Seattle Jazz Scene

Seattle Jazz Fellowship Monday Night Jam Session (all ages)

Mondays at 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 109 S. Main St.

The Monday jam in Pioneer Square is open and all ages with a sign up sheet. The curation and presentation is done extremely well. It is also an opportunity to hang as a community, have a drink with friends and support the music. The jam has developed quite an audience as well, and a young audience at that. The room is always full, with a line going down the block. Early arrival is advised- musicians planning to sign up and play will be allowed entrance no matter the crowd. Musicians now have a place to do there thing at a session in front of a large audience. The vibe and the overall scene of the session, including an audience that listens and participates has been thrilling, to say the least. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events

Tuesday Night Jam at the Owl

Hosted by Matt Williams

Tuesdays at 9:30 PM / Owl ‘n Thistle

For those unacquainted, this is the jazz jam session in Seattle with a grand history twenty seven years long. Started by the upstart neo-bop band, Bebop and Destruction, and nurtured for eighteen more by pianist Eric Verlinde, the baton now resides in the able hands of pianist/keyboardist/vibraphonist Matt Williams. There is an opening set, followed by the jam. The opening set is different each week, often with Williams at the keyboard. Now a month into his tenure, Williams’ enthusiasm for the gig is clearly evident. Unlike the jam at Seattle Jazz Fellowship on Mondays, this is a twenty one and over affair, and starts later to facilitate musicians arriving post-gig. One of the few late night jazz gigs left in Seattle! I wrote an article about the unique and often humorous history of the session for All About Jazz, link posted below. By the way, no bar serves Guiness as expertly as the Owl!https://www.allaboutjazz.com/tuesday-night-jams-at-the-owl-a-25-year-legacy-in-seattle

Jean Chaumont Quintet

Thu Apr 24, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 109 S. Main St.

French guitarist Jean Chaumont‘s playing is often compared to guitarist Pat Metheny, his music often mentioned in the same breath as ECM artists such as Shai Maestro. But for most jazz fans in Seattle, including this one, it’s difficult to draw a proper comp for the guitarist. While he has appeared around town quite a bit, nailing him down to a performance of his own music, with resident notables in support has not been easy. I have seen him play a few times at Tula’s, and at jam sessions, just enough to know that I would like to see and hear more of him. This SJF date gives us all that opportunity. Chaumont has surrounded himself with a formidable band here as well, making the appearance all that much more intriguing.

Pianist Dylan Hayes, bassist Kelsey Mines and drummer Xavier Lecouturier join as a foundational and multi-dimensional force behind the guitarist. Seattle’s iconic multi-reedist Hans Teuber, brings a melodic and spontaneously creative presence to the band. The quintet will dive into Chaumont’s original tunes from his album, The Beauty of Differences and more. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events

Claudio Rochat-Felix Quartet

featuring James Mahone, Tim Kennedy & Jonti Siman

Fri Apr 25, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 109 S. Main St.

Drummer Claudio Rochat-Felix leads a top shelf quartet featuring Bay Area saxophonist James Mahone. Pianist Tim Kennedy and bassist Jonti Siman are Seattle notables that complete a sonic quartet. 

Rochat-Felix doesn’t perform all that often in Seattle, and may be an unknown to many local fans, but he is a beyond groove type player that plays with a spacial awareness that is highly resonant. Mahone is likely a bit of an unknown as well, but he is a well-traveled player on an international scale that brings a lot to the table. Kennedy is among the best jazz pianists on the west coast, visible in his efforts as a leader, and as a member of Thomas Marriott’s quartet. Bassist Siman has been a steady presence on the scene since arriving in Seattle, and is becoming more and more visible as his tenure continues here. This is a capable unit with a chance to be very, very good. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events

Trevor Ford Trio

Sat Apr 26, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 109 S. Main St.

The jazz piano trio is a wide open foray into spontaneous expression, particularly when all three participants are given equal footing in the process. In this case, bassist Trevor Ford is the fulcrum of the triad, joined by pianist Tim Kennedy and drummer Sutton Marley.

Ford’s playing is swingin’, steeped in the post-bop side of the jazz tradition. His musical partnership with Kennedy is on display every Monday night at SJF as part of Thomas Marriott’s house band for the Monday jam session, as well as Marriott;s quartet appearances. Marley has slowly found himself on more and more gigs in Seattle since his arrival from the Bay Area. It shouldn’t take much then, for these three to find a common center to work from. All three are fearless in their approach, making the prospects for this evening worth the trek down to Pioneer Square. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events

Gary Bartz Quintet

Tue & Wed Apr 29-30, 7:30 PM / Jazz Alley

NEA Jazz Master Gary Bartz returns to Seattle in anticipation of his upcoming album- his first release since 2011. The master alto saxophonist started his career in the mid-sixties with such luminaries as Max Roach, Charles Mingus and Miles Davis. With Davis, he became part of the fusion revolution gripping jazz as the ’70’s began. He is one of the true innovators of the alto, in many ways assimilating the advancements made by tenorist John Coltrane and applying them to his instrument. Still playing at an exceptyionally high level, Bartz is one of the true links between modern jazz and the work of the masters.

Bartz will be joined by a forward thinking band featuring Seattle’s own Kassa Overall on drums. Guitarist Paul Bollenback, pianist Marc Cary and bassist James King round out this outstanding quintet.

Tim Lerch Trio

Thu May 1, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 109 S. Main St.

Guitarist Tim Lerch is best known to PNW jazz fans as a member of the legendary band, Pearl Django. His stylistic leanings go far beyond the Django-esque language he employs in that veteran ensemble. He is a jazz guitarist with blues tendencies in his trio, in this iteration with bassist Osama Afifi and drummer Craig Cootsona. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events

Beserat Tafesse Quartet

featuring Matt Williams, Geoff Harper & Christopher Icasiano

Fri May 2, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 109 S. Main St.

Trombonist Beserat Tafesse burst on the scene as a bandleader and side musician seemingly out of nowhere. The eastside native returned to the PNW after some time in New York, and has been highly visible and active since. Tafesse will pull out imaginative originals and selected standards to explore with a talented quartet in tow.

Pianist Matt Williams is worth the effort to head on down to 109 S. Main in himself. A brilliant jazz pianist, Williams headlines his own gigs with his trio and curates the longtime jam session at the Owl n Thistle. Bassist Geoff Harper is a versatile player whose comfort zone ranges from bebop to free jazz. His tenure performing live and in the studio with Julian Priester is noteworthy. Drummer Christopher Icasiano is one half of the out duo, Bad Luck. He is seen often in trios led by Williams and Ann Reynolds. He is a touring member of the highly successful Seattle based folk-rock band, Fleet Foxes. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events

Gail Pettis Quartet

Sat May 3, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 109 S. Main St.

Origin Records recording artist Gail Pettis has been somewhat quiet in recent times, so it’s good to see her on the SJF schedule. A vocalist of grand style and grace, Pettis is a natural, performing standards and originals with a blues-inflected style that delivers lyrically. With a new recording in the making, jazz fans around the PNW are hopeful to see her out and about fronting her always stellar band.

Pettis has a perfect foil in pianist Tony Foster, joined by trailblazing bassist Jeff Johnson and drummer Mark Ivester. Her ability to connect with an audience will be greatly enhanced by the intimate vibe at 109 S. Main. Pettis is one of a handful of great jazz singers to appear on the Seattle scene over the past twenty years. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events

Low Blow- featuring Boss Baritones Gary Smulyan & Frank Basile

with guests Noah Pettibon, Alex Dugdale, Calvin Rey & Sid Hauser

Sun May 4, 4 PM- free saxophone clinic at 1:30 PM

Gary Smulyan is an icon of the baritone saxophone. The winner of Grammys, and too many Downbeat reader’s and critic’s polls to recall, Smulyan occupies the top tier historically of jazz baritone saxophonists with Pepper Adams and Gerry Mulligan. Sweeping into Seattle with Boss Baritones partner Frank Basile, Smulyan engages with Seattle baritone enthusiasts Noah Pettibon, Calvin Rey, Sidney Hauser and Alex Dugdale, all of whom have been mentored by the low-tone legend. 

A free clinic will be given at 1:30 PM. followed by the performances beginning at 4PM. Half-hour sets will be performed by locals Noah Pettibon, Calvin Rey, Alex Dugdale and Sidney Hauser, backed by the all-star rhythm section of pianist Roman Goron, bassist Kelsey Mines and drummer Matt Jorgensen. Smulyan and Basile will then play a full performance featuring Michael Glynn, drummer D’Vonne Lewis and pianist Tim Kennedy. 

It’s nice that the baritone is receiving this kind of attention, considering the lack of low-blow action in Seattle these days. But Smulyan is so much more than a legend of the instrument–he is a historically great saxophonist who takes as much from Charlie Parker and other influences than he does from the baritone tradition. His individual style, his sense for innovation and melody, and his stellar technique make this a must see performance on the spring calendar in Seattle. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events

Shai Permilovsky Trio

Thu May 8, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 109 S. Main St.

Shai Permilovsky is a pianist born and raised in Kfar Saba, Israel and Bellevue, Washington. He is now based in Seattle, after studying with Marc Seales at the UW. His approach is inspired by Israeli pianists Shai Maestro, Nitai Hershkovits and Omri Mor, giving him a sound that is distinctly “Israeli Jazz.” His appearance at 109 S. Main is an opportunity to get to know his playing in a quartet setting with a listening audience. 

The pianist will be joined by a formidable group, with bassist Tony Lefaive, drummer Max Holmberg and tenor saxophonist Darian Asplund. The quartet will focus on Permilovsky’s original compositions that will be heard on his upcoming first album, Grandpa’s Village.https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events

Danny Kolke Trio

Sat May 10, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship / 109 S. Main St.

Pianist Danny Kolke is known for his fine work at Boxley’s in North Bend, but one cannot overlook his fine playing as a performer. Kolke is a talented and versatile pianist whether in the intimate settings of piano trio, ensemble settings or as an accompanist with vocal artists. 

Most recently, Kolke has been putting together new originals for a trio recording project with first call bassist Michael Glynn and drummer Max Holmberg. The pianist has logged considerable time with both over the years, developing a chemistry that should translate well to this trio performance at 109 S. Main. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events

The Bad Plus

Tue & Wed May 13-14, 7:30 PM / Jazz Alley

For many years, The Bad Plus was a jazz piano trio that in essence, explored non-jazz material through their lens of piano trio non-conformity. Bassist Reid Anderson, drummer Dave King and pianist Ethan Iverson created an industry brand that was infallible.

The trio became slightly more interesting when Iverson departed and was replaced by Philadelphia based pianist, Orrin Evans. But when Evans left the band to return to his own musical pursuits, Anderson and King were left with more questions than answers. Fortunately, they answered those questions expertly, and in the process, created a version of The Bad Plus that may stand taller than the previous two, and in a certain way adhere to the original mission of the band perfectly. They created a weirder, wilder and more interesting Bad Plus. A brief explanation. 

As is evidenced by their latest release, Complex Emotions, the overall sound of the band is very different, darkly skirting the premise of the band’s past with a sonic presence that fits into the musical space created by Anderson and King in a perfect and poetic way. Guitarist Ben Monder has the ability to play straight up jazz guitar, or play with a completely different ambience that seems a weird and wonderful collision of musical worlds. It’s a match made in the heavens, and augmented well by the saxophone musings of Seattle born and bred musician, Chris Speed. Speed is the lightning to Monder’s thunder, bringing forward an atmospheric identity that should appeal to a wide spread of progressive listeners. I recommend this gig to those who have not previously fallen down the Bad Plus rabbit hole. Long time fans should dig it , too. https://www.jazzalley.com/www-home/artist.jsp?shownum=7632

Jared Hall Quintet

Thu May 15, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 109 S, Main St.

Trumpeter Jared Hall is a valued member of the Seattle jazz community despite his leaving for his native Spokane in recent times to teach at Whitworth University. He returns to Seattle on the heels of his successful 2024 release, Influences on the Origin Records label. His playing is reminiscent of the historic masters of his instrument, gaining an original bent over the past decade that has pushed him to new heights both as a player and composer. There is an assertive confidence to his playing that tends to create an ascending spirit in the music being performed. 

Hall hits with two veteran players with whom he is well acquainted in acclaimed Seattle drummer John Bishop and Laramie based pianist / composer Ben Markley. Joining them will be alto saxophonist Natalie Wagner and bassist Kai Wagner, two new generation players on the scene. Seattle audiences have not had much opportunity to see Markley play, an elegant and forward thinking player.  https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events

Tom Guarna Quartet

featuring George Colligan, Matt Jorgensen & Michael Glynn

Fri May 16, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 109 S. Main St.

Grammy nominated guitarist Tom Guarna is a master player and composer whose style is impacted by the wide range of legendary musicians he has performed with. The author of seven albums as a leader, Guarna has an impressive recording and performance resume that includes three Blood Sweat and Tears, Brian Blade, Wallace Roney, Stanley Clarke, Branford Marsalis, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Gary Bartz and many more. His time in New York included studies with the great John Abercrombie. His style embraces the entire landscape of jazz music. 

Guarna will perform tunes from his most recent recording, Reimagine, with a top shelf quartet that includes master pianist George Colligan and first call Seattle musicians in drummer Matt Jorgensen and bassist Michael Glynn. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events

Phil Sparks Trio

Sat May 17, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 109 S. Main St.

Bassist Phil Sparks is a Seattle jazz institution. His soulful, swingin’ approach to the double bass has fit into a plethora of musical encounters over the years, both as a side musician and as a leader. He has been a foundational voice in the Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra from its inception, and has hosted the hippest jazz happy hour in Seattle at Latona for what seems like forever. In this case, Sparks pares things down to a traditional jazz piano trio, an equal partnership between three voices. Pianist Victor Noriega is an old friend who is seldom seen these days, so a welcome opportunity to reconnect with his playing. Drummer / percussionist Greg Campbell is an eclectic player with a wide range of influences. There’s a lot to work with here, all in the intimate atmosphere at 109 S. Main St.https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events

Béla Fleck, Edmar Castañeda, Antonio Sanchez Trio

Thu May 22- Sun May 25, 7:30 & 9:30 PM / Jazz Alley

Banjo player extraordinaire Bela Fleck is grandly decorated with awards of all sorts- including nineteen Grammys. Those accolades really do not tell the story of his importance as a genius practicioner of his instrument. Working within the diatonic limitations of the 5-string banjo, Fleck has shattered stigmas placed on the instrument, performing with jazz musicians and others outside of the typical realm of the instrument that was pioneered into the modern bluegrass sound by the great Earl Scruggs. He did so early on in his band Spectrum, and later as a member of the genre-shattering band, New Grass Revival.

This may prove to be Fleck’s most interesting iteration of all, teaming up with Colombian harp master, Edmar Castaneda and Mexico City born drummer, Antonio Sanchez. More interesting than his collaborations with Chick Corea? Perhaps. Certainly, it will be a fascinating inter-cultural conversation in the common language of music. https://www.jazzalley.com/www-home/artist.jsp?shownum=7645

Steve Griggs Ensemble

Wed May 21, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 109 S. Main St.

Tenor saxophonist Steve Griggs summons his longtime ensemble to play music inspired by the legendary trombonist, Seattle’s own Julian Priester. The band has been together since 2013, and has been awarded for adventurous programming from both Chamber Music America and ASCAP. Griggs is joined by vibraphonist Susan Pascal, bassist Phil Sparks, multi-instrumentalist Jay Thomas and drummer Milo Petersen–Seattle jazz legends all. 

Griggs’ dive into the music of Priester fits side by side with his participation in the interview series, Julian Speaks with the Seattle Jazz Fellowship. Special guest Dan Marcus has been summoned to perform on trombone for the occasion. Griggs’ passion for the music and culture that surrounds him here in Seattle is like a breath of fresh air. This will be a splendid evening of celebration, and an opportunity to hear Priester’s music performed by musicians who have spent considerable time with the legendary trombonist and friend. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events

Dmitri Matheny Group

Fri May 23, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 109 S. Main St.

Dmitri Matheny is a flugelhorn artist very much along the lines of the great Art Farmer. He very often plays theme based performances tour to tour, in this case titled, “Jazz From the Silver Screen.” The performance will include tunes from movie scores across the past one hundred years–a century of time in which film and jazz has literally grown up together. The repetorire may include selections from any or all of close to thirty films.

Matheny totes with him a formidable band, featuring pianist Bill Anschell, bassist Phil Sparks, drummer Xavier Lecouturier and saxophonist Michael Brockman. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events