JAZZVOX CONCERT – JOHN PROULX AND CHUCK KISTLER – MAY 21, 2011

Nich Anderson, lauded vocalist with Seattle Jazz Singers, had two very big reasons to celebrate last night’s fantastic “Boys, Boys, Boys” concert, as part of the JazzVox house concert series, in Auburn, WA.  Reason #1:  It was a CD Release party for his stellar debut JazzVox CD “Back in your own backyard” (a showcase of new studio recordings by past JazzVox artists) and Reason #2:  It marked the resplendent return of great LA-based jazz vocalist/pianist John Proulx.  Nich has been hosting this incredible house concert series at his cozy condo in Auburn, WA and also the lovely home of friends Andy and Patti Carr on Camano Island for 3 1/2 years now.  He continues to enthrall audiences every time, bringing in the best national/international vocal artists as well as fostering a wealth of local and regional talent.

It was a magical evening with John singing in an understated, mellow style reminiscent of Chet Baker such eclectic tunes as his heart-rendering ballad “Welcome To My World” (about then-newborn daughter Maya who is now 3), the wonderful Jimmy McHugh song “I just found out about love” and “Gee Baby, Ain’t I Good to You? popularized by Nat King Cole.  John encouraged lively audience participation in such numbers as his light-hearted original “Push-Hands Anna” (a tribute to his wife) and “Sing”, known by many from The Carpenter's timeless version.  He also featured songs on his two marvelous CD’s (“Moon and Sand”, and “Baker’s Dozen”) including “I’ve never been in love before” and the catchy closing number “Look for the silver lining”.

Not only is John Proulx a master of song but kept perfect time with his “toes” while playing a mightily swinging piano, yet had a sweetly sensitive, nuanced touch on gentler tunes.  He was accompanied brilliantly by local favorite Chuck Kistler who is established as a first-call bassist throughout the region.  Chuck plays with command and vigor and knows how to accentuate the melody and rhythm of every song to great effect.

I always relish each morning following a JazzVox concert because it allows me to reflect on the awesome music and special people I meet again or for the first time.  If you love vocal jazz in an intimate setting and want to be a part of this fabulous experience, and to purchase Nich’s fine JazzVox CD, please visit jazzvox.com.  Please also visit John Proulx’s terrific website at johnproulx.com for his latest concert and bio/CD information, as well as Chuck Kistler’s wonderful website at ChuckKislter.com.

JAZZ BRUNCH WITH THE GAIL PETTIS QUARTET - NORDIC HERITAGE MUSEUM - APRIL 23, 2011



Gail Pettis and Clark Sommers

What better way to spend a sunny Saturday morning than enjoying the exquisite vocal jazz stylings of local favorite Gail Pettis and her dynamic group at the Nordic Heritage Museum.  It is my third year of attending this marvelous event – a Swedish Pancake Jazz Brunch as part of the acclaimed Ballard Jazz Festival which typically runs during the third week in April.

Folks of all ages informally gathered around large round tables at the Museum helping themselves to sumptuous pancakes topped with strawberry and loganberry sauces as well as delicious sliced ham and plenty of OJ to go around.  I loved how the vibe was very peaceful and mellow, and Gail Pettis’ repertoire certainly accentuated that.  She claimed to at first not be familiar with standards as “Secret Love”, “Misty” “Night and Day”, “Honeysuckle Rose” and “Moonlight in Vermont” but sang them all with such finesse and ease that one could never tell!  She closed with her searing rendition of “At Last” which drew raves from the appreciative audience.  Gail’s rhythm section was second to none and augmented her so beautifully with Belgian-born Bram Weijters’ evocative interpretations on piano,  Clark Sommer’s soulful playing on bass, and Kobie Watkin’s sensitive interplay on drums.

It was truly a memorable occasion for everyone with one terrific final mainstage concert wrapping up the festival tonight at Nordic Heritage Museum featuring the Mitchel Forman Quartet, Ray Vega & Thomas Marriot’s East-West Trumpet Summit.  If you truly wish to experience all that this amazing jazz festival has to offer for next year, get a head start by visiting ballardjazzfestival.com with the latest concert and artist updates – you’ll be so glad you did!

JAZZVOX CONCERT – BEAT KAESTLI WITH JOHN HANSEN – FEBRUARY 20, 2011

February’s edition of the always stellar JazzVox House Concert Series featured Swiss-born vocalist/arranger Beat Kaestli on a glorious Sunday afternoon on Camano Island, WA.  The view was picture-perfect of the snow-capped North Cascades, and Beat enchanted us with his gorgeous baritone vocals and elegant demeanor.  Revered local pianist John Hansen provided the perfect accompaniment, embellishing each song with a plethora of ideas, unique rhythms and lush chordal patterns.

I particularly enjoyed Beat telling us about his Swiss-German heritage and how he melds European influences into his beautiful arrangements.  Beat’s ultra-suave presence and artful use of space so effectively distinguish him from such contemporary crooners as Harry Connick Jr. and Kurt Elling.  His eclectic repertoire ranges from Johnny Mercer’s “I Thought about You” to the beautiful Latin ballad “Pra dizer adeus”- To say Goodbye”, as well as two affecting original compositions “Corrupted by the blues” and “The Choice You Make”.  He also sang lovely renditions of “Day in Day Out” and “I Wish You Love”, and closed so eloquently with the classic “That’s all”.  Please check out Beat’s fabulous website www.beatkaestli.com to learn more about this true gentleman of jazz who we hope to see back in Seattle very soon!

As sensational as the music were delectable wine and soup ‘pairings’ fastidiously prepared by close friend Patti Carr who, along with her husband Andy Carr, hosted this afternoon’s concert.  She made two different soup dishes – turkey meatball and succulent crab bisque as well as her own special chili spiced with cumin and cloves.  Patti’s dessert ‘pairing’ was none other than a heavenly tiramisu with tantalizing rich dark-roast coffee.

It is always a great pleasure to see extraordinary vocal jazz artists as Beat and John with fellow music lovers, and enjoy the comforts of home indulging in culinary delights that are second to none.  If you too wish to be a part of this incredible experience, please visit JazzVox host Nich Anderson’s website at www.jazzvox.com for all the latest artist/concert info and to make reservations!  Season four’s popular JazzVox theme is “Boys, Boys, Boys” exclusively featuring top-notch male vocalists all year long – what a golden opportunity!

JAZZVOX CONCERT – PETER ELDRIDGE WITH MATT ARONOFF – JANUARY 28, 2011

NYC-based vocalist extraordinaire Peter Eldridge is a revelation and if you haven’t seen him, you must for a thrill of a lifetime!  I was so blessed to see him along with superb bassist Matt Aronoff (also from NYC) as part of the terrific JazzVox concert series hosted by Nich Anderson.  One experiences so many emotions right along with Peter from down in the depths melancholy, to realizing a startling reality of the moment, to sweet exhilaration of new love and existing love.  He worked the audience in fits of side-splitting laughter with his completely unself-conscious witticisms and wry observations and was never too way off-color haha!

Not only is he known for being a hauntingly beautiful songwriter and melodic poet with his far-reaching baritone voice but also plays a majestic piano.  He created such gorgeous chordal richness with colorful harmonies and textured phrasing, and I was so captivated by his brilliant, insightful interpretations.

Peter’s songs run the gamut between the good-natured spoof “Sunday Driver” to his profound statement on man “Full Grown Man (on the Playground)” to searing portrayals of life’s complexities “Mad Heaven” and “Difficult”, and to the wonders of real love with “Surrender”.  His takes on standards such as “Do nothing ‘til you hear from me” and “My Foolish Heart” were so sensitively crafted with every note and lyric infused with exquisite grace.

Peter Eldridge is best known as co-founder of the lauded New York Voices and thrives on a stellar career as a solo artist.  Four fantastic CD’s  “Stranger in Town”, “Fool No More”, “Decorum” and his new release “Mad Heaven" (due out February 15) are to his credit, and he has collaborated with some of the world’s best jazz artists including Paquito D’Rivera, Kurt Elling, Jane Monheit, Kate McGarry, Jon Hendricks, Bobby McFerrin and so many more.  In addition to these great accomplishments, Peter teaches at the Manhattan School of Music (as the head of the jazz voice faculty), is asked to lead master classes/workshops around the world, and writes musical scores for film and theater.

Such a big resume – a big passion – and a magnificent heart - for a guy who doesn’t flaunt it and is the epitome of integrity with soul.  You can visit Peter’s wonderful website, petereldridge.com for all the latest info on his bio, CD’s, workshops/master classes and concert gigs.  He is totally the real deal and simply not to be missed!

JAZZVOX CD REVIEW - "IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD"

The first-ever JazzVox CD “In Your Own Backyard” has been such a labor of love for Nich Anderson, host of the acclaimed JazzVox Concert Series, and its pure eloquence and charm will win over the hearts of many!  Nich’s intention was to showcase new studio recordings by many of the recent JazzVox artists, and he accomplishes this so perfectly with an innate sense of real beauty and an intimate understanding of each artist.

The order of songs is carefully arranged by alternating slower pieces with up tempo ones, and the crystal clear segues set just the right mood for every song.  This CD begins with a glowing rendition of “Moon River” by the wonderful LA-based songstress Kathleen Grace, so sensitively accompanied by pianist extraordinaire Darin Clendenin.  The second song “Comes Love” is performed with much style and soul by LA-based singer/bassist phenom Kristin Korb, along with the esteemed Randy Halberstadt on piano.  Next up is a fun, upbeat number “Please Don’t Bug Me” by the incomparable LA-based vocalist John Proulx whose mellow, understated delivery is buoyed with his swinging style on the keyboards.  Superb bassist Chuck Kistler amply supplies the “groove” to this song.  Segue to a smoky blues classic “Blue Monk” sung to perfection by local great Kelley Johnson accompanied with supreme artistry by East Coast guitarist Keith Ganz. 

Song #5 is the ever-popular “I’m Old Fashioned” featuring the brilliant NY-based vocalist Jo Lawry whose endearing and colorful interplay with outstanding local pianist Bill Anschell is one of the CD’s highlights.  Song #6 is the enchanting “theme” song of this recording  “Back in your own backyard” performed with lilting grace by NY-based singer/guitarist Hanna Richardson who is accompanied by the uniquely wonderful East Coast pianist Patti Wicks.  Song #7 is a gorgeous ballad “All My Tomorrows” exquisitely sung by renowned vocalist/educator Stephanie Nakasian (residing in Charlottesville, VA) and accompanied by Bill Anschell on piano with amazing subtlety of emotion. “The Cat” is a sly, catchy tune arranged and performed by famed LA-based vocalist Cathy Segal-Garcia and is accentuated perfectly by the gifted Portland-based guitarist John Stowell.

The second round of songs starts with another Kristin Korb/Randy Halberstadt collaboration “You’re getting to be a habit with me”, and Kristin is at her sultry best alongside Randy’s impassioned piano playing.  Song #10 is the great Fats Waller tune “Honeysuckle Rose” with Jo Lawry’s delightful sugary sweet delivery of every note.  It really is a joy to again see her at “play” with Bill Anschell who actually tickles those ivories in a stride fashion like “Fats” himself.  “Welcome to my world” is one of John Proulx’s most poignant and touching compositions revealing undying love for his newly born daughter.  It is pristinely augmented by bassist Chuck Kistler once again.  Song #12 is the famed Lerner & Lowe tune “If ever I would leave you” performed with great affection by Kathleen Grace and accompanied so serenely and delicately by Darin Clendenin on piano.  Song #13 is a timeless Jobim ballad “Triste” featuring Kelley Johnson’s evocative and beautiful phrasing together with Keith Ganz’s stunning arrangements on guitar. 

“Perdido” is a rousing number with Stephanie Nakasian’s exuberantly playful interpretation, even including one of her “brass implants” (Instrumental impersonation of a trombone).  Bill Anschell was clearly in a “fun” zone right along with her, playing piano with great aplomb.  “Time after time” is one of Nich Anderson’s favorite standards and he does it great justice with his passionate yet mellow rendition.  Nich’s honeyed timbre is reflected beautifully by the highly personalized piano style of Patti Wicks.  Song #16 is “These Foolish Things”, a much beloved ballad that is performed with heartfelt simplicity and great depth by Hanna Richardson with the fabulous Patti Wicks once again.  The grand finale is Gershwin’s classic “But not for me” done as a lovingly affectionate “romp” by Jo Lawry along with Bill Anschell and featuring David Lange (of Pearl Django) on accordion.  It is truly a “celebration”, capturing the spirit of all the hard work and love put into this project, and is a fitting explanation point to this glorious CD.

“In Your Own Backyard” is scheduled to be released by OA2 Records on January 18 when it will be available online through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Best Buy.  It will of course be featured on the OA2 Records web site (oa2records.com) and is now available on Nich Anderson’s JazzVox web site (jazzvox.com).  You will want to keep this brilliant debut CD in your “forever” collection and pass it on ad infinitum to your family and friends –it’s that special!!