2011 JAZZVOX CONCERT SERIES PREVIEW

Nich Anderson, fantastic host of the incredibly successful JazzVox house concert series, has been featuring world-class artists and delighting audiences since January, 2008 and will keep his ‘dream come true’ alive in grand style by celebrating male jazz vocalists throughout 2011.  The theme is, of course, “Boys! Boys! Boys!” and Nich promises to present an electrifying group of gifted, inventive vocalists from different parts of the world.  He kicks off his fourth season with the outstanding vocalist/composer Peter Eldridge of New York Voices fame in January and winds up the year with brilliant jazz song stylist and New Orleans native Kenny Washington in November.  The excitement in his voice can hardly be concealed talking about it - “Everyone knows Kurt Elling, John Pizzarelli and Jamie Cullum – but there are lots of fantastic male jazz vocalists out there – I decided to make it a focus for this year to draw attention to just some of the wealth of men blazing the trail in the world of vocal jazz!”

Also on Nich’s agenda for 2011 is the eagerly anticipated January 18 release of the first-ever JazzVox CD (on OA2) “In Your Own Backyard” which showcases new studio recordings by many of the recent JazzVox artists – his way of capturing, and sharing with the world, some of the magic happening at these concerts!          

                                                               

As I have observed over the 2 ½ years of attending nearly every JazzVox performance, Nich Anderson has such a warm, witty way of making his guest artists and audiences feel so special.  He puts out the welcome mat for folks from many cultures and backgrounds and as a result, garners rave reviews from newcomers and a steadfast, loyal following.   The guest artist for the October, 2010 JazzVox concert was sensational British vocalist Anita Wardell who says, “It is a delight to play for Nich’s first rate concert series!  He gave me first-class treatment both professionally and personally.”  Long-time JazzVox devotee and great friend Julie Olson exudes, “I love the intimacy and connection with the audience… their love for music and the energy and joy felt in the room!”

The schedule of 2011 JazzVox concerts is:  January – “perennially classy” NY jazz vocalist/songwriter Peter Eldridge;    February – incredible Swiss vocalist/arranger Beat Kaestli; March – lauded jazz singer with the velvet voice, Kevin Mahogany;   April – Belgian bandleader/singer extraordinaire David Linx;  May – Grammy award-winning vocalist/composer John Proulx;   June – Innovative Jazz singer’s singer JD Walter;   September – “Hipster” vocalist and piano man Bob Dorough;   October – Acclaimed bassist/songwriter Jay Leonhart, and   November – Jazz vocalist virtuoso Kenny Washington.  Specific dates and times for these concerts are available on the wonderful JazzVox website, www.jazzvox.com

Not only will you be treated to terrific performances but close friend and colleague Patti Carr puts on a sumptuous after-show buffet with many of her own creations and favorite recipes.  She and her husband, superb pianist Andy Carr, also host JazzVox concerts in their lovely home on Camano Island, so you could potentially see a concert in each locale all in one weekend – what a golden opportunity!

To help with your concert selection process, Nich has beautifully designed his website to include bio information, press reviews, sound clips, and even YouTube clips for each artist with a fabulous opportunity to purchase discounted season passes or 4-concert passes.  If you truly desire to be a part of this one-of-a-kind concert experience with the “Boys” in 2011, simply visit www.jazzvox.com and reserve your seats via advance donation either by check or PayPal online.  You’re sure to savor good friends, culinary delights and the very finest in vocal jazz featuring male artists – we’ll see you there!

GRETA MATASSA AT BAKE’S PLACE WITH BARNEY MCCLURE – 12/03/10

Last Friday night at Bake’s Place in Issaquah was another exquisite evening of stellar jazz, especially with the great Barney McClure in the house!  He brought in his own vintage B3 Hammond organ, and as Bake’s owner Craig Baker said, “He plays it how it’s supposed to be played”.  Barney was at his smokin’ best belting out blazing hot runs and punctuating groovin’ chords and sustained notes with aplomb to augment the fabulous rhythm section comprised of local standouts Jose Martinez on drums and Chris Spencer playing electric guitar.

As if this group of extraordinary musicians wasn’t enough, the stage was also graced by the incomparable Greta Matassa who brought the house down with her powerhouse vocals and irresistible charisma.  She sang a variety of styles from smoldering blues numbers to lush standards as “Like Someone in Love” and Shirley Horn’s “I could have told you so”.  Greta also paid tribute to the wonderful vocalist/songwriter Blossom Dearie with her rendition of “Now At Last” and pulled out all the stops with a cookin’ Ray Charles tune “Danger Zone”.

Greta Matassa’s spontaneous and joyful interplay with Barney, Jose and Chris was so pleasing to the audience, and together they created sheer magic during this festive holiday season.  To learn more about these remarkable artists and their CD releases/Concert gigs, please visit Greta Matassa at www.gretamatassa.com, Barney McClure at www.barneymcclure.com, Jose Martinez at www.teachstreet.com, and Chris Spencer at www.chrisspencermusic.com

JAZZSCAPES CONCERT - ALMA VILLEGAS IN WEST SEATTLE - NOVEMBER 6, 2010

I was greatly privileged to attend the second concert of the esteemed new JazzScapes house concert series in West Seattle, and boy was their house a smokin’ last Saturday night!  Alma Villegas is a sensational, fiery Latin vocalist in Seattle with a sultry alto sound who absolutely sizzled with her interpretation of “Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps” and “Besame Mucho”, as well as sang with unbridled passion such love songs as “The Waters of March” and “Cuando Calienta el Sol”.  Alma’s interplay with her three band mates (great conga player Ricardo Guity; pianist extraordinaire Ben Verdier; and groovin’ bassist, Steve Okimoto) was infectious and Ricardo really spiced things up with his brand of playful humor.  Alma amazingly was dancing away with flamboyant flair while belting out tricky rhythms and lyrics, mostly in Spanish, and had the whole audience whooping and swaying all evening long!

Ms. Villegas is well-known for adapting her shows to fit the occasion and venue, and her repertoire draws not only from traditional Latin jazz, but also from eclectic Latin music styles as Cuban cha cha, salsa, bossa nova, and the bolero (ballad).    Alma promises to pull out all the stops with her dynamic group at the Cypress Lounge in Bellevue on Friday, November 19 from 8-11 pm and at Shadowland in West Seattle on Thursday, December 9 from 8-11 pm. You can also “take her home” with 2 splendid CD’s entitled “Alma Y Azucar” and her self-titled debut CD “Alma Villegas”.  Please visit Alma’s great website @ http://www.almavillegas.com for artist bio information, CD’s, and concert schedule updates.

The unanimous success of this very special performance proves that the JazzScapes concert series is here to stay with another fantastic show coming in February (date TBD).  For all the latest concert updates and information on the artists, please visit their wonderful website @ http://www.JazzScapes.com

DAVE FRISHBERG – A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS…..AND ALL REASONS!

My first impression of Dave Frishberg at Bake’s Place on 10/23/10 is. . Here’s a non-nonsense man whose keen observations of life and people are in the know yet who has profound reverence for days and folk-heroes gone by.  Mr. Frishberg conveys great wit and poignancy in his musings and has that rare ability to laugh at himself as well.  His songs are carefully crafted with sophisticated melodies and often quirky lyrics but never loses sight of the emotional essence or message he wants to make known.   He was at his irreverent, delightful best performing such classics as “My Attorney Bernie”, “I Want to be a Sideman” and “Long Daddy Green” and evoked much tenderness and insight with my favorite ballad, “Heart’s Desire”.  Another highlight of the evening was Dave’s hilarious, bordering on raunchy, rendition of “Moon River” giving that song a whole new ‘twist’ to be sure!

What struck me most about this amazing gentleman is his incredible range as a first-rate jazz pianist, wry humorist, and THE American poet laureate of song.  Dave’s easily-identifiable songs which also include “Peel Me A Grape”, “You Are There”, and “Eastwood Lane” are widely performed and have been recorded by Blossom Dearie, Tony Bennett, Diana Krall and many others.  As has been oft-quoted, “In the refinement of his language, he is equaled only by Stephen Sondheim among contemporary American songwriters”.  Mr. Frishberg is embraced in jazz clubs, cabarets, and concert halls all across America and abroad and has made appearances on “The Tonight Show” and NPR’s Fresh Air to rave reviews.

This was an unforgettable evening at Bake’s Place in the company of great friends, and Dave Frishberg will go down in my book as one of my most unforgettable characters.  To read more about Dave’s storied biography and prolific song catalog/discography, please visit his website at www.davefrishberg.net

JAZZVOX CONCERT – ANITA WARDELL WITH BILL ANSCHELL 10/17/10

Sunday drives up to Camano Island for the great JazzVox concerts are always so pleasurable but on this particular Sunday, someone extraordinary was about to grace the stage!  Revered jazz vocalist Anita Wardell, adorned in blue chiffon with a pink rose in her hair, is the epitome of genuine sweetness and unbridled talent.  Anita hails from Britain, was raised in Australia, and found her voice early by tirelessly rehearsing along with the greats such as Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughn.  She has been acknowledged as a female equivalent of Mark Murphy and possesses that rare combination of soulful lyricism and unparalleled improvisational prowess.  She completely charmed the audience with her playful interpretation of such upbeat tunes as “It’s Like Reaching for the Moon” and “In a Mellow Tone”, and her heartfelt, evocative rendition of “It Might As Well Be Spring” and “The Meaning of the Blues”.  Local favorite Bill Anschell accompanied her beautifully on piano and always displays such inventive ideas, even exchanging “improvs” with her on “Don’t Be Scared” and “But Not for Me”. 

I just love her most recent CD “Kinda Blue” and every song is blues-tinged with the word blue in every title.  My hands-down favorite is “Little Girl Blue” written by Rodgers and Hart and sung to exquisite perfection that evening by Anita along with wonderful pianist Andy Carr who sat in.  Anita is as fantastic a person as she is a vocalist and we were privileged to have her coach us in a vocal jazz workshop last Saturday.  She communicates in such a loving manner her extensive musical knowledge and gives out plenty of moral support with a “you can do it” attitude.  If you wish to learn more about this remarkable lady, please visit Anita’s website at  www.anitawardell.com for all her bio info, concert updates and Cd’s.  Nich Anderson is the gracious host of the fantastically successful JazzVox house concert series and makes it possible for us to see such exceptional local and national artists.  For more information and to make reservations for upcoming concerts, please visit Nich’s wonderful website at www.jazzvox.com

2009 JAZZVOX CONCERT SERIES PREVIEW

The 2009 JazzVox concert series, hosted by vocal jazz fanatic Nich Anderson, is in full swing and so far has delivered the goods and how!  The series is now in its second year and continues to enthrall audiences who clamor for more!  On January 10^th, we were treated to a stellar performance by Kathleen Grace, a fast-rising singer/songwriter whose genre-blending artistry is recognized as uniquely fresh and insightful.  On March 6^th, vocalist Stephanie Nakasian took center stage along with husband, bop pianist Hod O’Brien, and brought down the house with her hip, swinging rhythm and hilarious sense of humor.  The most recent concert held March 21^st featured vocalist/trumpeter extraordinaire Jake Bergevin, whose brand of lovingly familiar and refreshingly original jazz along with a generous dose of crooning vocalese took our breath away!

Each concert has been a masterful work of art and a dream come true for Nich!  It means a lot to him for people to enjoy outstanding vocal jazz in his own home and the home of Andy and Patti Carr.  He says, “I first got the house concert bug about eight years ago when I heard Nancy King…THE Nancy King in someone’s living room with just her and the fantastic John Stowell on guitar.  It was so intimate and fun – a real “listening room”.  That’s not to say I don’t love visiting the great jazz venues in the Seattle area.  I wanted to provide venues in places where jazz isn’t happening much (Auburn/Federal Way and Camano Island) while also getting to book the singers that I love.  I’m an avid listener and some of my favorite singers don’t come to perform in Seattle.  My options were to go to them or…provide them with an opportunity and bring them here.  Three years ago I finally bought a place with an appropriate space to host concerts, bought a piano, sound system, 30 folding chairs and…am elated to welcome jazz enthusiasts into my home to enjoy fantastic artists monthly!”

Nich has such a wonderful rapport with his guest artists and nurtures an ongoing relationship with them, bringing out the very best of their potential.  He treats those who attend his concerts with the same respect and garners their sincere admiration and enthusiasm.  The following quotes are rave reviews from a couple of concert-goers:  Ellen Barber Walworth - “I loved the intimate atmosphere and accessibility of the artists.  JazzVox concerts provide a tantalizing mix of great music and great people.  My husband and I will definitely be back for more!”, and Louise Uriu - “It was an incredible experience - to be able to chat one-on-one with the performers.  I feel like I got to know them a bit, and that brings the experience of listening to a great performance to a whole new level!  I’m hooked!”

The upcoming JazzVox performances promise to be just as amazing with Grammy award-winning vocalist/composer John Proulx in April, Australian-born songstress Chris McNulty in May, the incomparable Nancy King along with famed bassist Glen Moore in June, and New Orleans-influenced vocalist Cindy Scott with premier NW pianist Randy Porter in July.   A complete schedule of concerts is as follows:

Fri,   April 17  -  John Proulx, Thomas Marriott, & Chuck Kistler - Camano Island

Sat,  April 18  -  John Proulx scat workshop - Auburn

Sat,  April 18  -  John Proulx, Thomas Marriott, & Chuck Kistler - Auburn

Sat,  May 09  -  Chris McNulty w/ Paul Bollenback - Auburn

Sun, May 10  -  Chris McNulty w/ Paul Bollenback - Camano Island

Sat,  June 13  -  Nancy King and Glen Moore "King & Moore" - Auburn

Sun, June 14  -  Nancy King and Glen Moore "King & Moore" - Camano Island

Sat,  July 18   -  Cindy Scott & Randy Porter -  Bake’s Place (not Nich’s series)

Sun, July 19   -  Cindy Scott & Randy Porter -  Camano Island

If these concerts and artists sound intriguing and you would love to know more about them, please visit Nich’s wonderful website at JazzVox.com.  From there, you can simply make your selections and reserve your seats via advance donation either by check or PayPal online.  All performances are held in two locations - Nich Anderson’s home in Auburn and the home of close friends Andy and Patti Carr on Camano Island.  You will be assured of a beautiful evening with good friends, great cuisine and an intimate setting to hear the very finest jazz.  This fabulous concert series is truly a gem and a special gift to the Seattle jazz scene – will see you there!

JazzVox concert review - Kathleen Grace and Darin Clendenin - Jan. 10, 2009

I had the great pleasure of seeing vocalist Kathleen Grace perform with pianist extraordinaire Darin Clendenin as part of the JazzVox concert series on January 10th.  Kathleen is hailed as one of the most exciting newcomers on the scene today, and her artistry is recognized as uniquely fresh and insightful. 

Songs such as “Bye Bye Blackbird”, “I’ll be Seeing You” and “Angel Eyes” are classics given a new twist with her eclectic styling and inventive groove/textures.  Kathleen also sang her own original songs including “Songbird” and Elijah” so poignantly while creating impassioned poetic imagery.  Her creativity was buoyed that much more by the superlative accompaniment of Darin Clendenin, a well-respected pianist and vocal coach in Seattle.  He plays with great aplomb and in often majestic sweeping chords, yet he can also get into his ‘stride’ groove and keep it swinging.  Together they provided a wonderful evening of fantastic entertainment in the comfort of Nich Anderson’s home in Auburn (locale for his JazzVox concerts @ jazzvox.com).

 As a reflection of Kathleen’s fast-rising popularity, her debut CD “Sunrise” and equally stunning second CD “Songbird” are critically successful releases that reveal her many talents as a lyricist, producer, composer and duo performer.  They feature classic jazz standards and intimate fairy tales of covers from Pat Metheny to Joni Mitchell to the Beatles that amplify her superb genre-blurring dexterity.

 Kathleen Grace and her great band are now poised to dive into new musical territory with their newly release CD entitled “Mirror”.  This CD features almost exclusively original material by Kathleen that embraces the language of rock, folk and jazz which critics describe as “Indie Jazz”.  Each selection from the new project has a modern day fable at its center, and lessons learned and unlearned color their meaning.  These stores of love, power, loss and passion are charming and textured and another facet of Kathleen’s incredibly amazing repertoire.
 
Whether Kathleen Grace performs in intimate settings or in larger venues with her band, she shines ever so brightly on the horizon of eloquent poetic justice and true greatness.  The next time she is in town, come experience for yourself first hand what magic Kathleen weaves with her genre-bending explorations and imaginative sound tapestries.  Until then, check out her wonderful website at kathleengrace.com for all the latest artist bio and concert information – she is simply not to be missed!