December 2019 Vol

Home , David Benoit (musician), Johnny Coles, Thundercat (musician)

A Mirror and Focus for the Jazz Community December 2019 Vol. 35, No. 12 EARSHOT JAZZSeattle, Washington

Kiki Valera Photo by Daniel Sheehan Thank you for your contribution! You can also donate online at www.earshot.org/donate

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Return by mail to: Earshot Jazz 3417 Fremont Ave N, #221 Seattle, WA 98103 Kassa Overall photo by Daniel Sheehan

2 • EARSHOT JAZZ • December 2019 LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR EARSHOT JAZZ A Mirror and Focus for the Jazz Community

We Can’t Do It Without You Executive Director John Gilbreath Managing Director Karen Caropepe Programs Manager Tara Peters Development Manager Errin Patton Marketing & Development Associate Lucienne Thank you for an amazing year! With Aggarwal special thanks, as always, to the musi- Earshot Jazz Editors Lucienne Aggarwal & cal artists, students, and educators who Tara Peters work so hard to ensure a strong future for jazz here in Seattle. The Earshot Jazz Contributing Writers Paul de Barros, Ian organization is hard at work reinforcing Gwin, Gus Marshall, Paul Rauch that important bridge between the bril- Calendar Editors Carol Levin, Jane Emerson, liant artists of the day, and the public & Tara Peters who support live performances and re- Photography Daniel Sheehan Layout Tara Peters & Karen Caropepe cordings. And we need your financial Distribution Karen Caropepe, Dan Dubie & support. Earshot Jazz volunteers We’re especially proud that DownBeat Send Calendar Information to: magazine ran its review of this year’s [email protected] Earshot Jazz Festival under the headline, “Earshot Serves as Platform for Thriving Board of Directors Danielle Leigh (President), Chris Icasiano (Vice President), Seattle Scene.” That’s the essence of our work: to celebrate Seattle’s place Chris Nutter (Secretary), Sheila Hughes in the global jazz community while featuring local and emerging artists (Treasurer), John W. Comerford, Maurice alongside international jazz masters. Ticket sales offset only half of the fes- James, Kenneth W. Masters, Gail Pettis, tival’s production expenses, and none of its administrative costs; we need Ruby Smith Love, Diane Wah your financial support to build on this legacy of service. Emeritus Board Members Clarence Acox, Sue In addition to the projects with Jay Thomas, Seattle Modern Orchestra, Coliton, Taina Honkalehto, Hideo Makihara, and Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra that Paul de Barros mentions in the Peter Monaghan, Kenneth W. Masters, Lola DownBeat piece, the recent festival also debuted two successful Seattle Jazz Pedrini, Paul Toliver, Cuong Vu showcase nights, helped to raise awareness and funding for this pivotal time in the Washington Middle School/Garfield High School pipeline, Founded in 1984 by Paul de Barros, Gary Bannister, and Allen Youngblood. Earshot and introduced the Trace Generations project, which is designed to link Jazz is published monthly and is available established musicians with recent graduates who are now ready to enter online at earshot.org. the professional field. Your financial support allows us to keep ticket prices low, and to focus on the intrinsic value of our programming, rather than Subscription (with membership): $35 its potential for profitability. 3417 Fremont Ave N, #221 This is such a rich time for jazz. Whether we’re seeing the cumulative Seattle, WA 98103 phone / (206) 547-6763 effect of the growing emphasis on jazz education programs, or the natural evolution of the art form, this year’s festival left no doubt that the “sound Earshot Jazz ISSN 1077-0984 of surprise” also has the ability to nourish the spirit in times of need. You Printed by Pacific Publishing Company can support the next concerts by remarkable young artists who are set to © 2019 Earshot Jazz Society of Seattle make the future of jazz even richer. Please make a donation to Earshot Jazz today. You decide on the amount MISSION STATEMENT that fits your budget, and make a contribution to help bring inspiration To ensure the legacy and progression and dedication to Seattle stages. of the art form, Earshot Jazz cultivates Thank you!! a vibrant jazz community by engaging –John Gilbreath, Executive Director audiences, celebrating artists, and supporting arts education.

December 2019 • EARSHOT JAZZ • 3 NOTES NOMINATIONS CMA New Jazz Works at swojo.org. For more information S Applications are now open for contact [email protected]. Nominations Wanted: 2019 Chamber Music America’s New Jazz Seattle Opera: Charlie Parker’s Yardbird Golden Ear Awards Works program. Grants are provided Feb 22–Mar 7 The Golden Ear Awards cel- to professional U.S-based jazz en- Seattle Opera will present an opera ebrate the outstanding achieve- sembles to create, perform, and record that celebrates legendary jazz musician ments of Seattle jazz artists over new works. Ensembles consisting of and bebop innovator Charlie Parker’s the previous year. Nominations 2–10 musicians may apply with any life and music. With music by Daniel for the 2019 awards are cur- ensemble member eligible to create Schnyder and the libretto composed rently being accepted. Please the composition. CMA is committed by Bridgette A. Wimberly, the opera email your nominations to to diversity, inclusion, and equity. Ap- explores Parker’s desire to meld the [email protected] by plications are due February 7, and are classical and jazz idioms. Performanc- January 15. available at chamber-music.org. es take place at McCaw Hall. For more In order to preserve the integ- Ashraf Hasham Joins the Seattle details and tickets visit seattleopera. rity of the democratic process, Office of Arts & Culture org please, no ballot-stuffing. The- of Ashraf Hasham will join the Seattle 2020 Biamp PDX Jazz Fest ficial voting ballots for the 2019 February 19–March 1 Office of Arts & Culture (ARTS) as awards will be printed in the Varies venues, Portland, Oregon the Youth Arts Manager to provide February issue of Earshot Jazz Archie Shepp, Branford Marsalis, and available at earshot.org. strategic leadership for the ARTS Cre- ative Youth team. The goals of the pro- Kandace Springs, David Sanborn, Send us your suggestions for: gram are to incorporate racially equita- María Grand, Miguel Zenón, Kenny ble approaches and outcomes in public Barron, John Medeski, Kat Edmonson and Halie Loren, Antibalalas, Georgia NW Recording of the Year: arts education and Creative Youth De- velopment. Hasham comes to ARTS Anne Muldrow, Wil Blades, and many from the Vera Project where he served more. Full schedule, information, and NW Acoustic Jazz Ensemble of the as executive directpr. Hasham has pre- tickets available at pdxjazz.com. Year: viously worked at TeenTix, the Henry Write Earshot Jazz Art Gallery, and On The Boards, as The Earshot Jazz magazine reflects well as Urban Gateways in Chicago. Alternative Jazz Group of the Year: and shares the many ways that jazz Earshot Jazz congratulates Hasham on intersects with lives in the North- his new position. west. Earshot Jazz is seeking submis- NW Concert of the Year: On the Horizon sions from writers. Please email story pitches, news, and announcements to SWOJO 2020 Girls Jazz Band Program [email protected]. NW Jazz Instrumentalist of the Year: Seattle Women’s Jazz Orchestra (SWOJO) presents its 2020 Girls Jazz Help the Jazz Around the Sound Band program, from January 29– Calendar Emerging Artist of the Year: March 25. The program is open to girls Please email news and an- in middle school and above and offers nouncements about jazz gigs, con- eight after-school workshop sessions certs, and community events to NW Vocalist of the Year: with a special concert to cap off the jazzcalendar@ earshot.org. course. All instruments are welcome. News’n’Notes Members of SWOJO will provide Seattle Jazz Hall of Fame: mentoring to help develop skills in Email news about Seattle-area jazz jazz interpretation and improvisation. artists and events for Earshot Jazz Online registration begins January 2 Notes to [email protected].

4 • EARSHOT JAZZ • December 2019 ROOTS The Black/White Chord Shape System for Jazz Piano and Improvisation A Fresh Vision & Language for the Organization of Jazz Chord Voicings and Improvisation Roots: Clark Gayton Detailing the Jazz Pedagogy Legacy of the Great Jerome Gray!

by Larry Kee Throughout the year, Earshot Jazz is proud to share brief excerpts from 417 pages the forthcoming book, After Jackson Street: Seattle Jazz in the Modern Era spiral bound (History Press of Charleston, S.C.), by Seattle’s preeminent jazz writer, Paul de Barros. Picking up where Jackson Street After Hours (Sasquatch Now $34.95 Books, 1993) left off, the new book will feature fascinating interviews with at Amazon.com the familiar artists and under-sung heroes who shape the vibrant jazz scene of the Pacific Northwest. Earshot Jazz reader discount available, email [email protected] before you buy!

We often hear about players who no when he was 7 years old and played have gone through Seattle’s world- trumpet and tuba before finding his renowned high school jazz bands and main squeeze, the trombone, which he later found success in New York, mu- bought with money he saved from his sicians like flutist Anne Drummond, paper route. When he got to Garfield trumpeter Tatum Greenblatt or drum- in 1977, he played tuba in the dynamic mer Kassa Overall. One musician who marching band Acox had been hired sometimes gets lost in that discussion, to form in 1971, to rev up school spirit. however, is trombonist Clark Gayton, However, there was as yet no Garfield who actually was the first student of High School Jazz Band, and therein Clarence Acox’s to make a name for lies a story. himself in the Big Apple. A long- “We had enough guys in the march- time freelancer in New York, Gayton ing band who liked big band music, played with the Mingus Big Band in so I said, ‘Let’s start a big band.’ I got the 1980s, has toured Europe with guys together for the trumpets and McCoy Tyner, spent three years on trombones and the rhythm section the road with Bruce Springsteen and, and I asked Acox, ‘Can we get the more recently, played with The Roots band room at 7 o’clock (a.m.) to put on “The Tonight Show Starring Jim- this thing together?’ He said, ‘Yeah, my Fallon.” He also comes from an il- sure. But what are you going to play?’ lustrious Seattle jazz family. His uncle, So I said, ‘Well, I wrote some arrange- Leonard Gayton, was playing at the ments and I also bought a Sammy old Chinese Gardens as early as 1931. Nestico arrangement of ‘Li’l Darlin’. Growing up, Clark spent many hours And Acox dug it!” with Leonard listening to records from By 1979, the Garfield High School his vast collection of ‘78s. Jazz Band had become an official class, When I caught up with Gayton in with Acox at the helm. And the rest, as New York last year, he was on his way they say, is history. to a rehearsal with Stevie Van Zandt Gayton, for his part, graduated from and had just been in Seattle with the Garfield in 1981 and went on to the Duke Ellington Orchestra. Born in Berklee College of Music, in Boston. Seattle in 1963, Gayton started on pia- After a three-year program there, he

CONTINUED ON PAGE 23

December 2019 • EARSHOT JAZZ • 5 PROFILE Kiki Valera: Adventures in Clave Cubana

By Paul Rauch Son Cubano, the traditional music and dance from the hill country of eastern Cuba may well be but a distant tributary to the jazz tradition that came to life in New Orleans. Yet the unmistakable Son clave rhythm that accompanied Afro-Cuban sounds to ar- rive through that delta port is a significant ingredient in the diverse gumbo of influ- ences that convened to create the blues and jazz tradition. The ethnomusicologi- cal pathway that feeds this contribution requires some in-depth recognition. In Se- attle, we are very fortunate KIKI VALERA PHOTO BY DANIEL SHEEHAN to have a direct taproot into that tradition, in a musician in a brilliant new album, Vivencias en One day she came into my home. We that performs well within the Son tra- Clave Cubana (Origin, 2019). started to talk because she was leading dition, while at the same time, express- Seattle would seem an odd landing a group from Seattle that were recently ing it in modern terms. place—a remote outpost at best—to in Santiago de Cuba, and she was like Kiki Valera is a master of the Cu- attract musical talent that could oth- a tour guide or something,” recalls ban cuatro, an eight-string instrument erwise be based in New York or Los Valera. with four courses of double strings. Angeles. Valera’s connection to Seattle Indeed, Bierman was along for the He is the eldest son of the cross gen- was formed when a local group of ride for other reasons besides Son mu- erational septet, La Familia Valera Northwest musicians, which includes sic and dance. It didn’t take long for Miranda, whose history dates back to Seattle-based pianist Ann Reynolds, her and Valera to form a deep friend- the 19th century. The story of how he began traveling to Cuba to study Son ship based on trust. gained acquaintance with jazz music, with La Familia Valera Miranda. The “I would be the only person who went and came to be a resident of Seattle only non-musician making these visits to Cuba, not for music or dance. But is quite remarkable. Known as one of to the island was Wallingford resident I’d be going, and then all the friends the true masters of the Cuban cuatro, Naomi Bierman, a veterinarian by from here would pile on. They would his sound has been echoing through trade. all study with Kiki’s family. So, we venues in the city for nearly seven “I was living in Cuba with my family were friends, but they were all study- years now, and has manifested itself and Naomi was a regular visitor to my ing with him,” says Bierman. hometown. We used to see each other In a time when most Cubans were in my venues, but just from far away. enduring a severe recession and living

6 • EARSHOT JAZZ • December 2019 on $25 a month, Valera had earned Valera’s soloing on cuatro is ardently decent money abroad playing music, attached to Son tradition. His per- receiving checks he could not cash sonal, identifiable striations within in Cuba. He had stashed them under the form embolden a centuries old his mattress, amounting to tens of heritage, while daringly expressing his thousands of dollars. Valera solicited lifelong artistic curiosities. His inno- Bierman’s assistance: a helping hand vative approach to Son is much like a that would require a high degree of jazz artist playing free, yet still refer- trust between friends only recently ac- encing the blues and swinging hard. quainted. The innovation is within the form, not “The royalty checks were from repu- through disassembling and recreating table sources, like Lloyds of London. it. But they were old, and hadn’t been “I was born in Cuba and in Cuba you cashed. The only scary part was they breathe Son. That is something that is needed a hard copy of the check. So I in my DNA. I cannot play Son music, did have to fax them the hard copies. trying to, or pretending that I’m play- If they were lost, that would have been ing jazz. The roots are in me in a way it, but there was this karma thing,” she where I don’t have to think. It comes recalls. out naturally. This is my mind, my in- Open to All - Free That sense of trust, and the relation- tuition. I try to keep the balance in be- ship that ensued would lead to their tween those worlds, the roots of a song marriage and Valera’s arrival in Seat- and the richness of the jazz world,” he th Season 18 tle. It has become a place to focus on says. his art, to deepen his journey into its The complete tapestry of Valera’s life traditional roots, while following the in music is ever present on Vivencias natural life currents of musical evolu- en Clave Cubana, a project completed tion. with lifelong friend, vocalist/composer Valera’s eagerness to learn about mu- Coco Freeman. The two met at age sic outside of Cuba is quite a story in eleven through music, and again in itself. At a time when American popu- adulthood in Havana. This collabora- lar music was forbidden from Cuban tion began long distance, eventually airwaves, Valera endeavored to access resulting in two studio sessions in Se- Sunday, Dec 1, 6pm broadcasts out of Jamaica on hand attle. made radio sets he cobbled together Unlike many recordings of Son mu- out of random parts such as old televi- sic one might chance upon that are Sheila Kay Quartet sion tubes. The location of Santiago de virtually repertory performances of Sheila “Kay” Blackwell, vocals Cuba, his hometown, enabled access to traditional tunes, this album features Beth Wulff, piano these transmissions. He then became all originals by Freeman and Valera. Jim Wulff, drums exposed to jazz, and the voices of art- Traditional in form and elegantly per- Mikel Rollins, sax ists such as Chick Corea, Wes Mont- formed, the album, released on the Se- gomery, and Pat Metheny became part attle-based Origin label, has the means SAVE THE DATE: January 5 of his personal musical narrative. to introduce Valera’s riveting style to Jay Thomas’ Organic Quartet “I was intrigued,” he remembers. a broad based international audience. “The way they play, the way they im- 100 Minutes of professional jazz provise. I was curious, I had to learn. I Family friendly concert / Free parking had to understand what they were do- Valera celebrates his new album ing, because it was beautiful, like wor- with a performance at the Royal Seattle First Baptist Church December 13 ship or something. And we started to Room, on . He 1111 Harvard Avenue listen. Figures like Chick Corea were also performs regularly around (Seneca and Harvard on First Hill) Seattle, WA (206) 325-6051 my first experiences with that kind of town with Tumbao, and Mambo Cadillac. music.” www.SeattleJazzVespers.org/GO/SJV

December 2019 • EARSHOT JAZZ • 7 HOLIDAY EVENTS CALENDAR T T T

JACQUELINE TABOR PHOTO BY DANIEL SHEEHAN MICHAEL POWERS PHOTO BY DANIEL SHEEHAN

DECEMBER 1 DECEMBER 7 Norman Brown’s Joyous Last Call: It’s Beginning to Look a A Bluesey Soulful Christmas w/ Christmas w/ Bobby Caldwell & Little Bit Like Christmas Mercedes Nicole Marion Meadows Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 7:30pm The Royal Room, 4pm Egan’s Ballard Jam House, 7pm & 9:30pm DECEMBER 10 December 2 Jazz Nutcracker KNKX Holiday Jam and Live Roosevelt High School Performing Arts Cascadia Big Band Holiday Show Broadcast Theatre, 7:30pm The Royal Room, 7:30pm Theatre at Meydenbauer Center, 7pm Norman Brown’s Joyous DECEMBER 11 DECEMBER 3 Christmas w/ Bobby Caldwell & Marion Meadows JazzED Home for the Holidays Greta Matassa Holiday Show Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 7:30pm & 9:30pm The Royal Room, 7pm North City Bistro & Wine Shop, 7pm DECEMBER 8 DECEMBER 12 DECEMBER 5 Jose Gonzales Trio: “A Charlie Nikki Dee’s Holiday Spectacular Norman Brown’s Joyous Brown Christmas” The Knife Room, 7:30pm Christmas w/ Bobby Caldwell & Cornish Playhouse at Seattle Center, 1pm Marion Meadows DECEMBER 13 Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 7:30pm Jazz Nutcracker Nikki Dee’s Holiday Spectacular Roosevelt High School Performing Arts The Knife Room, 7:30pm DECEMBER 6 Theatre, 2pm DECEMBER 14 Roosevelt High School Jazz: Jazz 11th Annual Michael Powers Nutcracker Holiday Jazz Holiday Hootenanny and Sing- Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, 7:30pm Marine View Church, 5pm Along Norman Brown’s Joyous Sing Noel: Holiday Sing-along The Royal Room, 4pm, 6:30pm, 8:45pm Christmas w/ Bobby Caldwell & The Royal Room, 6pm Susan Carr Ensemble: Annual Marion Meadows Xmas Show Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 7:30pm & 9:30pm Egan’s Ballard Jam House, 7pm

8 • EARSHOT JAZZ • December 2019 Cool Yule Holiday w/ Joan Jose “Juicy” Gonzales: A Charlie Penney & Jacqueline Tabor Brown Christmas Egan’s Ballard Jam House, 9pm Pacific Room Alki, 8pm The Bass Church The Bass Church The Bass Church The Northwest double bass specialists The Northwest double bass specialists The Northwest double bass specialists DECEMBER 15 DECEMBER 23 www.basschurch.com Mark Lewis Trio & Dick Lupino: Royal Room Chanukah Party www.basschurch.com www.basschurch.com Christmas Show The Royal Room, 5:30pm Pacific Room Alki, 8pm Jose “Juicy” Gonzales: A Charlie

DECEMBER 16 Brown Christmas Sales, Rentals, Sales, Rentals, Sales, Rentals, The Music of “A Charlie Brown Pacific Room Alki, 8pm Repairs, Restorations, Repairs, Restorations, Repairs, Restorations, Christmas” DECEMBER 26 Lessons Lessons Lessons Convenient North Seattle Location Convenient North Seattle Location Convenient North Seattle Location The Royal Room, 7pm

Home for the Holidays (Night 2) DECEMBER 17 The Royal Room, 6:30pm (206)784-6626 (206)784-6626 (206)784-6626 9716 Phinney Ave. N. 9716 Phinney Ave. N. 9716 Phinney Ave. N. David Benoit Christmas Tribute to Blind Boys of Alabama Holiday Seattle, WA. 98103 Seattle, WA. 98103 Seattle, WA. 98103 Charlie Brown w/ Sara Gazarek ~by appointment only~ ~by appointment only~ ~by appointment only~ Show Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 7:30pm Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 7:30pm DECEMBER 18 DECEMBER 27 David Benoit Christmas Tribute to Blind Boys of Alabama Holiday The Bass Church The Bass Church The Bass Church Charlie Brown w/ Sara Gazarek Show The Northwest double bass specialists The Northwest double bass specialists The Northwest double bass specialists Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 7:30pm Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 7:30pm www.basschurch.com www.basschurch.com www.basschurch.com Parranda Navideña: A Latin- DECEMBER 28 Carribean Christmas w/ Mochima / Los Hijos de Agüeybaná 31st Anniversary Concert of Duke Ellington’s Sacred Music The Royal Room, 7:30pm Town Hall-Great Hall, 7:30pm Sales, Rentals, Sales, Rentals, Sales, Rentals, DECEMBER 19 Repairs, Restorations, Repairs, Restorations, Repairs, Restorations, Blind Boys of Alabama Holiday DECEMBER HIGHLIGHTS Home for the Holidays (Night 1) Show Lessons Lessons Lessons 12.1Convenient - - Jared H Northall Qu Seattleartet ft .Location pianist Ta l Cohen Convenient North Seattle Location Convenient North Seattle Location The Royal Room, 7pm Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 7:30pm 12.2 - - Indigo Mis t (Cuong Vu)

12.9 - - The Royal Room Collective DECEMBER 20 DECEMBER 29 (206)784-6626 (206)784-6626 (206)784-6626 9716 Phinney Mu Ave.sic E nN.s emble 9716 Phinney Ave. N. 9716 Phinney Ave. N. Steve Messick’s Holiday Jazz Blind Boys of Alabama Holiday Seattle,12.10 WA. - - C 98103ascadi a Big Band Holiday Show Seattle, WA. 98103 Seattle, WA. 98103 Showcase Show ~by appointment only~12.1 6 + 12.21 ~by appointment only~ ~by appointment only~ The Music of "A Charlie Brown Christmas” Egan’s Ballard Jam House, 7pm & 9pm Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 7:30pm 12.19 + 12.26 Home for the Holidays Joan Penny Holiday Show DECEMBER 31 North City Bistro & Wine Shop, 8pm 12.23 - - 1st Annual Royal Room New Year’s Eve w/ Curtis Salgado Hanukkah Celebration DECEMBER 21 The Bass Church The Bass Church The Bass Church (early/dinner show) 12T.h2e9 N -o -r tZhownesyt Mdoausbhle abnasds sSpkeecirailkists The Northwest double bass specialists The Northwest double bass specialists Triple Door, 7pm 12.30 - - Rememb ering Art Neville The Music of “A Charlie Brown w w w an.bd aDsr.s Jcohhunrch.com www.basschurch.com www.basschurch.com Christmas” New Year’s Eve w/ the Royal 12.31 - - New Years Eve with the The Royal Room, 5pm Room Big Band Royal Room Big Band The Royal Room, 8pm The Whateverly Brothers: A Very Whateverly Christmas New Year’s Eve w/ Poncho Sales, Rentals, Sales, Rentals, Sales, Rentals, Egan’s Ballard Jam House, 7pm Sanchez Latin Jazz Band (early/ Repairs, Restorations, Repairs, Restorations, Repairs, Restorations, Lessons Lessons DECEMBER 22 late packages) Lessons Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 8:30pm Convenient North Seattle Location Convenient North Seattle Location Convenient North Seattle Location

Racer Sessions Holiday Benefit December 31, 10:30pm Café Racer, 8pm (206)784-6626 (206)784-6626 (206)784-6626 New Year’s Eve w/ Curtis Salgado 9716 Phinney Ave. N. 9716 Phinney Ave. N. 9716 Phinney Ave. N. Seattle, WA. 98103 Seattle, WA. 98103 Seattle, WA. 98103 (late/countdown show) ~by appointment only~ ~by appointment only~ ~by appointment only~ Triple Door, 10:30pm

December 2019 • EARSHOT JAZZ • 9 PREVIEW >> Duke Ellington’s Sacred Music in Concert

Saturday, December 28, 7:30pm Town Hall Seattle 1119 8th Ave On December 26, 1965, Duke El- lington presented his first concert of Sacred Music at Fifth Avenue Pres- byterian Church in New York City. Ellington’s extraordinary, operatic opus, which combines gospel, swing, and classical music, broke convention in the best of ways, and would be fol- lowed by two more concerts in 1968 and 1973. As a child, Ellington had attended Methodist and Baptist min- SIDNEY HAUSER PHOTO BY DANIEL SHEEHAN istries twice each Sunday, and despite financial risk at the University Chris- “Its expansive spirit welcomes every- criticisms of bringing jazz to church, tian Church, with Earshot Jazz pro- one in,” says Earshot executive direc- his last major works testified to his viding assistance. Backed by a band tor John Gilbreath, who volunteered radical vision for the world, to say out that included Michael Brockman and as an usher at the concerts when he in the open, as he put it, “what I have Clarence Acox, soloists including pia- first came to the organization in 1990. been saying to myself on my knees.” nist Marc Seales and saxophonist Don Built upon material from his earlier This year marks Seattle’s 31st annual Lanphere, and the Total Experience jazz suites that depicted his family up- concert of Ellington’s Sacred Music, Gospel Choir, Morrison brought a bringing and childhood in the Black the longest running in the country. community together behind the enor- church, the sacred concerts reflect El- Returning to the newly renovated mity of Ellington’s music. lington’s late-career meditations on Town Hall Seattle Great Hal, the In 1993, Morrison entrusted the the struggle for freedom, justice, and concert features the 17-piece Seattle stewardship of the sacred concerts to forgiveness during the Civil Rights Repertory Jazz Orchestra (SRJO), co- Earshot Jazz, providing some of the era. Their dissonances and harmo- directed by Michael Brockman and impetus for the formation of SRJO nies joined sacred and secular values, Clarence Acox, tap dancer Alex Dug- under Acox and Brockman in 1994. drawing thousands of listeners during dale, and the best of local vocal ensem- That same year, Earshot succeeded their first performances. Thanks to the bles: the Northwest Chamber Chorus in raising enough money to purchase talents of Seattle’s performers and the under the direction of Mark Kloepper, scores previously rented by Morri- grace of its listeners, Ellington’s mes- including vocal soloists Nichol Veneé son from the Ellington Estate (which sage rings out clearly to us today, hav- Eskridge and Dr. Stephen Newby. happened to contain notes and ad- ing brought, and once again bringing, Performed less often than his earlier justments made by Brockman, one of the greater community together for a works, Ellington’s Sacred Music pres- the foremost Ellington scholars in the truly joyful noise. ents a challenge of scale and time for country). Throughout the years, this –Editor musicians and audiences: each concert grassroots event has been a meeting New this year—Pick your own assigned is truly an event. Lara Morrison, with point of the community and legendary seat! Purchase early for the best selection. support from the Interfaith Council of Seattle musicians such as Floyd Stan- Tickets available at earshot.org. Seattle, began in 1989 to produce the difer, Don Lanphere, Hadley Cali- first sacred music concerts at her own man, and Ed Lee.

10 • EARSHOT JAZZ • December 2019 CELEBRATING THE 31ST ANNUAL EARSHOT JAZZ FESTIVAL

What an incredible series! Thank you all! With over 60 one-of-a-kind events over 30 days in venues all across the community, the festival felt good, sounded good, and as you’ll see in the brilliant work by Daniel Sheehan below (and at danielsheehan.com), it looked so good, too! Thanks to all the incredible artists, and to YOU, for making this Earshot Festival one of the most memorable yet.

CÉCILE MCLORIN SALVANT YASUHIRO KOHAMA, JAY THOMAS, ATSUSHI IKEDA

D’VONNE LEWIS MARINA ALBERO

December 2019 • EARSHOT JAZZ • 11 WAYNE HORVITZ CLARICE ASSAD

ORRIN EVANS

TERRI LYNE CARRINGTON LARRY GRENADIER

12 • EARSHOT JAZZ • December 2019 DARIUS JONES ALLISON MILLER MARIA SCHNEIDER ORCHESTRA Friday April 24, 7:30pm Town Hall Seattle 1119 Eighth Ave

The NEA Jazz Master leads her all-star New York City big band

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT EARSHOT.ORG

Photo by Daniel Sheehan

December 2019 • EARSHOT JAZZ • 13 VAL JEANTY HASSAN AG TOUHAMI

BRIA SKONBERG WALLY SHOUP

ART OF JAZZ GRETA MATASSA QUINTET THU DEC 12, 5:30 – 7:30 PM • FREE

Seattle’s premiere jazz vocalist showcases material from her new recording.

Have some art with your jazz, SAM is open until 9 pm.

Seattle Art Museum Featuring Tessa Korver of Sponsored by Roosevelt High School. 1300 First Ave visitsam.org/performs Seating is limited and available on a ﬁrst-come, Photo: Mohini Patel Glanz ﬁrst-served basis.

14 • EARSHOT JAZZ • December 2019 GERALD CLAYTON YOUN SUN NAH

NINA GARENETSKA CHUCHO VALDÉS

December 2019 • EARSHOT JAZZ • 15 SEATTLE MODERN ORCHESTRA SHAI MAESTRO

Jason Marsalis Vibraphone Mallets

.. // marimbaone.com EGBERTO GISMONTI

16 • EARSHOT JAZZ • December 2019 Presented by

Archie Shepp Branford Marsalis Thundercat David Sanborn Ghost-Note Larry Carlton John Medeski Kenny Barron Kenny Garrett Terry Riley Antibalas Mark de Clive-Lowe LOGAN RICHARDSON Stanton Moore Trio Donald Harrison, Kat Edmonson Mike Clark & Wil Blades Trio Terrace Martin Stanley Jordan Stanley Jordan Omar Sosa & Tuck & Patti Yilian Cañizares Eric Gales James Francies NOLATET Miguel Zenón Kandace Springs Quartet Mark Guiliana Georgia Anne Aaron Goldberg Muldrow Liv Warfield Dan Tepfer Jaimie Branch Ron Artis II and the Truth Halie Loren Jonathan Barber María Grand & Vision Ahead Gunhild Carling Kassa Overall Douyé

FEBRUARY 19 – MARCH 1 Full lineup and tickets at pdxjazz.com

PDX Jazz thanks our major partners

LAVON HARDISON

December 2019 • EARSHOT JAZZ • 17 FOR THE RECORD

sunking “Sunking is trying to explore the no- sunking tion that everyone is an endless well of creativity, ideas and expressions,” self-released explains sunking co-producer, drum- Up-and-coming contemporary jazz mer, and percussionist Rob Granfelt. fusion co-conspirators Rob ‘bobby- Harnessing that energy is easier said grooves’ Granfelt and Antoine ‘sous than done, but sunking’s self-titled de- chef’ Martel collaborate with a shared but exudes an abundance of uncaged common sentiment: that the human creative accomplishment. Choosing to spirit is an untapped resource of con- explore alternative avenues of impro- tinuous creative energy. vised composition, Granfelt and Mar- tel have developed a somewhat organic

approach to electronic music production. Each song starts with an improvised unaccompanied drum take, which establishes the time signature and duration of each piece. A light layer- ing of riff-inspired chord structure is introduced, and the composition begins to take on a melodic form. Atmo- spheric soundscapes, chic bass-lines, reverberating guitars, and electronic keyboards; these are cautiously added or subtracted, tweaked and redacted, making sure each piece is balanced and minimal, full of space and groove. “SEA 2016,” the albums first of twenty-three sprawling musical vi- gnettes, kicks off with sparse and spo- radic drum fills, accompanied by an intensifying singular drone that eventually crescendos into an avant-garde All ages and levels. free-for-all of sorts. This sets the tone for the rest of the record, weaving back and forth between synthesized cin- ematic excursions, ambient chill-wave, and the hypnotic repetition of early hip-hop. The result is a non-linear, laid back instrumental mix-tape, firmly rooted in the exploratory nature of ex- Want to play? You can. perimental jazz. –Gus Marshall www.jazznightschool.org • (206) 722 6061 A nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, Jazz Night School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies.

18 • EARSHOT JAZZ • December 2019 FOR THE RECORD

The Westerlies music, and recall the likes of Bubber a full band, the lead trombone muted Wherein Lies the Good Miley and Tricky Sam Nanton of the ingeniously with raspy tin foil. early Ellington bands. The album’s title track, “Wherein Westerlies Records The group’s stunning cohesion and Lies the Good,” composed originally For their third release, the Se- for piano by Robin Holcomb—a attle-born, now New-York based Seattle mentor for the group—func- brass quartet make an incisive tions less like a tune and more like contribution to the search for a tone poem; a modernist redress- “Americana” in contemporary ing of American vernacular music. music today. The quartet— As the band moves over 11 minutes trombonists Andy Clausen & through solemn Copelandian odes, Willem de Koch, and trumpet- to off-kilter elegies and helter-skelter ers Riley Mulherkar and Chloe anthems, the question of unity grad- Rowlands—are certainly quali- ually presents itself, eventually leav- fied, with genre-spanning group ing the resolution up to the listener. collaborations from Fleet Foxes With their embrace of tension and to Dave Douglas. conflict, jubilation and mourning, Balancing technical skills and The Westerlies voice their answer to creativity, The Westerlies’ latest Holcomb’s question in the plural. collection represents American For the quartet, it’s a polyphonic na- composers and singer/song- tion. writers along with a handful of –Ian Gwin inventive originals. The vocal qualities of brass instruments, with their variable onset and broad delay, articulation show through the almost The Westerlies return to Seattle opens up its own world of timbral pos- classical form of songwriter Judee Sill’s to perform at the Knife Room sibilities. On a standout set of spiritu- “The Kiss,” while on a version of cel- on December 5. Wherein Lies als from the Depression Era Golden list/composer Arthur Russell’s plain- the Good comes out January 31, Gate Quartet, The Westerlies muster tive “Eli,” the original’s textural duel 2020 on Westerlies Records. the heavenly earthiness of great vocal between voice/cello is arranged as if to

Seattle Drum School of Music We offer quality private instruction for instrumentalists and vocalists of all ages and experience levels. We are pleased to welcome new instructors to our staff:  Alex Dugdale (saxophone, clarinet, trumpet)  Darrius Willrich (piano, voice)  Qiuchen Wang (vibraphone, marimba, piano, drums) *Gift Certificates available NOW for the holidays* For more information, please contact us directly at: (206) 364-8815 - [email protected] - www.seattledrumschool.com

December 2019 • EARSHOT JAZZ • 19 JAZZ AROUND THE SOUND December 12 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1 OW Jazz Jam, 9:30pm CM Jazz, Etc., 7pm RR Seattle Academy Jam Session, 5pm CZ Jazz First Fridays, 7:30pm AB Max Holmberg & 200 Trio, 9pm SB Joe Doria Presents, 10pm EB Tom Kellock, 6pm CM Deems Tsutakawa, 12:30pm EG SwingShift, 7pm CR Racer Sessions, 8pm WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4 JA Norman Brown’s Joyous Christmas w/ Bobby CZ Choro Jam, 2pm EB Eric Verlinde, 6pm Caldwell & Marion Meadows (early show), DT Jazz Jam, 8pm 7:30pm EB Tom Kellock, 6pm EG Cornish College of the Arts Jazz Ensemble, 9pm JA Norman Brown’s Joyous Christmas w/ Bobby ES Eric Verlinde w/ Josephine Howell, 6pm Caldwell & Marion Meadows (late show), FB Seattle Jazz Vespers: Sheila Kay Quartet, JA Mike Stern Jeff Lorber Fusion feat. Jimmy Haslip and Dave Weckl, 7:30pm 9:30pm 6pm KE Rick Kitaeff/Bruce Barnard Jazz Duo, JA Taj Mahal Quartet, 7:30pm NC Jazz Jam w/ Darin Clendenin Trio, 7pm RR Jazz Night School: Big Band Blue & 6:30pm RR Last Call: It’s Beginning to Look a Little Bit LA Happy Hour w/ Phil Sparks, 5pm Like Christmas, 4pm Combos, 7pm SC Jared Hall Quartet, 7pm MQ Swing 3PO, 5pm RR Jared Hall Quartet feat. Tal Cohen, 7pm NC Danny Godinez, 8pm VI Lennon Aldort, 6pm VI Bar Tabac, 9pm WW Hartman Friction, 7pm PR John “Greyhound” Maxwell, 8pm VI Ron Weinstein Trio, 9:30pm RR Jazz Night School: Vocalists & Big Bands, MONDAY, DECEMBER 2 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5 7pm VI Jovino Santos Neto, 9pm CC Cider Sessions, 9:30pm BC Adam Kessler & Phil Sparks, 9pm EB Tom Kellock, 6pm EB Eric Verlinde, 6pm SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7 ES Eric Verlinde, 6pm JA Norman Brown’s Joyous Christmas w/ Bobby Caldwell & Marion Meadows, 7:30pm CM Chris Stevens Band, 7pm NL Mo’ Jam Mondays, 8:30pm EB Frank S. Holman III, 6pm RR Indigo Mist, 7pm NC Overton Berry, 7pm RR Jazz Night School: Vocalists & Big Bands, EG A Bluesy Soulful Christmas w/ Mercedes RR Salute Sessions, 10pm Nicole (early show), 7pm RY Jared Hall Quartet feat. Tal Cohen, 8pm 7pm SB Ari Joshua Band, 8pm EG Mercedes Nicole Trio (late show), 9pm TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3 SB Proud & Nasty Jam Session, 10pm HS David Francis & Les Jeunes Artistes, 6pm TD Highway 99 All-Stars, 7:30pm JA Norman Brown’s Joyous Christmas w/ Bobby EB Eric Verlinde, 6pm VI Marina Christopher Trio, 9pm Caldwell & Marion Meadows (early show), JA Mike Stern Jeff Lorber Fusion feat. Jimmy 7:30pm Haslip and Dave Weckl, 7:30pm FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6 JA Norman Brown’s Joyous Christmas w/ Bobby MQ Ranger and the “Re-Arrangers”, 5pm Caldwell & Marion Meadows (late show), BI Roosevelt High School Jazz: Jazz MT Open Mic, 9pm 9:30pm Nutcracker, 7:30pm NC Greta Matassa Holiday Show, 7pm LT Dan Duval Good Vibes Quartet, 7pm CA Francesco Crosara & Glenn Young Trio, 6pm OT Hot Jazz Hootenanny, 7:30pm NC EntreMundos Quarteto, 8pm

Calendar Key

AB The Angry Beaver ES El Gaucho Seattle PH Polish Home BC Barca FB Seattle First Baptist Church PL Poggie Tavern BH Benaroya Hall HS Hotel Sorrento PR Pacific Room Alki BI Bainbridge Island Museum of Art JA Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley RH Roosevelt High School Performing Arts BL Bleu Note Lounge KE Kelnero Theatre CA Casa Mexico KR Knife Room RR The Royal Room CC Capitol Cider LA Latona Pub RY Rhythm & Rye CH Chapel Performance Space LT Luther’s Table SB Sea Monster Lounge CM Crossroads Bellevue MQ Triple Door MQ Stage & Lounge SC WJMAC at Sylvia Center for the Arts CP Cornish Playhouse at Seattle Center MT Mac’s Triangle Pub SE Seattle Art Museum CR Cafe Racer MV Marine View Church ST Stage 7 Pianos CZ Couth Buzzard Books NC North City Bistro & Wine Shop TD Triple Door DT Darrell’s Tavern NL Nectar Lounge TH Town Hall EB El Gaucho Bellevue OT Oliver’s Twist VI Vito’s EG Egan’s Ballard Jam House OW Owl ‘n Thistle WW Whisky West

20 • EARSHOT JAZZ • December 2019 PH Swing Dance w/ Jonathan Doyle, 7:30pm JA Charlie Hunter & Lucy Woodward, 7:30pm PL Burn Band, 9pm MQ Mambo Cocktail Hour w/ Elspeth Savani, PR Stephanie Porter, 8pm 5pm CURTAIN CALL RH Jazz Nutcracker, 7:30pm MT Open Mic, 9pm Weekly recurring sessions & gigs SB Latin & Cuban Night, 7pm NC Michael Martinez, 7pm Venues may be closed on Holidays! ST Bill Anschell Quartet, 7:30pm OT Hot Jazz Hootenanny, 7:30pm VI The Tarantellas, 6pm OW Jazz Jam, 9:30pm VI Don’t Move, 9:30pm RR Cascadia Big Band Holiday Show, 7:30pm MONDAY SB Joe Doria Presents, 10pm SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8 CC Cider Sessions, 9:30 AB Max Holmberg & 200 Trio, 9pm WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11 EB Tom Kellock, 6 CP Jose Gonzales Trio: A Charlie Brown EB Eric Verlinde, 6pm ES Eric Verlinde, 6 Christmas, 1pm EG Vocal Jam, 7pm CR Racer Sessions, 8pm EG Vocal Showcase, 9pm NL Mo’ Jam Mondays, 9 CZ Jazz Jam w/ Kenny Mandell, 2pm NC Kelley Johnson, 7pm RR Salute Sessions, 10 DT Jazz Jam, 8pm RR JazzED Home for the Holidays, 7pm EB Tom Kellock, 6pm SB Shawn Mickelson Group, 8pm TUESDAY ES Eric Verlinde w/ Josephine Howell, 6pm SB Blood Moon Orchestra, 10pm JA Norman Brown’s Joyous Christmas w/ Bobby SC Marina Albero Trio, 7pm EB Eric Verlinde, 6 Caldwell & Marion Meadows, 7:30pm VI The Daimonics, 9pm MT Open Mic, 9 MV 11th Annual Michael Powers Holiday Jazz, WW Jeff Ferguson’s Triangular Jazztet, 7pm 5pm OT Hot Jazz Hootenanny, 7:30 PR EntreMundos Quarteto, 6pm THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12 OW Jazz Jam, 9:30 RH Jazz Nutcracker, 2pm BC Adam Kessler & Phil Sparks, 9pm RR Sing Noel: Holiday Sing-along, 6pm CH Guitar Cult + Crystal Beth + Kathy Moore, SB Joe Doria Presents, 10 TD Kiran Ahluwalia, 7:30pm 8pm WEDNESDAY VI Jeremy Bacon, 6pm EB Eric Verlinde, 6pm VI Ron Weinstein Trio, 9:30pm EG Lady ‘A’ Blues, 7pm EB Eric Verlinde, 6 EG Kareem Kandi Band, 9pm MONDAY, DECEMBER 9 KR Nikki Dee’s Holiday Spectacular, 7:30pm THURSDAY CC Cider Sessions, 9:30pm MQ Elspeth Savani, 5pm BC Adam Kessler & Phil Sparks, 9 EB Tom Kellock, 6pm PR Sheri Roberts Greimes, 6pm ES Eric Verlinde, 6pm SB John Pinetree & the Yellin Degenerates, 8pm EB Eric Verlinde, 6 NL Mo’ Jam Mondays, 8:30pm SB Proud & Nasty Jam Session, 10pm SB Proud and Nasty, 10 RR Royal Room Collective Music Ensemble, SE Art of Jazz: Greta Matassa, 5:30pm 7:30pm VI Casey MacGill, 5:30pm FRIDAY RR Salute Sessions, 10pm VI Jennifer Kienzle, 9pm RY South Sound Swing Orchestra, 8pm EB Tom Kellock, 6 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10 KE Rick Kitaeff & Bruce Barnard, CA Glenn Young Trio, 6pm 6:30 BH Kenny G w/ the Seattle Symphony, 7:30pm CM Michael Powers, 7pm EB Eric Verlinde, 6pm EB Tom Kellock, 6pm LA Happy hour w/ Phil Sparks, 5 SATURDAY EB Frank S Holman III, 6 SB Latin & Cuban Night, 7 SUNDAY AB Max Holmberg & 200 Trio Jam, 9 New! Daily pick up and delivery in Seattle and North Lake Washington areas CR Racer Sessions, 8 7 Luthiers, double bass set up and CZ Choro Jam, 2pm (1st & 3rd) restoration experts, and makers on site CZ Jazz Jam, 2pm (2nd & 4th) Free consultation in shop or by appointment in Seattle DT Jazz Jam, 8 Lessons EB Tom Kellock, 6

Since 1964 ES Eric Verlinde w/ Josephine

970 5th Ave NW Howell, 6 Suite 100 Issaquah WA 98027 VI Ron Weinstein Trio, 9:30 www.HammondAshley.com

December 2019 • EARSHOT JAZZ • 21 KE Rick Kitaeff/Bruce Barnard Jazz Duo, RR Holiday Hootenanny and Sing-Along RR Ranger and the “Re-Arrangers”, 7pm 6:30pm (matinee), 4pm VI Alex Guilbert, 6pm KR Nikki Dee’s Holiday Spectacular, 7:30pm RR Holiday Hootenanny and Sing-Along (early VI Ron Weinstein Trio, 9:30pm LA Happy Hour w/ Phil Sparks, 5pm show), 6:30pm MQ Happy 4tet, 8:30pm RR Holiday Hootenanny and Sing-Along (late MONDAY, DECEMBER 16 NC Pearl Django, 8pm show), 8:45 pm CC Cider Sessions, 9:30pm PR Kareem Kandi Band, 7pm SB Latin & Cuban Night, 7pm EB Tom Kellock, 6pm RR Kiki Valera & Cubaché, 8pm VI Jerry Zimmerman, 6pm ES Eric Verlinde, 6pm VI Thomas Marriott, 9pm VI Kareem Kandi, 9:30pm NL Mo’ Jam Mondays, 8:30pm RR The Music of “A Charlie Brown Christmas”, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15 7pm CM Cascadia Big Band, 7:30pm AB Max Holmberg & 200 Trio, 9pm RR Salute Sessions, 10pm EB Frank S. Holman III, 6pm CR Racer Sessions, 8pm EG Susan Carr Ensemble: Annual Xmas Show, CZ Choro Jam, 2pm TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17 7pm CZ Music Improv Session w/ Kenny Mandell, EB Eric Verlinde, 6pm EG Cool Yule Holiday w/ Joan Penney & 7pm JA David Benoit Christmas Tribute to Charlie Jacqueline Tabor, 9pm DT Jazz Jam, 8pm Brown w/ Sara Gazarek, 7:30pm HS Sundae + Mr. Goessl, 6pm EB Tom Kellock, 6pm MT Open Mic, 9pm LT Pamela Grace Beatty, 7pm ES Eric Verlinde w/ Josephine Howell, 6pm OT Hot Jazz Hootenanny, 7:30pm PR Nancy Erickson, 8pm PR Mark Lewis Trio & Dick Lupino: Christmas OW Jazz Jam, 9:30pm Show, 8pm RR Marina Albero: CD Release, 7pm SB Joe Doria Presents, 10pm WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18 EB Eric Verlinde, 6pm EG Kenny Mandell Jazzworks Student Showcase, 7pm JA David Benoit Christmas Tribute to Charlie Brown w/ Sara Gazarek, 7:30pm NC Danny Godinez Student Showcase, 7pm RR Parranda Navideña: Mochima / Los Hijos de Agüeybaná, 7:30pm SC Kelby MacNayr, 7pm WW Hartman Friction, 7pm THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19 BC Adam Kessler & Phil Sparks, 9pm EB Eric Verlinde, 6pm EG Jump Ensemble, 7pm NC Amy Kramer, 7pm PR Steve Ryals Duo, 6pm RR Home for the Holidays (Night 1), 7pm SB Comfort Food, 8pm SB Proud & Nasty Jam Session, 10pm VI Casey MacGill, 5:30pm VI Kate Voss & The Big Boss Band, 9pm FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20 CA Glenn Young Trio, 6pm EB Tom Kellock, 6pm EG Steve Messick’s Holiday Showcase (early show), 7pm EG Steve Messick’s Holiday Showcase (late show), 9pm KE Rick Kitaeff/Bruce Barnard Jazz Duo, 6:30pm LA Happy Hour w/ Phil Sparks, 5pm MQ Sundae + Mr. Goessl, 8:30pm NC Joan Penny Holiday Show, 8pm PR Kelley Johnson, 8pm VI Michael Owcharuk Trio, 9pm

22 • EARSHOT JAZZ • December 2019 SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21 EB Tom Kellock, 6pm Roots, from page 5 EG Chris Johansen Quartet, 7pm EB Frank S. Holman III, 6pm JA Blind Boys of Alabama Holiday Show, EG The Whateverly Brothers: A Very Whateverly 7:30pm moved to Oakland, California, where Christmas, 7pm KE Rick Kitaeff/Bruce Barnard Jazz Duo, his mother had relocated. In nearby HS Marina Christopher, 6pm 6:30pm Emeryville he found an artist’s loft for MQ The Hot McGandhis, 8:30pm LA Happy Hour w/ Phil Sparks, 5pm NC Tupelo, 8pm NC Frank Anderson, 8pm $175 a month and soon found work in PR Jared Hall Quintet, 8pm PR Yuki Aoki Quintet, 8pm the house sextet at Milestones, with RR The Music of “A Charlie Brown Christmas”, VI Lushy, 9pm drummer Brian Kirk, who would lat- 5pm VI The Tarantellas, 6pm SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28 er move to Seattle to teach at Seattle VI Tim Kennedy Trio, 9:30pm Central. Gayton also worked with big CH Dangerknife, 8pm band leader Dave Hardiman, trum- SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22 CM Moonlight Swing Orchestra, 7pm EB Frank S. Holman III, 6pm peter Johnny Coles and even a few AB Max Holmberg & 200 Trio, 9pm JA Blind Boys of Alabama Holiday Show, times with saxophonist Pharoah Sand- CM Byron Street Swing, 12:30pm 7:30pm ers. CR Racer Sessions Holiday Benefit, 8pm LT GMcD Jazz Quartet, 7pm CZ Jazz Jam w/ Kenny Mandell, 2pm NC Magic Circle, 8pm “It was a good thing for me to move DT Jazz Jam, 8pm PR Danny Quintero & Illusionz Swing Orchestra, there” he reflects. “I probably would EB Tom Kellock, 6pm 8pm not have been able to rub shoulders ES Eric Verlinde w/ Josephine Howell, 6pm SB Latin & Cuban Night, 7pm with these guys unless I was in the Bay PR Jose “Juicy” Gonzales: A Charlie Brown TH 31st Anniversary Concert of Duke Ellington’s Christmas, 8pm Sacred Music, 7:30pm Area.” VI Jonas Myers, 6pm VI Jerry Zimmerman, 6pm Three years later, however, he was en- VI Ron Weinstein Trio, 9:30pm VI The James Band, 9:30pm couraged by peers to go to New York. MONDAY, DECEMBER 23 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29 With just $800 to his name, Gayton scuffled, as so many have before, but CC Cider Sessions, 9:30pm AB Max Holmberg & 200 Trio, 9pm EB Tom Kellock, 6pm CR Racer Sessions, 8pm he hung in there, playing jam sessions, ES Eric Verlinde, 6pm DT Jazz Jam, 8pm even working as an usher at Radio City NL Mo’ Jam Mondays, 8:30pm EB Tom Kellock, 6pm PR Jose “Juicy” Gonzales: A Charlie Brown Music Hall, and finally one day got a ES Eric Verlinde w/ Josephine Howell, 6pm call to play with trumpeter Charles Christmas, 8pm JA Blind Boys of Alabama Holiday Show, RR Royal Room Chanukah Party, 5:30pm 7:30pm Tolliver. Since then, he has had his RR Salute Sessions, 10pm RR Zony Mash & Skerik Band, 7pm ups and downs, but lately, he says, “It’s TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24 VI Tim Kennedy, 6pm been pretty good. I cannot complain.” VI Ron Weinstein Trio, 9:30pm EB Eric Verlinde, 6pm –Paul de Barros MT Open Mic, 9pm MONDAY, DECEMBER 30 OT Hot Jazz Hootenanny, 7:30pm CC Cider Sessions, 9:30pm OW Jazz Jam, 9:30pm EB Tom Kellock, 6pm SB Joe Doria Presents, 10pm ES Eric Verlinde, 6pm WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 25 JA Poncho Sanchez Latin Jazz Band, 7:30pm NL Mo’ Jam Mondays, 8:30pm Help the Jazz Around the Happy Holiday! RR Remembering Art Neville & Dr. John, 7pm RR Salute Sessions, 10pm Sound Calendar THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26 BC Adam Kessler & Phil Sparks, 9pm TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31 The Jazz Around the Sound Cal- EB Eric Verlinde, 6pm EB Eric Verlinde, 6pm endar is a community powered JA Blind Boys of Alabama Holiday Show, JA New Year’s Eve w/ Poncho Sanchez Latin resource. 7:30pm Jazz Band (early/late packages), 6:30pm & Submit your gigs online at earshot. PR Tambor e Cordas feat. Nadine Waldmann, 10:30 6pm MT Open Mic, 9pm org/events/community/add. RR Home for the Holidays (Night 2), 6:30pm OT Hot Jazz Hootenanny, 7:30pm Deadline for inclusion in the print VI Casey MacGill, 5:30pm OW Jazz Jam, 9:30pm version of the calendar is the 15th VI Eliana Glass, 9pm RR New Year’s Eve w/ the Royal Room Big Band, 8pm of the month prior to publication. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27 TD New Year’s Eve w/ Curtis Salgado (early/ For questions or help with sub- dinner), 7pm BL Dmitri Matheny Group, 7pm mitting your events please email TD New Year’s Eve w/ Curtis Salgado (late/ CA Glenn Young Trio, 6pm [email protected]. CH Beth Fleenor, Don McGreevy, Skerik, 8pm countdown), 10:30pm CM Northwest Jazz Big Band, 7pm VI Jerry Zimmerman, 5:30pm

December 2019 • EARSHOT JAZZ • 23 NON-PROFIT ORG EARSHOT JAZZ U.S. POSTAGE 3417 Fremont Ave N, #221 PAID Seattle, WA 98103 PERMIT No. 14010 SEATTLE, WA Change Service Requested

KIKI VALERA PHOTO BY DANIEL SHEEHAN

IN THIS ISSUE... A $35 basic membership in Earshot brings Letter from the Director: the newsletter to your door and entitles you to We Can’t Do It Without You ______3 EARSHOT JAZZ discounts at all Earshot events. Your member- MEMBERSHIP ship also helps support all our educational Golden Ear Award Nominations______4 programs and concert presentations. Type of membership Notes______4 Individual ($35) Additional tax-deductible donation ______Roots: Clark Gayton______5 Household ($60) Patron ($100) Sustaining ($200) Other Profile: Kiki Valera: Adventures in Sr. Citizen – 30% discount at all levels Clave Cubana______6 Canadian subscribers please add $5 additional postage (US funds)

Holiday Events Calendar______8 Regular subscribers – to receive newsletter 1st class, please add $10 for extra postage Preview: Ellington’s Sacred Contact me about volunteering Music in Concert______10 ______NAME

Celebrating the 31st Annual ______Earshot Jazz Festival______11 ADDRESS

______For the Record______18 CITY/STATE/ZIP

Jazz Around the Sound______20 ______PHONE # EMAIL

______Earshot Jazz is a nonprofit tax-exempt organization. Ask your employer if your company has a matching gift program. It can easily double the value of your membership or donation. Mail to Earshot Jazz, 3417 Fremont Ave N, #221, Seattle, WA 98103