from Paul de Barros’ Friday column:
At the Umbria Jazz Festival two summers ago, in Italy, the great pianist Hank Jones strolled into the lobby of the illustrious Brufani Hotel one afternoon.
“You know,” said the piano master, now 89. “I’ve worked with a lot of singers over the years. But Roberta Gambarini is the best since Ella Fitzgerald.”
Excuse me?
“Yes,” he said. “Absolutely.”
Click here to read the entire article.
Lots of music to take that special someone to.
Boston vocalist Rebecca Parris will be beginning a three night run at Bake’s Place in Issaquah with Randy Halberstadt on piano, Gary Hobbs on bass and Jeff Johnson (having just returned from Texas) on bass.
Call 425-391-3335 for reservations.
EARSHOT ART OF JAZZ: “My Funny Valentine”
Vocalists Katy Bourne, Gail Pettis and Beth Winter with Randy Halberstadt on piano and Job Hamar on bass.
Seattle Art Museum, 1300 First Ave., Seattle, WA 98108, 206-654-3137, 5:30pm
Jazz Alley is hosting smooth jazz saxophonist Mindi Abair for a four-night run beginning on Valentine’s Day.
Call 206-441-9729 for more information.
The Triple Door is featuring Jim Kerl’s Swing Session performing the music from Frank Sinatra and the Count Basie Orchestra “Live At The Sands”. Last Valentine’s Day this show sold out so if you are planning on attending get your reservations now.
Call 206-838-4333 for reservations.
Vocalist and jazz flutist Andrienne Wilson and her quartet will be performing at Tula’s Jazz Club. Look for Wilson to perform a number of her excellent original compositions and her backing group is always top notch.
Call 206-443-4221 for reservations.
Serafina on Eastlake will be featuring a performance by The Karyn Schwartz Trio.
Call 206-323-0807 for reservations.
If you are looking for a deal, check out the intimate Egan’s in Ballard with their 9:00 show, Eleanor Fye’s “Fool for Love.” Couples get in for only $10.
Email [email protected] for more information.
As always, The Ham Carson Quintet will be performing at The New Orleans.
Anything we’ve missed? Post a COMMENT and we’ll add it to the list.
TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: BCC Jazz Orchestra w/ Hal Sherman
THAIKU: Ron Weinstein Trio
THE NEW ORLEANS: The Legend Band w/ Clarence Acox
EGAN’S BALLARD JAM HOUSE:
6pm – Timothy Beauchamp
8pm – Vocal Jam with Carrie Wicks
SERAFINA: Jerry Frank, solo jazz piano
WHISKEY BAR: Eric Verlinde & Friends
VICTORY LOUNGE: Joe Doria Trio
JAZZ ALLEY: Eliane Elias with Marc Johnson and Adam Nussbaum
JAZZ ALLEY: Eliane Elias with Marc Johnson and Adam Nussbaum
TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: Emerald City Jazz Orchestra
NEW ORLEANS: Holotradband
EGAN’S BALLARD JAM HOUSE: N.O.Net, Nate Omdal Nonet, with Brian Bermudez (alto sax), Mike Dodge (tenor sax), Andrew Morrill (bari sax), Corey Dansereau (trumpet), Jason Parker (flugelhorn), Andy Clausen (trombone), Mike Owcharuk (piano), Dave Bush (drums), Nate Omdal (arranger, bass)
SERAFINA: Josh Hickman, solo guitar
UGLY MUG COFFEEHOUSE: Norm Bellas & Bob Antolin
11425 Rainier Ave S, 772-3151
The Pacific Jazz Institute and Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley present for two nights only, Brazilian vocalist /pianist Eliane Elias, touring in support of her latest release Something For You: Eliane Elias Sings and Plays Bill Evans. Band members include Marc Johnson (bass) and Adam Nussbaum (drums). Set times Tuesday and Wednesday are at 7:30PM. Doors open at 6pm on Tuesday and 5:30pm on Wednesday.
It takes a rare artist to make a statement through music that extends his or her legacy through the act of paying tribute to someone else. Eliane Elias is one of the few who can pull off this contradictory tour de force. Throughout Something for You: Eliane Elias Sings and Plays Bill Evans, her latest album and the first to mark her return to the Blue Note Records family, she does exactly that. While touching the essence of the late great Bill Evans, she also brings her own unique gifts to the surface, as a composer, interpreter, outstanding instrumentalist and beguiling vocalist as well.
Every moment of Something for You radiates the sound that Elias had begun developing back in her home country of Brazil as a child, based on her unique juxtapositions of elegant phrasing, adventurous harmony and breezy swing, each element complementing the others. In this sense, this album will be no surprise to those who have learned to expect excellence from Elias as a matter of course.
With many awards under her belt including a Grammy Nomination, Ms. Elias was featured in the Thelonious Monk Institute’s televised Second Annual “Celebration of America’s Music” at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC, the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl, the Carnegie Hall Jazz Orchestra, the JVC Festival with Sting, Gilberto Gil, Gal Costa, and Caetano Veloso at Lincoln Center in New York, the televised Piano Grand , and a Gala celebration for the 300th Anniversary of the piano in Washington DC, just to name a few.
Find some relief for that post-caucus hangover with this list of worthy candidates:
JAZZ ALLEY: Hugh Masekela’s Chissa All Stars
TULA’S: Jazz Police Big Band, 3pm. Jim Cutler Jazz Orchestra, 8pm
TRIPLE DOOR MUSICQUARIUM: Sunday Night Salsa: Ma-Ta-Bo
TUTTA BELLA: Casey MacGill and Blue 4
SERAFINA: Jazz Brunch with the Conlin Roser/Cynthia Mullis Duo, 11am-1:30pm. Alex Guilbert, solo jazz piano, 6:30pm
NEW ORLEANS RESTAURANT: John Holte’s Radio Rhythm Orchestra
LA SPIGA: Marco de Carvalho
GRAZIE: Reuel Lubag Jam Session, 6pm
GALLERY 1412: Seattle Improvised Music Festival, 8pm. For tonight’s line-up, please visit www.seatttleimprovisedmusic.com.
A virtual avalanche of jazz tonight. No chains required.
BAKE’S PLACE: Ben Thomas and Tangabrazo
JAZZ ALLEY: Chris Botti
TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: Susan Pascal Quartet
TRIPLE DOOR MUSICQUARIUM: Pocket Change
TRIPLE DOOR MAINSTAGE: Henry Butler, solo piano, 7pm
EGAN’S BALLARD JAM HOUSE:
7pm – Tom Boros, singer/songwriter
9pm – Siendo, with Evan Flory-Barnes
TUTTA BELLA: Steve Mason and Friends
SERAFINA: Jazzukha
LA SPIGA: Rhythm Suite
JAZZVOX HOUSE CONCERT: Pinky Winters w/ Randy Halberstadt. 7:30pm
Advanced ticket purchase required. For tickets and more information visit www.jazzvox.com or call (206) 963-2430.
CHAPEL PERFORMANCE SPACE: 23rd Seattle Improvised Music Festival, 8pm,
For more information and the full line up of performers, visit the Seattle Improvised Music Festival website. (4649 Sunnyside Ave. in Wallingford)
Also, check out these two workshops this afternoon:
SEATTLE DRUM SCHOOL: Billy Kilson Drum Clinic, 1pm. More info at 206-364-8815 or visit the Seattle Drum School website
GALLERY 1412: Improvised Music Workshops, 12pm. More info at the Seattle Improvised Music Festival website
Celebrate Valentine’s Day early. It will be a heckuva lot cheaper and more fun tonight.
TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: Greta Matassa Quintet w/Milo Peterson
JAZZ ALLEY: Chris Botti
HIROSHI’S JAZZ AND SUSHI: Hans Bremer Trio
EGAN’S BALLARD JAM HOUSE:
7pm – Kimberly Reason Quartet, Kimberly Reason (vocals), Bill Anschell (piano), Phil Sparks (bass), and Jeremy Jones (drums)
9pm – Backburner, bluegrass and swing
SERAFINA: The Djangomatics
LA SPIGA: Rhythm Suite
GRAZIE: Katie King
If you want to escape the inevitable onslaught of “My Funny Valentine” renditions, be sure to check out the 23rd Seattle Improvised Music Festival this weekend and next. Tonight’s show is at the Chapel Performance Space (4649 Sunnyside Ave. in Wallingford). For more information and the full line up of performers, visit the Seattle Improvised Music Festival website.
JAZZ ALLEY: Chris Botti
TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: Beth Winter / Dawn Clement Quartet
THE TRIPLE DOOR:
MAINSTAGE: Jessica Williams with special guest Aiko Shimada
MUSICQUARIUM: Concept Trio
NEW ORLEANS: The Ham Carson Quintet
EGAN’S BALLARD JAM HOUSE: Cuong Vu Trio
Sets at 7:00 and 9:00pm. Reserved seating is full for both these shows. Any additional seats are available on a first-come first-served basis.
SERAFINA: Graham Banfield, solo guitar
THAIKU: Tad Britton Trio
GALLERY 1412: Emperor Norton’s Cabal; McDowell – Norman
ASTEROID CAFE: Tim Kennedy Trio Jam Session
UW CONCERT: Mallet Head Series: Tom Coller, Marc Seales, Dan Dean
Brechemin Auditorium, UW Campus, 7:30
Lots of stuff happening tonight:
MEANY THEATER: Cuong Vu Trio with special guest Bill Frisell
University of Washington Campus, 7:30pm
GALLERY 1412: More Zero featuring Chris Stover
JAZZ ALLEY: Chris Botti
All shows are full except Wednesday and Thursday 9:30pm shows. Please call for assistance 206-441-9729.
TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: Rochelle House Quartet
THAIKU: Ron Weinstein Trio
NEW ORLEANS: The Legend Band featuring Clarence Acox
EGAN’S BALLARD JAM HOUSE:
6pm – BMG Trio, with Brendan O’Donnell (guitar), Mack Grout (piano), and Greg Larson (trombone)
8pm – Vocal Jam with Carrie Wicks
TUTTA BELLA: Michael Gotz
SERAFINA: Passarim, bossa nova
WHISKEY BAR: Eric Verlinde & Friends
VICTORY LOUNGE: Joe Doria Trio
It’s Super Tuesday … some say that has to do with politics but I say it has to do with all the music happening tonight!
JAZZ ALLEY: Chris Botti
All shows are full except Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 9:30pm shows. Please call for assistance 206-441-9729.
TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: Jay Thomas Big Band
TRIPLE DOOR MUSICQUARIUM: Darrius Willrich
NEW ORLEANS: Jet City Fliers
EGAN’S BALLARD JAM HOUSE: Hot Java Cool Jazz Combo Showcase!
6:30pm – Eckstein Middle School
7:30pm – Edmonds Woodway HS
SERAFINA: Josh Hickman
GALLERY 1412: Flim Night – first edition
Here is a list of what’s happening tonight in Seattle …
JAZZ ALLEY: Jake Shimabukuro
TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: Vocal Jam with Greta Matassa
THE NEW ORLEANS: The New Orleans Quintet
SERAFINA: The Piper Olson Duo
LA SPIGA: Ray Baldwin & Sam Chambliss
SEATTLE DRUM SCHOOL: Jim Knapp Orchestra
12510 15th Ave. NE, Seattle, WA, 8:00pm
JAZZ ALLEY: Kenny Rankin with Kendra Shank
This is your last night to catch former Seattle resident Kendra Shank opening for Kenny Rankin at Jazz Alley. It is Sunday so it is an early 7:30pm showtime.
TRIPLE DOOR MUSICQUARIUM: Sunday Night Salsa: Mango Son
TUTTA BELLA: Casey MacGill and Blue 4
SERAFINA: Jazz Brunch with the Conlin Roser Duo (11am – 1:30pm); Jerry Frank, solo jazz piano (6:30 – 9:00pm)
LA SPIGA: Marco de Carvalho
GRAZIE: Reuel Lubag Jam Session (6:00 – 9:00pm)
JAZZ VESPERS: The Overton Berry Trio w/ Mercedes Nicole, First Baptist Church (First Hill), 6:00pm
From Earshot Jazz: The Jazz Vespers series continues with an appearance by the Overton Berry Trio with Mercedes Nicole on vocals. Pianist Berry has been a fixture on the Seattle jazz scene since the 1950s and can easily be called a living legend. He has performed around the world, including throughout Asia, and has served as Music Director of many notable concert series. Singing straight-ahead jazz with an urban flare, vocalist Nicole has gained a reputation as an artistically playful and unpredictable performer, with a warm, rich, and resonant contralto voice. She is also a member of the dynamic vocal trio Cocoa Martini. They perform a 100-minute secular concert, with an inspirational interlude. Now in its sixth year, the Jazz Vespers take place on the first Sunday of each month (October through June) at the Seattle First Baptist Church on First Hill at the intersection of Union, Seneca and Harvard Streets. The concert begins at 6pm and is free. A collection is taken to permit the church to pay the musicians. Light refreshments are served in the church’s Fellowship Hall afterwards. Visit www.seattlefirstbaptist.org for more information.
The weekend is here so let’s celebrate with some live music.
TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: Marc Seales Quintet
JAZZ ALLEY: Kenny Rankin (Kendra Shank opens)
HIROSHI’S JAZZ AND SUSHI: Susan Pascal Trio
EGAN’S BALLARD JAM HOUSE:
7pm – Katy Bourne and Randy Halberstadt
9pm – Rochelle House
11pm – Kimball and the Fugitives with Stickshift Annie
SERAFINA: Javier Anderson, bossa nova
BIRKSHIRE GRILLS: Bassic Saxx
LA SPIGA: Gail Pettis
GRAZIE: Blues Union
It’s Thursday … there are a couple of CD release parties tonight and lots more stuff to check out.
JAZZ ALLEY: J & J Music and Broken Time Records Showcase
The first set will be a solo set from pianist Eric Vaughn. The second set will feature the Michael Owcharuk Sextet. Band members are Michael Owcharuk (piano), Nate Omdal (bass), Mike Hamms (drums), Jim Knodle (trumpet), Beth Fleenor (clarinets) and Jacob Brietbach (violin). Set time on Thursday January 31st is 7:30pm and doors will open at 6pm.
TRIPLE DOOR MUSICQUARIUM: Leah Stillwell CD release party
216 Union Street, 9:00pm, No Cover
EGAN’S BALLARD JAM HOUSE: McTuff, with Joe Doria (Hammond B3), Skerik (tenor sax), Andy Coe (guitar), and D’Vonne Lewis (drums)
TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: Tumbao featuring Thomas Marriott
THE NEW ORLEANS: The Ham Carson Quintet
THAIKU: Tad Britton Trio
THE ASTEROID CAFE: Tim Kennedy Jam Session
3601 Fremont Ave N, 547-9000, 9:30pm
Here is a list of what’s happening tonight …
JAZZ ALLEY: Jackson High School Jazz Ensembles
TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: Greta Matassa Jazz Workshop
EGAN’S BALLARD JAM HOUSE:
6:00pm – University Prep jazz combos
8:00pm – Vocal Jam with Carrie Wicks
THE NEW ORLEANS: The Legend Band w/ Clarence Acox
THAIKU: Ron Weinstein Trio
WHISKEY BAR: Eric Verlinde & Friends
VICTORY LOUNGE: Joe Doria Trio
VERRAZANO’S: Katy Bourne with Randy Halberstadt & Chuck Kistler
28835 Pacific Highway South, Federal Way, WA 98003, 253-946-4122, 7-10pm
Vocalist Kendra Shank (former Seattle resident and now living in New York) is opening for singer-songwriter Kenny Rankin at Jazz Alley this week and will be accompanied by pianists Bill Anschell (Friday and Sunday) and Randy Halberstadt (Saturday).
Shank’s latest release, “A Spirit Free,” has been named one of the best of 2007 by Downbeat, JazzTimes, Newsday and more.
For more information on Kendra Shank, visit her website at http://kendrashank.com
Click here to listen to the CD.
FEBRUARY 1- 3, JAZZ ALLEY
Fri. & Sat. – 7:30 PM & 9:30 PM shows
Sun. – 7:30 PM show only
2033 6th Ave. @ Lenora St., Seattle
(entrance in the alley between 6th & 5th ave.)
$24.50 admission / free parking
Reservations: 206-441-9729
http://jazzalley.com
The snow has stayed away for now … so let’s go hear some music.
JAZZ ALLEY: Campbell Brothers
TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: Magnolia Big Band
THE NEW ORLEANS: Holotradband
EGAN’S BALLARD JAM HOUSE: Jump Ensemble
IKEA: Susan Pascal Quartet
601 SW 41st Street, Renton, 5:00pm
THE JAZZ HANG by Katy Bourne
Editor note: Check out the J & J Music Showcase at Jazz Alley this Thursday night.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 31
JAZZ ALLEY
2033 6th Avenue
phone 206.441.9729
http://www.jazzalley.com
J & J Music isn’t just a booking agency. It’s not exactly a production company or a publicity firm. It’s not a record label either. Any of these descriptions would be too limiting. Instead “J & J Music” is a labor of love, formed to get bands working, create cohesion among musicians and to better the music community at large. The “J’s” behind J & J Music are pianist, Josh Rawlings, and trumpeter, Jason Parker. I recently met Josh and Jason over breakfast at Seattle’s B & O Espresso. I found myself sitting across the table from two very bright, articulate artists with loads of energy and lots of big ideas.
Trumpeter Jason Parker
Josh and Jason are working musicians on the Seattle jazz scene. Both are extremely busy players and juggle a multitude of projects. Jason’s band, The Jason Parker Quartet, plays at many venues throughout the northwest and also keeps busy with a heavy casual business. In addition, Jason plays with the funk group, Water Babies, and in duos with many fine Seattle Musicians, including pianist Ty Bailie, guitarists Jamie Baumgart and George Stone, and others. Josh also has a long list of projects, which includes the bands Soul Kata, Industrial Revelation, The Teaching, Water Babies, Pocket Change, the Flora MacGill Band, the Jason Parker Quartet and, of course, the Josh Rawlings Trio. Josh and Jason also perform together as a duo. Although their backgrounds are quite different, their life experiences and passion for jazz led them to each other and ultimately, to J & J Music.
Josh Rawlings had a deep connection to music, even before birth. “My Mom said it felt like I was playing drums in her womb.” He was born in St. Croix, Wisconsin and spent a good part of his childhood in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Around 5 years of age or so, Josh began taking piano lessons from a classical teacher and would study with many teachers over the years. By his own admission, however, Josh wasn’t particularly engaged by the necessities of theory or reading music. He just wanted to improvise, explore and enjoy the music. His greatest inspiration was Billy Joel. “I wanted to be the piano man. I wanted to be Billy Joel”, he recalls, unabashed. When Josh was 14, his family moved to Issaquah, Washington. Here Josh found himself playing piano at church and also singing and playing with his high school jazz choir. This was his first taste of jazz piano, mostly just playing chord changes. After high school, Josh enrolled in the jazz program at Cornish College. Josh’s first year at Cornish was sobering. He realized that he did not know as much about jazz piano as he’d thought. He lacked a firm foundation in “the fundamentals” and his first year at Cornish was spent “trying to keep up.” Josh almost dropped out of the jazz program after the first year. However, the support of fellow students and encouragement from mentor and Cornish faculty member, Randy Halberstadt, kept him going. “Randy is a great jazz pianist. He was doing what I wanted to do. He was very encouraging. Randy replaced Billy Joel.” Josh stuck it out, completed the program and graduated from Cornish. He’s been working as a professional pianist ever since.
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Catch some live jazz before heading back to work tomorrow … your soul will thank you.
JAZZ ALLEY: Marlena Shaw
TULA’S JAZZ CLUB:
3:00 – 7:00pm: Fairly Honest Jazz Band
8:00 – 11:30pm: Jim Cutler Jazz Orchestra
THE TRIPLE DOOR:
MAINSTAGE: SEATTLE SYMPHONY AT THE TRIPLE DOOR: LATIN arranged by WES “WESITO” DYRING
MUSICQUARIUM: Sunday Night Salsa: Rhythm Syndicate
THE NEW ORLEANS: Karin Kajita
GRAZIE: Reuel Lubag Trio leads a jam session
TUTTA BELLA (Wallingford): Casey MacGill and Blue 4
SERAFINA:
11am to 1:30pm: Jazz Brunch with the Conlin Roser Duo
6:30pm to 9pm: Ann Reynolds and Tobi Stone, piano-sax duo
LA SPIGA: Eric Fridrich (7 – 10 p.m.)
GALLERY 1412: Tim Catlin (melbourne), Matt Shoemaker, Bill Horist, Paintings for Animals
Also … make sure and add your two cents to What Are You Listening To?