Friday, March 4, 2011

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!