Wednesday Jazz

December 12, 2007 / / No Comments

JAZZ ALLEY: The Moutin Reunion Quartet

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: Andrianne Wilson Vocal Showcase

EGAN’S BALLARD JAM HOUSE:
6pm – Mortimer Nelson (solo acoustic guitar)
8pm – Vocal Jam hosted by Marti MacEwan

TUTTA BELLA: Scott Lindenmuth

THE NEW ORLEANS: Legend Band with Clarence Acox

SERAFINA: Passarim (bossa nova)

GALLERY 1412: Death Worth Living, Snowman Plan, EET

THAIKU: Ron Weinstein Trio

VICTORY LOUNGE: Joe Doria Trio

THE HENDRIX LOUNGE: The David White Trio featuring Phil Parisot

CHAPEL AT GOOD SHEPARD CENTER: Paul Rucker
from Earshot Jazz: The event will celebrate the completion of Paul Rucker’s Project 12, a series of works conceived during a Rockefeller residency last summer in Bellagio, Italy in which Rucker set out to create a year of monthly visual art exhibits, with a different exhibit presented each month in 2007. This concert features two sets of Rucker performing live; on the first set Rucker performs solo cello, and on the second, he is joined by Isaac Marshal on flutes and thumb piano, Neil Gitkind on trombone, Bill Horist on guitar, and Erik Anderson on drums and percussion. Rucker’s interactive sound and video installations will also be on view. The concert begins at 7pm at the Chapel at Good Shepard Center (4649 Sunnyside Avenue North).

Tuesday Jazz

December 11, 2007 / / No Comments

Today is a great day for jazz with lots of gig happening around town …

EASTSIDE JAZZ SERIES: Gail Pettis
Two-time nominee for the Earshot Golden Ear “Northwest Vocalist of the Year,” and recent winner of the Seattle-Kobe Female Jazz Vocalist Audition, Gail is a welcome addition to the Pacific Northwest jazz scene. Gail’s style is at once subtle and elegant, sultry and soulful. Her rich, warm vocals and understated phrasing have inspired comparisons to Nancy Wilson, Sarah Vaughn and Carmen McRae.

Sherman Clay Piano Store – Bellevue
1000 Bellevue Way N.E.
Bellevue, Wa. 98004
7:30pm; $12 ($6 musicians/students)

JAZZ ALLEY: The Moutin Reunion Quartet
From Earshot Jazz: The Moutin Reunion quartet performs straight-ahead jazz full of energy and spontaneity, emotion and imagination. Twin brothers Louis (drums) and Francois (bass) Moutin formed the group in 1999 in order to perform their own original compositions. They share the stage with Pierre de Bethmann (piano) and Rick Margitza (saxophone). On tour in support of their new release Sharp Turns, the ensemble was nominated for the French award ‘les Victoires du Jazz 2006” in the category of French Jazz Artist of the Year. François and Louis Moutin have won the prestigious “Prix Django Reinhardt 2005.”

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: Emerald City Jazz Orchestra

TRIPLE DOOR MUSICQUARIUM: Alyse Black CD Release Party

NEW ORLEANS: Holotradband

EGAN’S BALLARD JAM HOUSE: Sue Nixon and the Leo Raymundo Trio

MARTIN’S OFF MADISON: Karin Kajita (1413 14th Ave, 325-7000)

OWL ‘N THISTLE: BeBop and Destruction Jam Session

Sunday Jazz

December 9, 2007 / / No Comments

Tonight is the last night to catch Mike Stern and friends at Jazz Alley. Plus a jam session and more …. here are the details for Sunday:

JAZZ ALLEY: Mike Stern Band

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: The Jazz Police (3pm); Jim Cutler Jazz Orchestra (8pm)

TRIPLE DOOR MUSICQUARIUM: Tor Dietrichson & Mambo Cadillac

THE NEW ORLEANS: John Holte Radio Rhythm Orchestra directed by Pete Leinnonen

TUTTA BELLA (Stone Way): Casey MacGill and Blue 4

SERAFINA: Jazz Brunch with the Conlin Roser Duo (11:30am – 3:00pm)

GALLERY 1412: Wally Shoup Trio (open rehearsal at 1:00pm)

GRAZIE: Reuel Lubag Trio jam session (6:00 – 9:00pm)

Saturday Jazz

December 8, 2007 / / No Comments

BAKE’S PLACE: Pearl Django

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: Greta Matassa Quartet

JAZZ ALLEY: Mike Stern Band

EGAN’S BALLARD JAM HOUSE:
7pm – Karin Blaine
9pm – Kevin McCarthy Quartet

CROSSROADS BELLEVUE: An Origin Records Holiday Celebration

SERAFINA: Kay Bailey

GALLERY 1412: Douglas Ferguson, List of Likes, Matthew McDowell

GRAZIE: Poindexter Jazz Quartet

Friday Night Jazz

December 7, 2007 / / No Comments

Lots of things happening tonight:

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: Susan Pascal Quartet

BAKE’S PLACE: Trish, Hans & Phil

JAZZ ALLEY: Mike Stern Quartet

HIROSHI’S JAZZ AND SUSHI: Carolyn Graye and friends

EGAN’S BALLARD JAM HOUSE:
7pm – Natalie Rose – Vocal-and-keyboard soloist!
9pm – Grupo Amoroso
11pm – Chris Bendt

SERAFINA: Jazzukha, original world jazz

GRAZIE: Shear Jazz

and don’t forget the Columbia City Beatwalk!

Go out and hear live music tonight and support local jazz presenters.

Seattle meets L.A.

December 7, 2007 / / No Comments

Trumpeter Thomas Marriott, and Drummers John Bishop and Matt Jorgensen have the perfect way to beat the N.W. winter weather…

Go to Los Angeles.

Tonight the guys will perform at the first ever “L.A. Origin Records Jazz Party.” Hosted by 425 Productions, the event will feature several artists from the record label in a jam session-style hang. Grammy-nominated artists Chris Walden and Kim Richmond will be joined by tenor saxophonists David Sills, Rob Lockart and Matt Otto, with Seattle native Gary Fukishima on piano as well as several other guests.

After the recent success with the Ballard Jazz Walk, and a 10th Anniversary pin, the Origin boys haven’t even thought about taking a break. “When we get back to Seattle, it’ll be time to get to work on our trip to Toronto for the IAJE in early January…” says Bishop, “and then another Ballard Jazz Festival.” The coming Ballard Jazz Festival (the 4-day event) is scheduled to run April 23-26.

Since most of this site’s readers live in Seattle, you’ll want to tune in Friday morning (through the web) for an on-air interview with Matt, Tom, and John. Visit 88.1 KKJZ for more info.

The L.A. Jazz Party is a project of former Origin Intern Jeff Watkins, a music business student at the University of Southern California. The event will be held at the Pasadena Jazz Institute, at 8pm. Tickets are available at the door.

Thursday Night Jazz

December 6, 2007 / / No Comments

A listing of events …

THE CHAPEL: Earshot presents John Butcher, Torsten Muller, Dylan van der Schyff (more info)

JAZZ ALLEY: Mike Stern Band

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: James DeJoie Group

EGAN’S BALLARD JAM HOUSE:
7pm – Gayle Cloud
9pm – Marco de Carvalho Trio – Brazilian Guitar! with Marco de Carvalho (guitar), Ben Verdier (bass) and Beri Puhlovski (drums)

TRIPLE DOOR MUSICQUARIUM: Djangomatics

THE NEW ORLEANS: The Ham Carson Quintet

THAIKU: Jon Alberts, Jeff Johnson, Tad Britton

Earshot presents John Butcher, Torsten Muller, Dylan van der Schyff

December 6, 2007 / / No Comments

Thursday, December 6th, 8pm
John Butcher, Torsten Muller, Dylan van der Schyff
Chapel Performance Space, Good Shepherd Center (Wallingford)

Polestar and Earshot Jazz join forces to bring an international trio of virtuoso improvisors to the lovely Chapel Performance Space in Seattle’s Wallingford neighborhood.

John Butcher (UK) soprano and tenor saxophone
Torsten Mueller (Germany/Canada) bass
Dylan van der Schyff (Canada) drums

$5-$15 sliding scale, tickets available at the door
The Chapel Performance Space in the Good Shepherd Center
4649 Sunnyside Avenue N, 4th Floor
Seattle

SRJO Holds Open Rehearsals with Jazz Legend Jimmy Heath in Preparation for Studio Recording

December 5, 2007 / / No Comments

WHAT:
Two rehearsals with Jimmy Heath
and the SRJO open to the public

WHERE & WHEN:

Thursday, December 6
4:00pm-6:30pm
Kirkland Teen Union Building
(348 Kirkland Ave., directly behind the
Kirkland Performance Center)

Friday, December 7
4:00pm-6:30pm
Lincoln High School Band Room
(4400 Interlake Ave N, Seattle,
Located one block east of Stone Way &
one block south of N. 45th Street)

WHY:
Leading to a studio recording of “The Endless Search” composed by Jimmy Heath and commissioned by the SRJO.

COST:
Free to the general public

The award-winning Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra SRJO brings jazz legend and NEA Jazz Master Jimmy Heath from New York to the Seattl area during the first week of December for two special rehearsals that will be open to the public. Mr. Heath’s residence in Seattle will culminate in a studio recording session with the SRJO. Heath, a world-renowned tenor saxophonist and composer, is joining the SRJO to make a studio recording of “The Endless Search,” a three movement suite commissioned from Heath by the SRJO, and premiered at the orchestra’s November 2006 concerts. Heath led the SRJO and played saxophone for the 2006 premieres.

Prior to 2006, Mr. Heath had last come to Seattle in 2001 as a guest performer for two sold-out concerts with the SRJO. He is among the most widely revered and recognized musicians in the world of jazz. Born in Philadelphia, he began his career in the 1940s as a sideman with many famous band leaders, including Dizzy Gillespie, J.J. Johnson, and Miles Davis. He went on to lead his own groups, and in 1975 joined with his brothers Tootie and Percy in forming a highly regarded band, The Heath Brothers, which recorded many critically acclaimed albums for the Riverside and Concord record labels. In 2003 he was honored by the National Endowment for the Arts and awarded the title of an NEA Jazz Master. He maintains an active career world-wide as a performer, composer and band leader. His recent work as a composer includes a piece commissioned by the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra (directed by Wynton Marsalis) and premiered by that group in 2005.

“The Endless Search” for jazz big band was commissioned by the SRJO through a grant from Meet the Composer, Inc. This is the third commission of a new, multi-movement work for the SRJO. Previous works have been commissioned by Seattle composers William O. Smith (in 2002) and Jovino Santos Neto (in 2005). The Heath commission is the first work written for the SRJO by a composer with a major national and international following, and the resulting recording will likely receive broad attention throughout the U.S.

Wednesday Jazz

December 5, 2007 / / No Comments

There sure are a lot of things happening tonight … go out and hear live music!

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: Wayne Horvitz’ Sweeter Than The Day

JAZZ ALLEY: Beatlejazz

TRIPLE DOOR MUSICQUARIUM: Ari Zucker Trio

NEW ORLEANS: The Legend Band with Clarance Acox

EGAN’S BALLARD JAM HOUSE:
6pm – Dan Sales Trio
8pm – Vocal Jam with Carrie Wicks

GALLERY 1412: The Amber Tone
Clark Gibson, alto saxophone
Brian Bermudez, tenor saxophone
Dawn Clement, piano
Jon Hamar, bass
Brad Gibson, drums

THAIKU: Ron Weinstein Trio

MEANY THEATER: UW Studio Jazz Ensemble

THE HENDRIX LOUNGE: John Bishop Group

VICTORY LOUNGE: Joe Doria Trio

Tuesday Jazz

December 4, 2007 / / No Comments

Here are some events happening tonight:

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: Jay Thomas Big Band

JAZZ ALLEY: Beatlejazz

TRIPLE DOOR MUSICQUARIUM: Tor Dietrichson Blues Machine

DEXTER AND HAYES: Tim Kennedy Trio

OWL ‘N THISTLE: Bebop and Destruction Jam Session

NEW ORLEANS: Holotradband

EGAN’S BALLARD JAM HOUSE: Chuck Ogmund Trio

Saturday Night Jazz

December 1, 2007 / / No Comments

We are back on the Scene after being caught up in the whirlwind of the Ballard Jazz Walk. A few of the artists who warmed the hearts of hundreds of jazz fans walking through Ballard on a cold November night are playing tonight as well, the first night of December.

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: Hadley Caliman Quartet

BAKE’S PLACE: Ben Thomas Quartet

THIRD PLACE COMMONS: Chicago guitarist John McLean and Idaho-based saxophonist Brent Jensen join Seattle musicians Jeff Johnson and John Bishop for a free show in this family-friendly venue.
Third Place Commons, 17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park, WA, 7:30pm, Free

And here are some other events happening tonight:

JAZZ ALLEY: Chick Corea (first show sold out. call for details)

EGAN’S BALLARD JAM HOUSE:
7pm – Lee Pence Trio
9pm – Nikki DeCaires

GRAZIE: Poindexter Jazz Quartet

Ballard Jazz Walk this Friday

November 28, 2007 / / No Comments

The Ballard Jazz Walk returns this Friday, November 30, with 16 groups performing in 11 venues all for a single ticket price ($15 advance / $20 day of event).

Coinciding with 10th anniversary of Origin Records, nearly all the artists performing have recent or up-coming releases within the next year.

Some of the featured artists include:

Northwest saxophone legend Hadley Caliman recently finished his debut recording for Origin Records featuring Joe Locke on vibes. He will perform at the NY Fashion Academy with Thomas Marriott on trumpet, Doug Miller on bass and Byron Vannoy on drums.

Chicago guitarist John McLean leads a group in Seattle for the first time performing music from his new CD “Better Angels“. He is joined by Mark Taylor on saxophone, Ryan Burns on keyboards, Phil Sparks on bass and Matt Jorgensen on drums.

Greta Matassa will perform music from her new CD “The Smiling Hour” at Bad Albert’s.

New to the Jazz Walk this year, Egan’s Ballard Jam House, will host an early dinner set at 6:30pm, Portland’s Upper Left Trio at 8:30pm performing music from their new CD “Three“, at at 11:00pm Chad McCullough will host an after-hours Jam Session where all musicians are welcome to come and sit in.

Other performers include: Sonando, Thomas Marriott’s Willie Nelson Project, Ben Thomas Trio, Collier and Dean, Brent Jensen, John Stowell, Randy Halberstadt Trio, Tad Britton / Marc Seales / Jeff Johnson, and more!

DATE: Friday, November 30th
TICKETS: $15 advance; $20 day of event
WEBSITE: http://ballardjazzfestival.com

Seattle Times preview: click here

Monday … a day for drummers

November 26, 2007 / / No Comments

Two drummers better known for their work in rock circles are headlining jazz-influenced groups tonight.

LAST MONDAYS with Geoff Harper, Ryan Burns and Matt Cameron
THE SEATTLE DRUM SCHOOL
12510 15th Ave NE
Seattle, WA 98125 {map it}
Tel: (206)364-8815
8:00pm; $10

MICHAEL SHRIEVE’S SPELLBINDER
ToST
513 N. 36th St. #E, {map it}
Seattle, WA, 98103
9:30pm; $5

Michael Shrieve is featured on the cover of the current Earshot Jazz Magazine which you can download here.

Other events happening tonight …

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: Jazz Jam with the Darin Clendenin Trio

NEW ORLEANS: The New Orleans Quintet

Sunday Jazz

November 25, 2007 / / No Comments

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB:
Fairly Honest Jazz Band (3 – 7pm)
Jim Cutler Jazz Orchestra (8:00pm)

TRIPLE DOOR MUSICQUARIUM: Sunday Night Salsa: Supersones

SERAFINA:
Jazz Brunch with the Conlin Roser Duo (11am – 1:30pm)
Jerry Frank, solo jazz piano (6:30 – 9:00pm)

JAZZ ALLEY: Taj Mahal

Saturday Night

November 24, 2007 / / No Comments

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: Kelley Johnson Quartet

JAZZ ALLEY: Taj Mahal Trio

TRIPLE DOOR: M-Pact Holiday Show

BAKE’S PLACE: Greta Matassa – A Tribute To Cole Porter

EGAN’S BALLARD JAM HOUSE:
7pm – Susan Carr Ensemble
9pm – Steve Alboucq Quartet
11pm – Mike Owcharuk Trio

TUTTA BELLA: The Tarantellas

Friday night jazz!

November 23, 2007 / / No Comments

There is a lot of music happening tonight … but we have the night planned for you.

Here are a couple of ideas:

First, grab dinner at Jai Thai on Capitol Hill. Great Thai food and great jazz.

JAI THAI (Capitol Hill) – The Matt Jorgensen Trio with Stuart McDonald and Geoff Harper
235 Broadway Ave. East
6:00 – 9:00pm
No Cover!

Then head down to Tula’s to be a part of the live of Thomas Marriott’s live recording.

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB – Thomas Marriott Quartet Live Recording
2214 2nd Ave
Call for reservations: 206-443-4221

Here are some other other events.

BAKE’S PLACE: Karen Shivers Quintet

JAZZ ALLEY: Taj Mahal

TRIPLE DOOR MUSICQUARIUM: Ty Baille

EGAN’S BALLARD JAM HOUSE:
7pm – Tom Boros
9pm – Martine Bron (vocals), with Josh Rawlings (piano), Evan Flory-Barnes (bass), Jeremy Jones (drums), Cameron Peace (guitar)
11pm – Floss and Russell – Monktail Creative Music Concern

SERAFINA: Fred Hoadley Trio

Seattle Times: Origin Records celebrates 10 years with jaunty Walk

November 23, 2007 / / No Comments

By Paul de Barros
Seattle Times jazz critic

When asked to reflect on the 10th anniversary of Origin Records, label co-chief Matt Jorgensen had a deadpan reply.

“We’re still here,” he said.

A triumph of lowered expectations?

Perhaps. But people in the jazz world know just how wildly optimistic it was to hope that two Seattle drummers, Jorgensen and Origin founder John Bishop, could actually survive — no, not just survive, prosper — in a crumbling industry where jazz accounted for less than 3 percent of sales.

“This is a huge thing for any kind of label, but more importantly a jazz label,” said Jorgensen. “I think we’re stronger and more relevant now than we ever have been.”

No arguments there. The label has so far released 200 CDs, mostly by Northwest artists, four of which have won Grammy nominations. According to the JazzWeek National Airplay Chart, more Origin albums were played on the radio this week than those of any other label, including giants like Blue Note and Concord. Generally, said Jorgensen, Origin ranks in the top five for radio play every year.

Click here to read the entire article at The Seattle Times

Wednesday Night Jazz

November 21, 2007 / / No Comments

If you are out-and-about this evening … catch some live jazz before Thanksgiving!

THE HENDRIX LOUNGE:
Conversations featuring Thomas Marriott (trumpet), Stuart McDonald (saxophone), Geoff Harper (bass) and Matt Jorgensen (drums)

4916 Rainier Avenue South, Seattle, WA {map it}
(206) 723-0088
Music starts at 8:00pm
Admission: $5.00

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: Beth Winter / Dawn Clement Quartet

VICTORY LOUNGE: Joe Doria Trio

JAZZ ALLEY: Taj Mahal

NEW ORLEANS: The Legend Band featuring Clarence Acox

EGAN’S BALLARD JAM HOUSE: Vocal Jam with Carrie Wicks

TUTTA BELLA: Steve Mason

THAIKU: Ron Weinstein Trio