2013 JAZZVOX CONCERT SERIES PREVIEW

It’s that wonderful time of year to be thinking about special music events coming up in the New Year, and Nich Anderson’s fabulous JazzVox concert series comes to mind as an annual favorite of steadfast devotees and newer fans alike.  Being himself a lauded member of the Seattle Jazz Singers, Mr. Anderson has fashioned an exquisite taste for presenting the finest vocal jazz artists from the USA and around the world in an intimate house concert setting.   He elaborates by saying - “I’m so excited to offer more venues for JazzVox folks to enjoy by rotating concerts into two new Seattle spaces this year (Madrona and Downtown) in addition to the existing locations in NE Seattle and on Camano Island”.

Nich enthusiastically kicks off his 6^th season in January with innovative, eloquent chanteuse Alexis Cole performing on January 12^th and 13^th.  The incredible 2013 JazzVox concert schedule also features Grammy award-winning vocalist/composer John Proulx who visits in February; renown singer/educator Stephanie Nakasian makes an appearance in March; soul-stirring jazz maven Wendy Pedersen arrives in April; mega-talented vocal phenom Jennifer Barnes is spotlighted in May; brilliant songstress Jackie Ryan graces the stage in June; ­­acclaimed singer with the velvet voice, Kevin Mahogany is showcased in July; inspirational vocalist extraordinaire of New York Voices fame, Kim Nazarian helps Nich celebrate his 41^st birthday in September; “perennially classy” jazz vocalist/songwriter also of New York Voices fame, Peter Eldridge is featured in October; and famed eclectic song stylist Rebecca Kilgore closes out the Series in November.

Nich exudes about his wonderful 2013 JazzVox line-up and dedicated concert-goers – “Choosing the ten vocalists is a blessing and a curse – with each passing season there are even more artists I’d love to repeat and yet there are so many artists I still want to bring to the series – it’s a balancing act.  I’m so thankful for the great audiences that support live music in Seattle and to the homeowners that make house concerts so special!”

Another welcome feature of the multi-faceted JazzVox experience is an absolutely succulent buffet for each concert lovingly prepared by close friend Patti Carr and her husband Andy Carr who resides as superb purveyor/wine connoisseur.  Together they have been co-hosting JazzVox performances in their beautiful home on Camano Island and coordinating food and beverage layouts for a majority of the concert venues.  If you truly desire to be a part of this amazing Series, please visit JazzVox.com for all the latest artist and concert information and to make reservations – we’ll see you there!

THE GRAND OPENING OF BAKE’S PLACE BELLEVUE
                        FEATURING DEE DANIELS

I had the great pleasure of attending the highly anticipated grand opening weekend of Bake’s Place Bellevue on Sunday, May 13.   This fine Eastside supper club, now residing in downtown Bellevue, accommodates a large seating capacity of 100 while retaining the “living room” feel of the old Bake’s Place in Issaquah.   Free courtesy parking is available in the Columbia West Building, where it is located, and two greeters at the door personally extended a warm welcome to me, creating a most engaging first impression.

The featured artist was none other than internationally acclaimed jazz chanteuse Dee Daniels whose endearing wit and charm delighted sold-out crowds for three consecutive nights beginning Friday, May 11.  She literally brought the house down with her smokin’ brand of gospel and blues-infused vocals, and was perfectly augmented by a stellar combo comprised of bassist Chuck Deardorf, drummer D’Vonne Lewis, saxophonist Brian Kent and pianist Tony Foster.  Together and as soloists, they embellished every song with just the right amount of rhythmic audacity and melodic intention.  Dee’s 90-minute set showcased her extraordinary range and velvety, impassioned tones, and spanned a variety of styles with heartfelt renditions of Frank Sinatra’s swinging signature tune “That’s Life”, Earth, Wind and Fire’s inspirational soul classic “You Can’t Hide Love”, and the captivating Billie Holiday standard “Love for Sale”.

The musicality of Dee Daniels and her fabulous group was truly an inspiration in such a splendid setting as “Bake’s Place on Bellevue’s South Side”, as Dee teasingly put it.  I was immediately taken by the hushed, intimate ambiance of the room with its general layout being very conducive to superior listening.  Looking out of the beautiful floor to ceiling windows, one saw a gorgeous patio with colorful umbrellas, perfect for accompanying guests in the warm spring and summer days.  Equally impressive were the gracious hospitality of their world-class staff, the wonderful service, and an exquisite array of succulent cuisine specialties!

Bake’s Place owners Craig and Laura Baker have done a marvelous job ushering in Bellevue’s newest venue, and their eclectic range of live music offerings is sure to entice many concert goers throughout the region.  They welcome you to check out bakesplacebellevue.com and enjoy an incredible musical and culinary experience with them any day of the week!