Seattle Jazz Scene

Bill Anschell Standards Trio

featuring Jeff Johnson & D’Vonne Lewis

Fri Jan 9, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 103 S. Main St.

There is no finer standardbearer for the art of the jazz piano trio in Seattle, than the trio led by pianist Bill Anschell. Sure, there are many fine pianists in the city playing trio gigs, but none with the tenure and group mind that Anschell, bassist Jeff Johnson and drummer D’Vonne Lewis possess. As one might expect from a trio of such esteem, there is a lot of read and react, a lot of listening going on to accompany the expert playing. This threesome contains musical personalities that not only fit together, they challenge each other and never approach a standard the same way twice. Johnson is a unique, self-made player that has developed a personal style and sound that serves as a conduit to receive and respond to the sounds around him. Lewis is in his true element in this setting, untethered from groove, yet swinging like mad. Anschell has a deep understanding of the journey this trio takes in the rare instances that it performs live. This engagement at SJF is simply an evening not to miss, no matter the circumstances. You won’t be disappointed. http://seattlejazzfellowship.org

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/

Tuesday Night Jam at the Owl

Tuesdays at 9:30 PM / Owl & 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

Greta Matassa Sextet

Tue Jan 13, 7:30 PM / Jazz Alley

Greta Matassa is a jazz artist who uses her voice as her instrument. Whether articulating a lyrical narrative or improvising with sound, nobody has done it better in Seattle for decades. Matassa is a part of a great jazz sextet, and runs the band with that feather in her cap. Anchored by bassist Clipper Anderson and drummer Mark Ivester, Matassa welcomes in pianist David Joyner, tenor saxophonist Alexey Nikolaev and guitarist Brian Monroney, giving her a wide range of sounds to work with.

Jazz Alley for their part, continue to bring in iconic Seattle performers to the hallowed ground that is the stage at the center of Seattle jazz for more than forty five years. Matassa has performed there on several occasions, along with other Seattle greats in Thomas Marriott, Jovino Santos Neto and Marc Seales. Treat yourself to a night at JA, and support local Seattle jazz at the same time! https://www.jazzalley.com/www-home/artist.jsp?shownum=8729

Heather Ward Quintet

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

Vocalist Heather Ward had the courage to jump start her singing career when most people are taking a deep breath and thinking of less ambitious adventures after years of a career and family first life. Her performance at SJF will place her original compositions, re-harmonizations of non-jazz tunes and ambitious interpretations of jazz standards front and center, backed by a formidable band. Pianist Randy Halberstadt and bassist Trevor Ford are first call Seattle players, while drummer Rivkah Ross makes the trip up I-5 from Portland to fill out the rhythm section. Saxophonist Sidney Hauser joins to add another melodic voice to the front line. All four musicians joining Ward for the evening have headlined gigs of their own at SJF. http://seattlejazzfellowship.org

George Colligan Trio

Fri & Sat Jan 16-17, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 103 S. Main St.

George Colligan is one of the finest pianists in jazz, and a generational talent at that. The Portland-based artist is a frequent visitor to Seattle via the Seattle Jazz Fellowship, and that is a tremendous asset to the scene here in Seattle. For this weekend residency, he teams up with a pair of Seattle aces in bassist Michael Glynn and drummer Matt Jorgensen. While the conversation that night will no doubt be explorative and born in-the-moment, the voices are familiar to the trio, adding to the intrigue of the group mind that joins them. Colligan has played with the best of the best, including the recently departed Jack DeJohnette with whom he released a live trio album in the past year. This promises to be a superb weekend, worthy of attending both nights. seattlejazzfellowship.org

Marc Seales Quartet with Special Guest Ernie Watts – Album Release Celebration

Tue & Wed Jan 20-21, 7:30 PM / Jazz Alley

Seattle piano legend Marc Seales celebrates the release of his latest Origin Records release, People and Places, joined by iconic tenor saxophonist, Ernie Watts. Joined by a stout LA rhythm section of drummer Moyse Lucas Jr. and bassist Bruce Lett, Seales and Watts spin their magic rising from a quarter century of musical partnership. Once again, Jazz Alley rises to the occasion, bringing in the best of the Seattle jazz scene to the city’s most important jazz stage. https://www.jazzalley.com/www-home/artist.jsp?shownum=8730

Ron Weinstein Trio with Jeff Johnson & John Bishop

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

Remember when Sunday nights at Vito’s with Ron Weinstein was a thing? While the veteran pianist has a regular organ gig at the SeaMonster, his unique pianisms have been infrequently heard post-pandemic, or more specifically, since Vito’s fell victim to a fire that resulted in the building being raized. Vito’s, like Tula’s, is now a fenced area with a big hole in the ground. But Ron Weinstein? He lives and is playing well, and still lighting things up with trailblazing bassist Jeff Johnson. For this hit at SJF, he adds drummer John Bishop, who as you may well know, has a bit of history with the aforementioned Johnson. Weinstein will open with a few solo tunes before launching into the trio, presenting music from a new solo vinyl release. There is always a whole lot of character to performances with Weinstein at the helm. http://seattlejazzfellowship.org

Ann Reynolds Quintet

Fri Jan 23, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 103 S. Main St.

Pianist Ann Reynolds has brought to light the music of prominent female composers to Seattle audiences over the past few years, not only resulting in fine performances, but having the positive effect of bringing about awareness of these works to the jazz public. For this performance, the quintet features the music of Carla Bley and Mary Lou Williams, as well as originals from Reynolds and tenor saxophonist Tobi Stone. Alto saxophonist Jessica Lurie, bassist Geoff Harper and drummer Chris Icasiano complete this formidable quintet. Reynolds informs that the main focus will be on Bley’s compositions, adding intrigue to the performance. This writer appreciates the pianist’s penchant for going all-in on her dates, always resulting in her absolute best shot. seattlejazzfellowship.org

Adam Chmaj Quartet

Sat Jan 24, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 103 S. Main St.

On the rise tenor saxophonist Adam Chmaj leads a quartet performing original tunes. Pianist Chris Schindele, bassist Trevor Pelletier and drummer Will Lone join the tenorist for a two set hoedown at the classic basement digs of SJF. Chmaj has a tenor sound reminiscent of traditional greats Harold Land and Johnny Griffin, with a modern, forward seeking attitude. The talent is definitely present, but his performance resume on local mainstages while impressive, is thin. The city hasn’t had a chance to get to know him- this is your opportunity. Chmaj delivers a beautiful tenor sound and is swingin’ in all the right ways. http://seattlejazzfellowship.org

David Binney Action Trio ft. Louis Cole & Pera Krstajic

Sat Jan 24, 7PM & 9PM / The Mountain Room: Bar at the R 3100 Airport Wy S Building 3

Presented by the Goodbye Look, adventurous altoist David Binney plays a two set date in the maze of brewery buildings on Airport Way. To be honest, I haven’t ventured into this area for performances, so google maps will have to be your guide- but I am keenly aware of Binney’s playing, including the music from his 2023 release that bears the Action title. The versatile Binney has no fear to explore new space and experiment with new sounds, but he always has a connection to jazz in both a traditional and modernist sense. There is even some interesting contrapuntal aspects to this music that draws from European influences. In any case, I have never attended a Binney performance, or for that matter, chanced upon a Binney recording that didn’t hold my interest and my admittedly forward reaching mind. Kudos to the folks at The Goodbye Look for creating pop-up performances like this that otherwise would likely pass Seattle by. As the musical timeline moves forward beyond the long insufferable reach of the Covid-19 pandemic, we begin to see a well-rounded, highly diverse jazz scene erupting in our city, of which Peter Graham’s production efforts are a vital part. https://www.goodbyelook.com/events

Paul Gabrielson Quintet

featuring Thomas Marriott, Matt Williams, Jay Thomas & Xavier Lecouturier

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

Veteran bassist Paul Gabrielson has long embellished the music of others on the scene in Seattle and abroad, both on the bandstand and in the studio. In recent times, it is good to see him getting acclaim as a leader as is evidenced by the gathering of musicians on his next date at SJF. Every member of this quintet is an esteemed leader themselves, with Marriott and Thomas residing in the Seattle Jazz Hall of Fame. Pianist Williams is an in-demand presence on the scene, as is drummer Lecouturier. How Gabrielson enables this top shelf gathering is the essence of the evening. By all accounts, it should be killin’, and a highlight on the January jazz calendar in Seattle. http://seattlejazzfellowship.org

Ryan Burns & Brian Monroney

Sat Jan 31, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship

What happens when you put two of the city’s most eclectic musicians on the stage together in a small room? Serious fireworks, that’s what happens. Burns is a master jazz pianist with a penchant for electric keyboards, while Monroney is the pro’s pro, utilizing a large variety of sounds on electric guitar. What has always struck me about both is the ability to play straight when the occasion calls for it, and stretching boundaries to their extreme edge when circumstances mandate that.

This meeting of minds will include “not so standard standards,” and a host of co-written original tunes. Bassist Michael Glynn and drummer Max Holmberg join, two very versatile jazz players who have a keen sense of post-bop swing. Alto saxophonist Mark Taylor is one of the city’s all-time best, and the perfect compliment to the madness that is sure to ensue. http://seattlejazzfellowship.org

Aaron Parks Trio

Sun Feb 1, 7PM & 9PM / Recreational Psychoacoustics Lab- 601 NW 80th St Unit B

Seattle’s own Aaron Parks has been based in New York since he was a teenager, but his return to Seattle is always a bit of a homecoming. This time around, The Goodbye Look presents the eclectic pianist for two trio sets at the old Avast Studios complex in the north end. He will be performing with a familiar face on bass in Ben Street, this time adding drummer Eric McPherson to the mix. In the acoustic piano trio format, Parks is at his best, able to communicate the complexity and beauty of his musical ideas in finer focus, detail and nuance. Advance tickets are recommended- it appears there are seated and standing options, so grab them early. Parks frequently appears at Jazz Alley, so this Sunday diversion is a welcome and interesting sight. https://www.goodbyelook.com/events

The Cookers – Eddie Henderson, David Weiss, Donald Harrison, Azar Lawrence, George Cables, Cecil McBee and Billy Hart

Tue & Wed Feb 2-3, 7:30 PM / Jazz Alley

The names presented in the title is all you need to know here- it’s an invitation to greatness, an opportunity to see some of the most iconic musicians in the history of jazz in one place, on one historic stage. Don’t go for reasons that lean towards the nostalgic- all of these cats can still play at a high level. That genius, that drive for excellence should be the attraction. Cables continues to be one of the most important voices in jazz, while Hart’s current quartet released an album of acclaim in 2025. Close your eyes, and you’ll discover the unrelenting youth of Henderson’s trumpet sound, and the mastery of McBee’s bass lines. It’s all there waiting for you to take in, and find residence in your musical soul. One not to miss! https://www.jazzalley.com/www-home/artist.jsp?shownum=8742

Clark Gibson Quartet

Fri Feb 6, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 103 S. Main St,

Alto saxophonist and former Seattle resident Clark Gibson is in town from Phoenix, gathering with pianist Julio Jauregui, bassist Chris Symer and drummer Max Holmberg. Gibson has gained national acclaim as both a musician and educator since his tenure here, leading sessions for four albums, and heading jazz programs in Oklahoma and Arizona. His main instrument is the alto, though he ventures into the baritone and flute as well. Jauregui is known around Seattle as the go to Latin jazz pianist in town, but his artistry goes well beyond any categorization of genre.

Gibson is a formidable player and a candidate for the directorship of SRJO. This gig follows the long held Seattle tradition of talented out of town players teaming with top Seattle players. http://seattlejazzfellowship.org

Ralph Moore Quartet

with Peter Washington, David Kikoski & Lewis Nash

Thu-Sat Feb 12, 13, 14, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 103 S. Main St.

English born, New York based saxophonist Ralph Moore leads an all-star quartet featuring pianist David Kikoski, bassist Peter Washington and drummer Lewis Nash. Moore has a recording history of seven albums as a leader that date from 1985-2019, all the while performing in the bands of Horace Silver, Roy Haynes, Freddie Hubbard and Gene Harris among others. Pianist Kikoski is the “pianist’s pianist,” noted for his twenty albums as a leader and extensive recording and touring history with numerous jazz legends. Drummer Nash has appeared on more than 400 albums. The Nash, a jazz club and community outreach non-profit bears his name. Bassist Washington has an astonishing discography and touring history, being one of the most sought after jazz bassists of the past forty years.

What we’re talking about here is a three night gathering of true jazz professionals of the highest order, performing in a very intimate atmosphere. While the Fellowship is largely a venue for local stars, the occasion to bring in internationally acclaimed artists to kick start our scene is important. Show up early. http://seattlejazzfellowship.org

Cecile McLorin Salvant

Thu Feb 12- Sun Feb 15, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship

Cécile McLorin Salvant, a 2020 MacArthur Fellow and three-time Grammy Award winner, is one of the most prominent and culturally influential singers in modern jazz history. Her ability to express the essence of the music both with her magnificent instrument and her colorful insight into melodic expression. Teamed with pianist Sullivan Fortner, she has graced the JA stage on several occasions, this time adding bassist Yasuchi Nakamura and drummer Kyle Poole to the mix. The Tokyo born Nakamura has deep ties in Seattle as a resident here. If you have not seen her live, you owe yourself the pleasure. Salvant is one of the few jazz vocalists in the music today that can stand beside the great jazz vocalists of all time. https://www.jazzalley.com/www-home/artist.jsp?shownum=8744