Seattle Jazz Scene: Live Jazz Previews for Seattle

Ari Joshua

Thu Oct 30. 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 103 S. Main St.

Guitarist Ari Joshua has always tread the line between jazz and jam rock, with a strong nod to his roots in the former. Essentially, one could easily see him as a rock guitarist with jazz education and chops–or as a jazz guitarist taht isn’t afraid to let things fly.

In any case, it’s fun to imagine that stark plain between Jim Hall and Trey Anastassio being the desolate territory that Joshua inhabits. Pianist Aman Almeida and drummer Will Lone will join, two musicians who as well possess some chameleon-like qualities. First-call bassist Michael Glynn adds a sage-like quality to the band as a rhythm section member and soloist. In a room with a focused audience and his own space to perform, I expect this to be a jazz forward kind of night, with an exploratory vibe. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events

Photo Credit: Daniel Sheehan

David Marriott, Jr.

Fri Oct 31, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 103 S. Main St.

David Marriott, Jr. has been one of the finest musicians in Seattle for more than two decades now, as well as a first rate composer and arranger. Opportunities to see him perform have been few and far between however, making this Halloween hit at SJF stand out. Band TBD- thus far pianist Eric Verlinde and drummer Brad Gibson are in the fold. There seems to be a bit of a trombone trend in Seattle right now, good to see DM back in the mix. Update: Bassist Geoff Harper and alto saxophonist Mark Taylor will join Marriott for this performance. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events

Joe Doria Piano Trio

Sat Nov 1, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 103 S. Main St.

Long before Joe Doria became a master of the Hammond B-3 organ, he was a young jazz pianist playing with, among others, the Marriott Brothers. Since that time he has became a veritable Seattle music institution. As a B-3 player and aficionado of electric keyboards in general, Doria has been in the unique position of being in the crosshairs of several music scenes in the city–including the jazz and jam communities. In a jazz context, his playing is very comparable to organ greats like Jimmy Smith and Dr. Lonnie Smith. There is soul, funk and a healthy portion of the blues in his sound. The interest here is how he takes those qualities and applies them to the jazz piano trio. He is joined by bassist Jeff Johnson, a historic voice in piano trios, having performed as an integral member of the trios of piano greats Hal Galper, Jessica Williams and Chano Dominguez. Drummer Brad Gibson may be Doria’s most frequent musical partner over the years at his residency at the storied Seamonster Lounge. Doria’s musical intelligence and soulful insights should make this a memorable night. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events

Photo Credit: Lisa Hagen Glynn

Monday Night Jam at Seattle Jazz Fellowship

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

The Monday night jam in Pioneer Square has been quite the thing since the third Monday in January 2025. The session has been a gathering spot for some of the best musicians in town, from seasoned professionals to ascending high school and college players. It has also become a focal point for gen z to gather socially outside of the shadow of technology and screen life. Each week the club is full, and a line ascends up the stairs, around the corner and down First Avenue. These young people arrived via a Tic Tok video with the idea of an all ages, cover free experience with new music performed honestly, in the moment. They became a jazz audience with much more reverence for the music than most sessions. They listen, applaud solos, cheer on their favorites and deeply enjoy the idea of musicians creating on the spot jam style. We long-time patrons of the art are right there alongside them and it is a true joy. The musicians, both in house band led by Thomas Marriott, and the jammers feel the vibe as well. The early start and end allows for those who have school and work the next day. If you are looking for a ray of hope in our city, this may be your gig. Show up by 7 PM and you should have a seat. Musicians enter at will as long as they sign up to play. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/

Photo Credit: Lisa Hagen Glynn

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

Photo Credit: Lisa Hagen Glynn

Phil Sparks / Jay Thomas Wednesdays

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

Through the end of the year, Seattle Jazz Fellowship presents free shows on Wednesdays, featuring two Seattle jazz hall of famers leading bands in SJF’s basement club in Pioneer Square. Each perfoms every other week with a chosen group of musicians, giving generations of Seattle jazz fans the opportunity to see these two masters work with musical alliances formed over decades in Seattle.

Photo Credit: Lisa Hagen Glynn

he music is free, the level of musicianship is high and the fellowship makes the evening special. Jay Thomas is the rare bird that plays both trumpet and saxophone, while Phil Sparks is one of the great bassists the city has offered over the past thirty years. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events

Photo Credit: Lisa Hagen Glynn

Human Spirit

featuring Thomas Marriott, Matt Jorgensen & Mark Taylor

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

The “band” Human Spirit is a collective of three musicians and whoever they choose to accompany them. Trumpeter Thomas Marriott, saxophonist Mark Taylor and drummer Matt Jorgensen have much in common, both in terms of moving the music forward and in their personal histories. All three left for New York in the latter part of the twentieth century and returned to pursue music and life in Seattle. A close musical partnership ensued upon their collective return to the PNW, resulting in many live performances, and recordings on the Seattle based Origin Records label. In many ways, they defined the sound of jazz in Seattle over the span of a decade, appearing in a variety of configurations on the main jazz stages of the city. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/

Photo Credit: Lisa Hagen Glynn

In this iteration of the band, they are joined by pianist Tim Kennedy and bassist Trevor Ford, both members of Marriott’s current Seattle quartet. The evening will give us the opportunity to hear original compositions and brilliant playing from this formidable quintet. If you were around in the 2010s you are familiar with the impact the combination of these three musicians have had on the Seattle sound in jazz. Things can only get better from here. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events

Photo Credit: Jim Levitt
Photo Credit: Jim Levitt

Marina Albero

Sat Nov 8, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 103 S. Main St.

Barcelona born and raised pianist Marina Albero refers to herself as a musical nomad, and rightfully so. Raised in a musical family, she is the daughter of renowned Catalan composer and musician, Marian Albero and certainly bears the marks of his work. She has done the deep dive as a classical piano student and absorbed the sounds of flamenco from a variety of musical influences. Upon arriving in the United States in 2014, Seattle became her chosen city to raise her two children and perform.

The language of jazz became her next endeavor, adding it to the sphere of influences that combine to make Albero a unique and wonderful artist to witness live. Last year, she relocated to New Orleans, not just to escape Seattle winters, but to gain access to the core of American music and expand her creative horizon. Her deep immersion into all of these improvised arts combined with her classical knowledge are the elements that make the music of Marina Albero unique. The vaunted goal of every musician is to create an original sound, one that is vitally and completely their own- she has accomplished this feat to a larger degree than most.

Albero will be accompanied by her daughter Serena, a vocalist with a musician’s edge and the ability to improvise with the full expression one might expect from any instrumentalist. She expresses herself lyrically with a similar abandon. Mother and daughter will explore Catalan tunes, including those of her father and a world debut of a tune written by Marina’s great grandmother- the only family pearl she has found on paper. They will mix in a few jazz standards as well, accompanied by the Seattle contingent of bassist Geoff Harper and drummer Xavier Lecouturier. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events

Cory Weeds Meets Chris Hazelton

Boop Bop Bing Bash

Thu Nov 13, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 103 S. Main St.

Saxophonist Corey Weeds is largely known to Seattle folks as the guy up in Vancouver who gets things done. He’s the guy who owned and operated the Cellar Jazz Club until 2014 and helped move the music to Frankie’s upon the club’s closing. He is the impresario behind Cellar Music Group, a record label that has carried on the Cellar legacy in Vancouver, releasing music on an international scale.

Weeds is also a fine musician, a noted alto saxophonist in the vibe of Lee Konitz, who can shred on tenor and soprano as well. He has a deep respect for tradition and the masters of jazz saxophone, embedding those principals into his music and into his playing. For this tour, he features a B-3 band featuring organist Chris Hazelton. Guitarist David Rourke and drummer Rudy Petschauer round out the soulful quartet. The gig is on the tail end of the tour, when they should be cookin’ at full speed! https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events

Photo Credit: Lisa Hagen Glynn

Matt Williams Quartet

featuring Mark Taylor, Michael Glynn & Xavier Lecouturier

Fri Nov 14, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 103 S. Main St.

In what promises to be one of the highlights of jazz November in Seattle, brilliant pianist Matt Williams leads a quartet of top shelf Seattle players. All four are headliners on their own and will contribute original compositions for the evening’s performance. This is a rare glimpse into Glynn’s originals, as the bassist rarely plays as a leader. Lecouturier and Williams are prolific composers in modern jazz, with Taylor one of the most seasoned players and composers on the scene.

From a purely instrumental point of view, it doesn’t get much better than this on the Seattle scene folks! It is wonderful to see Taylor more out and about these days–he is simply one of the finest alto players ever to performs in the city. Kudos to Williams for bringing this stellar configuration of stars together for a Friday night of music, fun and fellowship. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events

Photo Credit: Lisa hagen Glynn

Bruce Phares Trio

Sat Nov 15, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 103 S. Main St.

Bassist Bruce Phares was a prominent figure on the Seattle jazz scene in the 1980s as a young, eclectic bassist performing with top Seattle stars Overton Berry, Diane Schuur and others. Due to focal dystonia, a neurological condition, he retired and focused on another career for a quarter century. In and around 2016, he made a comeback that highlighted a colorful final act in Berry’s career. Now back in full swing, Phares has been living on Vashon Island and producing the “Jam in the Atrium” series over there. For this evening at SJF, he reunites with old friends in pianist Randy Halberstadt and drummer John Bishop for a trio session. Halberstadt and Bishop are more than friends–they are two of the best to ever perform in Seattle, and a perfect match for Phares’ bass style that acts as an equal voice within the trio format. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events

Jovino Santos Neto Quinteto

Thu Nov 20, 7:30 PM / Royal Room

Master Brazilian pianist Jovino Santos Neto leads his classic quinteto in a performance of originals and Brazilian classics, including the works of Hermeto Pascoal. Over the course of time, this band continues to deliver virtuosic interpretations of Brazilian classics, performed with an adventuresome spirit. Drummer Mark Ivester and percussionist Jeff Busch are a two-pronged percussive force, with electric bassist Tim Carey a strong undercurrent on the journey. Vibraphonist Ben Thomas is an almost telepathic melodic partner for Jovino, igniting sparks of joy and wisdom. I’ve never seen this band miss. If you haven’t seen them, it’s a must go situation. https://theroyalroomseattle.com/event/jovino-santos-neto-quinteto-5/

Photo Credit: Jim Levitt

Randy Halberstadt Trio

Fri Nov 21, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 103 S. Main St.

Veteran Seattle pianist Randy Halberstadt has touched a lot of the major elements of what adds up to Seattle jazz over the past forty years. Whether teaching at Cornish or privately, the best of the best have come through his studio. As a musician, he has led stellar trios, acted as a noted sideperson in many of the city’s finest combos and in general, just plain stood out. He has a composer’s mind as an improviser, never wasting notes and ideas frivilously–there is always melodic intent in his playing.

For this SJF hit, Halberstadt teams up with two familiar faces in bassist Chris Symer and drummer Adam Kessler. The pianist likes to arrange his trios into an equal partnership, so the sparks will fly for these two sets. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events

Photo Credit: Lisa Hagen Glynn

Trevor Ford Sextet

Sat Nov 22, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 103 S. Main St.

It’s been quite a past few months for bassist Trevor Ford. He has performed throughout Thomas Marriott’s Earshot residency, and shared a stage with the likes of Orrin Evans, Ray Vega, Ingrid Jensen and Sean Jones. When stepping out on his own, Ford has leaned towards the piano trio format in the past–this time he ventures into a larger ensemble performing his original compositions and skillful arrangements of jazz standards. Ford mentions Avishai Cohen as an example of composers he admires and will no doubt serve up one or two of his comps.

Joining the bassist will be rhythm section mates in pianist Dylan Hayes and drummer Sutton Marley. Guitarist Martin Budde, saxophonist Alex Dugdale and trombonist Beserat Tafesse complete this all-star gathering. A good night for Ford to step up to the front line at full speed! https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/

Wednesday Jazz

JAZZ ALLEY: Umalali: The Garifuna Women’s Project

TRIPLE DOOR MUSICQUARIUM: Monarch Duo / Ramana Viera

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: The Teaching w/ Jeremy Jones, Josh Rawlings, Evan Flory-Barnes

NEW ORLEANS: The Legend Band w/ Clarence Acox

GALLERY 1412: More Zero w/ Chris Stover, Jeff Norwood, Ben Thomas,  Matt Jorgensen, Stuart McDonald

THAIKU: Ron Weinstein Trio

EGAN’S BALLARD JAM HOUSE:
7pm – Beth Wulff (piano) and Jim Wulff (vocals/drums)
9pm – Vocal jazz jam session

WHISKEY BAR: Ronnie Pierce

Sunday Jazz

JAZZ ALLEY: Count Basie Orchestra

TRIPLE DOOR MUSICQUARIUM: Sunday Night Salsa: Salsariba

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB:
3:00pm: Fairly Honest Jazz Band
8:00pm: Jim Cutler Jazz Orchestra

TUTTA BELLA WALLINGFORD: Miss Rose and Her Rhythm Percolators

SERAFINA:
11am – 1:30pm: Jazz Brunch with the Conlin Roser Duo
6:30 – 9:00pm: Jerry Frank solo piano

La SPIGA: Eli Rosenblatt solo guitar 

Gallery 1412: Monsters of the Accordian, master class, 12:30pm

Saturday Jazz

It’s like the Jazz Olympics today.

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: Kelley Johnson Quartet

JAZZ ALLEY: Count Basie Orchestra

TRIPLE DOOR MUSICQUARIUM: The Boogilistics

EGAN’S BALLARD JAM HOUSE:
7pm – Rupert Wates and Kate Graves
9pm – Vocal Jazz and Latin music from Finn Hill Jazz, featuring Kay Bailey, with Rob Silver (guitar), Peter Rockas (tenor sax), Jamael Nance (drums) and Will Stump (bass)
11pm – Jim Knodle and The Distract Band (plus special guests), with Jim Knodle (trumpet), Mike Dodge (tenor sax), Mike Owcharuk (piano), Nate Omdal (bass) and Don Berman (drums) [

SERAFINA: Voodoo Trio

GRAZIE: Michael Powers Group

BAKE’S PLACE: Amandah Jantzen Quartet

PAMPAS ROOM: Brian Nova w/Mike West

VERRAZANOS: Katy Bourne w/Randy Halberstadt and Doug Miller
28835 Pacific Highway S., Federal Way, 253-946-4122

GALLERY 1412: Unused Lexical Variable

SOUNDS OUTSIDE AT CAL ANDERSON PARK
1:00 Floss featuring Zachary Watkins
2:30 Reptet
4:00 Aram Shelton + Special O.P.S.
5:30 Ahamefule J. Oluo and the New seattle Brass Ensemble
7:00 The Wally Shoup Free Three

Cal Anderson Park
1635 11th Ave (bet. East Denny Way and East Pine St.)
http://www.soundsoutside.com/

Sunday Jazz

JAZZ ALLEY: Ahmad Jamal

TRIPLE DOOR MUSICQUARIUM: Sunday Night Salsa: Rumbeggae
TRIPLE DOOR MAINSTAGE: Portland Cello Project

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB:
3:00pm: Jazz Police
8:00pm: Jim Cutler Jazz Orchestra

TUTTA BELLA WALLINGFORD: Casey McGill’s Blue 4 Trio

SERAFINA:
11am – 1:30pm: Jazz Brunch with the Conlin Roser/Cynthia Mullis Duo
6:30 – 9:00pm: Jerry Frank

La SPIGA: Rodger Pegues Duo

GALLERY 1412: Seattle Improvised Music presents Bob Marsh 

Saturday Jazz

It’s kind of like the Olympics but with better air.

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: Susan Pascal Quartet

JAZZ ALLEY: Ahmad Jamal

TRIPLE DOOR MUSICQUARIUM: Pocket Change

EGAN’S BALLARD JAM HOUSE:
7pm – Far Corner, with Fraser Havens (flute), Ken Strong (bass), Brad Papineau (drums) and Dick Valentine (saxophones)
9pm – Manghis Khan, with Yaw Amponsah (West African Ashanti drums and djembe), Tony Grasso (trumpet), Viren Kamdar (cajon, congas) and Marc Miller (bass)
11pm – Trio Real, with Dave Anderson (alto & baritone sax), Devin Lowe (bass), and Brad Boal (drums) – Jazz and funk grooves.

SERAFINA: Jazzukha

GRAZIE: James Burnhard Blues Fusion

GALLERY 1412: Seattle Improvised Music presents Bob Marsh, 12pm improvisation workshop, 3pm open rehearsal

ST. CLOUDS: Jose Gonzales Trio, Jose Gonzales (piano, vocals), Reuel Lubag (drums), Geoff Harper (bass). 34th and Union in Madrona.

MARTIN’S ON MADISON: Julie Casciopo

 

Wednesday Jazz

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: Hal Sherman & the BCC Jazz Orchestra

THAIKU: Ron Weinstein Trio

JAZZ ALLEY: Bucky Pizzarelli Trio

NECTAR: Earshot Jazz Presents: Ben Allison and Man Size Safe
412 N 36th St, Seattle, WA, 8:30pm

NEW ORLEANS: Legend Band with Clarence Acox

EGAN’S BALLARD JAM HOUSE:
6pm – Oghale and Marti MacEwan
8pm – Vocal jazz jam session with Carrie Wicks and the Bruce Barnard Trio

BELLEVUE DOWNTOWN SERIES: Greta Matassa
Civica Office Commons, 205 108th Ave NE, Bellevue, 5:00pm

WHISKEY BAR: Ronnie Pierce

GALLERY 1412: Jim DeJoie Group, More Zero featuring Chris Stover

TRIPLE DOOR MUSICQUARIUM: PGM Trio

Saturday Jazz

QUEEN ANNE SILVER PLATTERS: Matt Jorgensen +451 (2:00pm)
701 5th Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98109

CROSSROADS BELLEVUE SILVER PLATTERS (music will be on the Crossroads Stage)
1:00pm: Interlake High School Jazz Band
2:30pm: Tribaljazz
5:00pm: Hadley Caliman

Crossroads Shopping Center (next to QFC)
15600 NE 8th St
Bellevue, WA 98008

JAZZ ALLEY: John Densmore’s Tribal Jazz

TRIPLE DOOR MUSICQUARIUM: Pocket Change

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: Greta Matassa Quartet

EGAN’S BALLARD JAM HOUSE:
7pm – Steve Alboucq Quartet, with Steve Alboucq (trumpet) Chris Morton (piano), Matt Page (drums) and Nate Parker (bass)
9pm – Zazou – Swing Jazz, Musette and Chanson Francaise sextet!
11pm – Jack Gold-Molina Group, with Chris Pugh (guitar), Michael Monhart (saxophones), Paul Kemmish (bass) and Jack Gold-Molina (drums)

BAKE’S PLACE: Jackie Ryan Quartet

HENDRIX LOUNGE: Chris Fagen Group

TUTTA BELLA: Greg Ruby

BERKSHIRE GRILL: Super Blue

GALLERY 1412: Richard Johnson; Unused Lexical Variable

GRAZIE: Blues Union

Saturday Jazz

JAZZ ALLEY: Diane Schuur

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: Kelley Johnson Quartet

EGAN’S BALLARD JAM HOUSE:
7pm and 9pm – Overton Berry Trio, with Overton Berry (piano), Mike Eytcheson (bass) and Rick Spano (drums). Come celebrate Overton’s Birthday!
11pm – Kenny Mandell Monk Group, with Kenny Mandell (sax), Ed Petry (guitar) and Don Berman (drums)

BAKE’S PLACE: Jackie Ryan Quartet

SORRENTO HOTEL: Gail Pettis

BERKSHIRE GRILL: Black Lab Trio

GALLERY 1412: Dusty York Trio

GRAZIE: Quite Fire

BENAROYA HALL: Les Brown Band of Renown

HENDRIX LOUNGE: Chris Fagen, Joe Doria, John Bishop

Friday Jazz

The start of another weekend is here. What are you going to hear tonight?

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: The Bill Anschell Trio ** SJS Recommended **

JAZZ ALLEY: Eddie Palmieri Latin Jazz Band

TRIPLE DOOR MUSICQUARIUM:
5:30pm: The Jason Parker/Josh Rawlings Duo
9:00pm: Pocket Change

EGAN’S BALLARD JAM HOUSE:
7pm – Momentum Jazz Quartet
9pm – Andy Shaw Ensemble, with Andy Shaw (vocals), John Hansen (piano), Phil Sparks (bass) and Matt Jorgensen (drums)
11pm – Free World Jazz, with bassist Keith Judelman

BAKE’S PLACE: Kat Parra Quartet

SERAFINA: Fred Hoadley Trio

LA SPIGA: Charlie Heisstand Quartet

GALLERY 1412: Marc Smason and Free World

GRAZIE: Michael Powers Group

HIROSHI’S JAZZ AND SUSHI: Todd Hymas CD Release

LATONA PUB: Phil Sparks Trio (4:30 – 6:30pm)

VERTIGO: Neal Golden & Guest

Wednesday Jazz

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: Randy Halberstadt Vocal Showcase

JAZZ ALLEY: Choklate

TRIPLE DOOR MUSICQUARIUM: Leif Totusek

GALLERY 1412: More Zero

NEW ORLEANS: The Legend Band w/ Clarence Acox

EGAN’S BALLARD JAM HOUSE:
6pm – Dan Sales Trio with Dan Sales (guitar), Steve Sanders (bass), Ray Price (drums) and special guest vocalist Karen Shivers
8pm – Vocal Jam with Carrie Wicks

THAIKU: Ron Weinstein Trio

VERTIGO LOUNGE: Gail Pettis Trio
989 112th SE, Bellevue, 425-467-6767

Friday Jazz

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: Gary Hobbs Trio w/ Marc Seales & Dave Captein
{click here to read our preview}

JAZZ ALLEY: Arturo Sandoval’s Mambo Mania Big Band

TRIPLE DOOR MUSICIQUARIUM: Tor Dietrichson Blues Machine

EGAN’S BALLARD JAM HOUSE:
7pm – ThorNton Creek
9pm – Ecstasy in Numbers, with Mike Mattingly (guitar), Rick White (bass guitar), and Garey Williams (drums)
11pm – Reptet

SERAFINA: Fred Hoadley Trio

BERKSHIRE GRILL: Milo Petersen

LA SPIGA: The Magic of Makini

GALLERY 1412: Attn: Diamond Shoppers (Vancouver, BC); Wilson/Phillips (Seattle)

GRAZIE: Michael Powers Group

LATONA PUB: Phil Sparks Trio

JAZZ ‘N SUSHI: Greg Williamson Quartet
at Hiroshi’s, 2501 Eastlake Avenue, Seattle

Sunday Jazz

Find some relief for that post-caucus hangover with this list of worthy candidates:

JAZZ ALLEY: Hugh Masekela’s Chissa All Stars

TULA’S: Jazz Police Big Band, 3pm. Jim Cutler Jazz Orchestra, 8pm

TRIPLE DOOR MUSICQUARIUM: Sunday Night Salsa: Ma-Ta-Bo

TUTTA BELLA: Casey MacGill and Blue 4

SERAFINA: Jazz Brunch with the Conlin Roser/Cynthia Mullis Duo, 11am-1:30pm.  Alex Guilbert, solo jazz piano, 6:30pm

NEW ORLEANS RESTAURANT: John Holte’s Radio Rhythm Orchestra

LA SPIGA: Marco de Carvalho

GRAZIE: Reuel Lubag Jam Session, 6pm

GALLERY 1412: Seattle Improvised Music Festival, 8pm. For tonight’s line-up, please visit www.seatttleimprovisedmusic.com.

Saturday Jazz

 A virtual avalanche of jazz tonight. No chains required.

BAKE’S PLACE: Ben Thomas and Tangabrazo

JAZZ ALLEY: Chris Botti

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: Susan Pascal Quartet

TRIPLE DOOR MUSICQUARIUM: Pocket Change
TRIPLE DOOR MAINSTAGE: Henry Butler, solo piano, 7pm

EGAN’S BALLARD JAM HOUSE:
7pm – Tom Boros, singer/songwriter
9pm – Siendo, with Evan Flory-Barnes

TUTTA BELLA: Steve Mason and Friends

SERAFINA: Jazzukha

LA SPIGA: Rhythm Suite

JAZZVOX HOUSE CONCERT: Pinky Winters w/ Randy Halberstadt. 7:30pm
Advanced ticket purchase required. For tickets and more information visit www.jazzvox.com or call (206) 963-2430.

CHAPEL PERFORMANCE SPACE: 23rd Seattle Improvised Music Festival, 8pm, 
For more information and the full line up of performers, visit the Seattle Improvised Music Festival website. (4649 Sunnyside Ave. in Wallingford)

Also, check out these two workshops this afternoon:
SEATTLE DRUM SCHOOL: Billy Kilson Drum Clinic, 1pm. More info at 206-364-8815 or visit the Seattle Drum School website

GALLERY 1412: Improvised Music Workshops, 12pm. More info at the Seattle Improvised Music Festival website

The 23rd Annual Seattle Improvised Music Festival

Now in its 23rd year, the Seattle Improvised Music Festival will be held February 8-10, and 15-17, 2008 at the Chapel Performance Space in Wallingford, and Gallery 1412 in Capital Hill, Seattle.

The longest running festival of its kind in North America, SIMF is an annual meeting place for improvisers at the forefront of Improvised Music in North America, and from around the world. This year’s festival features representatives of Improvised Music communities in Tokyo, Paris, Zurich, Madrid, NYC, Portland, Oakland, Vancouver, and of course Seattle. The 2008 festival will feature visiting improvisers performing in solos and duos, as well as first-time collaborations with Seattle Improvisers.

This year’s SIMF is one of the most ambitious and international to date. It will also be presented without the help of any single large private donor or government funding. IMF 2008 is co-presented with Nonsequitur and Jack Straw Productions.

SIMF 2008 Performers include: Tetuzi Akiyama, Liz Allbee, Jeffrey Allport, Gust Burns, Greg Campbell, Mark Collins, Lesli Dalaba, Chris Delaurenti, Jean Paul Jenkins, Jason Kahn, Wade Matthews, Gregory Reynolds, Stephane Rives, Jonathan Sielaff, Greg Sinibaldi, Tyler Wilcox, and Josef van Wissem.
 
Performances:
February 8, 9 and 15, 16
Chapel Performance Space, 4649 Sunnyside Ave
February 10 and 17
Gallery 1412 , 1412 18th Ave & Union
all shows: 8pm, $10-25 sliding scale

Improvised music workshops:
Saturdays, February 9 and 16 at Gallery 1412
12pm, $5-15 sliding scale

For complete festival information, please visit www.seatttleimprovisedmusic.com.

Friday Night Jazz

Celebrate Valentine’s Day early. It will be a heckuva lot cheaper and more fun tonight.

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: Greta Matassa Quintet w/Milo Peterson

JAZZ ALLEY: Chris Botti

HIROSHI’S JAZZ AND SUSHI: Hans Bremer Trio

EGAN’S BALLARD JAM HOUSE:
7pm – Kimberly Reason Quartet, Kimberly Reason (vocals), Bill Anschell (piano), Phil Sparks (bass), and Jeremy Jones (drums)
9pm – Backburner, bluegrass and swing

SERAFINA: The Djangomatics

LA SPIGA: Rhythm Suite

GRAZIE: Katie King

If you want to escape the inevitable onslaught of “My Funny Valentine” renditions, be sure to check out the 23rd Seattle Improvised Music Festival this weekend and next. Tonight’s show is at the Chapel Performance Space (4649 Sunnyside Ave. in Wallingford). For more information and the full line up of performers, visit the Seattle Improvised Music Festival website.

Thursday Jazz

JAZZ ALLEY: Chris Botti

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: Beth Winter / Dawn Clement Quartet

THE TRIPLE DOOR:
MAINSTAGE: Jessica Williams with special guest Aiko Shimada
MUSICQUARIUM: Concept Trio

NEW ORLEANS: The Ham Carson Quintet

EGAN’S BALLARD JAM HOUSE: Cuong Vu Trio
Sets at 7:00 and 9:00pm. Reserved seating is full for both these shows. Any additional seats are available on a first-come first-served basis.

SERAFINA: Graham Banfield, solo guitar

THAIKU: Tad Britton Trio

GALLERY 1412: Emperor Norton’s Cabal; McDowell – Norman

ASTEROID CAFE: Tim Kennedy Trio Jam Session

UW CONCERT: Mallet Head Series: Tom Coller, Marc Seales, Dan Dean
Brechemin Auditorium, UW Campus, 7:30

Wednesday Jazz

Lots of stuff happening tonight:

MEANY THEATER: Cuong Vu Trio with special guest Bill Frisell
University of Washington Campus, 7:30pm

GALLERY 1412: More Zero featuring Chris Stover

JAZZ ALLEY: Chris Botti
All shows are full except Wednesday and Thursday 9:30pm shows. Please call for assistance 206-441-9729.

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: Rochelle House Quartet

THAIKU: Ron Weinstein Trio

NEW ORLEANS: The Legend Band featuring Clarence Acox

EGAN’S BALLARD JAM HOUSE:
6pm – BMG Trio, with Brendan O’Donnell (guitar), Mack Grout (piano), and Greg Larson (trombone)
8pm – Vocal Jam with Carrie Wicks

TUTTA BELLA: Michael Gotz

SERAFINA: Passarim, bossa nova

WHISKEY BAR: Eric Verlinde & Friends

VICTORY LOUNGE: Joe Doria Trio

Thursday Jazz

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: Earshot Jazz Presents Atomic
The Guardian calls Atomic “one of the most exhilarating groups on the European circuit.” A brilliant Scandinavian quintet, Atomic plays original music that mixes grooves and modes with a distinctive approach to free improvisation.

TRIPLE DOOR: Toumani Diabate’s Symmetric Orchestra
More than any other artist, Toumani Diabaté is responsible for introducing the kora—a 21-string harp unique to West Africa—to audiences around the world. But aside from being a player of exceptional virtuosity and creativity, Diabaté plays a vital role as bandleader, teacher, musical conservationist and composer in the capital city of Bamako, Mali, where he was born and has lived all his life.

JAZZ ALLEY: Marlena Shaw

GALLERY 1412: Skiff Feldspar, Greg Sinibaldi, Greg Campbell, Bob Rees

NEW ORLEANS: The Ham Carson Quintet

EGAN’S BALLARD JAM HOUSE:
7pm – Greta Matassa
9pm – Swati – New York-based vocalist/guitarist – Her only Seattle performance on this West Coast tour

THAIKU: Tad Britton

LA SPIGA: Mark Bullis

ASTEROID CAFE: Tim Kennedy Jam Session

Saturday Jazz

Saxophonist Pete Christlieb is in town, Portland vocalist Nancy King is kicking off a vocal series and you still have a chance to see Stanley Clarke tonight!

SHORECREST PERFORMING ARTS CENTER: Jazz It Up! with Pete Christlieb
15343 25th Ave NE, Shoreline, Show at 7:30pm
Tickets available at the door the day of the performance starting at 7pm.
For more information, click here.

BAKE’S PLACE: Nancy King with Steve Christofferson
Portland vocalist Nancy King kicks off Bake’s Place Visiting Songbirds Series. For more information, click here.

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: Jay Thomas Quartet

TRIPLE DOOR MUSICQUARIUM: Das Vibenbass

JAZZ ALLEY: Stanley Clarke

SERAFINA: Leo Raymundo Quartet with Sue Nixon

GALLERY 1412: apostrophe 13

GRAZIE: Lee Pence

EGAN’S BALLARD JAZ HOUSE:
7pm – Sunship, with Brian Heaney (guitar), Michael Monhart (saxophone), David Revelli (drums), Andrew Luthringer (bass), and Stuart Dempster (trombone, etc)
9pm – Hot’s Too, with French guitarist Cyrille Gosselin, Seattle singer Billy Brandt, Felix Sernius (sax), Bob Merrihew (drums) and Joe Casallini (bass) – From jazz to gypsy with stops in a Vegas lounge.

TUTTA BELLA: The Djangomatics

EMP’s JAZ IN JANUARY: JazzReach presents Stolen Moments and Subway Songs featuring METTA QUINTET and special guests
Click here for more info.