just enough to keep it interesting, making sure you better pay attention. Greg  Williamson was on the money as usual, really good fills. Read More

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: Kelley Johnson presents “The Offbeats” Vocal Jazz Group
2214 Second Avenue, 206-443-4221, 7:30pm

JAZZ ALLEY: Mindi Abair
2033 6th Ave, 206-441-9729, 7:30pm & 9:30pm

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: Adriana Giordano Quartet
927 9th Ave, Seattle, 206-682-2695, 8:00pm

BOXLEY’S: Chris Morton
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: Arthur Migliazza
5000 Rainier Avenue South, 8:00pm

JAZZ ALLEY: Chris Potter Quartet
2033 6th Ave, 206-441-9729, 7:30pm

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: Greta Matassa Jazz Workshop
2214 2nd Ave, 206-443-4221, 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

NAKED CITY BREWERY: Shawn Mickelson Quintet
8564 Greenwood Ave N, 7:00pm

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

VITO’S: Wally Shoup Quartet
927 9th Ave, Seattle, 206-682-2695, 8:00pm

EGAN’S BALLARD JAM HOUSE:
7pm – Vocal Showcase featuring Cara Francis, Ailsa Weisnewski and Ann Brittain
9pm – Vocal Jam hosted by Randall O’Dowd
1707 NW Market Street, Seattle, 206-789-1621

ONE THE SCENE WITH HOWARD LONDNER

Note: In an earlier review I misspelled Kate Olson’s and Samantha Boshnack’s names. My apologies ladies.

Live Review:
The Cornish Contemporary Big Band
The Washington Composers Orchestra (WACO)
at The Royal Room, Jan 20, 2013

The Cornish Contemporary Big Band
Tom Varner – french horn, conductor, instructor
Kyle Doran – drums
Josh Cobian – bass
Jackie Sandberg – piano
Shohei Ogami – electric guitar
Eric Duburry – trumpet
Huley Freedlund – trombone
Andrew Coulter – trombone
Alex Huber – alto sax
Michael Conklin – tenor sax
Chris Thorne – tenor sax
Mattius Leino – baritone sax

When you hear the name Cornish, you know you’re going to get quality in the arts. And this band is no exception. A credit to Mr. Varner, who has been leading the band for only this school year, and his talented, dedicated students. They were really tight. They played a really good book, including Wayne Horvitz and Tom Varner songs.

I was especially impressed with Jackie Sandberg, Shohei Ogami, and Michael Conklin. Their solos were intricate, yet fluid. Exciting. This band played one set.

The Washington Composers Orchestra (WACO)
Wayne Horvitz – conductor, piano
Robin Holcomb – conductor, piano
Tom Varner – french horn
Greg Sinibaldi – tenor sax (chair is usually Eric Barber)
Mark Taylor – alto sax, flute
Steve Treseler – alto sax, clarinet
Stuart MacDonald – tenor sax
Jim Dejoie – baritone sax
Thomas Marriott – trumpet
Steve O’Brien – trumpet (chair is usually Al Keith)
Samantha Boshnack – trumpet
David Marriott – trombone
Nelson Bell – bass trombone
Chuck Deardorf – double bass (chair is usually Phil Sparks)
Greg Campbell – drums

This is my favorite big band in the PNW. Most songs are either original compositions and/or arrangements by Ms Holcomb, or Mr Horvitz, or Mr. Varner. Except for the last tune of the night, the end of the second set, “Don’t Stop Now”, where the band seemed a little disjointed, that is, not really playing all together, the band sounded better than ever! I mean check out the line-up! These musicians are great! Even when they make mistakes, when they don’t sound good, they don’t sound bad. You can bet your money on this band. Like there’s only one thoroughbred racing shetland ponies. Easy money.

The compositions and arrangements sound a lot like Mingus and sometimes like 20th century composers like maybe Kurt Weill, maybe Bartok, maybe
Messiaen. Sometimes it swings, I mean really swings! Sometimes it tugs at your mind and soul. Real eclectic.

A few members of the band I would like to write about tonight’s performance. Chuck Deardorf played great tonight as whenever I’ve heard him play. Interesting bass lines, dynamic solos, the bass has a full sound, every note clear as crystal. Samantha Boshnack took the very best solo I ever heard her play tonight. Jim Dejoie plays bari sax as good or better than anyone I’ve heard in this state, and he was on the money again tonight.

The band usually plays once a month at the Royal Room. I heard they will be taking a break until the first Sunday in April. Check the Royal Room calender and make sure you see this band. I mean, c’mon, whaddaya gonna do … bet on a pony?!

Thanks to all the musicians and composers/arrangers, thanks for reading, and I’ll be seeing you around.

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: Lonnie Mardis and the South Seattle CC Big Band
2214 Second Ave, 206-443-4221, 7:30pm

JAZZ ALLEY: The 9th Annual Seattle-Kobe Female Jazz Vocalist Audition
2033 6th Avenue, Seattle WA 98121, (206) 441-9729, 6:30pm

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

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

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

ON THE SCENE WITH HOWARD LONDNER

Cry and Roar: Three year anniversary of the Racer Sessions Festival Night I

Insistent Caterpillars
Evan Woodle – drums
Cameron Sharif – keyboard
Carmen Rothwell – double bass

Of the six bands I heard over the two nights of the festival, this is the one I liked the most. These folks played outside the box without leaving the box (you try that!). What I mean is, they had a respect for musical roots, and were still looking to do new things, be different. Mr. Woodle played well as he always does. Mr Sharif also played well, and used the keyboard to get a vibes-like tone. The second tune they did reminded me of Eric Dolphy’s Out To Lunch album.

Ms Rothwell was great. I’m going to adopt that girl! Her bass was big and full, right up there with the other instruments. She needs to learn some more
vocabulary, that’ll happen, she’s young. She’ll be playing at the Triple Door Musquarium Mar 6 at 8:30 with a quartet called Jargon (no cover). Don’t believe me, check it out yourself, even for only one set.

Neil Welch’s Sleeper
Neil Welch – tenor sax
Ivan Arteaga – alto sax
Evan Smith – bass clarinet
Christian Pincock – trombone
David Balatero – cello
Natalie Hall – cello

This music wasn’t supposed to be all jingles and entertaining, Mr Welch was trying to make a statement. The music was very serious. It was played with a film showing behind and over the musicians. The music was good. Their was a moment when I thought I heard something like Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring. Everyone played good, I especially liked the cello parts. Recently I saw Ms Hall play in a chamber ensemble, and she was great there too. I made the mistake of letting people get in front of me this SRO night, and as short as I am, I couldn’t see nothin’! that didn’t help my appreciation of the music.

Wand
Andrew Swanson – keyboard, guitar, vocals
Aaron Otheim – keyboard
Camreron Sharif keyboard
Abbey Blackwell – double bass
Evan Woodle – drums
Chris Icasiano – drums

These folks played well and their music was enjoyable. If you haven’t figured it out by now, I like the bass sound right up front with everyone else. Ms Blackwell, what I heard, sounded good. Good clear tones. I wish I could have heard more. The music was pretty loud. As I said it was enjoyable, after all night on my feet this cowboy was all done. I was really to whupped to dig the music. That’s really too bad, because I heard during the sound check at the beginning of the evening sounded really good!

Soon I’ll devulge to everyone the greatest title ever given a jazz song. I could tell you now, but my marketing instructor would rap my knuckles with a ruler. Thanks to all the great musicians, and thanks for reading.

{read the review of Night 2}

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: Clipper Anderson and the Road Home Group with saxophonist Andy Suzuki
2214 2nd Ave, 206-443-4221, 7:30pm

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

JAZZ ALLEY: Tower of Power
2033 6th Ave, 206-441-9729, 7:30 & 10:00pm

LAKESIDE BISTRO: Bistro jam w/ Thelxie Eaves, Michael Berman, Pavel Shepp
11425 Rainier Avenue South, Seattle, 206-772-6891

SERAFINA: Leo Raymundo Quartet w/ Sue Nixon
2043 Eastlake Ave E, 206-323-0807, 9:00pm

VITO’S: 6:00pm: Ruby Bishop; 9:30pm: Casey MacGill 4
927 9th Ave, Seattle, 206-682-2695

ROYAL ROOM: Cumbieros/ Coup DeVillain
5000 Rainier Avenue South, 8:30pm

SCOTCH AND VINE: Jose Gonzales Trio
22341 Marine View Dr S, Des Moines, 7:00pm

GRAZIE: Michael Powers Group
23207 Bothell-Everett Hwy, Bothell, 425-402-9600, 7:00pm

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

JAZZ ALLEY: Tower of Power
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: Scott Lindenmuth Trio
1520 NE 177th, Shoreline, (206) 365-4447, 7:00pm

SERAFINA: Sue Nixon & John Sanders
2043 Eastlake Ave E, 206-323-0807, 9pm

VITO’S: Yada Yada Blues Band
927 9th Ave, Seattle, 206-682-2695, 9:00pm

ROYAL ROOM: Piano Royale/Orquesta la Solucion
5000 Rainier Avenue South, Seattle, 8:00pm

LAKESIDE BISTRO: Butch Harrison
11425 Rainier Ave S, 206-772-6891, 7:00pm

GRAZIE: Michael Powers Group
23207 Bothell-Everett Hwy, Bothell, 425-402-9600, 7:00pm

BOXLEY’S: Chris Symer Duo
101 West North Bend Way, North Bend, WA, 425-292-9307, 7:00pm

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

ON THE SCENE WITH HOWARD LONDNER

Jan 19, 2013
Cry and Roar
Racer Sessions Third Year Anniversary Festival Night II

Three bands again tonight, one set each.

Christian Pincocle’s Live Composition Ensemble
Christian Pincocle – conducting
Ivan Artega – alto sax
Jacob Zimmerman – alto sax
Evan Smith – baritone sax
Chad McCullough – trumpet
Andrew Olmstead – keyboard
Connor Apperson – percussion
Schraepfer Harvey – percussion
Don Berman – percussion

This band was my second favorite of the two nights I was at the festival. The horns played great, hitting some crazy high notes. Their solos were excellant.

Mr Olmstead was very good on keys, playing a very good solo. The three drummers were fine. They produced some pretty interesting percussion sounds.

Read More

BRECHEMIN AUDITORIUM: Jack DeJohnette interview
University of Washington, 12:30pm, free

CORNISH COLLEGE OF THE ARTS:
Noon: Steve Kuhn clinic, Noon
8:00pm: Steve Kuhn Trio w/ Joey Baron, Buster Williams
Kerry Hall, 710 E Roy St

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: Fred Hoadley’s Sonando
2214 Second Avenue, 206-443-4221, 7:30pm

JAZZ ALLEY: Tower of Power
2033 6th Ave, 206-441-9729, 7:30pm & 9:30pm

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: Grace Love
927 9th Ave, Seattle, 206-682-2695, 8:00pm

BOXLEY’S: Randy Halberstadt
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: 3rd Thursday Twang
5000 Rainier Avenue South, 8:00pm

Congratulations to Edmonds-Woodway, Roosevelt and Garfield High Schools for their qualification to the 2013 Essentially Ellington competition hosted by Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York.

Edmonds-Woodway director Jake Bergevin posted on Facebook: The students spend a good deal of energy and frustration trying to get their sound similar to one of the greatest professional performing groups of all time. Ellington’s band was on the road for over 50 years. I admire the students for their dedication to the their craft and for the single minded focus to aim for excellence. Huge thanks to the musicians, our supportive administration including Principal Miriam Mickelson, program manager Scott Barnes and our amazing EW Music Booster Club.

The Garfield Band Boosters said in a press release, This will mark the 12th time in the last 15 years that band director Clarence Acox has led Garfield to this prestigious event!

In a departure from the past, Essentially Ellington this year chose to select three bands from each of five broad geographic regions. Washington is grouped in Region One with Alaska, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, and the Canadian provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Northwest Territories, Saskatchewan, and Yukon Territory.

Click here for a full list of finalists.

Make sure and catch the last night of Jack DeJohnette‘s quartet tonight at Jazz Alley. Their show last night, which featured Don Byron on tenor saxophone and clarinet subbing for an ailing Ravi Coltrane, was near capacity and the group played 90 minutes straight through morphing from song to song.

If you are used to seeing DeJohnette with Keith Jarrett’s trio this will be an entirely different experience.

Rounding out the group is George Colligan on piano, keyboards and pocket trumpet, and Matt Garrison on bass.

They play one set starting at 7:30pm.

JAZZ ALLEY
2033 6th Avenue
Seattle WA 98121
Reservations: (206) 441-9729

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: Carlos Cascante and Tumbao
2214 2nd Ave, 206-443-4221, 7:30pm

JAZZ ALLEY: Jack DeJohnette Quartet
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

Thursday, February 21, 8pm
Steve Kuhn Trio
with Buster Williams & Joey Baron

PONCHO Concert Hall at Cornish College of the Arts
Kerry Hall, 710 E. Roy Street (Capitol Hill)

Tickets available at www.brownpapertickets.com and 1-800-838-3006.
Tickets are $20 general; $18 Earshot members and seniors; $10 for students w/current ID.

Steve Kuhn (p), Buster Williams (b), Joey Baron (d)

Poignant rhythmic chops blend seamlessly with harmonic cognizance and an esteemed fluidity of solos for Steve Kuhn, a mainstay in the jazz community for more than fifty years. Known in part for his capacity to get a full-bodied tone out of the whole range of the instrument, Kuhn’s ability to complement his lyrical right hand with rich, dexterous left hand lines is unparalleled.

Joey Baron, drums, and Steve Swallow, bass, join Kuhn on his recent Wisteria (ECM, 2012), an album evincing the intricate swing, lyrical grace and conversational group interaction for which Kuhn and his trios have come to be revered. His lastest trio includes Buster Williams on bass.

Buster Williams, one of the industry’s most seasoned and diverse bassists, most recently collaborated with Kuhn on the pianist’s Plays Standards (Venus, 2009), with Al Foster on drums. Providing unique takes on well-known, and a few lesser known, standards, Willams and Kuhn allow themselves to focus on playful interplay, clearly at home in the classic pieces. Williams’ extensive background ranges from the watertight funk and fusion of Herbie Hancock’s Mwandishi Sextet to sharp-toothed hard bop, the whole time doubling on electric and upright bass. Williams has also released a dozen albums as leader, consistently recruiting some of the industry’s biggest names, including Kenny Barron, Wayne Shorter and Herbie Hancock.

Joey Baron has appeared on two of Steve Kuhn’s last three albums – Mostly Coltrane (ECM, 2009) and the aforementioned Wisteria. No stranger to the Seattle scene, Baron has been a long-time collaborator with Bill Frisell, appearing on nine Frisell albums. Baron also worked with John Zorn, Wayne Horvitz and Frisell in the group Naked City in the late-eighties and early nineties, in addition to numerous other Zorn projects, including acoustic Masada, with Dave Douglas. Baron has carved out a large niche for himself as one of the most sought after drummers in the business. With a professional relationship dating back twenty years, Baron and Kuhn have had time to develop quite a strong piano-drum rapport.

– Brady Somers

JAZZ ALLEY: Jack DeJohnette Quartet featuring Ravi Coltrane
2033 6th Ave, 206-441-9729, 7:30pm

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: Roadside Attraction Big Band
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

OWL ‘N THISTLE: Jam w/ Eric Verlinde
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: Aaron Tevis Project
101 West North Bend Way, North Bend, WA, 425-292-9307, 7:00pm

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

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: Purple Passion Swing 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

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: The Royal Room Collective Music Ensemble;  Majestical Quintet
5000 Rainier Ave South, Seattle, 8:00PM

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

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: Dave Peck Trio
2214 2nd Ave, 206-443-4221, 7:30pm

VASHON ALLIED ARTS CENTER: Cocoa Martini
19704 Vashon Hwy SW, Vashon Island, 7:30pm

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

JAZZ ALLEY: En Vogue
2033 6th Ave, 206-441-9729, 7:30 & 10:00pm

LAKESIDE BISTRO: Mireille Gotsis w/ James Lucal
11425 Rainier Avenue South, Seattle, 206-772-6891

SERAFINA: Tim Kennedy Trio
2043 Eastlake Ave E, 206-323-0807, 9:00pm

VITO’S: 6:00pm: Ruby Bishop; 9:30pm: The Satellite 4
927 9th Ave, Seattle, 206-682-2695

ROYAL ROOM: Queen’s Brunch/ Anokye/ African Allstars Band
5000 Rainier Avenue South, 8:30pm

SCOTCH AND VINE: Brian Lee Trio
22341 Marine View Dr S, Des Moines, 7:00pm

GRAZIE: Blues Union
23207 Bothell-Everett Hwy, Bothell, 425-402-9600, 7:00pm

EGAN’S BALLARD JAM HOUSE:
7pm – The Seattle Tap Jam returns! Hosted by Jessie Sawyers
9pm – Jose Gonzales Trio
1707 NW Market Street, Seattle, 206-789-1621

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: Dave Peck Trio
2214 2nd Ave, 206-443-4221, 7:30pm

JAZZ ALLEY: En Vogue
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: Bernie Jacobs Trio
1520 NE 177th, Shoreline, (206) 365-4447, 7:00pm

SERAFINA: John Sanders & Saul Cline
2043 Eastlake Ave E, 206-323-0807, 9pm

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

ROYAL ROOM: Piano Royale/A Song for You: Tribute to the Music of Ray Charles and Leon Russell
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: Blues Union
23207 Bothell-Everett Hwy, Bothell, 425-402-9600, 7:00pm

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

UNCLE THURMS: call for schedule
3709 South G Street, Tacoma, (253) 475-1881, 7:30pm

Note: Sue Nixon is performing tonight at Serafina.

from The Seattle Times:

Sue Nixon left her Lake Union home on Valentine’s Day six years ago feeling good about her new job and confident in her Dolce & Gabbana overcoat.

Three minutes later, she was unconscious, her coat torn off as two passers-by performed CPR to keep her heart beating.

Nixon had suffered a cardiac arrest, and for almost 10 minutes her heart fluttered, unable to pump blood on its own. An off-duty nurse, a letter carrier and some luck kept her alive until paramedics arrived.

“I didn’t used to care about Valentine’s Day,” Nixon said. “But I’ve reclaimed it back.”

Nixon was driving down a residential street when she lost consciousness, causing a minor accident. The nurse, who had unexpectedly gotten the day off, and the postal worker, who was on his route through the neighborhood, rushed to her aid.

Nixon, now 47, says she owes it to others to share her story. On Tuesday she spoke at a welcome lunch for the 39th class of the UW Paramedic Training Program.

Continue reading at The Seattle Times.

Earshot Jazz has published a list of jazz happenings on Valentine’s Day and the weekend.

This Valentine’s weekend, give yourself permission – you can love jazz. Here are some Valentine’s weekend events at clubs and restaurants:

The Royal Room
Thursday, February 14, 8pm
Chet Baker Tribute w/ Al Keith & Jimmie Herrod
A perfectly romantic musical tribute for a date night. Trumpeter Al Keith and vocalist Jimmie Herrod front the band, with Geoff Harper on bass, Wayne Horvitz, piano, and drummer. Admission by donation.

Egan’s Ballard Jam House
Thursday, February 14, 7pm
Dina Blade & the Bill Anschell Trio
Romantic jazz and bossa nova, with standards vocalist Dina Blade and a great trio, in cozy Egan’s.
Admission is $10. For reservations, call (206) 789-1621 or email [email protected].

Vito’s
Thursday, February 14, 9pm
Brazil Novo
Brazil Novo recreates the era of classic bossa nova. Lyrics in Portuguese, classical guitar, acoustic bass, samba and bossa nova rhythms – at Vito’s – can you say romance? Brazil Novo is Michel Navedo on trumpet and vocals; Jason Goessl, acoustic guitar; Birch Perreira, upright bass; Dave Bush, percussion.
Admission is free.

Tula’s
Thurday, February 14, 7:30pm
Greta Matassa with Gary Scott
Vocalist Greta Matassa and band with guest artist tenor saxophonist Gary Scott, formerly with Frank Sinatra’s band.
Admission is $15. For reservations, call (206) 443-4221.

Busy on February 14? Valentine procrastinator?

Tula’s
Friday & Saturday, February 15 & 16, 7:30pm
Dave Peck Trio
Pianist Dave Peck with Seattle Jazz Hall of Fame bassist Jeff Johnson and drummer Eric Eagle.
Admission is $15; arrive by 7pm with dinner reservations, $10 cover. Reservations at (206) 443-4221.

PONCHO Concert Hall, Kerry Hall, Cornish College
Friday, February 15, 8pm
Unknown Flute Music of Hermeto Pascoal
Cornish faculty members Jovino Santos Neto and Paul Taub present Brazilian composer Pascoal’s unpublished works for flute.
Admission is $10-$20. Tickets at cornish.edu/musicseries.

Chapel Performance Space
Friday, February 15, 8pm
Neil Welch solo
Saxophonist Neil Welch performs a solo set, in support of his third solo saxophone album on Table & Chairs, 12 Tiny Explosions.
Admission is $5-$15, sliding scale.

Valentine Happy Hour

Triple Door Musicquarium
Thursday, February 14, 5pm
Guitarist Michael Gotz with bassist Farko Dosumov, bass, and Etienne Cakpo, percussion – warm atmospheres, irresistible rhythms.
Admission is free.

Seattle Art Museum
Thursday, February 14, 5:30pm
Art of Jazz: Dmitri Matheny Group
Trumpeter Matheny and band performing his Jazz Noir project, familiar themes from TV and movies, plus new works and jazz standards, for the Seattle Art Museum and Earshot Jazz’s Art of Jazz series.
Admission is free.