The Seattle Jazz Fellowship, the city’s 501 (c) (3) jazz non-profit, has taken a hiatus from their weekly dates at Vermillion until April 20, when the Wednesday night program will re-ignite for another six week run. In the meantime, the organization founded by Thomas Marriott has turned its focus to presenting performances featuring the Fellowship ‘Ceptet, a rotating gathering of the best of the Seattle jazz scene. The seven piece ensemble opened for New York based bassist Alex Claffy and his quintet on Tuesday, February 8 at the Royal Room in Columbia City.
The ‘Ceptet performed compositions by trumpeter Marriott, along with a Thelonious Monk classic. Marriott was joined by a front line of altoist Alex Dugdale, tenorist Jackson Cotugno and trombonist David Marriott, Jr.. Pianist Marina Albero, bassist Trevor Ford and drummer D’Vonne Lewis held down the rhythm section.
Claffy’s quintet featured Portland born and raised tenorist Nicole Glover, and trumpeter Benny Benack III. The New York based band was all in on the hang in Seattle as well, attending both the Monday night jam at the Royal Room, and the Tuesday night jam at the Owl ‘n Thistle.
Photographers Jim Levitt and Lisa Hagen Glynn were there to document the event with their stellar photographic skill sets. Enjoy the results! To further explore the goings on with the Seattle Jazz Fellowship, visit their website at https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/
Photo Credit: Lisa Hagen GlynnPhoto Credit: Lisa Hagen Glynn Saxophonist Jackson CotugnoPhoto Credit: Lisa Hagen Glynn l to r: Alex Dugdale, Thomas Marriott, Jackson Cotugno, David MarriottPhoto Credit: Lisa Hagen Glynn l to r: Nicole Glover, Alex ClaffyPhoto Credit: Lisa Hagen Glynn Bassist Alex ClaffyPhoto Credit: Lisa Hagen Glynn pianist Marina AlberoPhoto Credit: Lisa Hagen Glynn Trunmpeter Benny Benack IIIPhoto Credit: Lisa Hagen GlynnPhoto Credit: Lisa Hagen Glynn Guest drummer Ted PoorPhoto Credit: Jim Levitt Drummer D’Vonne LewisPhoto Credit: Jim Levitt Pianist Marina AlberoPhoto Credit: Jim Levitt Trumpeter and SJF founder Thomas Marriott
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 photoL 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 photoCecil McBee (bass) and Eddie Henderson (trumpet) Lisa Hagen Glynn photoBilly Hart drum solo at Jazz Alley with the Cookers- 9/22/2021 Lisa Hagen Glynn photoDr. 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
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
KNKX has teamed up with Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley to present Northwest Music Mondays, a nod to the vibrant Seattle jazz scene. This is a welcome addition to the monthly Seattle jazz calendar post-Tula’s. Jazz photographer extraordinaire, Jim Levitt, was there on the scene to capture the Marc Seales Band playing before a full house at the city’s most esteemed jazz stage. Seales was joined by trumpeter Thomas Marriott, bassist Chuck Deardorf, drummer Moyes Lucas, Jr., and guitarist Jesse Seales. Many thanks to Mr. Levitt for documenting Seattle jazz in such fine and vivid detail!
The Marc Seales Group performs at Jazz Alley, for a KNKX Northwest Music Monday show.
Marc Seales, keyboards;
Jesse Seales, guitar;
Thomas Marriott, trumpet;
Chuck Deardorf, bass;
Moyes Lucas Jr, drums;Thomas Marriott
Marc Seales and Chuck Dearforf
Jesse Seales
Marc Seales- piano; Moyes Lucas, Jr.- drums; Chuck Deardorf- bass
Marc Seales
Moyes Lucas, Jr.
Chuck Deardorf
The Marc Seales Group performs at Jazz Alley, for a KNKX Northwest Music Monday show.
Marc Seales, keyboards;
Jesse Seales, guitar;
Thomas Marriott, trumpet;
Chuck Deardorf, bass;
Moyes Lucas Jr, drums;
Jim Levitt is at it again, this time at Marina Albero’s CD Release at the Royal Room on December 17. Albero was celebrating the release of her 3 CD set, A Life Soundtrack before a full house, surrounded by friends, fans and family.
Jim’s work is art in itself, with the vibrant Seattle jazz scene as a canvas. We are deeply appreciative for his work here at seattlejazzscene.com
Marina Albero celebrates the release of her three-volume recording A Life Soundtrack, with a concert at The Royal Room. Marina Albero- piano and hammered dulcimer; Hans Teuber- saxophone, flute; Jeff Johnson- bass; Jeff Busch- percussion; D’Vonne Lewis- drums; Serena Dominguez Albero-voice; Marcel Dominguez Albero- cajon, saxophoneJeff Johnson
Serena Albero sings “Mi Secreto.”Hans Teuber
Marina and Serena Albero
Marina Albero- psalterium
Marina Albero- piano; Jeff Johnson- bass; D’Vonne Lewis- drums; Jeff Busch- percussion
Marcel Dominguez- alto
Marina Albero performs with her son, Marcel Dominguez Jeff Busch
Jazz beat photographer Jim Levitt was visiting family in California during a major portion of the 2019 Earshot Jazz Festival, but is back with a vengeance! Jim shared these fine shots of Thomas Marriott’s Earshot performance at the Royal Room, featuring friends from the Philadelphia jazz scene.
Saxophonist Victor North offered his soaring tenor sound, working with Marriott on the front line of a quartet featuring a remarkable father-son tandem. Bassist Michael Boone is a veteran of the Philly scene, and a mentor to many young players on the rise there. Among them is his remarkable son, Mehki Boone, a 13 year old drummer with the presence, skills, and maturity of a seasoned, veteran player.
Tula’s Jazz Club ended it’s vaunted 26 year run with two nights of music with old friends, and a late night hang not seen at the club in many years. It was a bittersweet time, in the end joyous in the form of the music that took place on the stage.
Photographer Lisa Hagen Glynn was there, not just as a photographer, but on the hang as she often is at Tula’s. She captured some poignant moments, that will serve as portraits of this place that the Seattle jazz scene called home for a quarter century. In that time, the best of the best in the Northwest played Tula’s, and as seen through the lens of Lisa, that standard was upheld to the end.
Pianist Bill Anschell leads a trio on the final night at Tula’s- 9/29/2019
Bill Anschell- piano; D’Vonne Lewis- drums
Bassist Michael Glynn, last night at Tula’s, 9/29/2019
Jam at the last night of Tula’s- Michael Brockman- tenor; Mark Taylor- alto; Anton Schwartz- tenor; Michael Glynn- bass
And then we sing- Kelley Johnson, Gail Pettis, Stephanie Porter, adnd Jacqueline Tabor, last night at Tula’s 9/29/2019Mack Waldron, last night at Tula’s, 9/29/2019
The club, and the couple that created it- Mack and Tula Waldron
The gang on Saturday night, 9/28/2019
Marc Seales- piano; Thomas Marriott- trumpet; Susan Pascal- vibes; Jeff Johnson- bass; D’Vonne Lewis- drums
Greta Matassa and Thomas Marriott, last weekend at Tula’s, 9/28/2019
Marc Seales, last weekend at Tula’s, 9/28/2019
Thomas Marriott performs at Tula’s on the last weekend.
Thomas Marriott
Mack, Tula, Jason, and Heather, last night at Tula’s
Seattle jazz royalty- Mack and Tula Waldron, last night at Tula’s, 9/29/2019
As the final week of Tula’s remarkable 26 year run approaches, we as jazz fans are witness to the final performances of the club’s foundational talent, of those artists who made live, resident based jazz thrive in Belltown. Artists such as vocalist Greta Matassa,pianists Marc Seales and Bill Anschell, vibraphonist Susan Pascal, and trumpeter Thomas Marriott have all left their mark on the city’s jazz legacy from the stage at Tula’s.
Photographer Jim Levitt has been as integral as anybody in terms of documenting the inspired jazz scene in Seattle over the last quarter century. While photographic documentation of historic Seattle jazz rooms such as the Black & Tan, Parnell’s, and Jazz Alley’s former home on University Way is scant at best, enthusiastic photographers such as Levitt, Daniel Sheehan, and Lisa Hagen Glynn have provided in depth imagery of Tula’s storied run.
Mr. Levitt recently shared some photographs of Thomas Marriott’s last gig as a leader at Tula’s on September 14. Marriott has been playing at Tula’s since he was a teenager in a band with his brother, trombonist David Marriott, Jr.. Taking quality photographs in the dimly lit confines of the club is no easy task. These were too exceptional not to share- many thanks to our brother and noted jazz foot soldier, Jim Levitt!
Thomas Marriott leads his Quintet in a final show, two weeks before Tula’s Jazz Club in Seattle closes after 26 years.
Thomas Marriott, trumpet;
Rick Mandyck, saxophone;
Tim Kennedy, piano;
Jeff Johnson, bass;
John Bishop, drumsPianist Tim Kennedy at Tula’s with the Thomas Marriott Quintet. 9/14/2019
Tim Kennedy, Thomas Marriott, and Rick Mandyck perform one last time at Tula’s.
Tenor saxophonist Rick Mandyck, and drummer John Bishop with the Thomas Marriott Quintet at Tula’s 9/14/2019
A most dynamic duo- drummer John Bishop and bassist Jeff Johnson at Tula’s, 9/14/2019.
Thomas Marriott leads his Quintet in a final show, two weeks before Tula’s Jazz Club in Seattle closes after 26 years.Thomas Marriott, trumpet;Rick Mandyck, saxophone;Tim Kennedy, piano;Jeff Johnson, bass;John Bishop, drums 9/14/2019
Thomas Marriott leads his Quintet in a final show, two weeks before Tula’s Jazz Club in Seattle closes after 26 years.Thomas Marriott, trumpet;Rick Mandyck, saxophone;Tim Kennedy, piano;Jeff Johnson, bass;John Bishop, drums 9/14/2019
Trumpeter Thomas Marriott, and saxophonist Rick Mandyck at Tula’s, 9/14/2019.
Iconic jazz radio voice Jim Wilke, recording the Thomas Marriott Quintet at their final Tula’s performance on 9/14/2019.
The Ballard Jazz Festival spreads out over 4 days in 11 different locations, making it a logistical challenge in many ways. Traversing and documenting the festival’s four events as a photographer begins in the tight, brick lined confines of Conor Byrne Pub, moves to the spacious Nordic Museum Auditorium, and ends with a ten venue jazz walk that covers a fair patch of ground in itself.
The festival has been extremely fortunate over the years to have jazz photographer Jim Levitt on the scene, and the 17th edition was no exception. For the second year running, he was joined by Lisa Hagen Glynn who has been doing great work around the Seattle music scene, in and out of jazz. Levitt’s knack for finding special moments in time seems to have passed on to Hagen Glynn, with both contributing images that define the soul of the festival.
The Steve Korn Quartet at Celebration of the Drum, opening the 2019 Ballard Jazz Festival, featuring three groups led by drummers.Steve Korn, drums;Dawn Clement, keyboard;Mark Taylor, saxophone;Paul Gabrielson, bass
The Steve Korn Quartet at Celebration of the Drum, opening the 2019 Ballard Jazz Festival, featuring three groups led by drummers.Steve Korn, drums;Dawn Clement, keyboard;Mark Taylor, saxophone;Paul Gabrielson, bass“Guitar Summit” at the 2019 Ballard Jazz Festival, featuring three guitarist-led groups. John Stowell and friends open the show.John Stowell, guitar;Rick Mandyke, saxophone;Jeff Johnson, bass;John Bishop, drumsLage Lund leads a trio at the 2019 Ballard Jazz Festival “Guitar Summit.”Lage Lund, guitar;Michael Glynn, bass;Matt Jorgensen, drumsKathy Moore leads a sizzling trio at the 2019 Ballard Jazz Festival “Guitar Summit.”Kathy Moore, guitar and vocals;Jeremy Lightfoot, bass and vocals;Ruby Dunphy, drumsErnie Watts with New Stories, at the 2019 Ballard Jazz Festival Mainstage Concert.Ernie Watts, saxophone;Marc Seales, piano;Doug Miller, bass;John Bishop, drumsErnie Watts with New Stories, at the 2019 Ballard Jazz Festival Mainstage Concert.Ernie Watts, saxophone;Marc Seales, piano;Doug Miller, bass;John Bishop, drumsJazz radio legend JIm Wilke MC’s the 2019 Ballard Jazz Festival
Robin Lloyd from Knkx and the JJA, presents JJA Jazz Hero Award to John Bishop, and Matt Jorgensen
The 2019 Ballard Jazz Walk presents 17 groups, in 10 venues, in the historic old Ballard neighborhood of Seattle. Thomas Marriott, and Rick Mandyck at Kula Movement.
The 2019 Ballard Jazz Walk presents 17 groups, in 10 venues, in the historic old Ballard neighborhood of Seattle. Thomas Marriott, Rick Mandyck, Jeff Johnson, and John Bishop perform at Kula Movement
The 2019 Ballard Jazz Walk presents 17 groups, in 10 venues, in the historic old Ballard neighborhood of Seattle. Brittany Anjou Trio with Evan Flory-Barnes, and Todd Bishop.
The 2019 Ballard Jazz Walk presents 17 groups, in 10 venues, in the historic old Ballard neighborhood of Seattle. Brittany Anjou and Overton Berry
The 2019 Ballard Jazz Walk presents 17 groups, in 10 venues, in the historic old Ballard neighborhood of Seattle. Xavier LecouturierThe 2019 Ballard Jazz Walk presents 17 groups, in 10 venues, in the historic old Ballard neighborhood of Seattle. Ben Feldman
Matt Jorgensen at the Ballard Jazz Walk
John Bishop performs at the Ballard Jazz Walk
Jacqueline Tabor performing at Bad Albert’s, on the Ballard Jazz Walk 2019
Jacqueline Tabor Quartet with Cole Schuster, Geoff Harper, and Max Holmberg- 2019 Ballard Jazz Walk
Johnaye Kendrick at the Cathedral, 2019 Ballard Jazz Walk
Johnaye Kendrick with Chris Synmer, 2019 Ballard Jazz Walk
Nathan Breedlove at the Cathedral, 2019 Ballard Jazz WalkDylan Hayes performing at Conor Byrne, 2019 Ballard Jazz Walk
Cymbal and Gong raffle winner Rebecca Wade with Matt Jorgensen
Conor Byrne Pub, Celebration of the Drum, 2019 Ballard Jazz Festival
Lisa Hagen Glynn has been doing some great work out on the music scene in Seattle, photographing performances. These were taken on May 10, during a riveting duo performance by Hans Teuber and Jeff Johnson. The performance was part of the Art of Jazz series at SAM, presented by Earshot Jazz. Thanks to Lisa for the wonderful shots!
Louis Hayes and the Cannonball Legacy Band featuring Vincent Herring, Jeremy Pelt, Rick Germanson, and Michael Glynn, performing earlier this week at Boxley’s. They will be performing at Jazz Alley on Monday, September 28 … and it is only $10!
The Steve Wilson Quintet featuring Steve Wilson (saxophone), Thomas Marriott (trumpet), Marc Seales (piano), Michael Glynn (bass) and Matt Jorgensen (drums) performing at Tula’s Jazz Club on Friday, July 17.
The group will be back at Tula’s tonight, Saturday, July 18 starting at 7:30pm. Reservations: 206-443-4221.
Saxophonist Santosh Sharma, a junior in the powerhouse Roosevelt High School jazz program, led a qu
artet at Tula’s, opening for the Spike Wilner Trio. Santosh was selected for the 2015 Grammy Jazz Band. Joining him on guitar was Lucas Winter, a Roosevelt graduate now studying at Cornish. Drummer Luke Woodle, a Roosevelt senior, will be studying at USC in the fall. Bassist Michael Glynn rounded out the band.
The Spike Wilner Trio performs at Tula’s Jazz Club in Seattle. Pianist Spike Wilner runs two New York jazz clubs, Small’s and Mezzrow.Spike Wilner, piano;Michael Glynn, bass;Matt Jorgensen, drums (and Thomas Marriott, trumpet, joins at the end of the set)
The Seattle Women’s Jazz Orchestra, featuring Grace Kelly, performed at The Triple Door as part of the Earshot Festival. The concert drew a standing room audience. Grace Kelly played saxophone, and sang. The concert featured two world-premiere performances, pieces written by the winners of the orchestra’s second annual competition for women jazz composers.
Photos from the Bellingham show which concluded the Kendra Shank/John Stowell West Coast tour supporting the release of their “New York Conversations” recording on TCB.
This show, at the Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth, was part of the Jazz Project “Art of Jazz” series. Kendra (vocals and looper) and John (guitars) performed the first set as a duo. In the second set, they were joined by Jeff Johnson on bass, and Jud Sherwood on drums.
Kendra and John kicked off their East Coast tour with a show at Roulette, in Brooklyn, on Sunday, May 4th.
