Jazz Alley | Seattle Jazz Scene

Seattle Jazz Scene: Live Jazz Previews for Seattle

March 19, 2024 / Paul Rauch / No Comments

Brian Kirk Vibes Quartet

Thu Sept 18, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 103 S. Main St.

Brian Kirk has been a steady presence on the Seattle scene for decades, both as a performer and educator. The son of legendary drummer Willis Kirk, he too has gained a reputation as a drummer and percussionist on jazz dates and show orchestras around Seattle. In recent years, he has immersed himself in his mallet skills as a jazz vibraphonist, largely focusing on Latin Jazz, in particular, the legacy of Cal Tjader. For this evening in Pioneer Square, he convenes a quartet featuring veteran drummer Ronnie Bishop, pianist Reuel Lubag and bassist Osama Afifi for a deep dive into the Latin jazz lexicon. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events

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/

Photo of Phil Sparks courtesy of Jim Levitt. Photo of Jay Thomas courtesy of Lisa Hagen Glynn

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

Thomas Marriott Album Release: “Live From the Heatdome”

September 30, 2022 / Paul Rauch / No Comments

The Thomas Marriott Quartet featuring Orrin Evans, Essiet Essiet and Mark Whitfield, Jr. play to a full house at Jazz Alley

Night after night, week after week, jazz performances take place in the city of Seattle that inspire the local jazz community. They take place in clubs, dive bars, theaters and concert halls, featuring national and international jazz artists as well as prominent resident artists from the dynamic Seattle jazz scene. On occasion, an individual jazz performance serves as a signpost of things to come. The September 26 performance of the Thomas Marriott Quartet at Jazz Alley was all of the above. Marriott had assembled a stellar quartet to celebrate the release of his fourteenth album as a leader, Live From the Heatdome (Imani, 2022).

The stage at Jazz Alley has seen the best of the best since its opening in 1980 as an intimate bistro in the University District. For the first six years of the club, it was common to see an artist of international prominence perform with a supporting cast of Seattle jazzers such as Chuck Deardorf, Dean Hodges, Marc Seales and Jerry Granelli among others. After moving to its more spacious digs downtown in 1986, full touring bands were and are featured, with Seattle based performances becoming less common. Over the years, there have been periods when Monday nights were reserved for the local scene, either in the form of an individual artist’s show, or a jam session that featured top Seattle players such as Hadley Caliman and Don Lanphere. Taking on Marriott’s album release was a rarity that needed support from the Seattle jazz community. That support was received in abundance with the club nearly full house.

Marriott has had a musical connection with Philadelphia based pianist Orrin Evans since a chance meeting at a jazz festival in Idaho over a decade ago. Live From the Heat Dome is the fourth release from the trumpeter that features Evans. His appearance, along with legendary bassist Essiet Essiet and sensational drummer Mark Whitfield, Jr., gave the performance a huge kickstart, with Marriott delivering a top flight performance of original tunes and a triad of well chosen standards.

The quartet started with Marriott’s “Tale of Debauchery,” extracted from his Urban Folklore (Origin, 2014) album that featured Evans on piano. On this evening, it served as a vehicle for Marriott to find his sound and cadence, serving up a long solo that began with longer tones and finished with a flurry of rapid fire runs. Evans, Essiet and Whitfield were immediately playful with the tune, something that would continue throughout the ninety minute set in plenitud.

Orrin Evans and Thomas Marriott. Photo Credit: Jim Levitt

“Front Row Family,” an ode to Marriott’s uber-supportive family over the years, was a mood changer that featured his ultra refined trumpet tonality that served as a warm invite for the audience to join in the intimacy of the moment. Essiet’s solo was a telltale sign of his unique artistry, his exquisite sound framing intricate passages and chordal brilliance. Marriott for his part appeared to be just getting started, not quite unleashing the hounds, so to speak.

“Mo-Joe,” Marriott’s homage to vibraphonist Joe Locke pushed the set forward into an uptempo, swinging foray into his post-bop, modernist leanings. His solo and that of Evans were telltale statements of their deep connection to the blues and the swing rhythm that defines the Black American art form they so ably express. Just as strongly, Evans launched into a quiet, beautifully harmonic intro to Marriott’s “Chick’s Lullaby,” serving as a beautiful interlude of quiet focus and meditative thought. In a tune dedicated to his wife, Marriott’s muted soliloquy was embracingly romantic and had a magical impact on the audience, roping them into the emotional aspect of the performance.

Essiet’s thunderous intro to Wayne Shorter’s “General Assembly,” served as a passageway to melodic freedom for the quartet, with Marriott’s searing solo setting the bar high for his positively respondent bandmates. Evans has always had a percussive aspect to his playing that has supplied a degree of separation between him and the majority of pianists in modern jazz. His solo seemed to ignite Whitfield on drums, whose focused intensity and supportive dynamics were unabashedly a highlight of the entire performance. In essence, Shorter’s thunderous composition seemed to light the fuse for the next few tunes. Easing into Vernon Duke’s classic, “I Can’t Get Started,” the quartet seemed to settle into a comfortable place with Evan’s playfully daring solo and Essiet’s beautifully pensive offering leading the way.

Jazz great Julian Priester stageside at Jazz Alley Photo Credit: Jim Levitt

“The Joint Chiefs,” which appears on Live From the Heatdome, and “Both Sides of the Fence,” the title track from Marriott’s 2007 release, operated at an elevated degree of intensity and featured Whitfield’s spirited playing. Marriott and Evans exchanged glancing blows back and forth with the young drummer, the spirited response of the near capacity crowd seemingly lifting the roof off the place. The finale, Duke Ellington’s “Things Ain’t What They Used to Be,” was a fitting ending for the band, wrapping up their fourth consecutive night on a high. The foursome had spent two nights at Frankie’s in Vancouver, followed by a night in Bellingham. They had earned their repose.

Thomas Marriott Photo Credit: Jim Levitt

Jazz Alley has never been much of a “hang” spot after a gig since the U District days when it was all of that. This evening was an exception, with an audience that represented a broad cross-section of the Seattle jazz community. It seemed everyone wanted a piece of the trumpeter, a prime indicator of the love and respect that Marriott inspires in his home town. With community elders like Julian Priester, Jim Wilkie and Marvin Thomas in the room and many of the city’s prominent jazz musicians as well, the respect factor was plainly evident. As far as the love factor, that was something felt upon entering the room, was elevated by the performance, and expressed with warm embraces post-show. For anyone that has spent any amount of time on the Seattle jazz scene, and at Jazz Alley in particular, this was a beautiful and welcoming sight. Let’s hope it portends to a re-ignited relationship between Seattle’s best jazz musicians, and its city’s most renowned stage.

On the hang: Thomas Marriott, Lisa Chick, Orrin Evans. Photo Credit: Jim Levitt

Live Review: The Cookers at Jazz Alley- 9/22/2021

October 3, 2021 / Paul Rauch / No Comments

Performance Photos by Lisa Hagen Glynn

The third week of September turned out to be quite the week for jazz in Seattle. On Tuesday September 21, Herbie Hancock appeared at the Paramount Theatre, performing a thrilling two hour set with bassist James Genus, flutist Elena Pinderhughes and drummer Justin Tyson. The following night, The Cookers were at Jazz Alley, and I went not only to hear some great jazz music, put to pay homage to a group of jazz elders that are hugely influential in the music I had come to be passionate about. This was personal and I wasn’t alone in that feeling. Pianist George Cables is not only one of the great jazz pianists of our time, he is a man with tremendous humility and humanity. Eddie Henderson is on the list of most underappreciated trumpeters historically, with his brilliant melodic sense and tonal elegance. Drummer Billy Hart is still, at age eight one, a force of nature. Mr. Cecil Mc Bee? The master bassist is on records I have come to treasure that date back to the early sixties. Just seeing the great McBee enjoying a glass of wine after the gig was a bit of a surreal experience in itself for an admittedly over-the-top jazz fan like myself.

I was insistent on attending the performance as a civilian–I wanted to enjoy these master musicians without checking on a set list, without jotting down notes. I was however, accompanied by photographer Lisa Hagen Glynn, who wanted to document the event with her very fine skills as a live performance photographer. She knew the room well, so her plan of attack would no doubt bring excellent results. As you can see from the photgraphs below, that indeed was the case.

A review might simply point out that Billy Harper is still letting it fly on tenor, that Cables is playing as well, or better than he ever has. It would state the obvious that Hart would set the pace with his physical and articulate style. It would cite McBee as the foundational impulse of the band, playing with understated elegance. It would mention that Donald Harrison would bring a bit of New Orleans with him, acting as a tonal counterpoint to Harper’s snarling, biting attack. David Weiss would fill in the gaps, solo madly and be the band’s designated spokesman.

For the audience, there was a prominent feeling of rebirth, that somehow through the fog of now almost two years of social isolation, these jazz apostles are still on the road, still sharing their gifts with us. We felt not only joyous, but fortunate to be sharing space with them.

Our friend, the iconic trombonist Julian Priester, sat at a table right up against stage left. It occured to me that three members of Hancock’s Mwandishi Band would be in the house, after having seen Hancock the night before. Priester was there unbeknowst to his Mwandishi brothers, Hart and Henderson. As the Cookers were being announced and entering the stage, Hart spotted Priester and got down on his knees to lean over the stage and embrace his old friend. The emotion of the moment was only surpassed by its beauty.

Julian Priester (L) and Bill Hart (R) Lisa Hagen Glynn photo

The hang is always the thing–an unequivocal fact in the jazz community, that somehow felt even more relevant that evening. To be seated with Priester, Hart and Henderson, or sharing a drink with McBee is an honor. Young musicians, such as saxophonist Jackson Cotugno, were able to meet and briefly chat with these legendary and historic musicians. That generational bridge is always something wonderful to behold.

As for my friend Lisa Hagen Glynn, she captured the energy of the evening perfectly. Many, many thanks to her for sharing this treasure trove of jazz history with us. You can catch and support her fine work covering the music scene in Seattle, both inside jazz and out, at her new blogsite https://hardlyraining.com

Tenor saxophonist Billy Harper and bassist Cecil McBee Lisa Hagen Glynn photo

The great Billy Hart Lisa Hagen Glynn photo

Alto saxophonist Donald Harrison Lisa Hagen Glynn photo

Bassist, the great Cecil McBee Lisa Hagen Glynn photo

George Cables with the Cookers at Jazz Alley, 9/22/2021 Lisa Hagen Glynn photo

L to R- George Cables, Billy Harper, David Weiss, Eddie Henderson, Cecil McBee, Donald Harrison, Billy Hart at Jazz Alley 9/22/2021 LIsa Hagen Glynn photo

Cecil McBee (bass) and Eddie Henderson (trumpet) Lisa Hagen Glynn photo

Billy Hart drum solo at Jazz Alley with the Cookers- 9/22/2021 Lisa Hagen Glynn photo

Dr. Eddie Henderson Lisa Hagen Glynn photo

The great George Cables Lisa Hagen Glynn photo

Mwandishi brothers- Julian Priester, Billy Hart, Eddie Henderson Ken Steiner photo

A Night On the Town with The Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio

September 9, 2021 / Paul Rauch / No Comments

DLO 3 on stage with friends at Jazz Alley. Photo Credit: Lisa Hagen Glynn

The stage at the esteemed Seattle jazz club, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, holds special meaning for local musicians who are brought up through the traditions of the city’s historically vibrant jazz scene. The majority of the performers who grace the Belltown nightspot’s hallowed podium are national and international touring artists, who over the years have included Dexter Gordon, Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, Chick Corea, Branford Marsalis, Betty Carter and Cecile McLorin Salvant to mention but a few. On occasion, the club has set aside nights for its resident jazz elite, including the great Ernestine Anderson.

Delvon Lamarr at Jazz Alley. Photo Credit: Lisa Hagen Glynn

Before the worldwide pandemic brought the live performance world to a screeching halt, Jazz Alley began featuring resident artists on Monday nights (the reference to ‘resident’ artists as opposed to ‘local’ was inspired by Seattle jazz great Julian Priester, who explained that the term local could be interpreted as pedestrian). With live music at the club re-igniting in the summer of 2021, the club decided to take a chance on Seattle’s best, booking Thomas Marriott, Greta Matassa, Marc Seales and Ari Joshua with positive results both in terms of performance and attendance. It was quite striking to see a full club in on every note for Seattle veteran pianist Seales for example, with a band that featured Seattleites Marriott and Jeff Johnson.

The Seattle based Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio took to the Jazz Alley stage to begin a two night, sold out engagement on August 24th, a Tuesday evening with a full house on hand. Many in the audience were about to experience live music for the first time since the pandemic induced shutdown. There was a sense of rejuvenation, of celebration in the room, as Lamarr escorted his mother, brother and sister in law to their table suspended over the stage in the front of the balcony. The soulful R&B and blues guitarist Jimmy James was his usual sharp witted and comical self. “Do you know how to tell if someone is not from Seattle,” he quipped. “When they ask how to get on THE five!” James is all south end Seattle, just as Lamarr’s roots run deep in the Emerald City. New drummer Dan Weiss, who hails from Reno, was getting a full dose of the immensity of the moment, of his Seattle bandmates about to take stage on the city’s most prestigious jazz precipice. The trio had enjoyed a degree of commercial success prior to the shutdown, and had drawn well in their previous visit to the club.

DLO3 at jazz Alley. Photo Credit: Lisa Hagen Glynn

Seattle’s reputation of being a remote and unique cultural outpost is perhaps a bit outdated in its modern incarnation, but nonetheless steeped in historical accuracy. When Jazz Alley opened, it would often feature a national touring artist accompanied by Seattle musicians. In the seventies and eighties, it was common to see such Seattle stalwarts as Chuck Deardorf and Dean Hodges manning the rhythm section for notables like Kenny Burrell or Mose Allison. The resident artists could be found full time at clubs like The New Orleans, or Tula’s beginning in the nineties. But headliners at the old Jazz Alley on University Way, or the current Belltown location, were clearly the exception, not the rule.

Lamarr is what some might refer to as a “natural” musician, one that has an innate understanding of music as a base point for his personal musical progression. In middle school, he came to play in the band by chance, by clearly showing his teacher and mentor Sam Chambliss his ability.

“One day I saw a horn on the floor, and didn’t even know what it was. I told Mr. Chambliss, ‘I can play that.’ He said, ‘Good, I’ll put you in band.’ It was a baritone horn. I picked it up and played it naturally right away. I couldn’t read music, so I would just copy the person next to me. Whatever they played, I played,” he recalls.

Lamarr settled on B-3 after playing drums in the band of Seattle B-3 master, Joe Doria. A year of simply observing his bandleader from behind the kit, allowed him to casually sit down and play the complex instrument.

“I had been watching Joe play it for a year, and literally sat down and played it like I had been playing it my whole life,” says Lamarr.

Lamarr was, and is, a jazz first musician no matter what musical tradition he employs. There is an intuitive eclecticism about his art that transcends form. The influences of his first love, R&B and soul, speaks through his music as well. Taking those elements of his musical personality, and creating a concept that not only would be sufficiently expressive for a genius musician like Lamarr, and as well supply ample opportunity to make a living, eventually became the domain of Amy Novo, Lamarr’s wife, life partner and manager.

“She literally owns DLO3,” exclaimed Lamarr from the Jazz Alley stage that night. “She came up with the idea, and made it happen in every way. I just have to play music.”

Novo worked tirelessly, while her husband created music that would land them with the esteemed Kurland Agency. They found an audience that, like the music, transcended genre. The potent recipe of jazz, rhythm and blues and rock pulled in a sizable crowd that enabled the band to play venues like the Blue Note in New York, worldwide festivals and of course, Seattle’s Jazz Alley. Guitarist James provided the punch that incorporated that which encompasses all of Lamarr’s stylistic indulgences- the blues. The band’s sound has been represented well on the studio albums Close But No Cigar (Colemine, 2018) and I Told You So (Colemine,2021) for Colemine Records, and the live offering Live at KEXP (Colemine, 2018).

Guitarist Jimmy James and drummer Dan Weiss at Jazz Alley with DLO3. Photo Credit: Lisa Hagen Glynn

That “sound” has a historical lineage, perhaps unknown to Lamarr at the beginning stages of the band’s development. In the fifties and sixties, Seattle Hammond B-3 artist Dave Lewis had a multitude of hit records with what was being referred to at the time as the “Seattle Sound.” It was instrumental, organ based music, that had markings of jazz, rhythm and blues and the hybrid form taking hold of the airwaves in those days– rock and roll. Lewis’ band would eventually have a huge impact sociologically by playing north end gigs that were the exclusive domain of white bands. This would put an end to musical segregation in the city, which included separate unions for white and black musicians. The unity exhibited by late night jam sessions on Jackson St., now had legal and ethical legitimacy by practice among venue owners. The “sound” would have an impact on Seattle jazz, as well as artists in all blues based styles, including Jimi Hendrix. DLO3 has received a large degree of popularity and commercial success with their own unique organ based sound, that much like Lewis’ combo, is an open door for guest artists to enter and leave their mark. It is a style that is constantly in motion and inviting new musical notions. Whether performing for a sit down audience at Jazz Alley, or accommodating a dance crowd, the band has the unique ability to satisfy multiple audiences, a luxury seldom afforded by jazz artists.

Lamarr’s solo work, and his minimalist comping style, are unmistakingly tied to his roots as a jazz musician. His dual persona in a way, is like an artistic aperture allowing the entire blues tradition into the mix. So much is the same, so much is different. “When I play DLO3 music versus swinging jazz, the approach is completely different. I intertwine the soul with jazz and make sense of it,” he explains. It is not, however, groove dance music, no matter how thick and comfortable drummer Weiss makes that pocket seem. Lamarr’s thought processes arrive musically from the jazz lexicon, smothered in blues based soul and funk. “It’s undeniable that music is better when it speaks to somebody’s soul instead of just hearing a beat,” he points out.

The trio’s open door welcomed in India Arie bassist Khari Simmons, and Polyrhythmic’s guitarist Ben Bloom on this Tuesday evening engagement in Seattle. Relieved of bass line duties, Lamarr is able to ascend as a soloist to new heights, and for two tunes, as a vocalist. Until this opening night in Seattle, Lamarr had never dared to sing in public. He soulfully rendered two new compositions to accommodate this new, very personal revelation. “No Walk in the Park,” and “Can’t Win For Losing,” unmasked the organist’s inner creative sanctum, leaving himself completely vulnerable to an audience that included family, long time friends and some of the city’s top music scribes. That comfortable vibe, that which one feels when surrounded by loved ones, by being home, gathered all the loose ends of the evening into one, enlightened space. The jovial nonchalance of Lamarr’s outward personality, and his deep, soul searching inner musical self came to a singular state of being. This wasn’t another ordinary stop on a long tour–it was Seattle, it was Jazz Alley, this was about neighborhood and being home.

Delvon Lamarr at the Owl jam session. 8/24/21

The afternoon preceding DLO3’s opener at Jazz Alley, Lamar and Novo set up a B-3 at the Owl ‘n Thistle, an Irish dive bar in Seattle’s Pioneer Square, with intentions of returning after the Jazz Alley hit to attend a weekly jam session that has taken place at the Owl for more than two decades. The jam is the social focal point of the Seattle jazz scene, and where Lamarr would come to match his chops with the best players in town. In those days, the young Lamarr would play trumpet and drums at the session. Two weeks prior, he had dropped in at the Owl after a gig at Woodland Park, with Novo and Simmons in tow. He played drums a bit, but mostly just enjoyed the hang tremendously. He realized how shut in socially he could be, between touring and ultimately, due to Covid-19. Knowing that he would be playing the house B-3 at Jazz Alley, he set up his own equipment at the Owl, and arrived around 10 PM, just as the house band led by pianist Eric Verlinde was finishing up its set. The trio played a few tunes for the jam packed (pun intended) audience in the small, brick lined room. Soon, Lamarr was at the organ with a rapidly changing cast of musicians at the open session, clearly enjoying himself. While Lamarr is an affable sort, his normal positive self seemed to play into a state of heightened joy and repose. Novo as well sported a look of knowing she was in the right place at the right time. Normally a whirlwind during a gig, dealing with the business portion of the band, she as well could just revel in the sense of normalcy, of fellowship and community, that was so clearly at hand.

DLO 3 plays the Owl jam session, after their opening night set at Jazz Alley 8/24/21 Photo Credit: Lisa Hagen Glynn

Of course, the evening would end with Lamarr and Novo once again loading one hulk of a musical instrument into their van. There was another night at Jazz Alley to traverse, and whatever else comes literally down the road as things slowly return to normal. There is the uncertainty of the Delta variant, of course, yet over two nights at their city’s most esteemed club, every seat is full, every audience member engaged and content. There is hope in the air, that we will rise above a two year pandemic hiatus, and find our stride musically, and inevitably, socially.

Drummer Dan Weiss in the pocket at Jazz Alley with DLO3 Photo Credit: Lisa Hagen Glynn

A single evening saw the Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio in front of a full house, and then immersed in the hang, that which in the end really matters. A return to normalcy means so much more than audience being reunited with artist. Rising above the fray of a worldwide pandemic, that place where none of us had ever resided, is more about being reunited with each other. Of feeling that embrace. On one Tuesday evening in Seattle, the Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio and family felt the embrace that only home can bring. —Paul Rauch

Photo Review: Marc Seales Quintet at Jazz Alley- 8/17/2021

August 21, 2021 / Paul Rauch / No Comments

Pianist Marc Seales. Lisa Hagen Glynn photo

One of the recent positive marks on the Seattle jazz scene is that Jazz Alley, the city’s premier spot for touring acts, has been featuring some resident artists. The shows have been well attended, featuring iconic Seattle artists such as Greta Matassa, Marc Seales, Thomas Marriott and Delvon Lamarr.

The Seattle jazz community has been well documented in recent years photographically, thanks in large part to veteran jazz photog, Jim Levitt. Long known for his work for the Ballard Jazz Festival, Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra and Jazz Port Townsend, Levitt can often be found at a gig near you. He may be hiding behind a curtain, or slithering along the ground like a shutterbug snake. He may find the empty chair at your table, taking a few shots before disappearing again, toting his stuffed to the gills bag of camera equipment.

Levitt has mentored the next gen photog on the scene, Lisa Hagen Glynn, who as well can often be found working around stages and audiences in several genres of the city music scene, most notably the jazz world where she typically resides. Her initial interest in photographing jazz performances came by attending gigs played by her husband, Seattle first call bassist, Michael Glynn. She has a unique, perhaps innate sense of the moment, often catching musicians at the height of their emotional arc. Her remarkable ability to seem almost invisible, yet find superior angles to shoot, makes her work stand out much in the way of her mentor. Many thanks to Jim and Lisa for bringing the music to life in pictures.

L to R- guitarist Jesse Seales, drummer Moyes Lucas, bassist Jeff Johnson, pianist Marc Seales and trumpeter Thomas Marriott. Lisa Hagen Glynn photo’

The tall stranger- bassist Jeff Johnson. Lisa Hagen Glynn photo

Thomas Marriott on flugelhorn. Lisa Hagen Glynn photo

Marc Seales and Thomas Marriott. Jim Levitt photo

Jeff Johnson and Marc Seales. Jim Levitt photo

The always expressive Marc Seales. Jim Levitt photo

Drummer Moyes Lucas. Lisa Hagen Glynn photo.

Guitarist Jesse Seales and drummer Moyes Lucas. Lisa Hagen Glynn photo

All eyes on the leader. Jim Levitt photo

Tuesday Jazz

September 23, 2008 / Chadmcc / No Comments

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: Music Works Big Band

JAZZ ALLEY: Ed Reed and the Peck Allmond Quartet

NEW ORLEANS: Holotradband

EGAN’S BALLARD JAM HOUSE:
7pm – Boston to Austin, with Liz Stahler and Brianna Lane
9pm – Victor Noriega Trio Plus 2, with Victor Noriega (piano), Jay Thomas (horns), Mark Taylor (alto sax), Willie Blair (bass) and Kassa Overall (drums)

DEXTER AND HAYES: Tim Kennedy Trio

MARTIN’S ON MADISON: Karin Kajita

MIX: Don Mock, Steve Kim & Charlie Nordstrom

OWL ‘N THISTLE: Jam Session

Saturday Jazz

September 20, 2008 / Chadmcc / No Comments

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: Susan Pascal Quartet

JAZZ ALLEY: Earl Klugh

THE TRIPLE DOOR MUSICQUARIUM: Red Eye Flight

EGAN’S BALLARD JAM HOUSE:
7pm – Island Jazz Quintet, Maggie Laird (vocals/melodica), Richard Person (trumpet/flugelhorn), Tom Wilkins (piano), Todd Zimberg (drums), Todd Gowers (bass)
9pm – Steve Korn Group with Steve Korn (drums), Mark Taylor (sax), Marc Seales (piano) and John Hamar (bass)

CHAPEL PERFORMANCE SPACE: Ziggurat Ensemble
Good Shepherd Center, 4649 Sunnyside Ave N, 8pm

SERAFINA: Leo Raymundo w/ Sue Nixon

GRAZIE: Michael Powers Group

BAKE’S PLACE: Kelley Johnson Quartet

SORRENTO HOTEL: Katy Bourne Trio

PAMPAS ROOM: Brian Nova w/ Stephanie Porter

Sunday Jazz

September 14, 2008 / Chadmcc / No Comments

BUDDY CATLETT FUNDRAISER: The Pampas Room under El Gaucho.
5:00pm – 11:00pm. 90 Wall St., Belltown.

SEATTLE DRUM SCHOOL: Byron Vannoy’s Meridian
12510 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98125, Tel:(206)364-8815

JAZZ ALLEY: Robben Ford

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

BAKE’S PLACE: Pearl Django

TRIPLE DOOR MUSICQUARIUM: Sunday Night Salsa: Fred Hoadley Trio

TUTTA BELLA WALLINGFORD: Casey McGill’s Blue 4 Trio

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

La SPIGA: Gail Pettis Trio

Saturday Jazz

September 13, 2008 / Chadmcc / No Comments

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: Andrienne Wilson Farewell Concert

JAZZ ALLEY: Robben Ford

TRIPLE DOOR MUSICQUARIUM: The New Architects

BAKE’S PLACE: Karin Plato Quartet

EGAN’S BALLARD JAM HOUSE:
7pm – Student Loan. Julio Appling (bass/vocals), Liz Chibucos (guitar/violin/vocals), Mark Gerolami (banjo/guitar/vocals) and Chad Kimbler (mandolin/vocals)
9pm – Elise Kloter w/ Karin Kajita
11pm – Rachel Bade-McMurphy Quartet. Rachel Bade-McMurphy (vocals/sax/composer) and Brendan McMurphy (trumpet/drums)

SERAFINA: Jazzuhka

GRAZIE: Andre Thomas and Quiet Fire

PAMPAS ROOM: Brian Nova Quartet

Sunday Jazz

September 7, 2008 / Chadmcc / No Comments

The Pony Boy Jazz Picnic is the biggest game in town today…sure hope you don’t need a last minute sub for those other gigs!

PONY BOY RECORDS 5TH ANNUAL JAZZ PICNIC: Noon-5pm
Sandpoint Magnuson Park Amphitheatre, 7400 Sandpoint Way, NE, Seattle. For more information visit the Pony Boy Records website. (See previous post.)

JAZZ ALLEY: Chuck Mangione

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB:
3:00pm: Reggie Goings / Hadley Caliman
8:00pm: Jim Cutler Jazz Orchestra

TRIPLE DOOR MAINSTAGE: Afrissippi

TUTTA BELLA WALLINGFORD: Casey McGill’s Blue 4 Trio

SERAFINA:
11am – 1:30pm: Jazz Brunch with the Conlin Roser Duo
6:30 – 9:00pm: Ann Reynolds / Tobi Stone Duo

La SPIGA: Makini and the Killer Bees

KWJZ JAZZ BRUNCH CRUISE: Susan Pascal Quartet, 12-2pm.
More info: 206-623-1445

Saturday Jazz

September 6, 2008 / Chadmcc / No Comments

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB:
3:00 – Andrienne Wilson Vocal Showcase
8:30 – Greta Matassa Quartet

JAZZ ALLEY: Chuck Mangione

BAKE’S PLACE: Jeanie Bryson Quartet

SORRENTO HOTEL: Katy Bourne w/ Hans Brehmer and Chuck Kistler
900 Madison St., Seattle, 206-622-6400

TRIPLE DOOR MAINSTAGE: Jacqui Naylor
TRIPLE DOOR MUSICQUARIUM: Vunt Foom

EGAN’S BALLARD JAM HOUSE:
7pm and 9pm- Overton Berry Trio CD Release Party

SERAFINA: Leo Raymundo w/ Sue Nixon

GRAZIE: Blues Union

PAMPAS ROOM: Brian Nova Quartet w/ Stephanie Porter

Friday Jazz

September 5, 2008 / Chadmcc / No Comments

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: Katie King Quartet

JAZZ ALLEY: Chuck Mangione

TRIPLE DOOR MAINSTAGE: Cuchata and Nationbeat (world music)
TRIPLE DOOR MUSICQUARIUM: Joe Doria Trio

EGAN’S BALLARD JAM HOUSE:
7pm – Dylan Heaney Group, with Dylan Heaney (sax), Andy Coe (guitar), Keith Judelman (bass) and Phil Parisot (drums)
9pm – Like Minds, jazz guitar duo with Greg Glassman and Ron Peters

HIROSHI’S: Gene Argel / Jay Thomas / Greg Williamson

LATONA PUB: Phil Sparks / Leif Todasek

SERAFINA: Jose Gonzales Trio

GRAZIE: Blues Union

PAMPAS ROOM: Brian Nova Quartet

Thursday Jazz

September 4, 2008 / Chadmcc / No Comments

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: Greta Matassa Vocal Workshop

EGAN’S BALLARD JAM HOUSE:
7pm – Sunship, with Brian Heaney (guitar), Michael Monhart (saxophone), David Revelli (drums), Andrew Luthringer (bass) and Stuart Dempster (trombone)
9pm – Tom Baker Quartet, with Tom Baker (guitar and fretless guitar), Greg Cambell (drums), Jesse Canterbury (clarinet) and Brian Cobb (bass)

JAZZ ALLEY: Holly Cole

TRIPLE DOOR MUSICQUARIUM: Monarch Duo

NEW ORLEANS: The Ham Carson Quintet

ASTEROID CAFE: Tim Kennedy & Friends

THAIKU: Jon Alberts / Jeff Johnson / Tad Britton

LO-FI: The Teaching

MARTIN’S OFF MADISON: Karin Kajita

MAY: Hans Teuber Trio

Wednesday Jazz

September 3, 2008 / Chadmcc / No Comments

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

Tuesday Jazz

September 2, 2008 / Chadmcc / No Comments

JAZZ ALLEY: Phoebe Snow

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: Jay Thomas Big Band

NEW ORLEANS: Holotradband

TRIPLE DOOR MUSICQUARIUM: PGM Trio

EGAN’S BALLARD JAM HOUSE:
7pm – Chuck Ogmund Quintet, with Hans Brehmer (piano), Chris Symer (bass), Patty Padden (drums) and Tony Rondolone (sax).

MIX: Don Mock, Steve Kim & Charlie Nordstrom

MARTIN’S OFF MADISON: Karin Kajita

Anything else? As always, send us a note and let us know!

Sunday Jazz

August 31, 2008 / Chadmcc / No Comments

JAZZ ALLEY: Lee Ritenour and Friends with Patrice Rushen, Melvin Davis and Will Kennedy

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB:
3:00pm: Easy Street Jazz Band
8:00pm: Jim Cutler Jazz Orchestra

TRIPLE DOOR MUSICQUARIUM: Sunday Night Salsa: Rumbeggae

TUTTA BELLA WALLINGFORD: Casey McGill’s Blue 4 Trio

SERAFINA:
11am – 1:30pm: Jazz Brunch with the Conlin Roser Duo
6:30 – 9:00pm: Ann Reynolds / Tobi Stone Duo

La SPIGA: Gail Pettis Trio

BUMBERSHOOT: today and Monday. For more information, visit www.bumbershoot.org.

ANACORTES JAZZ FESTIVAL: today and Monday.
For more info, visit http://www.anacortes.org/jazz-08.cfm
11:30 – Pocket Change
1:00 – Clarenence Acox
2:30 – Jeanie Bryson
4:30 – Dr. Lonnie Smith
8:00- Anacortes Jazz Walk w/ Joe Doria, Fidalgo Swing, Bassic Sax

Saturday Jazz

August 30, 2008 / Chadmcc / No Comments

Start early and get to at least one thing on this long list today!

JAZZ ALLEY: Lee Ritenour and Friends with Patrice Rushen, Melvin Davis and Will Kennedy

BAKE’S PLACE: Crossing Borders featuring Jennifer Scott and Kristen Strom

TRIPLE DOOR MUSICQUARIUM: Red Eye Flight

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: Isabella du Graf Quartet

EGAN’S BALLARD JAM HOUSE:
7pm – Eric Apoe and Baby Gramps
9pm – Shauna Wu (vocals) and Randy Halberstadt (piano)
11pm – Gryphon, with Brian Murray on (vox/rhythm guitar), Ben “Mudslide” Davis (lead guitar), Jake Melius (bass) and Pax Allen on (drums)

SERAFINA: Jose Gonzales Trio

GRAZIE: Greta Matassa

PAMPAS ROOM: Brian Nova Quartet w/ Fred Radke

ANACORTES JAZZ FESTIVAL: today, Sunday and Monday.
For more info, visit http://www.anacortes.org/jazz-08.cfm
11:30 – Trish Hatley
1:00 – Doug Wamble and Bill Frisell
2:30 – SRJO
4:30 – Kevin Mahogany
6:00 – The Pony Boy All-Star Mini Big Band
9:00- Anacortes Jazz Walk w/ Dina Blade, Tom Marriott, Dan Heck, Ryan Burns, Lee Pence, Frankly Moanin’, Cambalache

Oh, and there’s that other big music festival this weekend. What was the name of that again? Right. Bumbershoot (www.bumbershoot.org)

Sunday Jazz

August 24, 2008 / Chadmcc / No Comments

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

August 23, 2008 / Chadmcc / No Comments

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

August 17, 2008 / Chadmcc / No Comments

JAZZ ALLEY: Habib Koite and Bamada

TRIPLE DOOR MUSICQUARIUM: Sunday Night Salsa: Rhythm Syndicate

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB:
3:00pm: Jay Thomas Big 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: Ann Reynolds and Tobi Stone

La SPIGA: Leif Totusek Duo

MT. HOOD JAZZ FESTIVAL: Matt Jorgensen +451
www.mthoodjazz.org, Gresham, Oregon. 2-3pm.