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 Fall. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events

Rich Cole Quintet / Dan Duval Quartet

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

A double bill at 109 S. Main, featuring veteran Seattle tenor saxophonist Rich Cole, and vibraphonist Dan Duval. Cole will front a quintet in the post-bop tradition, featuring trumpeter Jun Iida, pianist Bill Anschell, bassist Chris Symer and drummer Byron Vannoy. Origin Records recording artist Cole is an adventurous sort, with a full, bold tenor sound. The rhythm section has some serious history together within Anschell’s projects. Iida is the new kid in town on this gig, following a whirlwind year that saw him release his first album and tour in support of it. This is a formidable quintet full of top shelf Seattle players that have a high degree of familiarity with each other. They appeared as a unit at Cole’s first go at SJF at the Vermillion site in 2023.

Duval has been active as a jazz vibraphonist over the course of decades, but has not appeared in the city as a leader much at the scene’s most coveted venues. He joins a good company in Seattle vibraphonists who have been featured over the past year at SJF, including Ben Thomas and Susan Pascal. Duval is joined by bassist Trent Leurquin, saxophonist Steve Yamasaki and drummer Nonda Trimis, also players who are not familiar names on the scene in Seattle. This points to another advantage of the SJF formula that gives a stage to Seattle area artists on the merit of their sound and not necessarily their draw. It enables jazz fans to get to know artists they may have had difficulty getting to know otherwise. Duval plays the only chordal instrument in the band, adding to the intrigue. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events

Brandon Sanders Quartet

Fri & Sat Oct 18-19, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 109 S. Main St.

New York City based drummer and bandleader Brandon Sanders is making his first visit to Seattle of any kind, and in the process delivers his straight-ahead, swinging music to the bandstand at SJF. Sanders will be performing music from his new Savant Records release, The Tables Will Turn. Over the course of this weekend residency, Sanders will have the opportunity to probe the music in depth. 

Sander’s music is essentially bebop language in the first degree. He will team up with Seattle musicians for this date, matching wits with bassist Paul Gabrielson, pianist Tony Foster and tenor saxophonist Alexey Nikolaev. Thursdays at 109 S. Main are a low key hang, with the neighborhood’s new, viaduct-free connection with the Seattle waterfront a plus. A great opportunity to grab the One Line to Pioneer Square, hit a local eatery and take in a few sets of jazz music with a community of friends. The SJF jazz night spot is becoming a clubhouse of sorts for the Seattle jazz community, where the hang is part of the deal!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

Jeremy Pelt Quintet

Tue & Wed Oct 22-23, 7:30 PM / Jazz Alley

Trumpeter Jeremy Pelt returns to Jazz Alley with a quintet configuration he has employed for the past year. Fleet vibraphonist Jalen Baker and guitarist Misha Mendelenko are front and center in the rhythm section and the front line, with bassist Leighton Mckinley-Harrell and drummer Jared Spears holding down the fort. For his part, Pelt is not only a trumpeter with superior chops and a large sound, he is a band leader and advocate for the music whose work has great integrity. His respect for the history of the music, and realization of new musical roads to travel and carry it forward is adorned with great pride and humility. He allows his band to play and have a prominent voice in where the music goes on a given night, something one might say with a wink when the bandleader is a trumpeter in need of a blow now and again. The truth is, Pelt envisions his original tunes within the context of collective interaction onstage. He is seemingly always on point, and always delivers a satisfying set of music. You can cash this one in. https://www.jazzalley.com/www-home/artist.jsp?shownum=7589

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

Always nice to extend a hand across the border and bring our friend Cory Weeds into town to perform. The Vancouver based saxophonist arrives with a two tenor front line featuring NYC tenorist Jerry Weldon. Weeds’ BC mate, the marvelous pianist Miles Black heads up the rhythm section that includes Seattle stalwarts in bassist Michael Glynn and drummer Matt Jorgensen. 

Weeds’ bands are always swingin’, and steeped in the modern post-bop tradition. He has a long term relationship with this superb rhythm section, a history that dates back to dates at the now demolished Tula’s Jazz Club in Seattle, and Weeds’ current digs at Frankie’s in Vancouver. Having Weldon in town from Gotham is the cherry on top of the sundae. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events

Caleb Wheeler Curtis Trio

Fri & Sat Oct 25-26, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 109 S. Main St.

Caleb Wheeler Curtis was raised around the strong jazz scene in and around Detroit in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and is currently based in New York City. One of the premier saxophonists in jazz today, Curtis has an extensive recording and performance resume. He is an Imani Records recording artist, and a fixture on the scenes in New York and Philadelphia. He has appeared previously at the Fellowship with the Ember trio, and in Seattle with Orrin Evans’ Captain Black Big Band. His 2022 Imani release, Heatmap received critical acclaim, as did his duo release with pianist Laurent Nicoud titled Substrate. 

For this performance, Curtis forms a trio with bassist Colson Jiminez and drummer Michael Sarin. Sarin is New York based, but has Seattle roots. Curtis thrives in a chordless environment such as this, something Fellowship members bore witness to with his appearance at Vernmillion with Ember. He performs on the straight alto saxophone, also known as the stritch, and doubles on trumpet on occasion. His playing is adventurous, hence the preference for the melodic freedom gained in a piano-less environment. He is technically brilliant, but not constrained by those abilities. The approach he employs is very much melody based, ascendent and probing for beauty. An absolute can’t miss opportunity for Seattle jazz fans. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events

Legacy of Wayne Shorter: Danilo Pérez, John Patitucci, Brian Blade with Mark Turner

Sat Oct 26, 8 PM / Town Hall

The Earshot Jazz Festival hits its absolute peak with this evening of music from four masters of the form. Individually, pianist Danilo Perez, bassist John Patitucci and drummer Brian Blade have created extensive legacies as solo artists, and on a variety of collective projects. But together, they are the children of the great Wayne Shorter, three fourths of his historic and trailblazing quartet of the twenty first century. In what may have been the most groundbreaking period of his storied career, Shorter employed the trio to actually build compositions piece by piece through group improvisation. This trio not only brings Shorter’s music with them, but that group mind that the master so brilliantly curated.

For this date, they bring in saxophonist Mark Turner, an adventurer in his own light, and a generational presence on tenor saxophone. This show should prove to be one of the true highlights of the year in Seattle jazz. https://earshotjazz.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket/#/instances/a0FUJ00000BzSsH2AV

Skerik Quartet featuring Johnaye Kendrick

Sun Oct 27, 8PM / Royal Room

2024 Earshot Jazz Festival artist-in-residence Skerik is perhaps the perfect musician to hold that distinction. A versatile, shape shifting saxophonist, he can morph into different forms without jettisoning his musical identity. Vocal artist Johnaye Kendrick can be described along those terms as well, making this a spellbinding union. Kendrick uses her voice as an instrument of perfect pitch, while Skerik can summon emotional response in a variety of ways.

Pianist Tim Kennedy, bassist Geoff Harper and drummer D’Vonne Lewis are familiar partners for both artists, making this unique union one with foundational presence. I’m mildly surprised that this gig is being staged at the Royal Room–one would think it would sell out fast there. Be sure to make a dinner reservation if you want to be seated in a good location. It’s a separate act at the quirky Columbia City venue. https://earshotjazz.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket/#/instances/a0FUJ00000BzqL72AJ

Kenny Garrett and Sounds From The Ancestors

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

Saxophonist Kenny Garrett was raised in the music under the tutelage of Detroit legend Marcus Belgrave, and went on to develop his craft while performing with some of the music historic greats- Duke Ellington, Art Blakey and Miles Davis. He has gone on to become one of the most prominent jazz artists of the new century, creating a style that includes elements of the entirety of the jazz tradition. While the altoist’s performances are clear testaments to his virtuosity and creative individuality, his direct connection with his audience is something special to experience. Yes, there are the Grammys and the obvious influences that many will point out. But nobody has embodied the spirit of his age in music quite like Garrett. There is a lot of his hometown of Detroit in his sound, with images of Aretha Franklin and Gaye merging with those of John Coltrane and Joe Henderson in his music. It is the collective experience of life growing up in one of the world’s great music cities. Like his mentor Belgrave, he is a jazz wanderer, a gatherer of sound that has created a unique and vibrant musical identity that is steeped in jazz tradition and open to the journey ahead. This is one not to miss. Band TBA https://www.jazzalley.com/www-home/artist.jsp?shownum=7518

Bill Anschell Standards Trio

Wed Oct 30, 8 PM / The Alhadeff Studio Theater at Seattle Center

The tradition of the jazz piano trio is well exemplified by this trio that works as an equal partnership between three very unique individual musicians. Those three individuals are all in on the “we” narrative of the tradition that evolved into a genuine sub-genre in jazz under the auspices of the trios of Bud Powell, Ahmad Jamal and Bill Evans.

The trio’s group mind is perfectly presented on their 2018 Origin Records release, Shifting Standards, skillfully recorded live in studio without isolation by ace engineer, Reed Ruddy. Pisnist Bill Anschell‘s fertile imagination as a composer translates perfectly to his approach as an interpreter of song, and his ability to improvise within the framework of a tune. In choosing bassist Jeff Johnson as a partner on this journey, he chooses a major component of the trios of iconic pianists Jessica Williams, Chano Dominguez, and most importantly, the groundbreaking rubato trio of Hal Galper. Johnson’s ability to utilize melodic solo passages, earth shattering chordal swipes and an elegant vibrato enables him to get inside Anschell’s playing and add broad strokes of musical intelligence. Drummer D’Vonne Lewis has a wide ranging, athletic skill set, tempered by the fact that he is one of the great listeners on the Seattle scene. He has a wonderful sense of when to add explosive color and when to lay back and provide nuance.

The trio has a rare connectivity, a trait found in all of the great piano trios in jazz history. This perfornance as part of the 2024 Earshot Jazz Festival allows Seattle jazz fans t know we have a sizable chunk of that great tradition right here in our city.

DX-Tet featuring Dylan Hayes & Xavier Lecouturier

Fri & Sat Nov 1-2, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 109 S. Main St.

Pianist Dylan Hayes and drummer Xavier Lecouturier by nature, lean to the composition side of their artistry in jazz. Hayes took over the Jim Knapp legacy upon graduating from Cornish, and has written and arranged prolifically on his own since. Lecouturier has a solo release on Origin Records of his originals, along with pieces both he and Hayes have written for the collective, Meridian Odyssey.

For this weekend residency, the duo put their best on the line in an octet setting with some of the city’s best musicians. The duo are joined by bassist Michael Glynn in the rhythm section with guitarist Martin Budde as the bridge piece between that threesome and the four member wind section. Tenor saxophonist Rex Gregory returns to Seattle from New Orleans, paired with ace altoist Mark Taylor. Michael Van Bebber is featured on trumpet with trombonist David Marriott Jr. carrying the low end.

Hayes and Lecouturier have been major movers and shakers on the Seattle jazz scene. This particular iteration of their musical presence in the city may prove to be their most ambitious. A cannot miss weekend for Seattle jazz fans. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events

Joshua Redman Group featuring Gabrielle Cavassa

Thu Oct 31 – Sun Nov 3, 7:30 & 9:30 PM / Jazz Alley

Veteran saxophonist Joshua Redman has appeared on the venerable stage at Jazz Alley on many occasions in many configurations. In this iteration, he fronts the band with laid back vocalist Gabrielle Cavassa. Having just seen this quintet perfrom at the 45th annual Detroit Jazz Festival, I can honestly say I was more than surprised how much I enjoyed their set. Why surprised you say? Because despite the fact that I have seen Redman perform admirably many, many times, the presence of the almost non-chalant style of Cavassa worried me. It’s true, I am naturally suspicious of vocal intrusion into what I see as an instrumental artist’s musical landscape. Well folks, I was way off on this one. The band turned in a performace that built up a presence and intensity in the making, with all band members turning in splendid performances. Cavassa’s style with Redman’s bold passages and melodic figures alongside made for a beautiful union of sound.

The collective resonance of the band was lit by the fire of pianist Paul Cornish, bassist Philip Norris and drummer Nazir Ebo, the same virtuosic rhythm section on this date. This is very straight ahead fare, not for the near jazz crowd. It lives on melody, harmony and killin’ chops. If that’s your thing, this is one to hit. https://www.jazzalley.com/www-home/artist.jsp?shownum=7590

Marina Albero Featuring Yusa / Roosevelt High School Jazz Band

Sun Nov 3, 2:30 & 7:30 PM / Raisbeck Auditorium

In what could be her farewell performance as a full time Seattle resident, Marina Albero teams up with Cuban multi-instrumentalist Yusa and the award winning Roosevelt High School Jazz One band for an Earshot hit at Raisbeck. Note that there are two performances, a matinee and an evening show. Albero arrived in Seattle from Barcelona in 2014, and has been electrifying the local scene ever since. She met Yusa during a self imposed sabbatical in New Orleans and recorded with her for an upcoming release.

Albero’s daughter Serena, an on-the-rise vocalist, will be here from Barcelona for the occassion. Saxophonist Jackson Cotugno, bassist Kelsey Mines and drummer Chris Icasiano join as well, making this a great interaction with Albero’s Seattle mates and her new found sister in sound in Yusa. The Roosevelt HS band will open, lead by Hannah Mowry, https://www.earshot.org/earshotjazzfestival2024/

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

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

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

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

Naomi 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

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