Seattle Jazz Fellowship | Seattle Jazz Scene

Seattle Jazz Scene: Live Jazz Previews for Seattle

March 19, 2024 / Paul Rauch / No Comments

Monday Night Jam at Seattle Jazz Fellowship

Monday Nights, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 103 S. Main St.

The Monday night jam in Pioneer Square has been quite the thing since the third Monday in January 2025. The session has been a gathering spot for some of the best musicians in town, from seasoned professionals to ascending high school and college players. It has also become a focal point for gen z to gather socially outside of the shadow of technology and screen life. Each week the club is full, and a line ascends up the stairs, around the corner and down First Avenue. These young people arrived via a Tic Tok video with the idea of an all ages, cover free experience with new music performed honestly, in the moment. They became a jazz audience with much more reverence for the music than most sessions. They listen, applaud solos, cheer on their favorites and deeply enjoy the idea of musicians creating on the spot jam style. We long-time patrons of the art are right there alongside them and it is a true joy. The musicians, both in house band led by Thomas Marriott, and the jammers feel the vibe as well. The early start and end allows for those who have school and work the next day. If you are looking for a ray of hope in our city, this may be your gig. Show up by 7 PM and you should have a seat. Musicians enter at will as long as they sign up to play. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/

Tuesday Night Jam at the Owl

Tuesdays at 9:30 PM / Owl & 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

RL Heyer & Al Hemiola)

Fri Mar 6, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 103 S. Main St.

Guitarist RL Heyer has always lived on the edge of differing styles that merge into a single voice that expresses clearly what guitar music has meant to now generations of music lovers. He can bask in the refinement of jazz guitar and in a flash be shredding hard rock riffs more reminiscent of Jeff Beck than a straight up jazz player. His playing bears the liberation of rock, the chops of jazz fusion and the cerebral aspects of post-bop jazz. Here, he hits The Seattle Jazz Fellowship with his trio featuring bassist David Dawda and drummer Brad Boal, themselves titans of instrumental versatility. For this gig, they add keyboardist / percussionist Bob Rees to the mix, with the possibility of more special guests hanging in the night air in Pioneer Square.

Heyer states that this band was formed with Khruangbin in mind, giving us another idea of what is to take place. Heyer is a musician that needs to be heard more on the jazz scene, making this booking a welcome change to what we might have seen in the dinner club reality of the past on the Seattle jazz scene. Many Seattle jazz fans may remember him from Tarik Abouzied’s Happy Orchestra pre-pandemic. http://seattlejazzfellowship.org

Ian Hughes Quartet

Sat Mar 7, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 103 S. Main St.

Completing an all-guitar weekend at SJF, guitarist Ian Hughes makes his sophomore visit to the non-profit’s stage, leading a quartet featuring bassist Marina Christopher, saxophonist Michael Jedynak. and drummer Chris Patin. For this performance, they are joined by pianist Joey Walbaum. The evening will be an album release celebration of Hughes’ latest release, Dreamscapes, a work featuring his originals and skillful arrangements. http://seattlejazzfellowship.org

Claudio Rochat-Felix Trio

with Tim Kennedy & Trevor Ford

Thu Mar 12. 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship

Drummer Claudio Rochat-Felix is back in town, and teaming up with pianist Tim Kennedy and bassist Trevor Ford for a trio date at SJF. Kennedy plays a lot of dates around town, including as the pianist in the house band at the Monday night jam in Pioneer Square- but it’s been awhile since we’ve seen him on a trio date. Ford is also a member of that Monday night house band, with Rochat-Felix a long-time associate of Kennedy’s here in Seattle, before relocating in California. You see the connections here- and a chemistry forming that is so vital to the piano trio process. http://seattlejazzfellowship.org

Bill Frisell Trio featuring Luke Bergman & Tim Angulo

Fri Mar 13, 8 PM / Moore Theatre

Iconic guitarist Bill Frisell celebrates his 75th birthday by returning to Seattle for a special appearance at the Moore as part of his national tour. Frisell has been a major influence in the jazz guitar world, revolutionizing the instrument in jazz in terms of approach, sound and instrument choice. Bassist Luke Bergman was born in Pullman and raised in Ellensburg. He has a close assoication with Frisell from years together at the University of Washington. He is an innovator on guitar and pedal steel as well. New York based drummer Tim Angulo rounds out this trio that will no doubt be in exploration mode throughout the evening, armed with the advantage of familiarity.

Beri Purlovsky Quartet

Fri Mar 13, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 103 S. Main St.

Drummer Beri Purlovsky has been a constant on the Seattle scene in recent times- but certainly not as a leader. Yet if you have attended local jam sessions, you have likely seen him play. The Croatia born Purlovsky was a mainstay on the San Francisco scene for many years. He has assembled a formidable band for his Seattle Jazz Fellowship debut, with first-call bassist Michael Glynn, vibraphonist Jacques Willis and pianist Tim Kennedy on the gig. The veteran drummer has not played a significant date as a leader in town to my knowledge, so it is hard to truly put the proper bent on what to expect on this evening- but the band is full of talent, making this a good bet for area jazz fans. http://seattlejazzfellowship.org

Trevor Ford & Pico Trio

with Martin Budde & Dylan Hayes

Sat Mar 14, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 103 S. Main St.

Bassist Trevor Ford, guitarist Martin Budde and pianist Dylan Hayes have been playing a restaurant gig under the name, Pico Trio, an effort that does not include a drummer. When you consider the top shelf quality of the players involved, it becomes a chamber-like jazz ensemble of three equal parts. The threesome plays originals and interpretations of jazz standards and selected pop tunes. All three are very versatile players, giving the trio the ability to move in a wide variety of directions. Budde is a jazz guitarist with roots in bluegrass and Americana, Hayes an excellect composer and arranger to add to his formidable chops as a pianist. Ford is well known to area jazz fans as the bassist in Thomas Marriott’s Seattle quartet, but has been performing as a leader- this being his third hit at SJF. He swings with great ease and definitive post-bop roots. This should be a fun night, led my musicians that have integrated themselves into the Seattle jazz community on a steady basis. http://seattlejazzfellowship.org

Julian Priester & Priester’s Cue

Fri Mar 20, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 103 S. Main St.

Legendary trombonist Julian Priester settles in with familiar company for the second installment of his monthly residency at SJF. Priester was on staff at Cornish with pianist Dawn Clement for many years, in the process, developing an important musical alliance. The album In Deep End Dance chronicles this quartet that includes bassist Geoff Harper and drummer Byron Vannoy. This band, like their album, requires that you go all in as a listener- with each listen, one hears something new, something fresh. Priester’s ideas, decision making process, tonal mastery and pure emotion always brings his audience to a special place. At 90 years old, the flame still burns brightly, as was evidenced by his February performance at SJF. Priester, the artist-in-residence at SJF is a Seattle treasure, and one that continues to gift our community with wonderful, spontaneous moments. http://seattlejazzfellowship.org

Steve Guasch & ONE Album Release Concert

Fri Mar 20, 7:30 PM / The Triple Door Mainstage

Steve Guasch and ONE (Orquesta Nueva Era) celebrate their new Salsaneo Records release, Buscando La Verdad with a performance at the Triple Door featuring internationbal salsa stars and the best of Seattle’s vibrant Latin Jazz scene. International stars include Cuban drummer Calixto Oviedo, trumpeters Luis “Papo” Marquez and Haile Uriarte and bassist Maximo Rodriguez. Vocalists Francis Rosa Velez, Miguel Angel Baez, Josean Rivera and Carlos Cascante complete this all-star cast.

The Seattle based contingent within the orchestra includes pianist /arranger Julio Jauregui, Grammy nominated Cuban cuatro master, Kiki Valera, trumpeter Mike Mines, trombonists Nathan Vetter and Audrey Stangland and saxophonist Ted Dortch. The performance is financed by a 4Culture grant written by Seattle percussionist Tor Dietrichson. This should be a superb show for area Latin jazz fans, as well as those who wish to be introduced to the music. https://tickets.thetripledoor.net/eventperformances.asp?evt=2216

Kandace Springs Trio

Mar 26-Mar 29, 7:30 & 9:30 PM / Jazz Alley

Kandace Springs returns to Jazz Alley for a six show run. Springs is an excellent jazz vocalist and pianist, leading a long-tenured trio that is well worth the effort to get down to Belltown and have a nice evening at the Alley. Bassist Caylen Bryant and drummer Camille Gainer join Springs in a format that features Springs originals and a healthy portion of standards interpreted in soulful ways. One of the better jazz vocal artists on the scene, she is known specifically as a great live performer with a great rapport with her audience. https://www.jazzalley.com/www-home/artist.jsp?shownum=8754

Will Lone Quartet

Thu Mar 26, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 103 S. Main St.

Drummer Will Lone makes his debut as a leader at SJF, leading a quartet of eclectic Seattle players. Pianist Josh Rawlings and bassist Abbey Blackwell are formidable additions to the rhythm section, while tenor saxophonist Joel Steinke completes the foursome. Steinke is a bit underappreciated- a vibrant player with a classic tenor sound, he seems the perfect fit for this band. Blackwell hasn’t been around the Fellowship much, so a great opportunity to see her perform with a prime selection of bandmates. Rawlings is a versatile player with deft touch and great ideas behind the piano. This performance is a culmination of an interesting journey for Lone, who frequents the jam at SJF as well as supporting other artist’s gigs. He is a formidable talent- the hope here is that the gig is well supported. seattlejazzfellowship.org

Greta Matassa Quintet

Sat Mar 28, 7:30 PM / Seattle Jazz Fellowship- 103 S. Main St.

Here I am atop my Greta Matassa soapbox again- but hey, it’s a fine and true place to be, because her artistry continues to astound after all this time. Matassa has not only impacted Seattle jazz deeply as a vocal artist of the highest order, but her role as a mentor to jazz vocal culture in the region has raised the bar for jazz singers from Seattle and beyond. Her band is killin’ as well, and better yet, she let’s them play things out. I know this date will draw the usual support from her long tenured legion of fans, but here’s to hoping that a few of you who haven’t sampled her sublime talent, will attend in the perfect space to do so. http://seattlejazzfellowship.org

Samantha Boshnack Uncomfortable Subtet

Sun Mar 29, 7:30 PM / Royal Room

It’s been a while since Samantha Boshnack has come up with a new project, so this is a welcome item to the Seattle music calendar. The trumpeter / composer is known for her adventurous narrative statements that include angular melodies and many moving parts through the melodic and harmonic elements of her sound. No, this isn’t jazz exactly, but the music is rooted in that spirit, with a “new music” vibe that taps into the most adventurous forms of composition. Boshnack describes herself as a jazz composer, essentially because that’s where the open space lies between her musical world and ours. The result is something confoundingly original with the ability to allow you to have different insights into the nature of the connection of all world sounds. If you follow Boshnack, you know of which I speak- if not, you should hit the Royal Room for a Sunday night introduction. https://www.earshot.org/event/samantha-boshnack-premieres-uncomfortable-subtet/

Lakecia Benjamin and Phoenix

Tue Mar 31 -Wed Apr 1, 7:30 PM / Jazz Alley

I will admit to warming up slowly to alto saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin. I believe it was all the Coltrane name-dropping that took place with her launch as a recording artist in jazz. I’ve come to realize that in a way, she was victimized by the basic tenets of jazz commodicication- that being said, she storms into Seattle after a whirlwind 2025. Pianist Oscar Perez, bassist Elias Bailey and drummer Quentin Baxter are all formidable, making this a great opportunity to dig Benjamin’s own legacy aside from all the media expectations. She can play, and the results should be great fun. https://www.jazzalley.com/www-home/artist.jsp?shownum=8760

Opinion/Editorial: The Time to Act is Now to Support Local Seattle Jazz

November 24, 2023 / Paul Rauch / No Comments

“Our mission is to build community, provide access to the mentorship cycle, incentivize excellence and to lower the barriers to access jazz for both performers and listeners.”

This quote from the original mission statement of the Seattle Jazz Fellowship states in no uncertain terms, the focus of the Seattle 401(c) 3 non-profit that has guided its journey from its point of inception in October 2021. This was when the fellowship initiated its “Fellowship Wednesdays” weekly affair at Vermillion Art Bar on Capitol Hill. While the non-profit has engaged in a variety of special events, the Wednesday series has presented live jazz featuring Seattle resident musicians with occasional out of town guests now for more than two years. It has provided a stage for Seattle jazz musicians to perform original music for an appreciative listening audience and be paid respectfully. While only one night a week, it has been a beacon of hope for the Seattle jazz scene that has lost its collective mainstages largely due to gentrification. The business model that guided jazz dinner clubs like the New Orleans Creole Restaurant in Pioneer Square and the iconic Tula’s Jazz Club in Belltown became obsolete. The price tag for the consumer became sky high, while the numbers needed to manage a successful business became impossible. An alternative was needed if the resident jazz scene in Seattle was to survive.

On Tuesday November 21, SJF founder Thomas Marriott announced that the December 6 edition of Fellowship Wednesdays would be the last staged at Vermillion, as the fellowship would be moving into its own space in Pioneer Square beginning in late January of 2024. The venue will be a pop-up affair in the historic Globe building near the intersection of First Avenue and Main St., smack dab in the middle of the neighborhood that not long ago was the heartbeat of Seattle nightlife. Programming will increase to “several” nights a week according to Marriott, increasing employment opportunities for musicians, and live jazz access for listeners. The non-profit’s logical next step is a large one, and will require a significant increase in support from the Seattle music community at large. Most importantly, it will require an “all in” support network from Seattle jazz musicians themselves. In an interview I conducted with Marriott that culminated in an All About Jazz article in February 2022, he stated, “It takes everybody showing up. It takes people getting off the bench and off the sidelines and saying,’I’m going to show up to this person’s gig because it’s good for all of us.’”

In essence, this is a calling to step up to the plate and hit it out of the park. The time is NOW. What is required is not a burden, but an act of love and respect for jazz music in Seattle, and the artists that provide the sounds. It is a call to the jazz audience to not only support the music with your dollars, but to show up and join in the fellowship and broad sense of community this music provides.

You can purchase a membership using the link below. If your personal income allows you to make a donation beyond standard membership, now is the time to do so. If your working life puts you in contact with personal and/or corporate entities that are possibly willing to support this venture, now is the time to begin that conversation. We can create something beautiful and long-lasting if we so wish–it’s up to us as a community. Do we want local, fair paying gigs in an inclusive environment that welcomes the public without typical financial barriers to access? The answer is definitely yes. It is now officially in our hands.

Buy a membership, volunteer your time, make a donation, show up–this is what is required of you. The exploding moment we have all been waiting for is here. Nobody is going to show up and be the savior of the local Seattle jazz scene–we are collectively just that. Marriott has set the foundation. It’s “go time” to take it from there and build our community. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/membership

Seattle Jazz Fellowship Presents: Orrin Evans & The Captain Black Big Band

June 30, 2022 / Paul Rauch / No Comments

“While the nonprofit has been acknowledged for providing a place for the resident Seattle jazz to thrive, it is equally important to note the Fellowship’s work in caring for the music itself.”

The Seattle Jazz Fellowship, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by trumpeter Thomas Marriott, was created in response to the loss of viable jazz stages showcasing the vibrant resident jazz scene in Seattle. While local jazz musicians and fans alike mourned the downfall of longtime resident haunts such as the New Orleans club and Tula’s Jazz Club, Marriott and a supportive group of like-minded community members sought an alternative to the traditional jazz supper club personified by the aforementioned institutions. Gentrification of the downtown core of the city had driven rents to such a level that sustaining a club that could also serve as a community hub had become difficult at best. Food and liquor sales became the life blood of these attempts, driving up the price of access to jazz fans, while wages for musicians hung at early 1980’s levels. Worse yet, musicians had to rely on the door or ticket receipts to be paid at all. Like many jazz scenes around the country not based in New York City, the best musicians had to leave town to have any hope of earning a living as a professional jazz musician. The story of the Seattle Jazz Fellowship (SJF) and its guiding principles first appeared in All About Jazz in February, 2022, in the article Seattle Jazz Fellowship: A New Beginning For Live Resident Jazz . To continue reading, click here https://www.allaboutjazz.com/seattle-jazz-fellowship-presents-orrin-evans-and-the-captain-black-big-band-captain-black-big-band

Seattle Jazz Fellowship’s Saturday Jazz Matinee

April 4, 2022 / Paul Rauch / No Comments

The jazz non-profit hits it out of the park presenting piano great George Cables and his trio, with the Fellowship ‘Ceptet

Trumpeter and Seattle Jazz Fellowship founder Thomas Marriott is always on the lookout to bring to life ideas that further the goals of the Fellowship. The principle of lowering barriers to access was practiced in booking The George Cables Trio alongside the non-profit’s Fellowship ‘Ceptet for a 1 PM jazz matinee, a promotional risk of sorts. The Saturday tilt would allow more students to attend, as well as families. Then there are those that are reticent about venturing out at night, when most of the music takes place on the Seattle jazz scene, or for that matter, any local jazz scene.

The show was made possible by a generous donation from Bob and Sue Frause, friends of Marriott’s late parents David and Helen Marriott. The Marriotts were hugely influential in their support for jazz in Seattle, and the Frause family wanted to both support the Fellowship and memorialize David and Helen in some way. Cables was a favorite of theirs, and a dear friend. There was never any doubt as to who their son wanted to bring in to perform. Cables would add drummer Jerome Jennings from New York, and Seattle jazz legend Chuck Deardorf on bass, a long-time friend. Marriott decided to include a key mentorship project of the Seattle Jazz Fellowship in the billing–the Marriott led Fellowship ‘Ceptet.

“We decided to include the ‘Ceptet in the event and to keep the price of the ticket down (and make it early) so we could use the event to further our goals of building community, increasing mentorship, incentivizing excellence and lowering barriers to access,” says Marriott.

The 1 PM start turned out to be agreeable to the Seattle jazz public, as the room filled to capacity in anticipation of two superb sets. The sun washed through the club’s windows looking out onto Rainier Ave, shadows cast across the room seldom seen before by patrons more accustomed to the club’s typical late night persona. The crowd was decidedly cross-generational, with families and students not normally associated with evening sessions at the club in attendance. They came for the music, as the Royal Room itself was not quite accustomed to an afternoon happening. The kitchen was closed, and one bartender was left to attend to the needs of a full house.

The Fellowship “Ceptet opened, featuring a line-up that spoke well to the non-profit’s premise. Marriott, along with drummer John Bishop, pianist Marc Seales and alto saxophonist Mark Taylor are four of the finest jazz musicians to emerge from the Seattle scene historically. Tenor saxophonist Jackson Cotugno, trombonist Beserat Tafesse and bassist Grace Kaste represented the new wave of jazz artistry in the city, with Kaste still a senior at Roosevelt HIgh School. All three would demonstrate to the audience that their inclusion was merited in terms of artistic facility.

The band played a selection of Marriott originals, and a cover of Thelonious Monk’s “Ask Me Now.” Throughout the seven tunes selected, the band offered crisp arrangements and imaginative soloing. Immediately noticeable was the rhythm section, with Seattle stalwarts Bishop and Seales working seamlessly with Kaste. Kaste performed with the refinement and elegance of a veteran, much to the delight of Deardorf, her mentor since the age of thirteen in attendance. The front line responded to the strong vibe in the room with fire, queued by Marriott’s leadership, and most importantly his brilliant solo work. Taylor, who has been somewhat invisible the past few years from live performance in Seattle, played beautifully, with his trademark, original style on alto. Cotugno continued a somewhat meteoric visibility on the Seattle scene offering a modern approach, with a pre-bop sound that speaks to Ben Webster. Tafesse, who has been ever-present post-pandemic at area jam sessions, was in a way introduced to the jazz public at large, providing harmonic depth and spirited soloing.

The set had a dynamic arc from start to finish. opening with “Fellowship Blues,” and delving into Marriott’s “Human Spirit,” and O.D.A.A.T (One Day at a Time). The Monk interlude was lush and spacious. It stood out in terms of arrangement, featuring a commonality between Marriott and his saxophone counterparts in Taylor and Cotugno–all three produce a rich tonality that fares well in moments of intensity, or those of melancholy. By the time the band arrived at Marriott’s “Stupor in D,” and “The Tale of Debauchery,” they had found a connective spirit that resonated well with an audience that was pleasingly dialed in.

Pianist Cables at 78 years of age, still not only performs at a high and inspired level, but maintains the prowess he has demonstrated throughout his career without any signs of slowing down. His playing is crisp, brilliantly articulated and radiating with the joy that is an integral part of his personality both on and off the bandstand.

The trio offered in depth interpretations of Wayne Shorter’s “Speak No Evil,” and Bill Strayhorn’s gorgeous “Lotus Flower,” with Cable’s playing accented perfectly by Deardorf’s seemingly effortless style. Jennings played as though delighted to be in the presence of the two jazz elders he would converse with over the ninety minute set.

The standards “Too Close For Comfort,” and “Who Can I Turn Too” brought the audience to Cables’ romantic side, perhaps prepping them emotionally for his two originals he silently dedicated to his late wife. “Song For Helen,” and “My Muse” brought more than melancholy to the audience. Cables’ lush harmonies and sweeping, melodic runs spoke to fond remembrance, joy and gratitude. It reminded the attentive audience that they were in the company of one of the true giants of jazz music. The elders in the audience could think back to seeing the master as a sideman with the likes of Dexter Gordon and Art Pepper. With that, came the realization that Cables had joined the two saxophone icons as a true master of the form. His graciousness and humility was a true gift to the younger members of the audience, many of them musicians themselves. As young bassist Kaste learned on the bandstand, and many of her contemporaries witnessed in the audience, true mentorship and the process of paying dues in this music is done in the presence of the masters of the form. For this one afternoon, those lessons were communicated with unusual clarity.

The matinee portends good things for SJF, for what is to come down the road. With their weekly “Fellowship Wednesdays” commencing on April 20, the non-profit moves front and center in support of the resident jazz scene in Seattle.

Seattle Jazz Fellowship: Why in one evening,”Fellowship Wednesdays” became the most important jazz hang in Seattle

December 2, 2021 / Paul Rauch / No Comments

Pianist Dylan Hayes leads a tribute to Jim Knapp, for Seattle Jazz Fellowship. Dylan Hayes, piano; Jay Thomas, trumpet and sax; Michael Glynn, bass; Xavier Lecouturier, drums;

It was 5 PM on a crisp Wednesday afternoon on December 1, and thirty people sat casually in the brick lined digs of Vermillion Art Gallery and Bar on Capitol Hill, intently listening to the soft spoken musings of jazz legend, Julian Priester. The historic trombonist was playing selections from his storied career that continually over the course of seven decades has stood at the progressive forefront of the music. This afternoon it was his work with Dave Holland and Herbie Hancock that was featured. His historical and cultural anecdotes were thrilling to hear, providing weekly attendees a unique perspective on the music that they had become passionate about.

There are a variety of ways to enjoy jazz music performed at its highest level of artistry in Seattle. Many of those options include a cover and a high end price tag for dinner and drinks. Those venues tend to lack a major component of jazz culture- the hang. It is during that time before, between and after sets that cultivates community and enables fellowship.

The Seattle Jazz Fellowship weekly offers Priester’s free listening session, and two sets featuring two separate ensembles of the finest resident jazz musicians in Seattle for a reasonable cover. Vermillion serves fine drinks at a very reasonable price. If you need to eat, you can pop over to Mario’s for a slice, or head around the corner to grab a burrito. The music is the focus, and because of the organization’s non-profit status, it can book and curate music that is not ruled by the age old “butts in the seats” mentality, but with the idea of artistry in music first and foremost. At the front door, vaccination status is checked, and a twenty dollar cover charged. Fellowship founder Thomas Marriott remarked at one point, “It’s a twenty dollar cover, if you can swing it.” The important thing to Marriott and the Fellowship, is that you are there in the first place, that the evening is treated as a sacred place of music for the entire community.

The seventh edition of “Fellowship Wednesdays at Vermillion” featured young pianist/arranger Dylan Hayes performing a set of his quartet arrangements of the music of recently departed composer Jim Knapp, followed by the Nathan Breedlove Quartet. Hayes was joined by Seattle jazz icon and Knapp associate, Jay Thomas, first-call bassist Michael Glynn and drummer Xavier Lecouturier. Thomas, a 55 year veteran of the Seattle scene, played brilliantly, putting a shine on Hayes’ perfect arrangements. The focus and drive of the band revealed what has been a commonality with all fourteen sets presented thus far by the SJF–that the musicians bring their “A” game to the set, that the vibe of the room was one that invites and appreciates artistry.

l to r: Xavier Lecouturier, Michael Glynn, Dylan Hayes Jim Levitt photo

l to r: Xavier Lecouturier, Michael Glynn, Jay Thomas Jim Levitt photo

Between sets, the hang was thick, with many of the city’s top musicians present, as well as a jazz audience that spanned generations. New players on the scene, now especially unknown due to the pandemic, emerge and become acquainted with their new community. Younger players are mentored by the more experienced players. The audience is able to interact with the musicians in a meaningful way. They are truly a part of the performance, of the evening’s activities. The room itself has a warm glow, an intimate, welcoming vibe. The all ages policy invites younger players and fans, and allows parents to share the music with their children.

Just before hitting the stage for his set, veteran trumpeter Nathan Breedlove informed us that Delfeayo Marsalis would be dropping by. Indeed he did, playing most of the set with this assemblage of veterans that included pianist Ron Perrillo, bassist Phil Sparks and drummer Brian Kirk. Marsalis and Perrillo played both dynamically and melodically, with the live nature of the room projecting the sound through the narrow gallery to the rear of the club, through the doors, and out into the Capitol Hill night. Marsalis’ presence brought the striking realization that in only seven total nights of operation, the hang at Vermillion was gaining significant notoriety for all the right reasons.

l to r: Brian KIrk, Phil Sparks, Nathan Breedlove Jim Levitt photo

l to r: Nathan Breedlove, Phil Sparks, Delfeayo Marsalis

With the playing of the last note of the evening, the room was electric, the vibration of the music still stirring in the room and in the souls of all those that attended. Old friends and new acquaintances were united in fellowship, which of course, is the point. SJF wants you to be there, to help create a sacred place for the music. One departs the room with an overwhelming sense of community, a true feeling of belonging to something sacred, historic and sustainable. With current economnic times in direct conflict with the proliferation of art, the model presented by Marriot and the SJF is proving to be one that promotes artistry and accessibility. It is a foundational source of fellowship as its name portends, within the framework of a community that has sustained itself over a century of time. The ambitions of the group to expand to five nights a week in a permanent home is the light that shows the way to the present and future of the Seattle jazz scene. The music, the gathering of friends and the emotional and spiritual high experienced by those fortunate enough to attend speaks loudly and clearly to that.

Scroll down to On the Scene: Live Jazz Previews for December to see the full schedule of the Seattle Jazz Fellowship. Next week: Iconic jazz vocal artist Greta Matassa, and Latin Jazz piano firebrand Julio Jauregui lead their respective bands to the Vermillion stage. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/