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On the Scene: Live Jazz Previews for May
As spring arrives, we find the Seattle Jazz Fellowship presenting five stellar nights of music, and a variety of touring artists performing at Jazz Alley and The Royal Room. May as well marks another spring without the Ballard Jazz Festival, with plans in motion to re-emerge in the spring of 2024. Missing as well, is the annual Miles Davis Birthday Celebration at Tula’s, that desecended into the dustbin of Seattle jazz history with the demolition of the Belltown strip. Please be sure to celebrate Miles personally by listening to as much of his music as you can this month! Please use the sketches below to assist you in experiencing live jazz this month, in and around Seattle, but don’t stop there–the city is rapidly awakening from its pandemic induced swoon.
Seattle Jazz Fellowship Wednesdays
Wednesdays at 7:30 PM/ Vermillion
Each Wednesday, Seattle Jazz Fellowship presents two sets of music performed by the best of the Seattle jazz scene, with toruing artists appearing periodically. The event personifies the efforts of the jazz non-profit to provide access to Seattle jazz artists that were lacking a proper venue with the closure of the New Orleans and Tula’s over the past decade. The focus is on excellence in artistry, lowering the barriers of access for the Seattle jazz audience and presenting jazz artistry with resident artists that are paid a living wage. One year into the experiment, the fellowship is full steam ahead each week, with special events at The Royal Room and other venues being staged as well. Below is a week by week preview into the May schedule. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events
Tim Kennedy Trio
May 31
Pianist Tim Kennedy gets down to doing what he does so well- playing jazz piano in a trio setting. While his great flexibility as a keyboardist in general has put him on display in a variety of musical settings over the years, his emergence as one of the finest jazz pianists to rise out of the Seattle jazz community is not to be questioned. Whether playing in a quartet/quintet setting in bands that include those of trumpeter Thomas Marriott, or basking in the liberty of the trio setting, Kennedy’s playing is a study in emotive jazz expressionism. Bassist Jonti Siman, and drummer Claudio Rochat-Felix have become integral in Kennedy’s musical circle in modern times, and are given the opportunity with the SJF to perform in a listening environment that their playing deserves. Kennedy’s vibe includes years spent on the east coast, paying his dues in New York and New Jersey. He is not afraid to take chances and corner himself on a particular harmonic strand, while allowing himself to immerse himself in the impulse of the trio mind.
Keyon Harrold
Tue May 30- Wed May 31, 7:30 PM/ Jazz Alley
Trumpeter Keyon Harrold has been so heralded for his work outside of the jazz genre, that his status as a world class jazz artist can often be lost. His own work has included elements of Afrobeat, soul, spoken word, hip-hop, blues, rock and American folk. His trumpet playing simmers in jazz tradition no matter what environment it travels in. He was the trumpet voice in Don Cheadle’s historically horrific film, Miles Ahead, but let’s not allow that to cloud our collective judgement about his artistry–the cat can really play, and is worth your time and energy to witness. Band TBA. https://www.jazzalley.com/www-home/artist.jsp?shownum=7428
Monday Night Jazz Jam with Thomas Marriott.
Mon May 1,8,15,22,29- 9 PM/ Royal Room
The all-ages jam on Monday nights has been doing well. The South Hudson Music Project series, “New Music Mondays,” precedes the jam most nights at 7:30. Marriott forms a new quartet each week to play three tunes or so, then opens up the session. There is a sign-up sheet, and everyone gets to play. For his part, Marriott has done a masterful job curating the session, adjusting on the fly according to the participants and vibe of the particular evening. Some of the city’s finest are in attendance, as well as younger musicians, some as young as high school age. This fulfills a portion of the mentorship cycle that has kept this music alive for over a century.
On the Scene: Live Jazz Previews for June
Ah, sweet Juneuary……some years you bring us the best summer weather of the year, and some others you mire us in a marine layer that just won’t go away. Nevertheless, June brings some promising prospects at venues around the city. Bear in mind, these are previews for Seattle proper for the most part. Music provided by the Seattle Jazz Fellowship and the South Hudson Music Project need your support, to continue to provide top tier, live Seattle jazz at value pricing. If you have that killer deal for your membership, or are attending a no cover event such as a jam session, please consider making a contribution above and beyond. That being said, here’s a few suggestions for your listening and social engagement.
Lakecia Benjamin
Thu Jun 1, 7:30 PM/ Raisbeck Auditorium
Being heralded as the next big thing in jazz saxophone is a heavy burden for a young musician. Let’s pull back the reins on that notion for a few years. After her homage to the Coltrane legacy, Pursuance, the young altoist is now known for blending hip hop and soul with traditional jazz trappings, as well as associations with prominent jazz artists. Her performance at Raisbeck is your opportunity to introduce yourself to her playing in the relaxed atmosphere at Langston. She has received a lot of publicity early on in her journey. Seeing how the next ten years unfolds should be a thrilling ride, as her artistry becomes the product of her own understanding. Nice once again to see Earshot working to get music like this out there. Band TBA. Just learned on 5/30 that Zaccai Curtis will be on piano. https://www.earshot.org/event/lakecia-benjamin/
Seattle Jazz Fellowship: Fellowship Wednesdays at Vermillion Art Bar
Each Wednesday at 7:30 PM, the non-profit presents the best of the Seattle jazz scene, with special events presenting visiting artists sprinkled in. The vibe is relaxed, with time between sets to have some hang time with YOUR community. The event has been drawing well, with the small club filling up fast, first come, first served. This month’s offerings are like a string of pearls.
In Motion Quartet with Steve Treseler & Kevin Woods
Wed Jun 7, 7:30 PM/ Set 1
Tenor saxophonist Steve Treseler and trumpeter Kevin Woods lead a quartet featuring Bellingham based musicians. Bassist King Dahl and drummer Jerry Steinhilber fill out this chord-less foursome inspired by the quartets of Ornette Coleman and Dewey Redman. The format allows musicians to interact melodically and harmonically, focusing on rhythmic variation. Treseler’s reputation is solid in Seattle, and on a national scale, has received accolades for his work with Ingrid Jensen. Woods’ appearances in Seattle are less frequent. Both leaders are skilled composers and arrangers, adding to the intrigue of what the quartet will offer in that sense, with the structure of the music being more modal and rhythm oriented. https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events
Ari Joshua Quartet
Wed Jun 7, 7:30 PM/ Set 2
Guitarist Ari Joshua is a shapeshifting guitarist that lives on the edge of the jazz and jam band thin line. One of the requirements to play a gig at the Fellowship is that you can describe your music as jazz. With this quartet, Joshua makes that declaration. Bassist Michael Glynn has been a first call double bassist in Seattle for quite some time, and continues to not only remain incredibly solid, but open to new and fresh ideas to incorporate into his playing. Pianist Dan Kramlich has kindred ambitions with Joshua concerning the rock world, though his fascination with grunge differs from Joshua’s Grateful Dead attraction. Kramlich is however, about as straight ahead as a jazz pianist can be, with a penchant for gathering different elementals into his jazz vision. Drummer D’Vonne Lewis is a Seattle music treasure, and the fourth generation of the Lewis family to impact the Seattle music scene. His original style is athletic, yet accompanied with a great ability to listen, and enter the fray in a conversational way. This is the second set of this Wednesday double bill.
George Colligan Trio
Wed Jun 21, 7:30 PM
The appearance of Portland based pianist George Colligan at a small venue like Vermillion is a rarity to say the least. The author of more than twenty albums as a leader, and over a hundred as a sideman, Colligan is one of the most prolific pianists of the past twenty five years in jazz. His musical associations include Jack DeJohnette, Buster Williams, John Scofield and Ravi Coltrane among many others. Colligan is Portland- based these days, and arrives with his trio, including Portland bassist Eric Gruber. Drummer Michael Raynor is a well known part of the outstanding jazz scene in Chicago, and has played regularly with saxophone icon, Von Freeman, for many years. Arrive early for this one.
Rich Cole Quartet
June 28, 7:30 PM
Tenor saxophonist Rich Cole has been a bit of a mystery in the post-pandemic world. The soulful tenorist has turned up in recent months, sounding like the player we are accustomed to hearing on his recordings for Origin Records and live performances at local clubs. Cole played Tula’s regularly for many years. His wit and humor comes through in his playing that can be introspective and unhinged. Cole is joined by pianist Bill Anschell, bassist Chris Symer and drummer Byron Vannoy, three of the city’s finest, and familiar faces to the eclectic tenorist.
Brandee Younger Trio
Tue Jun 6- Wed Jun 7, 7:30 PM/ Jazz Alley
Brandee Younger has extraordinary command of her instrument. She has applied it as part of ensembles led by such luminaries as Ravi Coltrane, Ron Carter and Pharoah Sanders. This Jazz Alley hit is unique and interesting in that she is performing in trio, utilizing the harp as the primary melody and harmony instrument with bass and drums. She has played in the place normally assigned to piano and guitar frequently, but this time around she stands alone aside bassist Rahsaan Carter and drummer Allan Medford. Younger has the ability to thrill listeners with both traditional playing and original, innovative modernism. She is not only the best at what she is doing as a harpist, she is the only one doing what she does on her instrument. Take a chance on this one if you are even vaguely unfamiliar with her work– she is that transformative. https://www.jazzalley.com/www-home/artist.jsp?shownum=7433
David Sanborn Jazz Quintet
Thu Jun 8- Sun Jun 11, 7:30 & 9:30 PM/ Jazz Alley
David Sanborn is a commercially successful entertainer, mostly through his work in pop, r&b and television. He has been deemed one of the most influential saxophonists of the past half century, due to that sort of work. The good news is, he has returned to modern acoustic jazz over the past decade, and the results have shown us he is indeed a jazz saxophonist of note. This tour, he is joined by pianist Andy Ezrin, bassist Philip Norris and drummer Billy Kilson. Don’t expect a Sanborn hit parade. Approach this one with the idea that he is simply playing the music that inspires him as a musician at this point in his career. His true artistry may be more apparent to the listener now than ever. https://www.jazzalley.com/www-home/artist.jsp?shownum=7443
Charles McPherson Quintet
Tue Jun 13- Wed Jun 14, 7:30 PM/Jazz Alley
To have an artist of such significant relevance musically and historically, paying us a visit in Seattle is a blessing. Certainly, it is a JA run not to be missed. McPherson propagated his legend first, with a twelve year run with Charles Mingus in the 1960’s and early 70’s, standing out in ensembles that included Eric Dolphy, Dannie Richmond and Rahsaan Roland Kirk. He is a prolific composer, working outside of jazz on occasion to provide music for dance ensembles. The Detroit native is still playing extremely well, his melody based playing possessing grace under fire after all these years! Charles is joined by trumpeter Terrell Stafford, pianist Jeb Patton, bassist Marcus Shelby and drummer Akira Tana. These are can’t miss dates on the Seattle jazz calendar! https://www.jazzalley.com/www-home/artist.jsp?shownum=7434
Steve Lehman Trio
Sat Jun 17, 7:30 PM/ Raisbeck Auditorium
An alto saxophonist unafraid to venture into unknown territory, Steve Lehman is a tough act to nail down in a sketch preview. The presence of bassist Matt Brewer in this chord-less trio dynamic is the factor that allows me to feel strong about recommending this gig to our readers. Lehman dabbles in electronics, as well as orchestral forms, making this trio lineup tough to predict. Drummer Damion Reid adds to the allure of this Earshot Jazz hit. There is enough jazz interpretation and Bennie Maupin- like influences to satisfy a more straight ahead jazz fan, as well as enough exploration into spontaneously inspired new space to draw the more outside crowd. Raisbeck, as a new venue, is acoustically superb, comfortable and intimate. Earshot continues their penchant for taking risks in pursuit of new sounds. https://www.earshot.org/event/steve-lehman-trio/
East-West Trumpet Summit with Ray Vega & Thomas Marriott
with Special Guest Roy McCurdy
Thu Jun 22, 7:30 PM/ Royal Room
Trumpeter Ray Vega grew up between the sounds of jazz and salsa in Bronx, NY, with his counterpart, Thomas Marriott hailing from Seattle in the Pacific Northwest. This time around, they celebrate their third release on Origin Records, Coast to Coast. They are joined by jazz legend and octogenarian Roy McCurdy on drums. A pair of Seattle aces in bassist Michael Glynn and pianist Tim Kennedy complete this well formed quintet. Vega has acted as a friend and mentor to Marriott since he began passing through Seattle with Latin Jazz icon, Tito Puente. Both Marriott and Vega carry distinctively original voices that communicate well. Ticket time is now, as this one should sell out quickly. https://theroyalroomseattle.com/event/the-east-west-trumpet-summit-w-ray-vega-thomas-marriott-featuring-roy-mccurdy/?instance_id=8025
Emmett Cohen Trio
Tue Jun 27- Wed Jun 28, 7:30 PM/ Jazz Alley
Pianist Emmet Cohen is a genius improviser and modern straight ahead jazz virtuoso. There is a genuine quality to his playing as well, one that exudes joy, innovation and a deep reverence for the jazz tradition. His trio has been featured annually at a variety of festivals internationally. His nimble touch, broad harmonic vocabulary and spontaneous imagination are vividly on display during his performances. He’s the type of cat who will play a ninety minute set and then spend several hours at a local jam session. His love for the music is plain. Bassist Philip Norris and drummer Kyle Poolejoin for this iteration of the trio. https://www.jazzalley.com/www-home/artist.jsp?shownum=7421
Greta Matassa Quintet
Fri Jun 30, 7 PM/ Egan’s Ballard Jam House
While Greta Matassa’s many Seattle performances may seem commonplace, they are anything but. Even while sporting the same band night after night, she keeps things fresh and innovative. Constantly looking for interesting ways to arrange and present both original and standard tunes, Matassa has a legacy of excellence to draw from and add to. She teams with bassist and husband Clipper Anderson, ace guitarist Brian Monroney, drummer Mark Ivester and the band’s second solo voice- tenor saxophone giant, Alexey Nikolaev. Performances often feature Matassa’s arrangements of instrumental tunes, clearly stating that she is much more than a singer–she is a vocal musician, with the ability to improvise without lyrics, as well as communicate a tune’s narrative masterfully. Get your tickets quickly for this one–Egan’s is an intimate, forty seat venue. I recommend the cornbread and ice cream….seriously. https://www.earshot.org/event/greta-matassa-quintet-5/
……..and don’t forget to get your jam on. The local jam session is where you can experience community and fellowship to go along with your daily dose of vitamin M. Weekly sessions of note are Sunday nights at The Angry Beaver in Greenwood, Tuesday nights at the Owl ‘n Thistle in Pioneer Square, and the Monday night jam at The Royal Room in Columbia City, hosted by Thomas Marriott. The Monday night jam is all ages.
