Seattle Jazz Scene

AARON PARKS
“Invisible Cinema”
(Blue Note)

{read review at The New York Times}

The 24-year-old pianist Aaron Parks has been making his own records for eight years. During that time he has played in bands led by Kurt Rosenwinkel and Terence Blanchard — with Mr. Blanchard on film-soundtrack projects, among other things. But he’s only now getting a wide hearing with “Invisible Cinema,” his first album for Blue Note.

You can guess at the lessons he has drawn from his experience. Here he’s forming expansive, semi-cinematic ideas, songs that stay engaged in an all-consuming mood for long stretches, whether swamp-bluesy or Middle Eastern or hymnlike. But he merges this with the latest jazz-bandstand language of long, stretchy soloistic lines, clanky-sinuous pop backbeats and floating slow-over-fast rhythms. Like a lot of young jazz musicians in the last 10 years, he sounds torn between Keith Jarrett and Radiohead, and when he tilts away from jazz as we know it, it’s toward big-gesture pop: a sweeping, earnest and melancholic music.

A lot of the record is arranged for piano, bass (Matt Penman) and drums (Eric Harland), with electronic keyboards added here and there. But three songs feature the guitarist Mike Moreno improvising with a big, echoey, almost heroic sound, and this throws the album off a bit, pulling the focus from Mr. Parks. It also widens the frame, and Mr. Parks, as a bandleader, still needs it narrower. He’s a gifted player, and he has compositional ambitions that could lead him to mix up with many kinds of music. But this record doesn’t make clear what kind of bandleader he is.

– BEN RATLIFF

JAZZ ALLEY: Count Basie Orchestra

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: Darin Clendenin Quartet with Jeff Busch

TRIPLE DOOR MAINSTAGE: Dee Daniels

TRIPLE DOOR MUSICQUARIUM:
5:30pm: Tor Dietrichson/Leif Totusek Duo
9:00pm: Tor Dietrichson Blues Machine

BAKE’S PLACE: Kristi King Quartet

LATONA PUB: Phil Sparks Trio (5:30pm)

EGAN’S BALLARD JAM HOUSE:
7pm – Andrew Oliver Sextet, with Andrew Oliver (piano), Dan Duval (guitar), Mary Sue Tobin (soprano and alto saxes), Willie Matheis (tenor sax), Eric Gruber (bass) and Kevin Van Geem (drums)
9pm – Katy Bourne Quartet, with Bill Anchell (piano), Chuck Kistler (bass) and Steve Korn (drums)

SERAFINA: Fred Hoadley Trio

GRAZIE: Michael Powers Group

PAMPAS ROOM: Brian Nova Quartet w/ Mike West

August 21 – Goat

Chapel Performance Space
Good Shepherd Center, 4649 Sunnyside Ave N
$10 general admission

Greg Sinibaldi – tenor sax, EWI (electronic wind instrument), electronics
Zach Stewart – guitar, electronics
Denali Williams – drums

Using loops and electronic gadgetry combined with woodwinds, electric guitar, and drum set, Goat creates music with a sharp harmonic and rhythmic sensibility that embraces spontaneity while developing abstract motifs.

The trio evolves from earlier Sinibaldi projects like Frieze of Life, Cipher, the Greg Sinibaldi Trio and Band, and Vena Cava. Here he extends his merging of free jazz, new music, and striking instrumental timbres. Most unusual, and highly effective, are the strains of the EWI, or electric wind instrument, a programmable wind-driven synthesizer. Through composed pieces and extensive improvisation, he and his band mates arrive at an always-fresh and fascinating sound.

Sinibaldi, who came up in the Northwest high school bands, attended the New England Conservatory in Boston where he studied with microtonal composer and sax improviser Joseph Maneri as well as horn greats George Garzone and Jimmy Giuffre. Since returning to Seattle, he has worked with his several small combos and has been writing large works combining composition and improvisation. He is working on scores to accompany the silent films of Wladislaw Starewicz.

On guitar and electronics is Zach Stewart, who sifts heavy rock, blues/roots music, country, and jazz to arrive at a floating, soaring sound that ideally complements Sinibaldi’s concept. Under the pseudonym Skiff Feldspar, Stewart tours North America with the Northwest jam/funk band, Flowmotion.

Drummer Denali Williams’s experience ranges from rock ’n’ roll to orchestral music, working in bands like the Staxx Brothers, Loop 2.4.3, and the Tacoma Symphony.

Sinibaldi says that he seeks to create music that is “adventurous but cohesive.” “Jazz is an ever-evolving art form,” he says. “This evolution is malleable, exemplified by the experimental integration of various forms and traditions from around the world.”

EARSHOT’S JAZZ IN THE SECOND CENTURY: Goat

TRIPLE DOOR MUSICQUARIUM: Reptet w/ Misery Love Co.

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: Sonando

NEW ORLEANS: The Ham Carson Quintet

EGAN’S BALLARD JAM HOUSE:
7pm – Messick Franklin Group, with Steve Messick (bass), David Franklin (piano) and Ken French (drums)
9pm – Kevin McCarthy Quartet, with Al Lindbom (guitar), Paul Gillespie (tenor sax), Larry Bergman (drums) and Kevin McCarthy (bass)

THAIKU: Jon Albert’s / Jeff Johnson / Tad Britton

MAY: Hans Teuber Trio

JAZZ ALLEY: Count Basie Orchestra

ASTEROID CAFE: Tim Kennedy Jam Session

MARTIN’S ON MADISON: Karin Kajita

13 COINS: HB Radke & Jet City Swingers

NEW ORLEANS: The Legend Band w/ Clarence Acox
from Earshot Jazz: Drummer Clarence Acox has stepped up to fill the very large shoes of Seattle legend Floyd Standifer by holding down the Wednesday night slot at the venerable New Orleans Restaurant in Pioneer Square. Acox leads the Legends Quartet (formerly the Floyd Standifer Quartet) featuring a handful of well-known area musicians. To inform any visiting tourists who may not already be aware, Acox is a locally infamous ambassador of the Seattle jazz scene with impeccable jazz credentials, ranging from his thirty-five year tenure as the director of the award-winning Garfield High jazz program and his leadership of the Seattle University jazz ensemble to his founding of the Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra. The Wednesday night tradition of straight-ahead jazz at the New Orleans (114 1st Ave S) lives on. Music begins at 8 pm and is free.

JAZZ ALLEY: Harry Shearer and the High Value Detainees

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: Katie King Vocal Showcase

THAIKU: Ron Weinstein Trio

EGAN’S BALLARD JAM HOUSE:
6:30pm – Household Items, with Brian Friedland and Angela Vincente
9pm – Vocal jazz jam session hosted by Julie Cascioppo, with Nelda Swiggett (piano) and Steve Kim (bass)

TUTTA BELLA: Djangomatics

TRIPLE DOOR MUSICQUARIUM: Ari Joshua Zucker and Friends

WHISKEY BAR: Ronnie Pierce

Make sure and vote today!

JAZZ ALLEY: Harry Shearer and the High Value Detainees

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: Roadside Attraction

NEW ORLEANS: Holotradband

EGAN’S BALLARD JAM HOUSE:
7pm – Jon Sheckler Group, with Jon Sheckler (drums), Erika Price (piano), Nathan Parker (bass), and Eli Miesner (guitar)
9pm – Victor Noriega Trio

MARTIN’S ON MADISON: Karin Kajita

MIX: Don Mock, Steve Kim & Charlie Nordstrom

Pony Boy Records is pleased to announce the FINAL ARTISTS’ LINE-UP AND SPONSORS for the Fifth Annual Jazz Picnic. Returning to Magnuson Park on Sunday afternoon, September 7, by overwhelming popular demand, the label is bringing another great line-up for this years’ Jazz Picnic featuring some of the Northwest’s finest jazz from the Pony Boy Records stable or artists.

For the fifth straight year, join us for an entire afternoon of great jazz at Sand Point Magnuson Park’s Garden Amphitheatre. Pack a picnic or grab a gourmet dog from one our favorite food vendors and groove to performances by some of the Northwest’s top jazz artists in the lovely setting of the Garden
Amphiteatre.

The 2008 JAZZ PICNIC line-up includes the following artists:
EMERALD CITY JAZZ ORCHESTRA, sponsored by Ann Babb/Chuck Cady RE/MAX NW; GREG WILLIAMSON DBL SAX, sponsored by Bosphorus Cymbals; VICTOR NORIEGA TRIO+2, sponsored by Print Time; PETE PETERSEN PORKPIE, sponsored by Hiroshi’s, VERN SIELERT DEKTET, sponsored by Varlamo’s Pizzeria; JAY THOMAS SEXTET, sponsored by Bank of America ; KAREN SHIVERS, AL KEITH GROUP and TROMBONASAURUS WRECKS.

Also featured are the talents of: Jon Hamar, Dan O’Brien Zydeco Étouffée, H.B. Radke, Hans Brehmer, Alexey Nikolaev, Travis Ranney, Richard Cole, Vanessa Sielert, Tom Varner, Dan Kramlich, Chuck Kistler, Susan Pascal, Mike West, Bryan Dickerson, Chris Symer, Bill Anschell, Craig Hoyer, Kevin Seeley, Greg Lyons, Thomas Marriott, Greg Koehler, Dave Marriott, Nathan Vetter, Bud Parker, Mark Taylor, Vanessa Sielert, Matso Limtiaco, Gary Shutes, Phil Henderson, Steve Rice, Gordon Brown, Nelson Bell, Eric Eagle, Willie Blair, Adam Kessler, Paul Gabrielson, Doug Zangar, Doug Reid, Phil Demaree, Greg Garrett, Geoff Cooke, Chris Clark, Greg Schroeder, Marty Tuttle, Dante’s Hot Dogs, and many more!

For more information, visit
http://www.ponyboyrecords.com/files/festival/jazz_picnic.html

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: Mark Taylor Quartet with Gary Fukushima

JAZZ ALLEY: Habib Koité and Bamada

BAKE’S PLACE: Bake’s Place Wine Tasting, Live Music and Gourmet Food Pairing

TRIPLE DOOR MAINSTAGE: Squirrel Nut Zippers

TRIPLE DOOR MUSICQUARIUM:
5:30pm – Evan Flory Barnes/Josh Rawlings Duo
9:00pm – Das Vibenbass

EGAN’S BALLARD JAM HOUSE:
7pm – Stacy Phillips (Grammy Award-winning dobrist!), Nancy K. Dillon and MJ Bishop
9pm – Elizabeth Carpenter Trio, with Elizabeth Carpenter (vocals), Richard Amster (guitar) and Devin Lowe (bass)

SERAFINA: Kiko de Freitas

LATONA PUB: Phil Sparks, Clark Gibson, Matt Jorgensen (5:00 – 7:00pm)

GRAZIE: Lee Pence

MIX: Rik Wright Quintet; Moraine
6004 12th Ave S, Georgetown, 9:00pm

HIROSHI’S JAZZ & SUSHI: Greg Williamson Quartet

PAMPAS ROOM: Brian Nova Quartet w/ Kiyoko Ami

FRIDAY, AUGUST 15
MARK TAYLOR QUARTET

Mark Taylor – saxophone
Gary Fukushima – piano
Jeff Johnson – bass
Byron Vannoy – drums

SATURDAY, AUGUST 16
HADLEY CALIMAN QUINTET

Hadley Caliman – saxophone
Thomas Marriott – trumpet
Marc Seales – piano
Phil Sparks – bass
John Bishop – drums

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB
2214 2nd Ave
Seattle, WA
Shows begin at 8:30pm each night.

Reservations: 206-443-4221

Earshot Jazz presents two shows tonight

JAZZ IN THE SECOND CENTURY: Tony Grasso Saxophone? Quartet!
Chapel Performance Space, Good Shepherd Center, 4649 Sunnyside Ave N, 7:30pm

ART OF JAZZ: Greta Matassa
1300 First Avenue, Seattle, 5:30pm, Free with museum admission

JAZZ ALLEY: Habib Koité and Bamada

TRIPLE DOOR MUSICQUARIUM: James Baumgart Trio

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: Al Keith and Friends

NEW ORLEANS: The Ham Carson Quintet

EGAN’S BALLARD JAM HOUSE:
7pm – Ambience, with George Stone (guitar), Leah Natale (vocals), Chris Busa (wind synth) and Burt Boice (bass)
9pm – Andrew Oliver Kora Ensemble, with Andrew Oliver (piano/keyboard), Kane Mathis (kora/guitar), Jim Knodle (trumpet), Brady Millard-Kish (acoustic/electric bass) and Kevin Van Geem (drums)

GALLERY 1412: Gallery 1412 Student Showcase

THAIKU: Jon Alberts, Jeff Johnson, Tad Britton

MAY: Hans Teuber Trio

13 COINS: HB Radke & Jet City Swingers

ASTEROID CAFE: Tim Kennedy Jam Session

MARTIN’S ON MADISON: Karin Kajita

From The Seattle Times:

Young tappers and venerable jitterbuggers are brushing off their dance shoes and getting ready for the third annual Masters of Lindy Hop & Tap festival, kicking off tonight at the Century Ballroom.

And if you happen to work anywhere near Seattle City Hall, you might want to consider brown-bagging it Thursday, and grabbing a ringside seat for a terpsichorean treat.

Starting at noon, the fest will offer a demonstration of up-tempo 1940s-style dancing at City Hall Plaza, with such rollicking oldsters as Sugar Sullivan, Norma Miller and Chazz Young, with special guest Lennart Westerlund (co-founder of the Swedish dance troupe the Harlem Hot Shots). A live combo led by swing band leader Casey MacGill will keep the joint jumpin’ …

Continue reading at The Seattle Times.

Thursday, August 14, 7:30 pm
Tony Grasso Saxophone? Quartet!

Chapel Performance Space
Good Shepherd Center, 4649 Sunnyside Ave N
$10 general admission

The Tony Grasso Saxophone? Quartet! has always been a surprising unit – after all, among its three saxophones is one trumpet: Grasso’s. After nine years of honing its sound, the quartet is stunning. He and his band mates have honed a sizzlingly-tight sound in which Grasso’s compositions serve as springboards to free improvisation. But listeners will often be hard-pressed to determine where composition ends and improvisation begins.

That effect stems in good part from the extraordinary precision and cohesion of the band, each of whose members has a long history in local jazz.

The quartet has two self-produced albums that present compositions drawing from jazz and classical-music influences, at times dissonantly or humorously but always captivatingly.

More info on the Earshot website.

JAZZ ALLEY: Andy Bey

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: Beth Winter Vocal Showcase

TRIPLE DOOR MUSICQUARIUM: PGM Trio (5:30pm)

NEW ORLEANS: The Legend Band w/ Clarence Acox

EGAN’S BALLARD JAM HOUSE:
7pm – Jessica Stenson, with Darin Clendenin (piano)
9pm – Vocal jazz jam session, with the Bruce Barnard Trio

THAIKU: Ron Weinstein Trio

WHISKEY BAR: Ronnie Pierce

JAZZ ALLEY: Andy Bey

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: Emerald City Jazz Orchestra

NEW ORLEANS: Holotradband

EGAN’S BALLARD JAM HOUSE:
7pm – Dave Anderson Quartet, with John Hansen (piano), Evan Flory-Barnes (bass), Adam Kessler (drums) and Dave Anderson (saxophones)
9pm – Josh Deutsch Quartet, with Josh Deutsch (trumpet), Justin Morell (guitar), Josh Tower (bass) and Jason Palmer (drums)

MIX: Don Mock, Steve Kim & Charlie Nordstrom
6006 12th Ave South, Seattle, 206-767-0280

MARTIN’S ON MADISON: Karin Kajita

NORTH CITY JAZZ WALK: Shoreline’s North City neighborhood (175th and 15th Ave NE) is holding a jazz walk tonight. Tickets are $15.

Peking House (175th and 15th NE) – Dan Sales Jazz Group with Liis Todd

The New Space Theatre (17525 15th Ave NE) – Paul Anastasio Trio

Hotwire Café (17605 15th Ave NE) – Janette West Quartet

North City Bistro & Wine (1520 NE 177th) –
Doug Reid Jazz Group with Emily McIntosh

USA Karate (1621 NE 177th) – Danny Ward & Reality

Vineyard Comm. Church (17730 15th Ave NE) – Critical Mass Big Band

Industrial Air (17805 15th Ave NE) – students groups from the Shoreline Jazz Camp

TULA’S JAZZ CLUB: JAZZ JAM with the Darin Clendenin Trio

JAZZ ALLEY: Benefit for Habitat for Humanity with Dr John’s Lower 911 Band, Leroy Jones and Craig Klein from Harry Connick Jr’s Band and Jeremy Ryan

THE NEW ORLEANS: The New Orleans Quintet

LA SPIGA: Ray Baldwin’s Version Of Cool

Isaac Hayes, the musician, composer and producer whose innovative sound changed the shape of pop music and whose shaved head, bejeweled outfits and regal demeanor embodied African-American masculinity in the 1970s, has died.

read the complete story.