Seattle Jazz Scene

Ben Thomas Tango Project

Fri Sept 19, 7:30 PM / Royal Room

I know what you’re thinking- explorations into tango, even new original compositions of the form, is not jazz. You of course, would be correct. But this is uber-talented jazz vibraphonist Ben Thomas we are talking about here, doing his thing in the tango light of things, while doubling up on his second area of fascination- the bandoneon.

Thomas is largely known as a vibraphonist in the Brazilian jazz quintet led by Jovino Santos Neto. It’s a not a tidal shift exactly to cross over the border into Argentine Tango. Being the probing innovative soul that he is, Thomas’ original tango pieces are accented by polyrhythms, memorable melodies and dynamic rhythmic qualities. The music is deeply rooted in Argentine tradition, but most certainly modern in spirit. The performance is in celebration of the Project’s second album on Origin Records, The Hat with the Grin
and the Chuckle. Now how could a prestigious jazz label take on a tango album? Because it’s killin’ tunes played by a killin’ band, that’s why! Clarinetist Eric Likkel, pianist Gabe Hall-Rodrigues, violinist Libby Phelps, bassist Steve Schermer and violinist Laura Coronel join Thomas for this performance.

Julio Juaregui Sextet

Fri Sept 19, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 103 S. Main St.

Julio Juaregui is the region’s premier Latin Jazz pianist, a top shelf musician in any musical situation he may find himself in. In this particular case, he finds himself leading a band with mondo pedigree, hailing from all parts of the Seattle jazz community.

Jauregui is joined in the rhythm section by bassist Dean Schmidt, known as “Dino Latino” for his immersion in the Latin jazz sector, yet one could easily dub him as “la piedra,” that rock solid foundational piece every band needs. Drummer / percussionist Jeff Busch is the most complete practicioner of Latin and world percussion in the PNW, with a solid background in bebop language as well. He is joined by pecussionist Edsson Otero, presenting a whole world of rhythm and groove. The stellar front line of trumpeter Thomas Marriott and saxophonist Alexey Nikolaev speaks for itself. Marriott is a nationally acclaimed jazz artist and the author of fourteen albums as a leader. Nikolaev is a great tenorist and an inflential mentor in the Seattle jazz community. He is a master tactician of his instrument with a wonderful imagination and sense of melody expressed in his playing. This is one not to miss. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events

Jay Thomas’ Tenor Dynasty

featuring Mark Taylor, Joel Steinke & Travis Ranney

Sat Sept 20, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 103 S. Main St.

Seattle jazz icon Jay Thomas is known as one of the very few who play both trumpet and saxophone. Few broche the peril of mastering both. For this one evening, the man limits himself to that harbinger of human voice tonality, the tenor saxophone. Surely, the band will blow through a stack of standards, with some good company joining Thomas in the front line. Joel Steinke is a pure tenorist in every way, while Mark Taylor is a historic voice in Seattle on the alto saxophone. It just so happens that he has been holding down the tenor section of SRJO, and is a stellar player on the larger horn. Travis Ranney is another SRJO mate who is a strong tenorist, and not one seen often outside of area big bands. Having these four gentlemen on stage at the same time amounts to a full on tenor assault.

Holding the pieces together in the rhythm section will be a trio that has amounted to Thomas’ band for a number of years. Ace pianist John Hansen, Seattle hall of fame bassist Phil Sparks and drummer Adam Kessler keep things pushing forward for an evening of hard bop mania! https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events

Monday Night Jazz Jam at Seattle Jazz Fellowship

Monday Nights at 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 103 S. Main St.

The all-ages Monday night jam has become quite a thing, with an attentive, trending young listening audience standing side by side with a long roll call of musicians. Now in the new basement club occupied by the non-profit, the vibe is intimate as the evening begins with a short, half hour max set by the Thomas Marriott Quartet. There is a sign up list that enables settings that make musical sense, allowing the session to move along at a good pace, promoting the mentorship cycle. Most importantly, it’s just plain fun, and the hang is one of the weekly highlights on the scene. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events

Free Fall / Marc Seales Tuesdays at Seattle Jazz Fellowship

Tuesdays at 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 103 S. Main St.

As part of the Seattle Jazz Fellowship’s expansion to six nights of programming per week, Tuesdays take on a special designation. Iconic Seattle jazz pianist Marc Seales and the explorative quartet Free Fall will alternate Tuesdays residency style, to create a weekly highlight on the Seattle jazz schedule.

One of the stated objectives of the Fellowship is that people gather at the basement club simply to experience jazz, not necessarily a particular artist. The Seales slot of this weekly tilt will feature a rotating cast of top shelf Seattle musicians. The Free Fall end of it will feature the piano-less quartet of trumpeter Thomas Marriott, saxophonist Mo Green, bassist Jeff Johnson and drummer John Bishop. A quartet with a collective improvisational spirit, Free Fall is the epitomy of experiencing jazz in the moment, with each performance approached from a slightly different perspective.

Tuesday nights are now an opportunity to see some of the city’s historic and present day best, in a room that sets the vibe right for such occassions. With the Owl ‘n Thistle jam around the corner following, Tuesday nights become the best night for jazz on a weekly basis in Seattle. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events

Tuesday Night Jam at the Owl

Tuesdays at 9:30 PM / Owl ‘n Thistle

The Tuesday night jam at the Owl is a Seattle tradition dating back to 1997, and a band known as Bebop and Destruction. It’s interesting, and often zany history includes wild antics, colorful characters and many a drop in from national touring musicians including Wynton Marsalis, Roy Hargrove, Branford Marsalis, Emmett Cohen and the Spanish Harlem Orchestra. Pianist Eric Verlinde guided the jam into more tranquil waters over his eighteen years directing the session, a tenure that recently ended. Pianist Matt Williams has now taken the reins, injecting a new found enthusiasm and freeing up Verlinde to come and hang and play! The 9:30 start enables musicians with gigs that evening to show up and play after the opening set that lasts forty five minutes or so.

The session is very important within the musical and social fabric of the Seattle jazz scene. The very interesting and often humorous history of the session is well documented in an article I wrote for All About Jazz a few years back. Link provided below.https://www.allaboutjazz.com/tuesday-night-jams-at-the-owl-a-25-year-legacy-in-seattle

Jacob Wendt Quintet

Tue Sept 23, 7:30 PM / Royal Room

Drummer / bandleader Jacob Wendt has as reputation of being an r&b style drummer, but he can fit rather nicely into the hardbop idiom, and does so here with a stellar cast to introduce his latest release, Silver Street. Joined in the rhythm section by pianist Dylan Hayes and bassist Greg Feingold, Wendt’s quintet has a bold frontline with Seattle jazz legend Jay Thomas on trumpet and saxophone and tenor saxophone ace Joel Steinke.

Wendt has an impressive resume, but hasn’t appeared much in many of the city’s main jazz venues. But his choosing of bandmates, dedication to the hardbop style and appearance at the Columbia City nightspot lays it all out for us to dive in and get to know him. https://theroyalroomseattle.com/event/jacob-wendt-quintet/

Jay Thomas / Phil Sparks Wednesdays at Seattle Jazz Fellowship

Wednesdays at 7:30 / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 103 S. Main St.

With the Seattle Jazz Fellowship expanding to programming six nights a week beginning in September, Wednesday nights will take on a special theme with a residency that alternates between two Seattle Jazz Hall-of-Famers in bassist Phil Sparks and multi-instrumentalist Jay Thomas. The veteran bandleaders will have the leeway to create different ensembles along the way, and present a full scope of their music. As things evolve personnel-wise, I will do my best to be itemize per each date on the calendar. Generally speaking however, no matter who accompanies them, getting out to see Thomas or Sparks on a Wednesday evening is a sure bet to experience live, modern jazz at a high level from tow of the finest to ever grace a stage in Seattle. Thomas has been gigging here since the mid-sixties when he was just a lad. Sparks arrived in the late 1980s and has been a rock solid presence on the scene ever since. This is going to be fun, with a top end hang to accompany the performances. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events

Hans Teuber & Jeff Johnson / Stina Tillotson

Thu Sept 25, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 103 S. Main St.

Multi-reedist Hans Teuber and bassist Jeff Johnson began their friendship and musical relationship in 1990 when the Minneapolis born bassist and the Columbia, SC raised saxophonist crossed paths here in Seattle. Over the years they have collaborated on many projects, including a duo album on Origin Records released in 2017. Deuce may have flown under the radar a bit, but to those who listened and attended their performance with Earshot Jazz, the conversational genius between the two became vitally apparent.

Johnson was raised in the upper midwest, spent time in New York as a member of Philly Joe Jones’ band, and journeyed to Texas and Oklahoma on his journey to long-term residence in Seattle. About the time he encountered Teuber, he began playing in the trio led by pianist Hal Galper. By the turn of the twenty-first century, the Galper trio was playing a revolutionary rubato style, aided by the addition of Seattle based drummer, John Bishop. The rest is history.

Teuber has been one of the most original and innovative musicians ever to play in Seattle. While he performs mostly on tenor and alto saxophones and flute, he can handle duties on any reeded instrument, as well as a variety of others. As music director of Teatro Zinzanni, this skill set was an absolute necessity. His music as a leader and sideperson in jazz in legendary here and across the nation. His style is nuanced in a very original way, creating a sound that is all his. I know that sounds cliche, but one listen and you will understand!

This is a two set night which includes Stina Tillotson. I’m still researching the Bainbridge Island resident, and will update when I can! https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events

Jason Marsalis Quartet

Fri Sept 26, 7:30 PM / Royal Room

The youngest of the Marsalis brothers in the south end? Great opportunity to see the drummer, now vibraphonist on Rainier Av in Columbia City. No word yet on the personnel, but you can rely on a straight-ahead quartet swingin’ all night. Marsalis’ versatility on percussion related instruments has made him a NEA Jazz Master. It’s a good idea to buy tickets in advance, and make a dinner reservation thorugh the Royal Room website or email. Tickets do not guarantee you a spot in the main dining area. https://thestranger.boldtypetickets.com/events/172187739/jason-marsalis-quartet

Fri Sept 26, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 108 S. Main St.

Matt Shevrin is a french horn player who plays in both classical and jazz ensembles. The Jazz Guild is his jazz focus, with a guitar based rhythm section and a front line he shares with trumpet. Seattle seems to have a thinig with french horn improvisers, with Tom Varner continuing that tradition within his time at Cornish and outside ventures. The horn is a beautiful sounding instrument, and a powerhouse in the classical world. It will be interesting to see how Shevrin makes this work in a jazz ensemble setting, in front of a Fellowship audience accustomed to more traditional lineups. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events

Jerry Steinhilber Trio with special guest George Garzone

Sat Sept 27, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 103 S. Main St.

Tenor saxophonist George Garzone is a sax legend on many levels. As a player, he has performed with jack DeJohnette, Jamaladeen Tacuma, Joe Lovano and scores of others in the jazz world. He has even touched the Grateful Dead phenomenon performing in Bob Weir’s Ratdog band. As an educator, he has brought his triadic chromatic approach to playing into the performance mainstream. He is known as a musician’s musician, true, but we all can appreciate his mastery.

Bellingham friends in drummer Jerry Steinhilber, bassist King Dahl and tenor saxophonist Josh Cook lead a session with Garzone, in a piano-less format at the intimate SJF room in Pioneer Square. Steinhilber is an adventurous spirit, once again rising to the occasion in bringing a master like Garzone to town. This should be a lot of fun, with many unexpected twists and turns. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events

Larry Goldings, Peter Bernstein & Bill Stewart Organ Trio

Tue & Wed Sept 30-Oct 1, 7:30 PM / Jazz Alley

Simply one of the great organ trios in jazz history, organist Larry Goldings, drummer Bill Stewart and guitarist Peter Bernstein play a must-see two night run at Jazz Alley. The music touches so many bases- soul, the blues, swing and just plain musical adventurism,. To say after thirty years that the trio has chemistry would of course, be a huge understatement. A vocal trio could be noted for their harmonies together, in some cases, the perfect match not only of natural voice timbre, but of inspired connectivity. Goldings and Bernstein are two chordal instruments that work close in tandem, with the organist supplying the bass. Stewart seems to portion it all out rhythmically, creating that special group mind that they possess each time they perform. They too seem as though they speak in inspired, intelligent dialog.

Goldings has a wonderfully intelligent sense of humor, something that gives the gig a kind of living room vibe. Bernstein is a friend to Seattle, having performed here in trio with top Seattle players many times. He’s one of best in the biz, as is Stewart. A great way to work up your game in preparation for the eventful month of October to come https://www.jazzalley.com/www-home/artist.jsp?shownum=8693

Skerik Quartet

Fri Oct 3, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 103 S. Main St.

The highly adaptable and highly virtuosic saxophonist Skerik hits the Fellowship with a quartet of Seattle musical partners with whom he has shared a stage many times. Pianist Tim Kennedy is currently one of the finest and most active musicians in town, while basssit Geoff Harper shares Skerik’s passion for eclectic adventurism. Drummer Brad Gibson is comfortable and formidable behind the kit in a variety of settings. What makes the saxophonist’s sets at SJF special, even for fans who frequent his performances around town, is the acoustic nature of the music, and his dedication to modern, progressive jazz. All of the other elements of his style come into play within that context to create two hours of sound you won’t want to miss. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events

Alex Guilbert

Sat Oct 4, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 108 S. Main St.

Pianist Alex Guilbert is a unique stylist, with a reputation as being a trad-jazz musician. Sure, he is proobably the main man in that style around town, but as his hosted Royal Room series “Piano Starts Here,” has proven, he is a bit of a jazz chameleon. In any case, he is a fine player with great touch, a wonderful imagination and a subtle sense of humor as well. He welcomes in bassist Chris Symer and drummer Will Lone to create a formidable rhythm section. Additional band members TBA. Guillbert describes the evening fare as contemporary, with some Paul Bley influence in the making. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events

Ben Thomas Tango Quartet

Thu Oct 9, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 108 S. Main St.

If you missed Ben Thomas‘ tango gig at the Royal Room in September, here’s your chance to get even! Thomas performs the music from his new release on Origin Records, The Hat with the Grin and the Chuckle. In this ensemble, Thomas eschews the vibration in favor of bandoneon and percussion to perform tango music with a jazz influenced element of improvisation in the mix. Pianist Gabe Hall Rodrigues is a fine jazz pianist with a special immersion in South American sounds. Clarinetist Eric Likkel is a major soloist in this configuration, and bassist Steve Schermer the absolute bottom line in what amounts to a chamber-like gathering without a traditional kit drummer. Thomas is one of the finest musicians you’ll see in Seattle, or anywhere for that matter. He plays with intelligence, humor, and a good-natured major dose of plain old virtuosity. This one will be fun! https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events

Elnah Jordan

Sat Oct 11, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 108 S. Main St

Elnah Jordan is a blues singer, first and foremost. It speaks to whatever she chooses to do on a given night. Whatever she decides to perform in the jazz lexicon, you can depend on it being soulful with a healthy helping of that foundational element in Black American music- the blues. Discovered as a street singer in San Francisco by the legendary Jon Hendricks, Jordan knows how to entertain an audience as well. Count on an evening of positivity delivered with love – after all, the blues are sad, whereas blues music is a healing form, and one from a place of joy. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events

Ray Vega

Wed Oct 15, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship

The great Latin and jazz trumpeter Ray Vega will be in town for Thomas Marriott’s trumpet summit performance at Town Hall the following Friday evening. Rhythm section is TBA, for this performance which is the first of four great nights of jazz trumpet in Seattle. Vega is a veteran of bands led by Latin jazz greats  Tito Puente, Ray Barretto, Mongo Santamaria, Mario Bauza, Luis “Perico” Ortiz, Hector LaVoe, Johnny Pacheco, Larry Harlow, Pete “El Conde” Rodriguez and Louie Ramirez to name a few. He is one of the great people in the music as well. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events

Miki Yamanaka Trio / George Colligan with Zyanna

Wed Oct 15, 7 PM / Baba Yaga

This performance is part of the 2025 Earshot Jazz Festival. Seattle jazz fans are well acquainted with George Colligan. The Portland resident has been teaching at Portland St. since 2011. He has performed mostly in trio as a leader in the area, while he maintains his alliance as pianist with the likes of Jack DeJohnette, John Scofield, Ravi Coltrane, Cassandra Wilson, Eddie Henderson and a host of others. Here he is paired with the trio of on-the-rise Japanese born, New York based pianist, Miki Yamanaka.

Colligan is simply one of the finest jazz musicians of his generation. While he is a widely acclaimed pianist, he is also a fine drummer and trumpeter. He will be joined by Zyanna Melada, a new generation funk, jazz and soul vocalist, bassist Robert Rodriguez and drummer Micah Hummel, three highly regarded players on the Portland scene. Yamanaka, who is known to Seattle fans from the quintet of Seattle’s Roxy Coss, will be joined by bassist Pablo Menares and drummer Jimmy Macbride. https://www.earshot.org/event/miki-yamanaka-trio-george-colligan-with-zyanna/

Ingrid Jensen

Thu Oct 16, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship

It will be great to see the trumpeter Ingrid Jensen as part of Thomas Marriott’s Earshot Jazz Fellowship residency at Town Hall the evening after this hit at SJF. On an international scale, it has been wonderful to see her perform with the all-female supergroup Artemis at festivals and clubs around the world. But to see the Nanaimo, BC native play in the intimate confines of SJF’s basement club in Pioneer Square is a rare bird. Band TBA.

Jensen has been a prominent force in the jazz world for a quarter century now, and is an important mentor to the new wave of musicians contributing to the rising female excellence in jazz. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events