Jazz Alley | Seattle Jazz Scene

Seattle Jazz Scene: Live Jazz Previews for Seattle

March 19, 2024 / Paul Rauch / No Comments

Seattle Jazz Fellowship Monday Night Jam Session (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. The jam has developed quite an audience as well, and a young audience at that. The room is always full, with a line going down the block. Early arrival is advised- musicians planning to sign up and play will be allowed entrance no matter the crowd. Musicians now have a place to do there thing at a session in front of a large audience. The vibe and the overall scene of the session, including an audience that listens and participates has been thrilling, to say the least. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events

Tuesday Night Jam at the Owl

Hosted by Matt Williams

Tuesdays at 9:30 PM / Owl ‘n Thistle

For those unacquainted, this is the jazz jam session in Seattle with a grand history twenty seven years long. Started by the upstart neo-bop band, Bebop and Destruction, and nurtured for eighteen more by pianist Eric Verlinde, the baton now resides in the able hands of pianist/keyboardist/vibraphonist Matt Williams. There is an opening set, followed by the jam. The opening set is different each week, often with Williams at the keyboard. Now a month into his tenure, Williams’ enthusiasm for the gig is clearly evident. Unlike the jam at Seattle Jazz Fellowship on Mondays, this is a twenty one and over affair, and starts later to facilitate musicians arriving post-gig. One of the few late night jazz gigs left in Seattle! I wrote an article about the unique and often humorous history of the session for All About Jazz, link posted below. By the way, no bar serves Guiness as expertly as the Owl!https://www.allaboutjazz.com/tuesday-night-jams-at-the-owl-a-25-year-legacy-in-seattle

Jean Chaumont Quintet

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

French guitarist Jean Chaumont‘s playing is often compared to guitarist Pat Metheny, his music often mentioned in the same breath as ECM artists such as Shai Maestro. But for most jazz fans in Seattle, including this one, it’s difficult to draw a proper comp for the guitarist. While he has appeared around town quite a bit, nailing him down to a performance of his own music, with resident notables in support has not been easy. I have seen him play a few times at Tula’s, and at jam sessions, just enough to know that I would like to see and hear more of him. This SJF date gives us all that opportunity. Chaumont has surrounded himself with a formidable band here as well, making the appearance all that much more intriguing.

Pianist Dylan Hayes, bassist Kelsey Mines and drummer Xavier Lecouturier join as a foundational and multi-dimensional force behind the guitarist. Seattle’s iconic multi-reedist Hans Teuber, brings a melodic and spontaneously creative presence to the band. The quintet will dive into Chaumont’s original tunes from his album, The Beauty of Differences and more. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events

Claudio Rochat-Felix Quartet

featuring James Mahone, Tim Kennedy & Jonti Siman

Fri Apr 25, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 109 S. Main St.

Drummer Claudio Rochat-Felix leads a top shelf quartet featuring Bay Area saxophonist James Mahone. Pianist Tim Kennedy and bassist Jonti Siman are Seattle notables that complete a sonic quartet.

Rochat-Felix doesn’t perform all that often in Seattle, and may be an unknown to many local fans, but he is a beyond groove type player that plays with a spacial awareness that is highly resonant. Mahone is likely a bit of an unknown as well, but he is a well-traveled player on an international scale that brings a lot to the table. Kennedy is among the best jazz pianists on the west coast, visible in his efforts as a leader, and as a member of Thomas Marriott’s quartet. Bassist Siman has been a steady presence on the scene since arriving in Seattle, and is becoming more and more visible as his tenure continues here. This is a capable unit with a chance to be very, very good. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events

Trevor Ford Trio

Sat Apr 26, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 109 S. Main St.

The jazz piano trio is a wide open foray into spontaneous expression, particularly when all three participants are given equal footing in the process. In this case, bassist Trevor Ford is the fulcrum of the triad, joined by pianist Tim Kennedy and drummer Sutton Marley.

Ford’s playing is swingin’, steeped in the post-bop side of the jazz tradition. His musical partnership with Kennedy is on display every Monday night at SJF as part of Thomas Marriott’s house band for the Monday jam session, as well as Marriott;s quartet appearances. Marley has slowly found himself on more and more gigs in Seattle since his arrival from the Bay Area. It shouldn’t take much then, for these three to find a common center to work from. All three are fearless in their approach, making the prospects for this evening worth the trek down to Pioneer Square. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events

Gary Bartz Quintet

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

NEA Jazz Master Gary Bartz returns to Seattle in anticipation of his upcoming album- his first release since 2011. The master alto saxophonist started his career in the mid-sixties with such luminaries as Max Roach, Charles Mingus and Miles Davis. With Davis, he became part of the fusion revolution gripping jazz as the ’70’s began. He is one of the true innovators of the alto, in many ways assimilating the advancements made by tenorist John Coltrane and applying them to his instrument. Still playing at an exceptyionally high level, Bartz is one of the true links between modern jazz and the work of the masters.

Bartz will be joined by a forward thinking band featuring Seattle’s own Kassa Overall on drums. Guitarist Paul Bollenback, pianist Marc Cary and bassist James King round out this outstanding quintet.

Tim Lerch Trio

Thu May 1, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 109 S. Main St.

Guitarist Tim Lerch is best known to PNW jazz fans as a member of the legendary band, Pearl Django. His stylistic leanings go far beyond the Django-esque language he employs in that veteran ensemble. He is a jazz guitarist with blues tendencies in his trio, in this iteration with bassist Osama Afifi and drummer Craig Cootsona. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events

Beserat Tafesse Quartet

featuring Matt Williams, Geoff Harper & Christopher Icasiano

Fri May 2, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 109 S. Main St.

Trombonist Beserat Tafesse burst on the scene as a bandleader and side musician seemingly out of nowhere. The eastside native returned to the PNW after some time in New York, and has been highly visible and active since. Tafesse will pull out imaginative originals and selected standards to explore with a talented quartet in tow.

Pianist Matt Williams is worth the effort to head on down to 109 S. Main in himself. A brilliant jazz pianist, Williams headlines his own gigs with his trio and curates the longtime jam session at the Owl n Thistle. Bassist Geoff Harper is a versatile player whose comfort zone ranges from bebop to free jazz. His tenure performing live and in the studio with Julian Priester is noteworthy. Drummer Christopher Icasiano is one half of the out duo, Bad Luck. He is seen often in trios led by Williams and Ann Reynolds. He is a touring member of the highly successful Seattle based folk-rock band, Fleet Foxes. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events

Gail Pettis Quartet

Sat May 3, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 109 S. Main St.

Origin Records recording artist Gail Pettis has been somewhat quiet in recent times, so it’s good to see her on the SJF schedule. A vocalist of grand style and grace, Pettis is a natural, performing standards and originals with a blues-inflected style that delivers lyrically. With a new recording in the making, jazz fans around the PNW are hopeful to see her out and about fronting her always stellar band.

Pettis has a perfect foil in pianist Tony Foster, joined by trailblazing bassist Jeff Johnson and drummer Mark Ivester. Her ability to connect with an audience will be greatly enhanced by the intimate vibe at 109 S. Main. Pettis is one of a handful of great jazz singers to appear on the Seattle scene over the past twenty years. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events

Low Blow- featuring Boss Baritones Gary Smulyan & Frank Basile

with guests Noah Pettibon, Alex Dugdale, Calvin Rey & Sid Hauser

Sun May 4, 4 PM- free saxophone clinic at 1:30 PM

Gary Smulyan is an icon of the baritone saxophone. The winner of Grammys, and too many Downbeat reader’s and critic’s polls to recall, Smulyan occupies the top tier historically of jazz baritone saxophonists with Pepper Adams and Gerry Mulligan. Sweeping into Seattle with Boss Baritones partner Frank Basile, Smulyan engages with Seattle baritone enthusiasts Noah Pettibon, Calvin Rey, Sidney Hauser and Alex Dugdale, all of whom have been mentored by the low-tone legend.

A free clinic will be given at 1:30 PM. followed by the performances beginning at 4PM. Half-hour sets will be performed by locals Noah Pettibon, Calvin Rey, Alex Dugdale and Sidney Hauser, backed by the all-star rhythm section of pianist Roman Goron, bassist Kelsey Mines and drummer Matt Jorgensen. Smulyan and Basile will then play a full performance featuring Michael Glynn, drummer D’Vonne Lewis and pianist Tim Kennedy.

It’s nice that the baritone is receiving this kind of attention, considering the lack of low-blow action in Seattle these days. But Smulyan is so much more than a legend of the instrument–he is a historically great saxophonist who takes as much from Charlie Parker and other influences than he does from the baritone tradition. His individual style, his sense for innovation and melody, and his stellar technique make this a must see performance on the spring calendar in Seattle. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events

Shai Permilovsky Trio

Thu May 8, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 109 S. Main St.

Shai Permilovsky is a pianist born and raised in Kfar Saba, Israel and Bellevue, Washington. He is now based in Seattle, after studying with Marc Seales at the UW. His approach is inspired by Israeli pianists Shai Maestro, Nitai Hershkovits and Omri Mor, giving him a sound that is distinctly “Israeli Jazz.” His appearance at 109 S. Main is an opportunity to get to know his playing in a quartet setting with a listening audience.

The pianist will be joined by a formidable group, with bassist Tony Lefaive, drummer Max Holmberg and tenor saxophonist Darian Asplund. The quartet will focus on Permilovsky’s original compositions that will be heard on his upcoming first album, Grandpa’s Village.https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events

Danny Kolke Trio

Sat May 10, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship / 109 S. Main St.

Pianist Danny Kolke is known for his fine work at Boxley’s in North Bend, but one cannot overlook his fine playing as a performer. Kolke is a talented and versatile pianist whether in the intimate settings of piano trio, ensemble settings or as an accompanist with vocal artists.

Most recently, Kolke has been putting together new originals for a trio recording project with first call bassist Michael Glynn and drummer Max Holmberg. The pianist has logged considerable time with both over the years, developing a chemistry that should translate well to this trio performance at 109 S. Main. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events

The Bad Plus

Tue & Wed May 13-14, 7:30 PM / Jazz Alley

For many years, The Bad Plus was a jazz piano trio that in essence, explored non-jazz material through their lens of piano trio non-conformity. Bassist Reid Anderson, drummer Dave King and pianist Ethan Iverson created an industry brand that was infallible.

The trio became slightly more interesting when Iverson departed and was replaced by Philadelphia based pianist, Orrin Evans. But when Evans left the band to return to his own musical pursuits, Anderson and King were left with more questions than answers. Fortunately, they answered those questions expertly, and in the process, created a version of The Bad Plus that may stand taller than the previous two, and in a certain way adhere to the original mission of the band perfectly. They created a weirder, wilder and more interesting Bad Plus. A brief explanation.

As is evidenced by their latest release, Complex Emotions, the overall sound of the band is very different, darkly skirting the premise of the band’s past with a sonic presence that fits into the musical space created by Anderson and King in a perfect and poetic way. Guitarist Ben Monder has the ability to play straight up jazz guitar, or play with a completely different ambience that seems a weird and wonderful collision of musical worlds. It’s a match made in the heavens, and augmented well by the saxophone musings of Seattle born and bred musician, Chris Speed. Speed is the lightning to Monder’s thunder, bringing forward an atmospheric identity that should appeal to a wide spread of progressive listeners. I recommend this gig to those who have not previously fallen down the Bad Plus rabbit hole. Long time fans should dig it , too. https://www.jazzalley.com/www-home/artist.jsp?shownum=7632

Jared Hall Quintet

Thu May 15, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 109 S, Main St.

Trumpeter Jared Hall is a valued member of the Seattle jazz community despite his leaving for his native Spokane in recent times to teach at Whitworth University. He returns to Seattle on the heels of his successful 2024 release, Influences on the Origin Records label. His playing is reminiscent of the historic masters of his instrument, gaining an original bent over the past decade that has pushed him to new heights both as a player and composer. There is an assertive confidence to his playing that tends to create an ascending spirit in the music being performed.

Hall hits with two veteran players with whom he is well acquainted in acclaimed Seattle drummer John Bishop and Laramie based pianist / composer Ben Markley. Joining them will be alto saxophonist Natalie Wagner and bassist Kai Wagner, two new generation players on the scene. Seattle audiences have not had much opportunity to see Markley play, an elegant and forward thinking player. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events

Tom Guarna Quartet

featuring George Colligan, Matt Jorgensen & Michael Glynn

Fri May 16, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 109 S. Main St.

Grammy nominated guitarist Tom Guarna is a master player and composer whose style is impacted by the wide range of legendary musicians he has performed with. The author of seven albums as a leader, Guarna has an impressive recording and performance resume that includes three Blood Sweat and Tears, Brian Blade, Wallace Roney, Stanley Clarke, Branford Marsalis, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Gary Bartz and many more. His time in New York included studies with the great John Abercrombie. His style embraces the entire landscape of jazz music.

Guarna will perform tunes from his most recent recording, Reimagine, with a top shelf quartet that includes master pianist George Colligan and first call Seattle musicians in drummer Matt Jorgensen and bassist Michael Glynn. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events

Phil Sparks Trio

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

Bassist Phil Sparks is a Seattle jazz institution. His soulful, swingin’ approach to the double bass has fit into a plethora of musical encounters over the years, both as a side musician and as a leader. He has been a foundational voice in the Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra from its inception, and has hosted the hippest jazz happy hour in Seattle at Latona for what seems like forever. In this case, Sparks pares things down to a traditional jazz piano trio, an equal partnership between three voices. Pianist Victor Noriega is an old friend who is seldom seen these days, so a welcome opportunity to reconnect with his playing. Drummer / percussionist Greg Campbell is an eclectic player with a wide range of influences. There’s a lot to work with here, all in the intimate atmosphere at 109 S. Main St.https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events

Béla Fleck, Edmar Castañeda, Antonio Sanchez Trio

Thu May 22- Sun May 25, 7:30 & 9:30 PM / Jazz Alley

Banjo player extraordinaire Bela Fleck is grandly decorated with awards of all sorts- including nineteen Grammys. Those accolades really do not tell the story of his importance as a genius practicioner of his instrument. Working within the diatonic limitations of the 5-string banjo, Fleck has shattered stigmas placed on the instrument, performing with jazz musicians and others outside of the typical realm of the instrument that was pioneered into the modern bluegrass sound by the great Earl Scruggs. He did so early on in his band Spectrum, and later as a member of the genre-shattering band, New Grass Revival.

This may prove to be Fleck’s most interesting iteration of all, teaming up with Colombian harp master, Edmar Castaneda and Mexico City born drummer, Antonio Sanchez. More interesting than his collaborations with Chick Corea? Perhaps. Certainly, it will be a fascinating inter-cultural conversation in the common language of music. https://www.jazzalley.com/www-home/artist.jsp?shownum=7645

Steve Griggs Ensemble

Wed May 21, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 109 S. Main St.

Tenor saxophonist Steve Griggs summons his longtime ensemble to play music inspired by the legendary trombonist, Seattle’s own Julian Priester. The band has been together since 2013, and has been awarded for adventurous programming from both Chamber Music America and ASCAP. Griggs is joined by vibraphonist Susan Pascal, bassist Phil Sparks, multi-instrumentalist Jay Thomas and drummer Milo Petersen–Seattle jazz legends all.

Griggs’ dive into the music of Priester fits side by side with his participation in the interview series, Julian Speaks with the Seattle Jazz Fellowship. Special guest Dan Marcus has been summoned to perform on trombone for the occasion. Griggs’ passion for the music and culture that surrounds him here in Seattle is like a breath of fresh air. This will be a splendid evening of celebration, and an opportunity to hear Priester’s music performed by musicians who have spent considerable time with the legendary trombonist and friend. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events

Dmitri Matheny Group

Fri May 23, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 109 S. Main St.

Dmitri Matheny is a flugelhorn artist very much along the lines of the great Art Farmer. He very often plays theme based performances tour to tour, in this case titled, “Jazz From the Silver Screen.” The performance will include tunes from movie scores across the past one hundred years–a century of time in which film and jazz has literally grown up together. The repetorire may include selections from any or all of close to thirty films.

Matheny totes with him a formidable band, featuring pianist Bill Anschell, bassist Phil Sparks, drummer Xavier Lecouturier and saxophonist Michael Brockman. 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.