Photo Credit: Jim Levitt

Underground Sounds with Thomas Marriott, Rick Mandyck, Jeff Johnson & John Bishop

Tuesdays 8 PM / Underbelly

Underbelly, the quaint cellar bar on First Avenue in Pioneer Square sits directly across the street from what was the New Orleans club, a former hub of local Seattle jazz. That vibe lives on Tuesday nights in the former burlesque venue, with four of the city’s top jazz musicians colliding in an explosive chordless quartet that at times has been known as Free Fall. This is an opportunity to witness great jazz in an informal environment with no cover. 

Trumpeter Thomas Marriott leads this band of long time mates with a strong intuitive connection. The author of fourteen albums as a leader and a recent inductee into the Seattle Jazz Hall of Fame is joined by the incomparable duo of bassist Jeff Johnson and drummer John Bishop. Saxophonist Rick Mandyck has switched to alto, but bears the sound and approach of some of the great tenor players in jazz. The band plays originals from Marriott, Mandyck and Johnson, along with a few standards. The vibe in the room is relaxed, the drinks are first class and there is a very cute puppy in the house to add to the charm. The house screens classic films and cartoons as well! A highly recommended hang on Tuesday nights.

The current iteration includes trumpeter Marriott. The author of fourteen albums as a leader adds a different sonic presence to the band. Johnson and Bishop have since been the groundbreaking presence in Galper’s rubato revolution, and are the tidal force that allows both Mandyck and Marriott to blast off. Unencumbered by chordal harmony, all four players are equal participants in terms of soloing. The format does put great dependence on the abilities of the bassist and drummer, again stating the importance of the foundational presence of original members Johnson and Bishop. The quartet plays originals from Johnson and Mandyck that are open conduits to exploration. Toss in Marriott’s formidable tunes, and adventurous interpretations of standards and you have Free Fallhttps://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events

Photo Credit: Shaya Bendix Lyon

James Falzone Division Quintet

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

Master clarinetist James Falzone returns to the Fellowship to play with his Division Quintet. Of all the lineups that Falzone gigs with around town and on tour, this particular assemblage may be the most accessible for the greater jazz audience. Falzone is a world class improviser who has deep roots in classical and avant-garde music, with a more casual relationship witb jazz, What makes his music special is that he takes his cultural skill set into the music with an honesty and openness that translates into a fluid discourse with whoever he is on stage with. There is a deep spirituality to his sound and approach.

He does an adept job as a bandleader in this case, choosing players on the periphery of the sound of jazz with intimate knowledge of what lies within. Trumpeter Ray Larsen, drummer Rocky Martin, bassist Kelsey Mines and pianist Tim Kennedy are all players with an eye on musical infinity. Kennedy is one of the finest jazz pianists on the west coast who as well carries a penchant for branching out stylistically. I would describe his basic intent as having fun–something that is good for everybody in the room. Mines is one of the most highly visible bassists in town on a variety of gigs with a broad spectrum of style and resonance. The prospects are exciting for this one, something you’ll never find on recordings–it must be experienced live in the moment. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events

Photo Credit: Eyeshot Jazz

Jovino Santos Neto Quarteto

Fri & Sat Nov 8-9, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 109 S. Main St.

Three time Latin Jazz Grammy nominee Jovino Santos Neto enjoys a weekend residency at the Fellowship with his Quarteto. The pianist has developed a unique chemistry with vibraphonist Ben Thomas and a intuitive discourse with bassist Tim Carey and drummer Mark Ivester. Luca Monzo is behind the drum kit on the Friday night sets. Jovino’s performances come off as an evening of musical adventurism, with his indomitable spirit leading the way. The virtuosity of the musicians is undeniable, but what is remarkable is the energy and genuine spirit they bring to the gig each and every time. While the music is rhythmic and mostly danceable, it has the musical depth to shine in this listening environment at 109 S. Main. The band has a following, so be sure to arrive a little early. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events

Monday Night Jam (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. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events

Duende Libre Trio

Thu Nov 14, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 109 S. Main St.

Duende Libre is a trio that takes its audience on a worldwide tour, so to speak. Pianist Alex Chadsey is a talented jazz pianist with a huge interest in world sounds. More importantly he has the virtuosity to integrate sounds both as a pianist and as a composer. Bassist Farko Dosumov is the most innovative electirc bassist in town, and that designation is comparable to virtually anyone on a national scale. He is an important voice as a soloist as well as the harmonic backbone of the band. No other drummer in town could hold down the drum kit chair in this band quite like Jeff Busch. A jazz kit player who has wandered the world exploring rhythms and a plethora of percussion instruments, Busch is a unique cat, and well worth seeing on his own!

There is a rhtymic complexity to this trio’s sound that takes groove beyond dance that translates well into a performance room like SJF. From the dance hall to the concert hall is the vibe, but it is highly unlikely anyone in the audience will be in a static state! There is wonderful movement in the music. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events

Photo Credit: Jim Levitt

Skerik

Fri & Sat Nov 15-16, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship

Fresh off his residency at the Earshot Jazz Festival, tenor saxophonist Skerik settles into the Pioneer Square digs of Seattle Jazz Festival for a two night run. Long eschewing the title of being a jazz musician, Skerik has ventured into the world of music with a rare openness that allows him to fit into the vibe of a wide swath of the modern music scene. Whatever he comes up with, you can be assured to receive a performance that is well conceived, adventurous in nature and played all out. More to come on this date, band TBA. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events

Photo Credit: Lisa Hagen Glynn

Kandace Springs

Thu Nov 14 – Sund Nov 17, 7:30 & 9:30 PM / Jazz Alley

One thing I have learned definitively about making a decision on whether to attend a Kandace Springs performance or not is to just go– do not make a decision based on recordings or google reviews– just go and expect to be rewarded with a memorable evening. 

Springs is one of those musicians that have been marketed in such a way as to appear to be commercially engaged, to value image over substance. What is true about her persona as a musician is diametrically opposed to that notion. One needs to sweep aside the cobwebs of entry and march unceremoniously through to the core of what matters– talent and its application in engaging an audience. She is a soulful vocal artist with serious piano chops and a fearlessness rare in today’s world of institution raised performers. She is a strong female jazz musician of the highest order in a time when such energy is changing the direction of jazz in a more positive and just light. 

Springs takes requests at times, and I requested “Stange Fruit” at a prior Jazz Alley engagement. I had never seen it performed live in my fifty years of attending jazz performances regularly. She called off the band and began a solo version on piano, and abandoned the effort less than a verse in. She then moved over to the Fender Rhodes and re-engaged her effort, delivering a powerful rendition that brought the audience to its feet in tears. 

Springs appears in trio with bassist Caylen Brown and the remarkable Camille Gaynor on drums. 
https://www.jazzalley.com/www-home/artist.jsp?shownum=7597

Photo Credit: Lisa Hagen Glynn

Naomi Moon Siegel Album Release

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

Trombonist Naomi Moon Siegel relocated to Montana some time ago, but continues to return to Seattle to perform with a killer band- always. Her compositions seem to be perfectly matched with the personnel she chooses to inhabit her realm, in this case a gathering of musicians with a far reach in terms of style and intent in house to perform her new music.  Pianist Marina Albero has star quality here in Seattle, and will be leaving us for New Orleans shortly. Guitarist Andy Coe can get his message across as a straight ahead jazz player, or go into exploration mode in his rock fusion persona. Bassist Kelsey Mines has established herself as a versatile, thoughtful player who has been forging an original sound and approach in a wide variety of musical circumstances. Trumpeter Ray Larsen has hybrid qualities as seems to be the case throughout the band, with a trumpet sound that is tempered with originality. Drummer Chris Icasiano has gained notoriety performing with FleetFoxes recently, but far beforehand showed his dedication to infinity with Bad Luck, and his ability to play intuitively in a jazz trio. 

What Siegel does with all this explosive talent is what is of interest here, of course. Her compositions are akin to her style as a melody based improviser. Her expessiveness allows moments of great intensity that can transition into melancholic beauty. Most importantly, as a bandleader, she lets the cats play–and why wouldn’t she with this stellar cast? https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events

Photo Credit: Earshot Jazz

Elnah Jordan

Fri Nov 22, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 109 S Main St.

Vocalist Elnah Jordan has always had a way of standing out. She was discovered while performing on the streets of San Francisco by legendary jazz vocalist Jon Hendricks to portray Bessie Smith in the production of “The Evolution of the Blues.” That energy, that fearlessness are traits she brings to stages across the PNW since her move to Seattle. Her visibility on the Seattle scene has been aided by her close association with pianist Eric Verlinde, a master jazz pianist and noted accompanist for accomplished vocal artists. 

For this performance, the duo is joined by bassist Osama Afifi and drummer Jamael Nance, creating a foursome of Seattle jazz veterans. Jordan is a soulful vocalist, who draws strongly from gospel and the blues. Her effervescent personality comes with an understanding that having the blues is a sad state of mind, but playing the blues is an expression of joy and soul. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events

Rivkah Ross Quartet

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

Portland based drummer/composer Rivkah Ross makes her debut at Seattle Jazz Fellowship riding the crest of the release of her premier recording, Dare to Hope. The performance continues the connection between the Portland and Seattle scenes at SJF.

Ross is a dynamic presence on drums with a flair for writing eclectic, straight ahead compositions that are open engagements for musical conversation. Pianist Patrick Carr, and saxophonist Brian Myers, two major components of Ross’ recording, and bassist Aaron Tomasko create a formidable quartet to deliver Ross’ original tunes. The quartet’s presence, as has been the case with a variety of Portland based bands, wholly quantifies the richness and depth of jazz talent in the Pacific Northwest. This evening is a good catch for Seattle area jazz fans as the gray skies of winter approach and our thoughts and activities move us largely indoors. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events

Photo Credit: Lisa Hagen Glynn

Marc Seales Trio

with Steve Rodby & D’Vonne Lewis

Sun Dec 1, 2 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 109 S. Main St.

The Seattle Jazz Fellowship is floating some Sunday matinee performances for members only these days, a welcome development for many. In this iteration of the series, Seattle piano icon Marc Seales plays in trio with a formidable cast. 

Steve Rodby is a master bassist, a fact well established with long term engagements with among others, The Pat Matheny Group. He is a multi- Grammy winning producer as well. D’Vonne Lewis may be the most visible jazz musician in the city, appearing behind the drum kit in many of Seattle’s top combos. Both Rodby and Lewis have logged considerable time onstage with Seales, giving this trio the potential to achieve lift off and blast off into a stratosphere of group mind engagement. Expect originals from Seales and interpretations of tunes from the American songbook–including forays into the rock and pop world in a jazz sense. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events

Branford Marsalis Quartet

Fri & Sat Dec 6-7, 6 & 8:30 PM

The Branford Marsalis Quartet has been on the A-list of touring jazz ensembles for some thirty five years now, making their arrival an annual event in Seattle spanning five decades. The current configuration with pianist Joey Calderazzo and bassist Eric Revis has a quarter century of stage time together, with drummer Justin Faulkner arriving to take over the drum kit chair with the departure of Jeff “Tain” Watts along the way. The immense cohesion that has grown over that time is a stunning thing to witness. The quartet is the definitive presence that allows generations of jazz fans to understand that innovation is in the playing, not in some grandiose ego-motivated effort to create a non-descript sub-genre to accomodate a confused state of musical and cultural understanding.

If the quartet amalgamates anything concerning their music, it is all within the jazz tradition, understanding that the tradition is not something just rooted in the past, but vital in the present and vitally hopeful about the future. Their performances can be babtismal in that sense, an intrinsic visual adjustment to one’s jazz sensibilities.

The stunning partnership between Marsalis and Calderazzo is akin to what you might have witnessed between John Coltrane and McCoy Tyner in the 1960’s, with a connectivity rooted not only in familiarity, but in mutual interest to lock into spontaneous composition fully in exploration mode. Bassist Revis is a true original, with caustic, pulling intensity often settling into beatific, melodic statements, all the while acting as the foundational element in the mix. Faulkner has grown up in the quartet, beginning as a nineteen year old replacing the legendary Watts. His style is an embodiment of what the quartet presents as a whole.

The quartet used to pull into Jazz Alley for a week, not limited to four shows in two nights at the Trip. Be sure to secure a seat for this one with haste, as it will sell out quickly. https://tickets.thetripledoor.net/eventperformances.asp?evt=1357

Jazz Overhaul with D’Vonne Lewis, Cliff Colon, Jake Sele & Osama Afifi

Fri Dec 6, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 109 S. Main St.

It was bound to happen–a Seattle jazz band interpreting the classics of the grunge rock movement in the city that proliferated into a worldwide phenomena. After the synth-driven superficiality of the 80’s, the grunge guitar rockers may have saved rock ‘n roll, but what did they do for US (the jazz community)? The answer may lie in the now formidable amount of classic tunes lying in wait to be re-interpreted by those that may sense some things beyond the suffocating surrounding high walls of major chord insanity.

Not that interpreting grunge classics is an entirely original idea. Pianist Dan Kramlich led a jazz piano trio with the same intent for a variety dates at Tula’s pre-pandemic. But that softer approach cannot match the raw power that tenor saxophonist Cliff Colon brings to the table, no matter what the musical environment. Colon has a powerful presence to attach to his ultimate virtuosity, a dynamic that can range from earth-shattering voluminous retort to tender, romantic figures that forces an about-face emotionally. Drummer D’Vonne Lewis is a fourth generation Seattle musician, and the most visible member of the band. His joy is expressed with an original, swinging mechanism that is spontaneous, intricate and wholly exciting. Osama Afifi slides back and forth between double and electric bass, a perfect match for this particular machination. Jake Sele is known for his musical versatility that brings with it some serious, formidable chops. How he decides to fit into this fireball of musical intensity could very well make or break the premise of jazz musicians going full Mike McCready. I’ll be betting on the former. In any case, this should be just plain fun. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events

Photo Credit: Jim Levitt

Concert of Duke Ellington’s Sacred Music: Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra

Sat Dec 28, 7:30 PM / Town Hall

Performing the Sacred Music of Duke Ellington is a large portion of the identity of the SRJO. The annual performance has become a jazz tradition in Seattle, one that can be taken in year after year with equal enthusiasm. Created by the master to be inter-faith, or for that matter, inter-belief, the spiritual qualities of this brilliant work is undeniably present no matter how the listener perceives the universe spiritually. The music has that unique way to reveal the unity of all living things, something that marks the end of the calendar year in Seattle in the form of revival and renewal.

The production has a new star in the person of tap dancer, Cipher Goings. The Northwest Chamber Orchestra will be in the house, along with guest vocal soloists Nicole Venee Eskridge and Stephen Newby. Of course, the band is full of top end Seattle cats like Jay Thomas, Mark Taylor, Phil Sparks, Brian Kirk and Kate Olson. It is healthy for your soul to attend this show, now just a one night affair. Having the performance at the acoustically refurbished Town Hall fulfills SRJO founder Clarenece Acox’s desire to present this music in a church, in this case, a former church. https://www.earshot.org/buy-tickets/

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Gallery 1412, Jazz Alley, Live Jazz, Royal Room, Seattle Jazz, Seattle Jazz Fellowship, Seattle Jazz Fellowship