Seattle Jazz Scene: Live Jazz Previews for Seattle
Monday Night Jazz Jam at Seattle Jazz Fellowship
Monday Nights at 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 103 S. Main St.
The all-ages Monday night jam has become quite a thing, with an attentive, trending young listening audience standing side by side with a long roll call of musicians. Now in the new basement club occupied by the non-profit, the vibe is intimate as the evening begins with a short, half hour max set by the Thomas Marriott Quartet. There is a sign up list that enables settings that make musical sense, allowing the session to move along at a good pace, promoting the mentorship cycle. Most importantly, it’s just plain fun, and the hang is one of the weekly highlights on the scene. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events
Tuesday Night Jam at the Owl
Hosted by Matt Williams
Tuesdays at 9:30 PM / Owl ‘n Thistle
The Tuesday night jam at the Owl is a Seattle tradition dating back to 1997, and a band known as Bebop and Destruction. It’s interesting, and often zany history includes wild antics, colorful characters and many a drop in from national touring musicians including Wynton Marsalis, Roy Hargrove, Branford Marsalis, Emmett Cohen and the Spanish Harlem Orchestra. Pianist Eric Verlinde guided the jam into more tranquil waters over his eighteen years directing the session, a tenure that recently ended. Pianist Matt Williams has now taken the reins, injecting a new found enthusiasm and freeing up Verlinde to come and hang and play! The 9:30 start enables musicians with gigs that evening to show up and play after the opening set that lasts forty five minutes or so.
The session is very important within the musical and social fabric of the Seattle jazz scene. The very interesting and often humorous history of the session is well documented in an article I wrote for All About Jazz a few years back. Link provided below.https://www.allaboutjazz.com/tuesday-night-jams-at-the-owl-a-25-year-legacy-in-seattle
Tobi Stone Quartet
Fri July 11, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 103 S. Main St.
Tenor saxophonist Tobi Stone has always approached her instrument in an original style, largely influenced by her time spent with Olympia saxophone legend, Bert Wilson. The late saxophonist pioneered the use of multi-phonics, applying his technique to bebop and avant-garde styles. Stone travels in good company for this performance, calling in pianist Ann Reynolds, bassist Heather Chriscaden and drummer Eric Eagle. The show will feature originals, some of which will be dedicated to Wilson.
Stone is fast approaching Seattle legend status, as a strong, forward moving, groundbreaking female musician. Her fully resonant sound on the tenor saxophone bears traits of generations of tenor tradition in jazz, received and shared in her very personal way. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events
Greta Matassa Sextet
Sat July 12, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 103 S. Main St.
Seattle vocal artist Greta Matassa is a dynamic vocal talent, as we all know. An artist with a remarkable vocal skill set, as well as a keen sense as a bandleader, Matassa may yet be most acclaimed for impacting the jazz vocal community at large as a mentor. One can plainly witness this fact at each of her gigs, enthusiastically attended by her appreciative devotees. It helps, always, to have a killin’ band at your disposal, with your life partner holding down the groove on bass. Clipper Anderson and drummer Mark Ivester have been the push behind this modern jazz juggernaut of sorts. Saxophonist Alexey Nikolaev is the Matassa’s counterpoint on the front line, while pianist David Lee Joyner is the perfect accompanist. Don’t sleep on Joyner however, the south sound veteran can be a force on his own. Guitarist Brian Monroney is one of the most skilled players on the scene, adding another dimension to the band.
There is never a good time to NOT attend a Greta Matassa gig. She plays a lot of gigs around the sound, but the vibe of this occasion at SJF, in the new room, should be special. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events
Nick Biello Quintet
Mon July 14, 7:30 PM / Royal Room
Alto saxophonist Nick Biello is a master of his instrument, and you owe it to yourself, as a jazz fan, to see him perform. That being said, there are a plethora of great jazz musicians, some of them very young in age and tenure, who fail to take their audience to that desired place of repose and awakening that we all seek. Biello stands out in this way, always using his virtuosity to create that direct pathway to the above stated theorectical place of musical grace. Shedding the poetic, let’s just say that the cat can really play, cares a great deal about the audience being an integral part of the experience, and always has a band that can support these notions in full.
Trumpeter Charlie Porter is equally of interest, a master player with a bold, round trumpet sound rarely heard. A leader and author of several highly acclaimed albums, Porter is known to PNW jazz fans per his long residency in Portland, before departing for New York. Pianist Chris McCarthy holds that special PNW connection as well, growing up in and around Seattle before his trek to NYC. McCarthy is an in demand player in Gotham, known for his high skill level and sensitivity to his musical surroundings. Bassist Alex Tremblay is a noted bandleader and recording artist as well, often collaborating with Biello and McCarthy in the process. Austrian drummer Peter Kronreif is an in-demand quantity in NYC, known for his versatility and musicality.
What all of this adds up to is chemistry, that state of familiarity where fear is lost and innovation begins, This should be a fun ride. https://theroyalroomseattle.com/event/nick-biello-quintet/
Martin Budde
Thu July 17, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 103 S. Main St.
Guitarist Martin Budde has earned acclaim as an innovative and flexible player over the past half decade or so in Seattle. As a member of the new wave of jazz talent in the city, Budde helped pave the way out of pandemic slumber with the collective Meridian Odyssey, resulting in two recordings for the highly regarded Origin Records label. In 2023, he released his first solo album, a trio effort with Ben Feldman and Xavier Lecouturier for Origin titled Back Burner.
Budde’s guitar style is accented by his upbringing in Alaska, gathering sounds from bluegrass and folk forms and incorporating them into his jazz lexicon. For this hit at Seattle Jazz Fellowship, he forms a trio with pianist Dylan Hayes and bassist Trevor Ford, exploring music without a traditional drummer.https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events
Victor Noriega Kuyatet
Fri July 18, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 103 S. Main St.
Victor Noriega was a prominent member of the Seattle scene before he relocated to Vancouver, BC. It’s good to see him on the SJF schedule as the pianist returns and reunites with some old mates in Pioneer Square.
Dubbed “Kuyatet,” Noriega dives into jazz interpretations of Fililpino folk songs and Tagalog language standards and originals along the same musical lines. Bassist Michael Glynn shares a strong rhythm section featuring drummer Eric Eagle and percussionist Jeff Busch.
Seattle is a city with a strong Filipino music scene, including jazz music. This is a great opportunity to experience the music in the hands of a fine jazz pianist in Noriega, joined by a contingent of some of the city’s best musicians. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events
Roman Goron Quintet +
featuring Jay Thomas, Joel Steinke, Xavier Lecouturier & Trevor Ford
Sat July 19, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 103 S. Main St.
It seems almost obligatory to preface pianist Roman Goron’s name with “nineteen year old,” or “young,” when describing his abilities as a pianist and composer. He will turn twenty in August before he departs for New York to attend Juilliard. To this point, Goron is remarkably self-taught, with some guidance from mentors such as Dave Kikoski. His portal of entry onto the Seattle scene was through area jam sessions, evolving into a leader of his own trio, and a noted sideperson who has accompanied artists such as Sarah Hanahan and Joe Farnsworth. Clearly, the age reference is rapidly disappearing from his introduction.
This performance is his send-off to NYC, in giving thanks and appreciation to the scene that has nurtured his talent and given it a stage to perform on. It will begin in quintet mode, with Goron welcoming in Seattle jazz legend Jay Thomas, saxophonist Joel Steinke, bassist Trevor Ford and drummer Xavier Lecouturier. The second set will feature a cast of special guests that will perform music from the pianist’s young, but busy career. Goron has come a long way in so many ways. This is a good chance to see him off in a positive way. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events
Ray Larsen Quintet
Thu July 24, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 103 S. Main St,
Trumpeter Ray Larsen is a master improviser with a fluid, bold trumpet sound that tends to thrive on the outer banks of the fluid jazz tradition. For this date at SJF, he arrives leading a quintet of like-minded musicians, given to the art of spontaneous compositions.
The rhythm section of pianist Matt Williams, bassist Geoff Harper and drummer Evan Woodle provides the foundational freedom for Larsen’s musical aspirations, while groundbreaking saxophonist Neil Welch is the perfect match for Larsen on the front line. While the aforementioned rhythm section has the ability to stretch musical boundaries, they are as well rooted in jazz tradition, able to traverse the territory in and between post bop jazz and modal improvisation. Welch’s experimental bent utilizing any and all tools available to him both acoustically and electronically, is a phenomenon that can push the music in directions from the ground up to atmospheric heights. Through all of this, Larsen’s pure trumpet sound rises above stylistic imput and speaks to beatific innovation. For this particular approach to jazz music, I couldn’t imagine a better cast. A date to boldly mark on the Seattle jazz calendar. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events
Wellstone Conspiracy featuring Bill Anschell, John Bishop, Brent Jensen & Jeff Johnson
Sat July 26, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 103 S. Main St.
Wellstone Conspiracy is in this case, a band- not a conspiracy. In fact, it is a quartet that includes four of the finest musicians this city has to offer, playing original music that has a very unique character. The last time Wellstone performed live was at Tula’s, the iconic Belltown jazz spot that disappeared on Halloween night in 2019. If you are familiar with the four musicians, you can imagine what qualities they might bring with them into the collective. If not, let me help you catch up.
The origins of the collective goes back to Brent Jensen‘s recording projects, in particular the soprano and alto saxophonist’s Origin Records release, One More Mile (2006). The quartet would go on to record two notable albums- Motives in 2009, and Humble Origins, released in 2011. Bassist Jeff Johnson and drummer John Bishop are a known quantity as a duo on many projects, including the groundbreaking rubato trio of Hal Galper. Johnson’s jazz story dates back to time with Philly Joe Jones, while Bishop has performed with Ernestine Anderson and a host of others, all the while creating the Origin Records platform. Pianist Bill Anschell is a noted composer, and the leader of a several bands. His piano trio with Johnson and D’Vonne Lewis is a staple on the Seattle scene. Anschell has an extensive recording history with Origin, many of his recordings including his bandmates in Wellstone Conspiracy.
Every once in a while, you have to take that classic car out of the garage and take it for a spin around the neighborhood, you dig? At some point in that ride, you’re going to learn new things and realize the evolving potential that lies under the hood on a given day. As this poke around Pioneer Square is a rare occassion, this is one ride worth taking, a highlight on the July jazz calendar in Seattle. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events
Johnaye Kendrick Quartet / Dawn Clement and Steve Kovalcheck
Mon July 28, 7:30 PM / Royal Room
A very promising evening of music, as two powerful female voices share a bill in Columbia City. For openers, pianist / vocalist Dawn Clement plays in duet with Denver-based guitarist Steve Kovalcheck, followed by Grammy winning vocalist Johnaye Kendrick. Clement and Kendrick have spent a lot of time together musically over their years together at Cornish College of the Arts. Clement arrives on the heels of her new album on the Origin Records label, Delight.
Kendrick has received great acclaim for her solo albums and live performances. Her perfect pitch and astounding range enables her prowess as a composer and interpreter of great works. She is a two time Grammy winner as a member of the vocal quartet, saje. Clement will accompany on piano, along with bassist Chris Symer and drummer D’Vonne Lewis. https://theroyalroomseattle.com/event/johnaye-kendrick-quartet-dawn-clement-and-steve-kovalcheck/
Last February, this event drew over two thousand people, a memorable date in recent jazz history here in Seattle. The fellowship combined with the music led to a wonderful sense of community for those that attended. The summer weather should add to that vibe!
Randy Brecker with Tod Dickow and Charged Particles
Tue & Wed July 29-30, 7:30 PM / Jazz Alley
Nine time Grammy winning trumpeter Randy Brecker plays the music of his late brother, Michael Brecker, backed by the San Francisco-based trio, Charged Particles.
Brecker has been a boundary breaking musician for five decades, and has some history here in Seattle in the 1970’s. Charged Particles is an acoustic trio featuring tenor saxophonist Tod Dickow, pianist Murray Low, bassist Aaron Germain and drummer Jon Krosnick. The band has been touring the world performing the music of the legendary tenor saxophonist and composer, and who better than to bring this music to the world than his brother, himself a historic figure in the history of jazz. Randy’s work on trumpet and flugelhorn is to be heard, no matter the programming. In this context, in an acoustic setting, the best of his playing is bound to occur. Add the emotional dimension of his brother’s music, and the occassion becomes special. https://www.jazzalley.com/www-home/artist.jsp?shownum=8678
Bell Thompson Quintet
Thu July 31, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 103 S. Main St.
Bell Thompson is a Seattle born and raised trumpeter, currently living in NYC. She studied under Terrell Stafford at Temple University in Philadelphia before her move to Gotham, along the way gaining a genuine love and admiration for Philly. Her program for the evening will be originals that amount to a love letter to her adopted city, one of the truly great jazz cities in America.
Thompson will be supported by a Seattleites in pianist Roman Goron and drummer Xavier Lecouturier, along with bassist Arturo Valdez and a saxophonist to be named later.
It’s always great to welcome home one of our own. It is the nature of the beast that jazz musicians make the pilgrimmage to New York, no matter where they emanate from. In Thompson’s case, witnessing her maturity and elevated status of her playing is a thrill. The interaction between her and pianist Goron, himself soon to journey to NYC to attend Juilliard, is something to keep an eye on. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events
Xavier Lecouturier Quartet
featuring Santosh Sharma, Evan Flory-Barnes & Matt Williams
Sat Aug 2, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 103 S. Main St.
Drummer / composer Xavier Lecouturier has been flying a bit under the radar in 2025, but is back in full with a new quartet and a new album. For this date, he gathers tenor saxophonist Santosh Sharma, pianist Matt Williams and veteran bassist Evan Flory-Barnes for a probing exploration of standards, as well as selections from his new release, I Remember Why Now.
One of the prime interests for this gig is the very fact that the quartet will largely be “playing tunes.” It allows for the audience to see these four musicians read and react within the perceived confines of structure that is free of compositional constraints. Sharma’s fluid and imaginative stream-of- consciousness style should be off the hook, while Williams will be exposed outside of the trio format, or any of his eclectic, amazingly diverse musical personas. Flory-Barnes is soulful, and swings like mad, making his pairing with Lecouturier’s often mercurial drum style an interesting and potentially explosive combination. This is “one of those gigs.” Being there is an essential start to the August jazz calendar in Seattle. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events
