Local Color - >>CLICK TO READ

VENUE SPOTLIGHT - SEATTLE, WA

Jazz In July - >>CLICK TO READ

PUYALLUP, WA

2009 Jazz Port Townsend >>CLICK TO READ

FESTIVAL SHOWCASE - CONCERT SCHEDULE

Greta Matassa >>CLICK TO READ

ARTIST HIGHLIGHT

SINGER RELEASES FIRST CD WITH STRINGS

Andre Thomas >>CLICK TO READ

ARTIST PROFILE

DRUMMER - SEATTLE, WA

Virginia Ashby >>CLICK TO READ

ARTIST PROFILE

Vocalist, Songwriter& Producer - Jazz, Pop, Blues & Soul

Jazz Quiz >>CLICK TO READ

BY DAVE ANDERSON

VENUE SPOTLIGHT

Local Color - Seattle, WA

THE QUESTION:

Recently you and your band played Local Color as part of the ongoing Jazz In The Market series. As one of the newest jazz venues in the city we are interested in your thoughts from a performer’s perspective about this venue, and your personal experience performing at Local Color.

Katy Bourne

Local Color is a wonderful place to play, and I hope that they continue to be successful with the Jazz in the Market series. There are lots of great things about playing at Local Color, but I have to say that Frank & Sydne are really what make everything happen. They are very kind, enthusiastic and pro-music. I feel like they really respect the musicians and are trying their best to make this a viable performance venue. They have a great sound system. The do lots of promotion and advertising. They're patient with the process. I really think Frank and Sydne are the heart and soul behind what makes Local Color work. Beyond that, it's a cool room. The acoustics are great. There's a nice staging and seating area. There's loads of art everywhere. It's comfortable hang with a terrific vibe. I look forward to all my gigs there!

Leah Natale

Performing at Local Color is like being in a comfortable living-room with a great sound system. Frank and Sydne Albanese are kind and gracious hosts who make everyone feel welcome. For them it's all about supporting artists, musicians and the community. What a great combination.

RochelleHouse

Local Color has a good vibe. They have created an ambiance that encourages folks to be comfortable and not all Jazz places have that. The music is important to them. The sound system is designed so that the people in the entire room can hear the band. The space is small enough that it is an intimate setting. Also, it is cool to be at [Pike Place] Market in a place that has good coffee, good food, good wine, cool Visual art on the walls. It's cool.

Leah Stillwell

It was a complete pleasure playing at Local Color. From a musician's standpoint, not only is the full stage, sound system and lighting very accommodating, but the atmosphere provided is top-notch. I love how the hustle and noise of coffee ordering and brewing are kept completely separate from the intimate area reserved for the music lounge, where you can hunker down and enjoy a nice glass of wine. Local Color is an easy spot to relax and enjoy. The artwork and the setting is unique to the establishment, while remaining distinctly Seattle.

Shiri Zorn

Singing at Local Color is a real treat. The owners are warm and wonderful people. They always make us feel appreciated. The acoustics are superb. Their built-in PA system makes the singing a pleasurable experience and their stage setting looks very attractive. I would like to personally thank the owners for supporting live music and helping musicians stay in touch with their audience.

Kimberly M. Reason

Local Color is a wonderful performance space. The venue is large enough to accommodate a good crowd -- 75 people -- yet it provides an intimate-feeling ambiance both on the bandstand and off. Guests can stand or sit, walk around, get close up to the music or situate themselves further back for perspective. Run by a family, Local Color has a warm, welcoming feel that is professional, fun and open. Frank, Sydne, Angela and their team really care about the musicians, and do everything they can to make performers and guests feel comfortable and respected. My fans tell me they really enjoy coming to [Pike Place] Market to hear live jazz, and the free parking makes it easy for them to bring groups of friends and family. It's really easy for everyone to pile down at [Pike Place] Market for a dynamite time at Local Color!

Alma Villegas

These are harsh economic times and live music venues are becoming more and more rare. I am honored to have been given the opportunity to perform at Local Color. It is charming café that gives artists the chance to express their art and talent, not only through the music that is played but the beautiful artwork that lines the café’s walls. The staff is supportive and warm, and many of my guests complimented and thoroughly enjoyed their light fare menu. I hope we will play back there in the very near future. I encourage all of us to support family-owned venues like Local Color and all the local artists who perform there.

Benjamin Doerr

There is no reason Local Color won’t soon be one of the hottest places in Seattle to see live music in an intimate setting. Pike Place Market has been longing for a music venue that’s open and alive into the night, and right in the heart of everything. I perform at Local Color once a month, on the 3rd Saturday and the venue holds a special spot in my heart because that’s where it all began for me as a performing artist in Seattle. In 2006, I released my first album there – long before they were doing live music – and I introduced my live sound there. Just this April, I released my second album there. There are few feelings as good as packing bodies into that room and playing music as it all spills out into the street and mixes with all that history! To me, as a performer, it’s home. Simple as that.

Julie Olson

The minute you walk in the door to set up, you're welcomed by owner, Frank Albanese. It's apparent that Frank really loves jazz and its performers; he's on hand to help you with any of your needs. I saw it firsthand as he took this idea of live music and ran with it: first, the sound system, then having a drum set AND a keyboard in house, a riser, then the seating increased step by step. This was done by a man who loves music and musicians. What a breath of fresh air. Once you launch your set, Frank is right there, and then he's part of the audience, loving what you do. And it's great watching the audience grow with people you may or may not know, and as people walk by, they hear it, they feel it, and they want to experience it. It's a pleasure. Thanks Frank!!
 

RETURN TO CURRENT ISSUE

EVENT SPOTLIGHT

Jazz In July

In today’s economic reality, Wednesday--known as “Hump”day--can also be called “I’m busting my butt to keep it all together” day. That’s why we are in need of something special do to on Wednesday evenings--something that will help us take a load off and wind down from the tension and stress that most of us endure while making our way in the world today. Jazz In July is that special something.

Each Wednesday in July, you can relax with your favorite beer or wine, good food and interesting company in the summer’s breeze while listening to some stress-relieving jazz. The four week event will run from 6pm to 9pm at the beautiful Rock Creek Gardens in Puyallup, Washington.

Concert Schedule:

July 8^th-- Charles Jones; July 15^th--Cole’lition; July 22^nd--Curt Hoagland Trio; July 29^th--First Circle.

RockCreekGardens
11421 164th St. E.
South Hill Puyallup

Purchase tickets at:

NorthWest Vintage Wine Bar
253-864-WINE 208 S. Meridian
Downtown Puyallup
Thur/Fri/Sat 4pm - 11pm

For more info or directions call 253-864-9463 or email wine@northwestvintage.com

RETURN TO CURRENT ISSUE

MUSICIAN SHOWCASE

Greta Matassa

Singer releases first CD wtih strings

Greta, I really like your new CD I Wanna Be Loved. It has an open feel that allows the listener to glide from song to song without having to work at feeling the grooves. Your vocals are great on all of the songs and it’s a cohesive presentation from start to finish. How did you get connected with Resonance records?

Thank you David, I’m so pleased you like it. I’m very happy with it myself. I first was contacted by Resonance Records founder, George Klabin about 5 years ago. He’d started a foundation called “Rising Jazz Stars” out of Beverly Hills. This organization was put together by George to feature what he considered under exposed jazz talents. He’d seen my website, enjoyed the music and asked me to come down and perform at his concert venue. This proved to be a concert venue as well as a recording and video facility. He filmed our concert before a live audience. Not only did I end up with a great review from Don Heckman of LA Times, but was asked down again the following couple of years. When George formed his label, he immediately made me a generous offer.

I think the string section adds a nice dimension to the project without sounding like they’re just there to make the CD sound important. Is this your first CD with strings?

I agree. We were very fortunate to have the arranging talents of Kuno Schmid. This is my first full project with strings and I wanted to be careful about its use. I felt that Kuno really captured the sound I was looking for.

The title cut “I Wanna Be Loved” is a cool, mid-tempo swinger that has sections where you and bassist Clipper Anderson are performing as a duo. The arrangement drops down into the duo sections with such ease. Did you and Clipper work everything out before the recording session, or is this just the result of you two working together over the years and knowing each other so well?

Well, we certainly do know each other quite well! We’ve been playing music together for almost 20 years.

The arrangement, by Tamir Hendelman, was worked out a bit prior to our flying down to LA, but much of Tamir’s arrangements continued to evolve in the 3 days we were in the studio!

On the ballad “You’ll See,” I think the harmonica sound comes in at the perfect time to compliment your vocals and the strings. The strings and harmonica are lush without sounding contrived. And the synth harmonica sounds really good. Will you be able to bring this effect into your live performances?

Again, this is the brilliance of Kuno, who not only wrote the string arrangement after Darin Clendenin’s arrangement had been recorded with myself and trio. Kuno is also the “harmonica” player.

It will be difficult to get the same effect live. However, I do, occasionally have to chance to work with harp player Jay Mabin! Maybe we’ll get that sound again on stage sometime.

Your use of the lower end of your vocal range on the ballad “Would You Believe” is an important part of the whole arrangement. It gives the upper end of your vocal range and the other instrumentation the grounding that’s needed to convey the longing and the pain in the lyrics and the arrangement. I think you hit a home run with this song. I guess you can tell I like your ballads. Where did all of this pain, anguish and tortured beauty come from? Are you drawing from events in your real life? How are you able to deliver all of this honest emotion?

Carmen, Carmen, Carmen. I must give credit where credit is due. When I first heard Carmen McRae’s version of the tune I was dealing with some hard times. Thankfully these are long past, but her forthright way of delivering what I thought were some of the most expressive lyrics I’d ever heard, helped me climb through some though times. I deliver this tune with some of her nuances I hope, but with much of what she’s taught me as well.

The bass, vibes and piano solos on “Two for the Road” come one after the other and eventually build to the point where all three instruments are soloing at the same time. Nice effect. Did you have a hand in any of the arrangements?

All of the arrangements, except “You’ll See,” “Night Mist” and “Would You Believe,” are by Tamir. He and I spent hours on the phone, long distance, working out and trading ideas. He’s a wonderfully creative arranger and yet cooperative and diplomatic as well. Perhaps this is why he’s a darling among the singers like Roberta Gambarini and Natalie Cole. He most recently recorded with Barbara Streisand!

I also like “All Night Long,” the blues number that you saved until last. The violin solo and comping is a nice addition to the mix.  And when it comes to your vocals, all I want people to know is: Yes, Greta’s got the real deal, TRUE GRIT! Why is there only one blues cut on the project?

I did this tune for George. He also likes my “True Grit” as you call it. I like singing bluesy tunes but don’t care to overstay my welcome in that genre. Even though it’s a crowd-pleaser always, I frankly prefer my subtler side.

I love all of the sax work. Tell me about Steve Wilkerson, the guy behind the sound.

Steve and all the other players, other than Clipper Anderson and Darin Clendenin, are from LA. George and Tamir chose the players and I was very happy with all of them!

It’s nice to hear Seattle pianist Darin Clendenin and Seattle Bassist Clipper Anderson on the project. I should know this but, I don’t know everything; are there any other Seattle musicians on the record?

I specifically requested to have Darin and Clipper join me on this project. We all three have such a strong musical affinity I wanted to have that comfort and have them heard by a wider audience hopefully.

Was the whole project recorded in California?

The whole project including final vocal takes was recorded in three days last fall. Some overdubbing of instruments and the addition of strings was added over the last year. 

I like your unique interpretation of the lyrics on just about every song. Were the arrangements made after the producer and arranger heard where your vocals were coming from? Or did you do your thing on top of everything else?

Well, Tamir and George were familiar with my work enough to write arrangements that suited my vocal styling. So, I’d say the arrangements came first and then I sang many of the vocal cuts live while we tracked the arrangements.

I think song selection and sequencing are important elements when it comes to creating a great CD. Who chose the songs and who had the final say when it came to sequencing?

George and I chose the material. And fortunately, George has excellent taste in tunes. So we really cooperated and stayed in touch with each other’s thoughts throughout the whole project. I think it was largely due to George that I have a CD with some more contemporary composers on it: Herbie Hancock, Stevie Wonder, Al Jarreau, et al.

Are you hearing any early reviews from radio? What’s the buzz?

Well it’s a bit early. Frankly, I was so pleased to have Will Friedwald write such glowing liner notes, I consider that a good start!

Are you planning a major tour in support of the release?

As you know I’ve been a very content local NW singer for many years. I will likely be doing a bit more travel in the years to come. I have recently toured Russia, Singapore, Japan and Hawaii. I hope to make my way to New York and Europe at some point soon. In the meantime, I still think I live in one of the worlds most beautiful places! 

RETURN TO CURRENT ISSUE

MUSICIAN PROFILE

Andre Thomas

Drummer / Bandleader / Drum Instructor

ON JAZZ

Jazz is more than just an art form. It gave me a life, which got me to where I am today.

THE DRUMS

I didn’t choose to be a drummer, that’s all I ever wanted to be. My dad (Howard Kelly of Baltimore, MD) was a drummer. Watching him play, made me think about playing the drums all the time. A lot of great drummers came out of Baltimore. There were so many that James Brown use to come to town to audition drummers all the time. He came so much that he bought a radio station, but that’s another story.

THE CONNECTION

I’m most connected with Bebop and Latin Jazz, although R&B is in there too. I was becoming of age, when Bebop and R&B were two of the greatest forces in my life. When Bebop said no, R&B said yes.

THE DISCONNECT

I’m least connected with Avant-Garde. When playing it, you have to dig really deep. I never felt I could dig deep enough and come out of it wanting to go back in. I understand the concept, which is most important, but to freestyle for 2 to 3 hours isn’t my bag.

THE EDUCATION

My dad gave me my first lesson. Then, desire lead me down the road to music camps at Peabody Conservatory of Music. I acquired an AA from San DiegoState. I also auditioned and was accepted into the Armed Forces School of Music.

BEYOND THE NW

I’ve performed in many countries: Central and South America, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Asia and the PacificIslands. I owe it all to being a military musician for 20 years.

THE NEWS

My wife, Kim and I just moved to Tacoma. I’m looking forward to networking and making new friends.

Hopefully soon, I can get into some kind of zone for gigs between Seattle and Tacoma.

UNDERRATED

The most underrated aspect of being a jazz musician, is being called a “jazz musician.” It’s like trying to put a round peg in a square hole. Musicians that study and play jazz are some of the most well rounded musical performers there are. Jazz branches out into almost every style you can think of.

FAVE VENUE

I can’t say I have a favorite performance venue. Where there’s live music, there’s love. I like spreading the love to those places that don’t have music as well. They need it most.

THE GIG FROM HELL

My gig from hell, I would have to say was off the coast of West Africa. Our ship was too large to come to shore. So, we had to drop nets over the side and hand-over-hand pass our musical equipment down to motor whale boats. Turning boats ship to shore and in knee high water, we passed the gear from the boats to dry land.

I performed two shows that day. It must have been 100 degrees and I took a flight out that same day. From that day on, we were known as “the fast attack band.”

ON HAPPINESS

I am most happy sitting at a set of drums. Life seems to slow down and for a little while, I haven’t a worry in the world.

ON SUCCESS

The biggest part of success is giving back. I love to teach. Seeing the expression on someone’s face when they begin to understand the fundamentals of a drum lesson is pretty rewarding.

REMEMBER THIS

I want people to remember how happy they were when they listened and watched me perform.

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

July 2009

Thursdays @ Cafe Amore in BellTown with vocalist Aria Prame

3rd and 4th @ Grazie Ristorante Italiano in Bothell with my group Quiet Fire

18th @ Club 909 in Burien with my group Quiet Fire

21st @ Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley with vocalist Mercedes Nicole

25th @ Hwy 99 Blues Club with international-great Kenny Wayne

31st @ Prohibition Grill in Everett with vocalist Hayley Olsby

RETURN TO CURRENT ISSUE

Musician Profile

Virginia Ashby

Vocalist, Songwriter& Producer

Jazz, Pop, Blues & Soul

I chose a career in music because, at a very young age, I learned about the power of music and awesome medicine it carries.  Within my first decade of life, I went through several dark years from a family crisis.  Music was my window. I remember feeling an uplifting rush through the middle of my chest, like free falling upwards—fearless and unbreakable in spite of my current situation. Now, I want to give that gift to others.

My life wouldn’t be worth a lick without music. Lol.

Tell us about your latest recording. Who’s on it? What’s unique about it? Include release date and label.

My last CD, Steal Your Heart, is a blend of many different styles and concepts. I have a broad spectrum of influences; so much like a “kid in a candy store,” I chose to break all the rules of cohesiveness. I wanted each song to be its own creation—unique from the song before it with its very own flavor.

I was very blessed to collaborate with composers, Mike Griffin and Terry Hildebrand. I also wrote a duet featuring soul singer, L.J. Porter. The album combines Blues, Jazz, Soul and Gospel; I think there’s something for everyone on it. It was released February 9^th, 2008 under my own independent label. I am currently producing the next CD to be released this winter.

Who are you musical mentors?

My biggest musical mentor would have to be Floyd Standifer. I had many music teachers growing up and, although they helped strengthen my musical foundation, they always tried do discourage me from a life in music. I was warned about the music business being a rough life—a dirty business, and was told how no one ever makes a living with music. Floyd was the only teacher who actually encouraged me to follow my dreams.

I remember he said to me, “It’s your life, do what makes YOU happy. Don’t worry about making them happy, they have their own life.”

What styles of jazz are you most connected with?

I really dig classic jazz and jazz standards. I love the music from way back when romance was still alive—back when moonlight and the touch of a hand was sexy.  Nowadays, things seem to be more complicated. The subtlety of romance seems lost in a sea of technical pageantry. Those older songs have an artful simplicity and dedication to feel that speaks strongly to me.

You also compose your own songs and produce your own music. Do you ever get composer’s block? If so, how or where do you find inspiration?

I do get composer’s block from time to time. I believe writer’s block happens when the writer stands in her own way. If the writer is trying to create a love song but in reality she’s feeling heartbroken, it’s not going to flow naturally. It usually results in a really bad song. When a writer can dig deep enough to that honest and vulnerable place that makes us the most human, he or she can find the songs that all humans can relate to. These songs tend to write themselves without any effort all.

Inspiration is everywhere. Even when I can’t find something to communicate from my own heart, I will borrow the voice from someone else’s. There’s always somebody somewhere going through something worth writing about.  If I can feel their joy, love or pain then I can write from their experience.

Tell us about your current show. Where are you performing? What’s special about the venue?

Virginia & Friends is exactly what it sounds like. No two shows are alike. I rotate my favorite accompanists to keep things fresh and inspired. On any given show you might experience the styles of Paul Richardson, Ed Weber, Sandy Harvey, Ken Cole or Butch Harrison. The song lists also change nightly as well. Typically, we’ll even pull off a few impromptu requests from the crowd. The coolest part is that we invite musicians and vocalists to come sit in for a song or two. Everyone is welcome.

Virginia & Friends performs every Thursday and Sunday at Vince’s Italian Restaurant in Federal Way from 6pm-9pm (32411 Pacific Highway S.).

Vince’s is a very warm and comfortable place to relax; the atmosphere is very casual and friendly. The food is delectable, authentic Italian home-cooking and they are famous for their addicting pizzas.

What good things have been happening for you during the last several months?

The most thrilling thing for me is getting back into the studio to make my next album! I am so excited about this one because I won’t be producing it on my own! I am so blessed to have a supportive management team and the necessary backing required to effectively promote the project. I can finally just focus on what I love to do: making music!  I can think of no greater gift than the feeling of someone believing in you.

Do you believe there is life on other planets or in other dimensions?

In an infinite universe, there must be infinite possibilities.  So, yes, I believe there is life outside of our little planet.  In fact, I’m sure of it.

Other than jazz, what activities do you enjoy? Do you cook? Do you enjoy fine wine? Are you into sports?

When you love what you do you can very easily become a workaholic. I love going for long runs several times a week.  It’s healthy to get away from music every now and then.

What do you want people to remember about you and your music?

I think people relate to the honesty in both my original music and live performance. I allow people to see the real me without walls or pretence. It’s a very vulnerable position to put myself in but I think that’s exactly what people respond to, identify with and enjoy about me. I’m not afraid to be goofy sometimes. If I’m having a bad day, I’m not afraid to pour my sadness into the songs I sing. Floyd Standifer used to always compare jazz to life.  He would say, “With jazz, as with life, you’re always going to have to improvise. Do the best you can with what you have. Don’t try to force something where it doesn’t fit.

Give us your performance schedule for the next two months.

*See websites for schedule (there are sort of a lot).

www.virginiaasshby.com       www.myspace.com/virginiaashby

virginia@virginiaashby.com

RETURN TO CURRENT ISSUE

Jazz Quiz

by Dave Anderson

Jazz Marriages

Some notable jazz unions… 

1. Pianist Toshiko Akiyoshi collaborated with her husband/saxophonist to create a successful big band:

a.) Charlie Mariano
b.) Lew Tabackin
c.) Art Pepper
d.) Peter King

2. Carla Bley collaborates frequently with her current partner:

a.) Steve Swallow
b.) Paul Bley
c.) Michael Mantler
d.) Charlie Haden

3. Ella Fitzgerald was once married to:

a.) Billy Eckstein
b.) JoePass
c.) Oscar Peterson
d.) Ray Brown

4. John Coltrane’s wife played piano in his quartet at the time of his death:

a.) Juanita Naima Grubb
b.) Alice McCleod
c.) Mary Lou Williams

5. This alto saxophonist married Charlie Parker’s widow, Chan:

a.) Jackie McLean
b.) Sonny Stitt
c.) Sahib Shihab
d.) Phil Woods

6. Two talented arrangers were married when Maria Schneider tied the knot with:

a.) Bob Brookmeyer
b.) Gil Evans
c.) John Fedchok
d.) Bob Belden

7. Brazilian vocalist and pianist Eliane Elias has been married to:

a.) Randy Brecker
b.) Marc Johnson
c.) both
d.) neither

8. Pianist Renee Rosnes has been married to:

a.) Billy Drummond & Bill Charlap
b.) Billy Taylor and Billy Cobham
c.) Bill Frisell and Bill Stewart
d.) none of the above

9. Saxophonist Joe Lovano has collaborated occasionally with his vocalist spouse who now goes by the name:

a.) Judi Silverman
b.) Judi Lovano
c.) Judi Silvano
d.) Jody Jazz

10. Though he was married for a time early in his life, this musician poetically named his autobiography Music is My Mistress:

a.) Charles Mingus
b.) Count Basie
c.) Dizzy Gillespie
d.) Duke Ellington

Answers:  1. b; 2. a; 3. d; 4. b; 5. d; 6. c; 7. c; 8. a; 9. c; 10. d

Seattle jazz saxophonist and composer Dave Anderson contributes a quiz each month for Jazz Profile.  You can learn more about Dave's music performances and projects at www.daveandersonjazz.com, or contact him via davean@comcast.net. 

RETURN TO CURRENT ISSUE