INSIDE DECEMBER, 2009 EMAIL: info@bigfunmagazine.com 253-473-1866 4
THE MIX Variety Entertainment
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DINING & WINE Dawson’s Bar & Grill
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JEWELRY Jewelry Designer Jodi Johnson
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FINE ART Mark Larson
10 STYLE Mr. Mac’s
11 Style Tips for Men
MUSIC 11
BLUES Susan Sims / Red hot Blues Sisters
NW JAZZ PROFILE 12 THE GIFT OF MUSIC Holiday Greeting from NW Musicians
14 13 ARTIST PROFILES HipBone Liz Aday
14 WHAT’S NEW Brad Buck Darrius Willrich
BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE
PUBLISHER / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DAVID JOHNSON Accounting / Editorial Traffic:Rose Murphy Proofreaders: Ce’Lene Sakellis, Larry Warfield Photography: Sean Cummings, Walter Atkins, Richard Baker Advertising Sales: nwjazzprofile@yahoo.com 253-473-1866 - David Johnson and Gary Grape
EMAIL: info@bigfunmagazine.com 253-473-1866 5226 Tacoma Mall Blvd., Tacoma WA 98409 BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE is published 12 times a year. The views expressed in BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE are those of their respective contributors and are not necessarily those of its publisher, editors, or staff. All images in advertisements and advertorials/special promotions are supplied by the advertiser. Advertiser guarantee they have the legal right to publish all images supplied to BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE. Copyright 2009 BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE.
BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • DECEMBER, 2009
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THE MIX Variety Entertainment
The Cranberries - Dec 7 The Moore Theatre- Tacoma, WA
Bob Saget - Dec 12 Moore Theatre - Seattle, WA
Randy Oxford - Dec 26 Highway 99 Blues Club - Seattle, WA
Corea, Clarke and White - Dec 10-12 Jazz Alley - Seattle, WA
Straight No Chaser - Dec 19 Rialto Theater - Tacoma, WA
Vicci Martinez - Dec 31 Jazzbones - Tacoma, WA
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BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • DECEMBER, 2009
BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • DECEMBER, 2009
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DINING & WINE
Dawson’s Bar & Grill Tacoma, WA
French Dip Sanwich
Q&A with Owner Kenny Bender How long have you owned Dawson’s? Since July, 2001. You have changed the bar quite a bit. You changed the outside a little, but the main changes are in how it’s operated. How do you describe the bar today? Today it’s a safe, friendly neighborhood bar. It’s multi-cultured and multi-aged with good people who come here to relax and meet with friends. Plus, we have lots of darts, great food, good service some of the best music in Tacoma. For Some of the bands are: The Highrollers, The the most part, it’s a joint where everybody gets Tim Hall Band, The Billy Shew Band, Randy along. Oxford, Rock-N-Roll Magic, Hero, In The House and Knuckleheads. What’s with the Darts? We have weekly $300.00 tournaments on And what about the food? Sunday and Wednesday nights and a $1,000.00 We serve great tasting comfort food in large tournament on the third Saturday of the month. portions. People love the food because it’s good These are all doubles tournaments where two and they can get full. We serve a variety of deli players per team play the best of three games. sandwiches, hot sand wiches, big salads, Players are rated by skill level and by league hamburgers, nachos, meat loaf, spaghetti and pl ay b y m eda list s w ho run the le ague s. more. We will be serving Broasted Chicken Dawson’s currently has 40 league teams. We’re soon. Plus, we serve breakfast Wednesday thru the fourth largest dart house in the nation. Our Sunday from 9am to 5pm. weekly tournaments draw between 12 to 20 teams, and our Saturday tournaments draw What’s the most rewarding aspect of running between 20 to 30 teams. Dawson’s? I like to watch people enjoy themselves in a safe What type of music do you book? atmosphere while eating happy food and Good music. We have R&B, Rock-N-Roll and listening to some of the best musicians the Blues and try to cater to the over 30’s crowd. Northwest has to offer. 6
BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • DECEMBER, 2009
Grilled Chicken Salad
What is the most demanding aspect? Trying to keep the drama out of the bar. What’s your business philosophy? Give people a good product at a fare price and they will buy it. Say what you mean, and mean what you say. Why do some people succeed and others fail in any endeavor? I don’t know. Failure is never an option. If you put your heart and soul into something and try your hardest, it’s not failing. Ok, having a good game plan and doing your homework is also a must. Dawson’s Bar & Grill is located at: 5443 South Tacoma Way, Tacoma, WA. Their phone number is 253-476-1421 Photos Courtesy of Dawson’s Bar & Grill
BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • DECEMBER, 2009
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JEWELRY
Jodi Johnson Jewelry Designer Studio Jewelry Design: Jodi Johnson Jodi Johnson, a fourth-generation jeweler, finds inspiration for her designs in the natural world that surrounds us. Jodi’s work plays on the meanings of the word “nature”: Nature as an impetus for behavior/instinct, Nature as the
Jodi enjoys exploring new and innovative methods, which are generally absent from commercial jewelry production. In the last few years, she has developed a special technique with very fine wire, creating textural contrast to the solid metal frames that are typical of her de sig ns. She al so sp ec ial ize s in reticulation, which is a type of heat distortion of a silver-alloy sheet into uni que s urfac e for ms, qu it e rem in isc en t of mountainous topography. Jewelry is often designed ar ou nd a cen tr al gemstone. In pieces Jodi cr ea te s for h er o wn designs, she loves to work with agate chalcedony, especially gems carved by fa me d l ap ida ry ar ti st Dieter Lorenz, of IdarOberstein, Germany. She ha nd sel ec ts eve ry component of every piece she creates, as well as constructing and finishing herself. Jodi also accepts commissions for custom designs. These pieces are es pe ci al ly sp ec ia l, because they combine the skill and design sense of the creator with the often unique aesthetic desires of the wearer.
Jodi Johnson works out of he r stu di o l oc ate d in Jo hns on Je wel er s, do wnt own P uya llu p. Niangniang, sterling silver, fine silver, 22K gold, moss drusy agate Besides making jewelry essence of a physical form, and Nature as a art, she provides the creative direction for this universal object. Focusing on the intrinsic, 111-year old family business, which specializes fundamental, and innate themes in nature, she in custom designed jewelry. In May of 2008, transforms natural materials through various Jo hn son J ewe le rs pr ese nt ed a 15- ye ar metalsmithing processes into works of wearable retrospective exhibit of her work, “Materials art . Jod i stu died j ewelry and hollow are Transformed”. Her work is currently available techniques at the University of Washington, only through Johnson Jewelers. She has been earning a Bachelor’s of Fine Art in Metal featured in Metalsmith magazine, and was the Design in 1995. Concurrently, she earned a NICHE award winner for Cast Metal in 1996. Bachelor’s of Arts in Art History, which has provided her with a broad understanding of the Commercial jewelry is designed to offer broad role of art in many societies. One of her favored appeal. In contrast, studio jewelry is art, and themes is folklore and myth in world cultures, will appeal to an individual who relates to the and so she weaves those threads into her jewelry piece aesthetically and/or emotionally. Whether creations. mass-produced or one-of-a-kind, all jewelry 8
BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • DECEMBER, 2009
should express something about the wearer, as it is adornment for the body. Jodi Johnson - Johnson Jewelers 103 South Meridian, Puyallup, WA, 253-848-1332, www.johnson-jewelers.com Photos by Richard Nicol
Hekate, sterling silver, fine silver, black drusy chalcedony
Pele, sterling silver, chalcedony agate
FINE ART
Rising Tide - Self Portrait - Oil on panel
Mark Larson Artist Statement My p ain tin g sty le ca n p rob ab ly be be st described as “painterly realism.” It involves the use of small pencil, charcoal and oil studies, until I settle on an idea that I feel is worthy of exploration in a larger context. Even then however, sometimes my work doesn’t meet my own standards, and I will sand it down and start over or simply paint over it. I find this process liberating and empowering. I often paint on panel rather than canvas because it suits my tight painting style and is much more durable. Currently, I am interested in exploring unique metaphorical juxtapositions that revolve around the convergence of time, place, and memory.
These j uxtapositions create intens ity and mystery, and invite thoughtful contemplation. Sometimes they may seem incongruous and appear to border on the absurd (a peacock paired with a volcanic eruption, for example). Their meanings are nonetheless important to me at the time, and open to personal interpretation. I like it that way. Symbol and myth have become an important way for me to convey my ideas through my artwork, but not all symbols mean the same things for everyone. May it always be so. Chrysalis - Oil on panel
The only thing that separates us from animals is imagination. -Goya
Mark Larson - Winged Lion Studio 253.241.8190 e-mail: mark@marklarsonart.com web: www.marklarsonart.com
BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • DECEMBER, 2009 9
STYLE
LOOKING GOOD Mr. Mac’s Style Tips for the Fashion-Challenged Man
5 Tips For Putting Your Look Together for the Holiday Party Season 1. For Private Parties When attending a private party, ask the planner if the setting is casual or semiformal. If it’s casual, feel free to match jeans with a nice blazer or sweater. Color-code your shirt and slack and let your blazer or sweater add the right touch of color.
enhance what’s already in your closet, choose things that you can wear over and over again in different settings. Think about the colors and fabrics you already own and buy items that will blend with your existing color pallet.
MR. MAC 1958
2009
5. For Going Out with Your Wife If you’re married, it’s simple, ask your wife. It doesn’t matter if she has good or bad fashion sense because it’s never a smart idea to outshine your lady in a social setting. Go for balance. You will either be the fashionforward couple or the couple that keeps it real, either way, you will arrive looking like a couple and that’s all that counts.
If it’s semi-formal, ask the planner if you happen to know any of the other guys who will be there. This way you can gauge how casual or formal you might want to be depending on the fashion sense of some of the other guys who will be there. Shoot for the upper middle on the gauge.
2. For Clubs If you are going out to a club, think about where you’re going and match your outfit to the ambience of the club and the other people who will most likely be there. It’s never a good feeling when you’re stuck in a club looking like the odd duck. It won’t matter if you are over dressed or under dressed, either way, the stares will be murder.
3. For Formal Outings If it’s a formal affair, it’s simple, go in your best formal duds.
4. For Getting Help Special Promotion If you’re single and on the prowl for female company, go to a few of the better fashion outlets in your area and ask a knowledgeable salesperson – female - if one is available, what’s hot right now. And if you need to purchase an item or two to 10
BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • DECEMBER, 2009
Mr. Mac 1210 MLK Jr. Way, Tacoma, WA 253-383-1210 All Photos courtesy of Mr. Mac
MUSIC | BLUES
SUSAN SIMS Lead Vocalist for Seattle’s Red Hot Blues Sisters “The one thing you must realize about the business of the blues is… it never stops and it always tells you the truth. Everybody is presumably ballsy in this genre. Get ready for that and don’t take it personally.” Why is music such an important part of being human? It can instantly mark time with an emotion and mark it for the rest of your life. What does the blues mean to you? The Blues means you get to feel! The Blues
to Europe again in Spring of 2010 with our US band. What is your most significant achievement as a performer? Each time I am asked to perform, and setting a 12K attendance record in Switzerland.
Feel the Burn Aug ‘07 Hot Off the Press ‘06 EP Flood in the Basement ‘04 EP www.peacecoderecords.com/ Red_Hot_Blues_Sisters.html Email address: sus14an@yahoo.com
What is the difference between peace and satisfaction? Peace requires stillness. Satisfaction requires grease. What does success mean to you? Success is the ability to pay-it-forward—passing on knowledge, opportunity, or techniques. What are the obstacles you have to overcome when searching for gigs? Finding touring musicians who are willing to do homework for their instrument. I don’t like to teach tunes; I prefer to rehearse the show. Which tour will you remember forever? This ‘09 tour was pretty mind-blowing. We played Memphis, changed personnel, moved, lost Ted after Europe; lost Tom in July, and toured eve ry song recorded w ith Tom at extraordinary shows. What is your valuable attribute? My voice has characters/textures I use for each song, melody or story. Other than singing, what is the greatest love of your life? Fishing, football, and telling stories until you pee. What turns you off? Realizing I am too loud. Having to tell the band they’re too loud.
takes you completely and does not mind rolling you on the ground or making you dance.
What turns you on? Kissing with your eyes in a public place.
Tell us about your new/latest recording. ‘Red On Blue’ from Peace Code Records in 2008. It was self-produced by the Red Hot Blues Sisters—Teri Anne Wilson and myself. It is now distributed in Japan Canada and Europe. We focused on capturing our live show talent and energy. It was completed in eleven days, from click to mix, at The Tank with Tom Pfaeffle.
Who would you like to work or tour with? Brickhouse of Vancouver BC, Mia Dyson and Wes Mackey. I’d like to record at Abbey Road with the above and Annie Lennox, Bettye Lavette, Chrissie Hynde, Joan Armatrading, Bonnie Raitt and with god-brother/engineer, Brian from LA. Performance schedule
What’s new with your music career? We are looking for a new producer. The only Red Hot Blues Brother -Tom Pfaeffle was shot and killed on July 17, 2009. We had twenty years with him and his sweet family. He’s simply the best. Teri and I are sorting nearly forty tunes this October. Our release of ‘Red On Blues’ to Japan is new, and we will return
12.13.09 Forecasters Redhook Brewery 12.18.09 Japan Release of ‘Red On Blue’ Discography Available at shows and at cdbaby.com/cd/rhbsisters3 Red On Blue Nov ‘08 BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • DECEMBER, 2009
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NW JAZZ PROFILE
THE GIFT OF MUSIC Holiday Greetings from NW Musicians sama Afifi Happy Holidays! Upright and electric Bassist Osama Afifi, a recent addition to the Pacific Northwest via L.A. has toured Internationally with Yanni, Vanessa Paradis,Tribal Jazz and has performed at the North Sea, Istanbul, Nice, and Monterey Jazz Festivals with the B Sharp Jazz Quartet. He has also worked with David Keys, Kareem Kandi, Gail Pettis, Darren Motamedy, Hook Me Up, Jeff Lorber, Kurt Elling, Nnenna Freelon, The Fifth Dimension, Mindi Abair and The Doors on VH1’s Storytellers. He also conducts a jazz combo workshop at Ted Brown music in Tacoma. Available for live, studio and private lessons. 206-877-2285 osamaafifi@hotmail.com www.myspace.com/osamaafifi
Dina Blade Happy Holidays from Rio de Janeiro! Best Wishes e Feliz Natal, Dina Blade D’Vonne Lewis I would like to give a shout out to everyone out there to be safe in this weather and its ever-changing conditions. Enjoy the time spent with your family and friends. Keep practicing, swinging, grooving and staying true to yourselves and the music. Peace. www.dvonnelewis.com www.dvonnelewis@yahoo.com
Having lived and worked in New York City as a performer and educator for over twenty years, Brooks and his fellow musicians bring a high level of intensity to various forms of music in the African-American tradition. music@brooksgiles.com www.brooksgiles.com
and our music: Thank you for continually coming out to shows and enjoying the music. We appreciate you. All the best to you and yours Kareem Kandi www.myspace.com/kareemkandi
David Keys Butch Harrison It’s the time of year once again where the theme, love, is universal and the gift of music is always appreciated. I hopefully will have the opportunity to share the gift of music this holiday season with you in some way, whether it be live or on CD. Here’s wishing you and yours a very joyous holiday season, and a very prosperous new year. Show some love. New CD: What It Is Available at cdbaby.com/cd/butchharrison Holiday price $10.00 thru Thursday, December 31 at 12:00 pm Musically yours - Butch Harrison
Sandy Harvey Happy Holiday to all. And thanks to all of you who come out to the various venues to support performers and live music in the area. I look forward to seeing you soon. Please visit www.sandyharvey.com for my performance schedule.
Can you name more than two forms of thought? All I can find are: Original Thought and Memories. We are thinkers. We are creators. We are seekers. Matter is an illusion... we are not our physical bodies. Time is only relevant. All life is important. Is a spider a living creature? Do you kill it without thinking about what you are doing? May we please grow to become more than cavemen with space smart phones. May we all find meaning in life. Seek truth.
Steve Kim Seasons Greetings! Please join me this holiday season for an evening of music and cheer at these venues during the month of December. The Mix - 6006 12 Th. Ave. S (Georgetown) Seattle, WA - Tuesdays, 8-10:30 PM Hotel Deca-District Lounge 4507 Brooklyn Ave. NE, Seattle, WA Wednesdays & Saturdays, 8-10:30 PM www.kimpossibilities.net
The Collective! Season’s Greetings from The Collective! Wishing you a holiday that is bright and filled with the sweet melody of joy and laughter. May your New Year be filled with peace and your life filled with music. The Collective is your premiere choice for entertainment. Call 253.833.6487; Email joyfulnoize@msn.com
Becki Sue & her Big Rockin’ Daddies!
HipBone
Thomas Marriott
HipBone wishes you a Thomas Marriott’s new Merry, Soulful Holiday, and album on Origin Records, prosperous next year! May Flexicon is one of the we artists and performers hottest albums of 2009. It gain acknowledgement for spent 14 weeks on the the enhancement to the national jazz charts lives of our audiences, and peaking at number 10 and continue to have the features stellar energy to bring our music to the world. Thanks to performances by the Seattle-based trumpeter as those who help us in our attempt! well as New York vibist Joe Locke. Get your copy Buck England - b3buck@gmail today! Jho Blenis - jhoblenis@comcast.net Micharl Slivka - drumsliv@msn.com Mercedes myspace.com/hipbonestrio
Nicole To our families, friends, fans and live music lovers... Happy Holidays and a “Blue Yule” from Becki Sue, T-Boy, King Harpo, WildChild and Mr. Foundation of Becki Sue & her Big Rockin’ Daddies! Our CD’s make great gifts! Please go to our Music Store at www.bigrockindaddies.com. See ya at the blues club!
Brooks Giles III Happy Holidays Saxophonist/Vocalist Brooks Giles III has been on the international music scene for several years. The Brooks Giles Band was the first act ever to be featured on The Hennessey X.O. Smooth and Mellow Asian Jazz Tours in 2002 and 2003. Brooks has also spent time touring Europe and South America. 12
Tracey Hooker Greeting. As we all know, the Holidays can be a trying time for many individuals and families, yet we can still enjoy music together and all have our special memories of the good times. I personally find Vince Guaraldi’s Charlie Brown Christmasbrings out my peaceful spirit. My children have grown to embrace this music as much as me and I can hear the tea kettle singing and smell the fresh-baked cookies. Happy Holidays To All.
Kareem Kandi Seasons greetings to one and all. To fellow musicians: Thanks for your time, talents, and friendship. To supporters of the band
BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • DECEMBER, 2009
Happy Holidays to all! I’m wishing each and everyone a joyous and prosperous New Year! Thank you for all your support in 2009, and I’m looking forward to seeing you all in 2010! May your days be filled with joy and laughter! I’m working on some amazing music that I know will be uplifting, as well as entertaining. www.mercedesnicole.com Mercedes Nicole - A Voice Worth Remembering.... www.mercedesnicole.com www.myspace.com/ mercedesnicolemakesmusic Booking/Questions Call: 206-235-0478
LJ Porter Hello to all the music fans here in the great NW. I want to wish each and
ARTIST PROFILES every one of you a fabulous Holiday Season. Enjoy eggnog, warm cozy fires and the laughter that happens this time of the year. This is one of the most blessed times and one of the most beautiful. So please have a joyous season so you can get ready for all the fabulous music coming your way in 2010. Happy Holidays!
Michael Slivka, on drums and percussion, has worked most venues and festivals with many of the best since coming home to the greater Pugetropolis. Clifford ‘Buck’ England, on the Hammond B-3 Organ, was “taken” by the Hammond Organ! While appearing at most local venues and traveling around the west, most of his energy has gone into performing with the traditional (and not-so-traditional) Hammond Sound. The group is determined to make their whole greater than the sum of its parts and won’t be sidetracked by their individual projects which only serve to sustain the band. HIPBONE is their passion. Be on the lookout for HIPBONE’S first self-produced recording which will be coming soon.
Paul Richardson I and my family wish all music lovers the grace and mercy of Love, light and spirit in this time of celebration of the birth of the Messiah, God’s salvation for man. I pray you and yours get what you truly need. LOVE - Paul Richardson http://www.paulrichardsonmusic.com (206) 760-9086
Rich Wetzel “Rich Wetzel’s Groovin Higher Orchestra “ Happy holidays to everyone at Big Fun Magazine and all your readers everywhere! Big Fun and all the fans of the band and your magazine make the holidays special. We hope to see you at our Stan Kenton Christmas show on Dec 5th at TCC, details http:/ /www.brownpapertickets.com/event/84429 or 1800-838-3006. www.richwetzel.com, www.myspace.com/ groovinhigher
The group is determined to make their whole greater than the sum of its parts...
These seasoned pros have known and respected each other for many years. They finally came together to perpetuate the classic and not-so-classic Hammond Organ, Guitar and Drums trio sound that was established in the 1950’s and 60’s. Jho Blenis, on guitar, is a well-known player of all styles and a much sought after instructor. He deserves his award-winning “icon” status.
You can find out more about the band and contact them at: www.myspace.com/hipbonestrio, www.buckengland.com, b3buck@gmail.com
Q&A with Liz Aday
L to R: Stephanie Smith, E, James Little, Pete Johnston, Liz Aday What’s new with you guys? What’s happening? What’s new with SWAY? We keep busy between shows! Currently, we are working on our digital media— new video, demos, and photos, as well as a website facelift. Aside from that, we are constantly watching Billboard for songs we might pick up that would turn us on as well as the audiences and venues. We are a group of fun-loving, seasoned musicians who genuinely enjoy what we do and each other and we aim to pick music that facilitates contagious FUN! We provide a show that keeps people dancing and smiling. Who does what in the band, as far as choosing the songs, arranging and producing the music and booking the shows? Well I, Liz Aday, am the bandleader. I deal with the bookings and whatnot. The song choices are voted on. We have a broad scope of eclectic tastes among us. I do my best to keep it as balanced as possible to feed each band member ’s soul as well as songs that the audiences enjoy. I do all the arranging and producing as well. Since we are a five-piece playing
songs that are heavily produced, like today’s current hits to horn band funk/soul, I create tracks to augment our sound. It’s not a crutch; we are all really playing our instruments. Anyway, I create all the tracks we use in my studio. I run a full media studio. I do it all from top to bottom. Video, audio, photo, web—you name it. What is the key to keeping a band together? That ’s easy to an swer. R espect, kindn ess, communication, common goals and above all else, FUN! A fun and positive vibe is so important. Having said all that, having awesome gigs at beautiful venues is pretty dang important, too! What is the bands most significant achievement to date? Collectively? Finding each other , building this show and sticking together. Individually, opening for nationals, lots of product endorsements, five-star jet setting one night gigs overseas in A-list venues, playing in national acts, placing songs on Disney soundtrack. There are so many things. Each musician in this band has much to boast about! Lots of name dropping can ensue, but I see you are not wearing your steel toed shoes. I will not drop the names on you to protect your toes. Maybe next time. Every pro musician has experienced a “Gig from Hell.” Describe yours. OMG, that’s easy too. We played an outdoor event one September, in Seattle. We got there early, as the contract stated, but were unable to load in ’cause the stage wasn’t assembled on time. It was raining hard—those big giant raindrops with some wind. This stage was on the grass... in the pouring rain. There was nowhere to park. Unloading was a nightmare. When we were finally able to start setting up (I mean PA and all the stage gear), it was really
close to downbeat. We would have been able to make downbeat, but the electricity the function provided kept tripping and that was tearing up my PA/gear. I think we wound up playing four songs. The tear down was like—well, like those pictures I see of Woodstock, only it was not as fun and in fancy shoes and a pinstripe suit. I was winding a snake that was covered in mud in a pinstripe suit. What is the most overrated aspect of being a professional entertainer?. BEING YOUR OWN BOSS! What is the most underrated aspect of being a professional entertainer? BEING YOUR OWN BOSS! Is there a favorite performance venue where you guys just set the house on fire? YES, of course. All of them!!! We strive to put on a fast-paced, entertaining and FUN show at each venue we play. Even in the rain and mud, we tear it up!! If someone could look up SWAY in Webster’s Dictionary, what would it say? A band of multitalented, fun loving, regional superstars playing hits from yesterday and today— heavy on the R&B tip. We play songs from artists such as Gap Band; Earth, Wind & Fire; Prince; Jamie Foxx; Usher; Rihanna; and Lady Gaga. Instruments: James Little: Vocals/Keys, Stephanie Smith: Vocals/Guitar, Liz Aday: Vocals/Guitar/ Keys, E: Bass/Vocals, Pete Johnston: Drums Give us your performance schedule for the next two months. www.swaytothemusic.com
BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • DECEMBER, 2009
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NW JAZZ PROFILE
Brad Buck
group. I am starting to appear in Australia. I will return in Feb 2010. I am knocking on Japan’s door. RECORDING CAREER Beginning to record everything I do. I never really showcase my piano chops on my albums. That is going to change. I will do some solo, trio and beyond work in 2010. Please look out for it. CIRCLE OF FRIENDS Chok late h as bee n kicki ng but t with her nominations for Best Album 2009 and Best Female Vocalist 2009 by www.soultracks.com. Donyea Goodman is planning on showcasing himself more as an artist. Patrick Mouton is doing good work in the performance space arena. Thaddeus Turner just CONTACT rele ased h is fir st solo album , enti tled brad@bradbuck.net “Thaddilac.” Nice! www.bradbuck.net THE STATE OF THE BIZ Lately, I’ve been thinking about releasing music via my website’s blog. You’re just not going to make a lo t of m oney se lling your m usic independently. Your music is like a business card for other opportunities like endorsements, film/TV placements and live performances. So, I making PERFORMANCE CAREER my live performances tight, working with Marketing I’m doing big shows at the Triple Door. Live Strategist Thornell Jones, blogging more and horns. Seven to ten pieces. I’m also beginning to RECORDING CAREER positioning myself to take advantage of the play more with D’vonne Lewis and Evan FloryI will be recording this new trio mid-2010. opportunities my music brings me. The more Barnes (long overdue). Hopefully we can push out content out there, the better. CIRCLE OF FRIENDS One of the best things about playing music is the PERSONAL LIFE great friendships we make. I am lucky to play with I need some new stuff to happen in it. a lot of great musicians who are not only some of Seattle’s finest, but also great people that I look FAMILY LIFE forward to being on the gig with as well as hanging My daughter has been lighting up my life. Watching out after the gig. her learn, and teach me—it is astonishing how fast it all happens. STATE OF THE BIZ Well, the economy goes up and down, however, I PERSONAL GROWTH feel that the state of any industry is really what we I am learning how to observe my life more, instead make of it. This year has been very good to me and of reacting to it. I am also meditating Vipassana I’m looking forward to an even better 2010. There more (www.dhamma.org) and soon I will be is always work out there. Sometimes, we just have revi ewing T he Lan dmark F orum to look a little harder. (www.landmarkeducation.com). GOOD THINGS DECEMBER PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE Made some great new fr iends— guitar ists Romero Lubambo and Paul Meyers. Both are great Dec 10, 14 , 21, 28: 6-1 0p—Sol o Pian o at musical inspirations for me. Waterfront Seafood Grill Pier 70. Dec 11,12,18,19: 6-8pm—Solo Piano at Edgewater PERSONAL GROWTH? Inn in The Lobby. Keep moving. If we sit still, we’re really going a series of recordings. Davee C, Steve Salfati, backward. Thaddeus Turner & I are starting to do some CONTACT electronic music performances at the Electric Tea www.darriuswillrich.com DECEMBER PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE Garden. We are looking for a colorful name for the me@darriuswillrich.com A Terrible Beauty Irish Pub & Restaurant 201 Williams Ave. South Renton, WA. 425-227-3396 Check www.bradbuck.net for details PERFORMANCE CAREER Saturday December 12 I’m playing (and still getting used to) a beautiful Brian Kent / Brad Buck Duo new guitar, called a Grand Cabaret, built by John J Lewis Jewelry Buscarino. It’s a seven-string, nylon string guitar Christmas Party that is great for the Brazilian jazz that I’m playing 10575 NE 12th St more of lately. I plan to start rehearsing a new trio Bellevue, WA 98004-4362 in 2010 that will feature more of this music. (425) 455-2204 1:00-6:00pm
Guitarist - Seattle, WA
Darrius Willrich Pianist – Seattle, WA
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BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • DECEMBER, 2009
INTERNET-LINKS Here’s where to find hot musicians on the web
Brad Buck
D’Vonne Lewis
Guitar Jazz, Brazilian Jazz www.bradbuck.net brad@bradbuck.net
Jazz Drummer www.dvonnelewis.com www.facebook.com/people/DVonneLewis/756392973 www.myspace.com/dvonne_lewis dvonnelewis@yahoo.com,
Becki Sue & her Big Rockin’ Daddies!
Thomas Marriott
www.bigrockindaddies.com www.myspace.com/ bigrockindaddies http://www.facebook.com/ pages/Becki-Sue-her-Big-Rockin-Daddies/ 117832487563
Jazz Trumpet www.thomasmarriott.net thomasmarriot20@hotmail.com> View contact details
Brooks Giles III Mercedes Nicole B.F.A., M.F.A. - Saxophonist/Vocalist Jazz, Funk, Blues, Latin, Rhythm, Blues music@brooksgiles.com www.brooksgiles.com
Sandy Harvey Rhythm Suite / Solo Keyboardist / Vocalist Jazz, Soul, Blues, Pop sandyharvey.com sandyharvey@comcast.net
Butch Harrison Trumpet, Keyboards Jazz, R&B, Soul, Blues www.myspace.com/butch.harrison www.facebook.com/butchharrison www.cdbaby.com/cd/butchharrison butchharrison@hotmail.com
Mercedes Nicole Quartet Jazz Vocalist www.mercedesnicole.com www.myspace.com/ mercedesnicolemakesmusic 206-235-0478
LJ Porter Vocalist R&B, Soul, Blues www.ljporter.com www.myspace.com/ljporter4u2 ljporter4u2@aol.com,
Paul Richardson Keyboards Wide variety of styles http://www.paulrichardsonmusic.com paulrichardsonmusic@me.com
HipBone Danny Welsh Jazz, Blues, R&B myspace.com/hipbonestrio Buck England - b3buck@gmail Jho Blenis - jhoblenis@comcast.net Micharl Slivka - drumsliv@msn.com
Tenor, Soprano Saxophones, & Flute. Smooth Jazz, Jazz, Soul, R&B, Funk. http://dannywelsh.com http://myspace.com/dannywelshjazz See me and be my friend on Facebook! dannywelsh@mac.com
Tracey Hooker Trumpet Contemporary & Straight-ahead Jazz, R&B studiohookmeup@hotmail.com
Kareem Kandi Jazz Saxophone, Music Educator www.myspace.com/kareemkandi kareemkandi@hotmail.com
Rich Wetzel Trumpet Rich Wetzel’s Groovin Higher Orchestra www.myspace.com/groovinhigher www.facebook.com/richwetzel http://twitter.com/richwetzel www.richwetzel.com
BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • DECEMBER, 2009
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A LOOK BACK PROFILES FROM 2009 NW JAZZ PROFILE
Darren Motamedy
Which songs are getting the most airplay at this time? “Love You Just So Much” and “Double Cache`”
Sax, Clarinet, Flute, Piano Kent, Washington SEPTEMBER, 2009
I chose the saxophone because my jazz band director refused to let me play the clarinet in the jazz band, so I had no choice. Why is music such an important part of being human? Music is an opportunity for us to emote on a subconscious level without needing to use words. It can allow listeners to understand how we are feeling at any given moment, or understand the important aspects in our lives when we write music to define our innermost thought. Which internationally respected artists have you worked with? Ronnie Laws, The R ippingtons, Grover Washington Junior, Kenny G, Tom Scott, Steve Oliver, Marcus Johnson, Jeff Kashiwa, Ce Ce Penniston, Deniece Williams, and Ernestine Anderson. What’s unique about your latest recording? I’d say that the most unique aspect of the recording is the live sound to it. Dwight Goodman did a lot of writing with me on this recording and he influenced the direction of the recording in a big way. He played keyboards and arranged many of the songs. The most unique aspect of the recording is that it is one of the freshest sounding smooth jazz records in the nation at this time. John Raymond, guitarist with Kenny G, mixed the record. He has always been an impeccable audio engineer and guitarist, but he really stepped up to the plate on the current CD. He played a lot of guitar, and also mastered the record. 16
When is your next project going to be released? I’m almost finished with it now, although “almost” could be three months or six months. The older we become, the more our time becomes valuable and the people that I work with become busier as they become more successful. Additionally, writing songs sometimes takes minutes to accomplish, and sometimes melodies simmer inside of us, waiting to mature before they are recorded. You are also a music educator. Explain the concept of tension and release and how it applies to jazz. Any good song should tell a story. Jazz especially allows musicians the opportunity to tell a current story and build the story through dynamics, phrasing, great tone, and building motifs. A great solo builds from beginning to end and the audience should feel exhilarated when a solo is finished. It’s very similar to love making: every time is different and should be a journey, and a reflection of how one feels at a specific time in his or her life. It is another way that humans can communicate on a higher level. Do you feel it’s your obligation to escort a star student into the professional arena by showing him, or her, the ropes? Of course, this is our job as musicians. We want to have quality music at “our” funerals as we pass the torch to our students. I would say, in general, that most jazz musicians are happy to pass on the tradition of jazz because it is an art form that is better “caught than taught.” Jazz education has come a long way since I was a boy in school. Our education at that time was to listen to records. I think that a lot of students now read books, study scales, work on technique, yet fall short when it comes to connecting with an audience. I host jam sessions for adults so that they can hone their musical skills. Additionally, I can work on my skills as a musician and educator. I learn many things about my playing from my students, and sometimes they teach me little tricks, mostly about style and how to inflect notes. Most of the musicians who attend our jams are highly skilled though. In most cases, they are professional musicians who keep the music exciting and fresh. Josephine Howell, Butch Harrison, Geoffrey Castle, Dominique…..just a small sample of musicians who are professionals who come to our jam session every Sunday night at the Muckleshoot Casino in Auburn. Is there ever a time when a teacher should tell a seemingly hopeless or lazy student that he or she should choose another path? NEVER! I hope that I am clear. NEVER! I think
BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • DECEMBER, 2009
BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • SEPTEMBER, 2009
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that we lose sight of what music is. It’s a chance for us to experien ce another form of communication. Is the main reason to be a musician an opportunity to tell others that you are better than them? NO! Music should be performed because it is FUN! I play to have fun and to relax and to meditate. When I perform I get lost in space and time. When I was in the 6th grade, I was last chair clarinet. I was terrible! When I was in college I was the least technically skilled saxophonist in school, but I continued to practice, to listen, and to try to become the best that I could be. For example, if John Coltrane came to our jam session and played a solo that made angels cry, and then I played a solo that was “my best,” well, we both would have succeeded. The intent of music is to perform “your best” at any given time and compare your solos to your ability. Always strive for excellence. The day you don’t care about your performance is the day that you lose. As far as the lazy or hopeless student? Their course will be determined by their abilities and their determination. I can only encourage students with “how to practice.” Their job is to take my ideas and work them into their routine. A lazy and hopeless musician will probably not be a working musician. A musician without a lot of “natural ability” is the real challenge. How does one help that musician achieve their goals? It all comes down to practice. Excellence comes from 99% perspiration and 1% inspiration. FAMILY LIFE What attracted you to the love of your life? I was attracted to Anita because she was absolutely beautiful. Then, when I got to know her, I came to realize that she had a mission to raise our children and allow them to become confident in themselves. She is an amazing homemaker, interior designer, and a fantastic mother and best friend. After 13 years of marriage, she is even more beautiful inside and out. Tell us about your children. I have three lovely children, Michele, 19, Christina, 17, and Spencer, 10. They are great people, great children, and excellent life-long friends of mine. What are the keys to balancing the different facets of your professional life with your family life? This is probably the number one challenge in my life, as I am a professional musician and work three to five nights a week, and I am an educator and work five days a week. I am the financial provider for my family and my wife is the glue that holds our family together. I would have to say that balancing my professional life with my family life is really difficult. I am passionate about both, and there are times when I see my children for minutes a day; that is very hard on me
emotionally. This is why I am so proud of my wife for choosing to be a stay at home mother. She keeps my children centered. How often are you able to take family vacations? We take a cruise almost every year, although recently we have been going to Las Vegas for mini family tours. Would you ever encourage one of your youngsters to enter the music business? I would encourage my children to become musicians, although I would highly encourage them to additionally study something to fall back on. I am a musician and also a music educator. I have been able to teach music in the Kent School District to supplement my performances. I think I am really lucky because I love to play and I love teaching music and band to my students. What is your favorite family activity? My favorite family activity is doing home improvements with my wife. I would play video games with my son, except I find that he destroys me within 30 seconds of our play together and I end up watching him until his turn is over 15 minutes later. I do love going to movies with my son, having sleepovers, and watching our favorite movie together, Napoleon Dynamite . Other than choosing a career in music; what is the most adventurous or dangerous thing you have ever done? I did two cross country hikes in the Olympic Mountain Range with my best friend. We didn’t see people for a week, and I must admit that each step on the mountain is one that must be perfect. One misstep, and you would fall and bounce thousands of feet down the mountain. I was in a constant state of vigilance while hiking and camping in that situation. What do you want people to remember about you and your music? I would like people to remember that I am a nice man who plays music. Discography: 1989-Mottoretti/First Generation, 1992-Mottoretti/Square One, 1995-Peace/Darren Motamedy Christmas Album, 1995-Dangerously Close, 1999-It’s All Good, 2002-Relax Your Mind, 2005-Darren Motamedy: The Best of Smooth Jazz, 2007-Don’t Cha Know, 2009 or 2010 (New record to be release) Check out www.darrenmotamedy.com for Darren’s performance schedule.
“My life without music would be, in some ways, far simpler and easier. But as Kurt Vonnegut says, “Being an artist is a crummy way to make a living, but it’s the only way to live as a human being.”
block all the time. I usually just put on some records I like and ask myself, “What is it about this that I like?” Then, I try to steal that thing!
Tell us about your academic background. I don’t have much of one. I went to Garfield High School and the University of Washington for a while.
Jazz represents only two percent of all music sold. Can jazz grow a new fan base? I think jazz can grow a new fan base by doing what jazz musicians have always done, which is to play compelling music and to reinterpret the popular music of the day. I think there are also some really amazing musicians that are weak performers, and I think that that is something we need to think about if we are going to gain new fans.
Which internationally respected jazz artists have you worked with? When I moved to New York, I was on Maynard Ferguson’s band. After that, I worked very briefly with the Tito Puente Orchestra just after Tito passed away. That band had a lot of great musicians in it at the time. I worked with Rosemary Clooney for a bit after that. I did a couple of gigs with Eddie Palmieri and subbed a few times with The Chico O’Farrill Orchestra. I played in Joe Locke’s “Wire Walker” band and I am also featured on his newest album. I have worked gigs with Richie “Alto Madness” Cole, Eric Reed, Bryan Lynch, Bobby Shew, Pete Christlieb, Kenny Kirkland, Gary Smulyan, Dennis Irwin, Dafnis Prieto, The Les Brown Band, and lots of others. I have played in bands that have backed-up Jimmy Heath, James Moody, Maria Schneider, Celia Cruz, Gerald Wilson, Natalie Cole, Dianne Schuur, Ernestine Anderson, Manhattan Transfer, and some others. Lately, I have had the pleasure of working quite a bit with Hadley Caliman. Tell us about your latest recording. Who produced it? Where was it recorded? Who’s on it? What’s unique about it? Include release date and label. My newest recording is entitled “Flexicon.” It came out last April on Origin Records and spent almost 14 weeks on the national jazz chart, making it into the top ten. I recorded it at Robert Lang studios in March of 2008. It’s a self-produced album that features Jeff Johnson (bass), Bill Anschell (piano & Rhodes), Matt Jorgensen (drums), Mark Taylor (saxophone), and Joe Locke (vibes). What were some of the obstacles you had to overcome to make the project a reality? The financial obstacles are always the most prevalent in any recording project because you have to pay the musicians, the studio, etc. Also, the night before we went into the studio to record “Flexicon,” my daughter, who was six months old at the time, kept me up literally all night. It was a rough session!
Are you involved in jazz education? If so, what are the most unique aspects of your teaching method? I am not involved in Jazz Education.
In what other countries have you performed? What was the occasion? I have performed in Germany, France, Spain, The Netherlands, Italy, Luxemburg, Canada & Mexico. Mostly at festivals with various bands I have been on, but with my own bands a little too. Other than your new recording, what good things have been happening for you during the last several months? I am lucky enough to be working on a second album with Hadley Caliman which is due out this fall. I have been busier and busier out of town, playing with my own band as well, which has really been a blessing. I have been really having fun playing with the Washington Composer’s Orchestra lately too; there are lots of great players in the band and interesting music. It’s also a challenge because the music is very difficult for me. What does success mean to you? Professional success would be working all the time just playing music that I was personally invested in.
Thomas may be contacted at: Email address: tom@thomasmarriott.net www.thomasmarriott.net
Steve Kim Bassist, Educator - Seattle WA SEPTEMBER, 2009
Thomas Marriott Trumpet & Flugelhorn – Seattle, WA SEPTEMBER, 2009
Where do you start when you’re composing original music? Do you start with the melody, the harmonic structure, the rhythm or a motif? Sometimes, I start with the melody and try to figure out the form and find chords that fit the melody, and sometimes, I start with a progression and go from there. Other times, I will think of the type of tune I need to write—something fast, something with even eighths, something modal, something dramatic—and see what comes to mind. I think to myself, “If I were going to write this certain type of tune, what would it sound like?” Then, I write down some ideas and see which ones fit together and work it out from there. Do you ever get composer’s block? If so, how do you find inspiration? I am a pretty novice composer, so I get writer’s
Steve Kim is an accomplished bassist, composer and educator. He currently appears in a duo with guitarist Don Mock playing original music and jazz repertoire. He has also performed with Larry Coryell, Alphons e Mouzon, Carter Jefferson, Dave Valentine, Jay Thomas, Scott Cossu, and Brian Nova.
A LOOK BACK PROFILES FROM 2009 NW JAZZ PROFILE He has been commissioned to compose for the Southern Arts Counci l, the Seattle Arts Commission, choreographers Bill Evans, Clay Talefero and Jeff Bickford, and northwest filmmaker Eric Patton. In 1987 Steve served as a cultural ambassador representing the City of Seattle in Japan, and in 1989 was honored as a Centennial Artist during the Washington State Centennial Celebration. In 2007 he returned to Japan, touring with guitarist Brian Nova & Vibraphonist Kiyoko Ami. He has studied bass with Ray Brown, Gary Peacock and composition and improvisation with Charlie Banacos. Steve Kim is faculty in the music department at Shoreline Community College, and is an adjunct to South Seattle Community College. In addition, he has taught at Pacific Lutheran University, The National Guitar Workshop, The Experience Music Project and the Roberts Music Institute. His second solo recording, entitled The Book Of Changes, was released in the fall of 2005. Currently Steve is composing music for a recording due in late Fall 2009. Steve Kim www.kimpossibilities.net kimspeak@cablespeed.com (206) 767-9090
educator, who is in high demand for his talents both on and off the stage. Growing up in the northwest with its vibrant music scene allowed Kandi the opportunity to study with, listen to and perform with world class jazz artists residing in the area. Artists such as Tracy Knoop, Jay Thomas, Don Lanphere, Bill Ramsay, Hadley Caliman, Julian Priester and many others had a large impact on Kareem early on in his musical education. This direction and guidance continues to inspire and lead Kandi as he continues his lifelong passion—undertaking a career as a professional musician. Today, as a performing artist he spends most of his time leading his group, The Kareem Kandi Band, for which he composes and arranges most of the music. The band is constantly on the move as a sought after performing group and spends most of its time performing in and around the greater Tacoma/Seattle/Olympia area. When not leading his own group, he can be seen and heard performing as a sideman with many other top notch musical acts and projects. As an educator, Kareem divides his time teaching jazz improvisation as an artist in residence at The Tacoma School of the Arts—directing the award winning student big band at Pierce College, conducting master-classes and workshops at schools around the Puget Sound area—and maintaining a full load of private students. For information on private instruction or booking the band for a performance, please contact: kareemkandi@hotmail.com More information on The Kareem Kandi Band and their calendar of events, visit: www.myspace.com/kareemkandi
Kareem Kandi Saxophone, Educator SEPTEMBER, 2009
Fon Morcus European Drum Soloist Auditions for America’s Got Talent SEPTEMBER, 2009
Rich and Louie Bellson rolled into one with your own personal touch on top. Fon Morcus: Thanks for saying that David. DK: Tell me about your experience auditioning for America’s Got Talent. Did you make it on the show? FM: Well, I screwed up. I got there at 7:45 am and my audition was at 4:50 pm, so I had to wait for nine hours to see the judges. They asked me all kinds of questions: “How old are you? What do you do for a living? What country are you from? What instruments do you play? Why do you think you can win? And what would you do if you won?” Then they looked at my video on their laptop and asked me if I would be willing to do my solo on the show. And here is where I screwed up; I asked them if I could save the solo for the last show. That was the wrong thing to say. You don’t ask them questions. They’re tired because they have to judge everything, whether it’s good or bad, and all they want to do is go home. So, they asked me to wait outside for about five minutes and then a person came out and explained to me that when I asked to do the solo for the last show, I was actually refusing to do what the judges wanted me to do in order to be on the show. So, he told me I couldn’t be on the show this year and said maybe next season. DK: You have great speed and technique in your playing and I think if you got on the show, you would impress the judges and the viewers. Are you going to try again next year? FM: I think I will try again next year and, if I win, I’ll donate the money to animal shelters. I love all kinds of animals. I would also donate a lot of my time to teaching young kids to play music. DK: When I saw your show last November in Olympia, you were the only one who got a standing ovation. There were many talented people on stage that evening, but for me, you were the main event. Are you planning to do a new show in the near future? FM: I might be able to do something in late November at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts in Olympia. Organizing 60 performers who are dancing, singing and playing takes a lot of rehearsal and I need time to blend all those elements into a smooth, professional presentation. DK: Will you be ending the show with another special solo like you did last year? FM: Yes. I’ll be soloing with 2001: A Space Odyssey. DK: I can’t wait to see and hear it. Make sure you let us know the date and time for the show.
A native of the Pacific Northwest, saxophonist Kareem Kandi is a performer, composer, and
David Keys: Fon, I was blown away when I saw your video on YouTube. Your drum solo work is really impressive. You sound like Buddy
You can see and rate Fon’s drum solos on YouTube. Make sure to add your comments. He may be reached at 360-701-2235. Write to him at 1030 N.E. Hensley Street, Olympia, Washington, 98516.
Emmanuel del Casal
Contemporary Jazz
Bassist, Educator
SEPTEMBER, 2009
Cole’lition
SEPTEMBER, 2009
Jazz is more than just notes in time, it’s also very stimulating and thought provoking. When I allow myself to be completely absorbed in the music, whether performing or enjoying fellow artists, I am able to invoke whatever emotion is needed at the time
to tour locally, regionally, nationally and hopefully internationally as well. What were some of the obstacles you had to overcome to make the project a reality? Well, without a major label behind us financing, is a challenge but we are making it. As I mentioned earlier, we were slated to do the major live recording at the Tank Studios but we have to find the right room to complete live tracking. I think we are pretty much on schedule though. What good things have been happening for the band during the last year? David, I am so excited about just creating good music. The new members have been fabulous, performing in town. We have a major industry contact we a working with now and that is wonderful. Cole’lition will have a new look, feel and sound without compromising our foundation. I think just loving what we do and being able to continue to share our gift is wonderful.
How long has the Cole’lition been together? Since 1994 Are there any new members in the band? Yes, if you visit our website you will see the caption “a whole new thang.” What that means is that around August 30th, 2009, you will see a whole new website representing the new Cole’lition; it is, I think, the “the right mix” of young exciting musicians and seasoned mature musicians. We now have Chris Fuller on keyboards, Ivan Payne on drums, and Howard Molstrom on sax. This new band has a feel and sound all its own and I’m very excited about sharing our gifts.
Jazz and funk bassist, Emmanuel del Casal, has been a performing and recording artist for over 20 years. Working with notable artists such as Grammy Award-winning Daniel Lanois and Cha rles Nev ille of t he N evill e Br othe rs, Emmanuel’s musicianship has granted him extensive musical experiences and taken him many places around the world, from Asia to London. Emmanuel’s versatile groups capture the classic and tr aditional idioms of jazz as we ll as contemporary modern jazz. For critical listening in a concert setting, or creating the perfect ambient mood for a classy cocktail mixer, Emmanuel del Casal and his jazz groups bring everything right in the groove. Elevate your special event with Emmanuel del Casal. His jazz ensembles can be enjoyed every weekend at The Georgian in The Fairmont Olympic Hotel. Jazz duo featuring Emmanuel and guitarist Dan Sales: Fridays 6pm-10pm and Saturdays 6pm8pm. Jazz quartet featuring Andre Thomas on drums and Dan Sales with guest vocalists Stephanie Porter, Makini Magee, and Keely Whitney: Saturdays 8pm-10:30pm.
Tell us about your new recording. We are currently in production now. Before we move on I just want to give honor to a fallen friend, producer and sound engineer. Tom Phafel helped produce and engineer our last project and was scheduled to work on this on but was tragically taken from us and we will miss him.
a nd
Discography: On The Move, Seventh Power, and The Right Mix is in production. www.colelition.com
The Collective R&B, Contemporary Jazz SEPTEMBER, 2009
To answer your question, we are working with a number of producers including members of TriQuad productions, Chris Fuller and Michael Cole, Jr. They have a song on Day 26’s new project (Diddy’s new group). My friend Grady Wilkins of the Whispers will be helping if things work out and John Raymond will be doing some mixing as well. This project will be released in two phases, first a pre-release marketing CD (4 tracks) early fall 2009 and the full project later in early 2010. It’s going to be hot and different from anything we have done in the past. It’s titled “The Right Mix.” Do you have any release parties scheduled? We are hoping to do a pre-release party in the early fall 2009. Believe me, the word will definitely be out and we plan to do quite a bit of marketing in most all media. How are you planning to market the project? Well, definitely the internet, some print, live performances and an important element that some of us don’t realize is a must, and that’s why we will be working with a record promoter to get that precious air play on terrestrial, satellite and internet radio. Our last CD got some good airplay in Europe so we plan to market there also.
For bookings and information: Phone: 866-771-2500 Email: emman@smoothgroove.net We b: ww w.s mo oth gro ov e.n et www.myspace.com/emmanueldelcasal
What is the key to Cole’lition’s staying power? Why is the band so popular? Perseverance and just being blessed. As far as being popular, I can’t answer that, but we are sincere and we bring it from the heart. We are on a mission to make people feel good and positive about their experience with Cole’lition.
Will the group be touring to support the release? We definitely plan to tour and we have already started laying the ground work for that. We plan
The Collective, formerly The Jazz Collective, is based on a collaboration that actually started in 1974 when Randy Wallace and W. Michael Jaap first played music together. In a recent interview, Randy stated “Mike Jaap has been a musical mentor and close friend for 35 years.” In 1993, The Jazz Collective was formed with W. Michael Jaap on keys, Kurt Kolstad on drums, and Randy Wallace on guitar. Since then, the group has played venues throughout the Northwest with great success. The decision to change the name of the group after all these years is based on the fact that the group is able to play many styles of music— not only Jazz, give clients exactly what they are looking for, and essentially customize the event for them.
A LOOK BACK PROFILES FROM 2009
“I live for the creative process— whether I am on the bandstand with various musicians or at home alone composing music. I also thrive on getting the audience to enjoy the show and leave at the end of a performance feeling better than they did when they arrived.”
NW JAZZ PROFILE The Collective is able to draw on a “collective” of musicians, singers, horn players of all styles and perform in any configuration from a duo to an eight-piece horn band with a female or male lead vocalist. Randy Wallace states, “I believe the key to our su cc ess is a nd al way s has be en cl ie nt satisfaction.” One of The Collective’s recent projects has been recording a CD for Ron Bates, who is an Olympia based entertainer, well known for his Supper with Sinatra Dinner Shows. The CD was produced by W. Michael Jaap and features Kurt Kolstad on drums and Randy Wallace on guitar. There are also guest appearances on the CD by Steve Sarandos, a good friend and NW sax player, as well as Jeff Mason on harmonica and trombone. Ron Bates is donating a percentage of the proceeds of his CD to our beloved friend and brother, Kurt Kolstad, who has been suffering with cancer. In Kurt’s absence, we have been blessed to have Garey Williams with us on drums. We also recently did a collaboration with Michael Prendergast, an LA based singer by way of Mi sso ula , M ont ana. M ich ael wi ll be appearing with The Collective on October 2nd at Baker Street Books in Black Diamond, Washington. Also appearing will be Sidney Wallace (Randy’s wife) who is the former lead vocalist for Apricot Brandy. The Collective’s focus is to provide clients with exactly what they envision their event to be, whether it is jazz, rock, or dance, and to be able to d o i t by ut ili zi ng a col le cti ve of t he Northwest’s finest musicians.
Brooks Giles Saxophone, Vocals Seattle, WA OCTOBER, 2009
Of course, being able to pass along the joy of music to others through formal and informal educational opportunities is of great importance and I cherish those interactions greatly. How long have you been living in the Seattle area? Where were you living before you moved here? Actually, I haven’t officially moved to Seattle. I’ve lived in Brooklyn, New York for the past twenty years. However, many of those years have been spent abroad touring with my own ensembles and groups led by the late, great bassist/vocalist, Eldee Young and others. I’ve been fortunate, in the past year, to have spent the majority of my time in the Seattle area which I have definitely fallen in love with! Seattle, like New York, gives me the chance to indulge in a number of my “non-musical passions,” such as, enjoying great seafood, rooting for high quality sports teams and spending a great deal of time meditating around large bodies of water. Are you planning on staying here? After enjoying the hospitality and graciousness of the wonderful people I’ve connected with over the past year, I can’t imagine not having Seattle as a major part of my life. Ideally, I would like to continue my bicoastal lifestyle, but ultimately, the decision regarding my full time residency in Seattle will depend on the performance and educational opportunities that come my way. Which internationally respected recording artists have you worked with? Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with some outstanding musicians and entertainers including Donald Byrd, Charli Persip, The Drifters, Capathia Jenkins, Mildred Jones, Hui Cox, Ron Affif, Brad Mehldau and Eldee Young to name a few. What’s new with your performance career? Well, I’m really excited about the groups I’ve assembled here in Seattle over the past year. The four piece band includes some brilliant, sensitive and versatile musicians. Because these musicians are in such high demand, I’m in the habit of shifting the guitar and bass chairs at times. Working with Vineet John Davidson on guitar, Brian Kirk on drums, along with Douglas Barnett, Osama Afifi, and Doug Miller on bass has been a wonderful experience. My good friend, New York guitarist and producer Hui Cox, works with us
also when he’s in town. By the way, Brian Kirk and I performed on numerous gigs in New York and taught for the New York Department of Education while getting our graduate degrees back in the early 1990’s. It’s been really special to be able to perform regularly with him after so many years. I’ve also assembled a trio for more intimate gigs. What’s new with your recording career? Tell us about your new/latest recording. Who produced it? Where was it recorded? Who’s on it? What’s unique about it? Include release date and label. Are any songs getting airplay? Where can it be purchased? My latest recording is entitled, “Romance De Los Andes;” it was recorded last year in Santiago Chile with The Pancho Aranda Trio; Pancho is an outstanding and very well known pianist from Chile. I had the good fortune of being the featured artist with his group in Santiago for four months. His son Pancho, Jr. is a really fine bassist, and the drummer, Sergio Gonzalez, is a fiery young talent. Like my first recording, “Somewhere on Earth” (recorded in Bangkok, Thailand a few years ago), the upcoming CD is self-produced; I’m hoping to have it released in the next month. It will be available at all live shows, CDBaby.com, and on my website, www.brooksgiles.com. My latest CD features mostly songs associated with the “Great American Songbook.” The theme, of course, is Romantic Love. This was my first journey to South America and the energy there was very warm and very loving. My hotel room faced The Andes and, after watching people interact over the months, the overall theme for the CD seemed obvious. What’s new with your family life? Well, I’ve never been married nor do I have any children. Over the years, I tended to put music and career first, either consciously or subconsciously. In any case, my desire to perform and travel regularly far outweighed my desire for family life. I know my parents would have preferred having a daughter-in-law and grandchildren but they understand that traveling extensively while supporting a family— emotionally and financially—wasn’t going to fit into my overall plans for a life in music. Believe me. I have a great deal of respect for musicians who are able to “have it all.” What’s new with your quest for personal growth? My personal growth revolves around my spirituality and my desire for peace and joy for all people. I constantly work towards being the best person I can possibly be in this life. Studying world history, theosophy, theology and the teachings of Krishnamurti, The Buddha and other enlightened teachers, help me focus on all aspects of this existence while practicing Loving-Kindness. What do you want people to remember about you and your music? First and foremost, I hope that people remember
having a great time at the show listening to various types of music and feeling that they were thoroughly entertained. Also, I would hope that they remember witnessing musicians who truly enjoy making music and sharing their passion and positive energy with them. Website: _www.brooksgiles.com Email : music@brooksgiles.com
it three-quarters finished, but then took a hiatus when the sun came out. We will resume when the rains begin again and, in earnest, I am looking forward to it. FAMILY LIFE My husband is an old time fiddler and works for the stagehands’ union, and our eighteen-year-old daughter is a high school senior and a circus acrobat. She currently trains and teaches at SANCA in Georgetown and Seattle, and will audition in February for L’Ecole du Cirque du Nationale in Montreal.
date and label. My most recent recording was done in my home studio and produced by me. I laid down all the basic tracks including drum programming and had Alexey Nikolaev provide Sax solos. Andre Montague, Kyle McKinney and I did vocals. What’s unique about this recording so far is that it comes from my mind, heart and soul. As artists, we are all unique individuals with our own unique approaches to music. Therefore, all artists’ music is, in it’s own way, unique.
Dina Blade Vocalist, Guitarist, Dancer OCTOBER, 2009
PERSONAL GROWTH Yoga classes and playing as much bossa nova and samba as time will allow. I am headed to Rio in November to soak up the music, connect with musicians there, continue to improve my Portuguese, and get deeper into the Brazilian guitar styles. REMEMBER THIS That my passion for music and dance is/was infectious! www.dinablade.com Email address: dinablade@dinablade.com
Sandy Harvey Keyboards, Vocals “I live for loving and being loved in return.” PERFORMANCE CAREER It’s varied and interesting, and BUSY! More concerts, a few dances, and I’m playing guitar on more occasions, mostly swing and bossa nova. Besides my solo voice/guitar and duo voice/piano gigs, and along with historical shows of 30’s and 40’s music, I’m in a dance band/septet called “Swingin’ in the Rain,” a girl swing/jazz trio called “Fedora,” a ballroom dance quartet called “Chassez,” and a folk-bop duo with guitar/voice/ trumpet called “The Willikers” that plays everything from Brazilian choros and French musettes to Monk. It’s all fun!
OCTOBER, 2009
RECORDING I just completed recording a collection of my most favorite singing games and dances for kids. We had an absolute ball making this CD! It was unlike anything I had ever done previously; it was selfproduced for posterity and a true labor of love. It was recorded at Hans Brehmer’s studio with the Canote Brothers (guitar and violin), and I am presently working on the accompanying manual that is geared toward teachers. Contact me to get a copy, and the scheduled release date is midDecember under Joyswing Records.
Jazz is more than just…a style of music; it’s also…a means of traveling uncharted paths and reaching past the ordinary or the expected.
I have also been recording The Rain Project , a collection of songs with the word “rain” in the title, with voice and piano. Hans Brehmer is the pianist and I am the singer; it is a very minimalist, esoteric approach to many familiar standards and lullabies. We began recording last winter and had
If jazz never existed, what else would never have existed? If jazz never existed, a true American art form would not exist. Jazz was born right here in this country. What good things have been happening for you lately? I’m performing regularly. Some venues that I have not previously been exposed to are providing an opportunity for me to meet new musicians and also reconnect with some fine players that I haven’t worked with for quite some time. What musical walls are you still struggling to climb over? This is not really a struggle, but sometimes when I’m at home playing my grand piano, a different spirit or mindset sets in and. when I finish, I go, “Wow, that was awesome.” It’s almost like an out of body experience. Not to say I don’t perform well in front of an audience, but I’d like to capture that same at-home e xperience at every performance all the time. Regardless of the compliments you receive, you always know when you are good or absolutely on fire by your own standards. If someone could look up Sandy Harvey in Webster’s Dictionary, what would you like it to say? I’d like it to say, “World-renowned multimillionaire musician.” What the heck? You asked.
I chose the keyboards because, first of all, I grew up in a home with a piano and organ in the living room and with older siblings that played them very well. Also, keyboard instruments provide for the bass line, chord structure and melody all in one. Which nationally famous entertainers have you worked with? Stevie Wonder, Tower of Power’s Greg Adams and Mic Gillette, Isaac Hayes, blues singer Benny Latimore, BB King, The Temptations, The Platters, and more. Tell us about your most recent recording. Who produced it? Where was it recorded? Who’s on it? What’s unique about it? Include release
Other than performing on stage, what else do you do to keep the home fires burning? I like to set fire to people’s homes. Ok, sorry. I enjoy practicing on the piano and working around the yard. I enjoy doing various remodeling and upgrade projects around the house. Anything to do with designing and building always strikes my interest. I like figuring out what makes things work and keeping them working properly, except cars. What are the keys to balancing the different facets of your professional life and your family life? For me, the balance is built in. I don’t perform or work or do anything 24 hours a day. I’m at the gig for a few hours, I work a few hours, and I’m doing family for a few hours. There’s your balance. Do you have a favorite performance venue?
A LOOK BACK PROFILES FROM 2009
“I live for the joy music can bring to people’s lives—the way it can compliment any situation, emotion, and make all our events and gatherings more enjoyable—whether it’s with family, at a game, a concert, or a club. And for the time we spend with our friends and family as we experience life.”
NW JAZZ PROFILE Why? My favorite performance venue is Seattle’s Jazz Alley. This place is all about the music. The emcee even asks, during his introduction of the artists, that the audience keeps conversations quiet and to a minimum for the benefit of the artists and the listeners. Every pro musician has experienced a “Gig from Hell.” Describe yours. Well, one of these would be back in the late seventies when our brilliant agent booked our allblack funk/soul band at an uppity yacht club in Bellingham for a New Year’s Eve party. The age group for this event was 65 and older (mostly older). The only reason we didn’t need a chicken wire fence in front of the stage is because they couldn’t throw anything that far. What good would you do for your community if you had Bill Gates’ money? I’d set up a free music workshop for young people to learn all aspects of music industry from learning how to play and perform to recording, new music technology, vocal training and the business side of music. Is there a differen ce between joy and happiness? “Joy” is all the things that make you smile and feel good inside. “Happiness” is sustained joy. Do all the things that bring you joy and you will be happy. Website: sandyharvey.com Email address: sandyharvey@comcast.net
Rich Wetzel
PERFORMANCE CAREER The band is evolving to include a wider spectrum or show, pretty eclectic and high energy, from Maynard Ferguson to Dean Martin to James Brown. We recently added Mitch Reems, a great vocalist whose delivery and stage presence has helped make this wider and new show even more exciting. We are really not limiting ourselves to playing only jazz or only jazz venues. We recently played and won over the crowd and other artists and organizers at The Seattle Hempfest; we did a wide variety to include some heavy funk, R&B, and a jazz-rock mix for a very unique experience. Not wanting to limit ourselves to a single genre I may even rename the group from Rich Wetzel’s Groovin Higher Jazz Orchestra, to Groovin Higher Orchestra. We are adding more funk, rock, R&B and jazz-rock and still our core high-energy Maynard, Mangione, for a very hip mix and a new show that would fit any type of festival and even take in clubs with some of the great horn rock band tunes we have added. We did this just the other day at The Puyallup Fair and the crowd absolutely loved it! This is the new direction of the band. The Brass Herald , a po pular internationally distributed magazine in England, will have a big feature interview with me in their October issue after lots of airplay in Europe. RECORDING We have three CD’s out, the latest was recorded about two years ago, titled The Mayn Thing , which is a tribute to Maynard Ferguson and has been played all over the world. We have had quite extensive air play on jazz radio stations all over the US, Canada, Japan, Europe and beyond. We recorded it at Pacific Studios in Tacoma. Those guys were absolutely phenomenal and truly captured the sound I wanted. It can be purchased at iTunes or CDBaby and can be ordered at most music stores.
trying a slightly bigger mouthpiece and working on a few things; it’s really turning out to be fun and I like where it is going. REMEMBER THIS Remember that we had fun, that we did it on a grand scale, and that it was high energy and great stuff. PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE We are just finishing a huge string of really great gigs all summer long, and now we’re going to concentrate on our Stan Kenton Big Band Christmas with Rich Wetzel’s Expanded GHO, where it will be a thirty piece jazz orchestra. This will be held at Tacoma Community College on Dec 4th and 5th. Details will be on our website soon.
Music Contractor and Northwest Rep for ConnSelmer Inc musical instruments, and Bach Artist and Clinician Website: www.richwetzel.com and www.myspace.com/groovinhigher Email address: emeraldse@aol.com
Johnny Conga Congas, Timbales, Bongos, Vibes,Toys Teacher, Educator Seattle, WA NOVEMBER, 2009 “My life without music would be boring and unexciting. Through music, I have been blessed to have been able to travel the world and perform with some of the greatest names in show business.”
Trumpet, Flugelhorn OCTOBER, 2009
FAMILY LIFE My wife, Starr, is doing lots of community volunteer work as the volunteer coordinator for the Tacoma Police Department and other great neighborhood groups. We have a couple huge McCaw parrots: a blue and gold named Maynard, for Maynard Ferguson, and a scarlet named Arturo for Arturo Sandoval. PERSONAL GROWTH After playing a show with Arturo Sandoval in June, I’ve been getting that huge sound of his in my head, just working on opening up my own sound,
I chose the play percussion because... I played the flute for awhile, but was influenced more by the Conga drum at an early age, due to my fathers Cuban music. I put down the flute and picked up the drum… Why is music such an important part of being human?
Music affects us physically, emotionally and spiritually. I believe that, through music, we allow ourselves to be ourselves in a variety of ways— when we listen to it, dance to it, and play to it. Which styles of music are you most comfortable playing? Most styles; Latin Jazz, Salsa, Rumba, R&B, Jazz, etc. Which internationally respected entertainers have you worked with? I’ve worked with Sergio Mendes, The Jackson 5, Paquito D’Rivera, Dave Valentin, Juan Pablo Torres, Maynard Ferguson, John Klemmer, Gloria Estefan, and Gloria Gaynor; there isn’t enough room here to name them all. In what other countries have you performed? Well, I have performed in over fifty countries, from Australia to Zurich. What was the occasion? I have done seventeen international world tours with a variety of artists. Tell us about your career before moving to Seattle, WA. Where were you living? I really had no career in Miami, though I did a lot of one-nighters with artists like Arturo Sandoval, Nestor Torres, Johnny Pacheco, and others. However, the work was only seasonal in Miami. Why did you move to the Northwest? Well, there is no short answer to this question, but I came here for opportunities that I didn’t have in Miami. That is, basically, to have a “musical life.” I found one here in Seattle and I don’t regret the move at all. Tell us about your radio program. My radio show, AL LADO LATINO (www.kbcs.fm), is about Latin music—Latin Jazz, Afro-Cuban, Salsa and more. I have been doing it for four years now, and it’s still going strong. What good things have been happening for you during the last several months? Well, I have been doing some session work with a variety of artists, teaching privately, and gigging with the Rhythm Syndicate, the Yoginis, Eric Fridrich Trio, the TYPE A band, and whomever else calls me. Which is the most difficult percussion instrument to master? For me, it’s the Brazilian instrument—the Pandiero. Do you feel it’s a music educator’s obligation to escort a star student into the professional arena by showing him, or her, the ropes and introducing the student to pros who might consider working with a newcomer? I don’t know if I would use the word ‘obligation,’ but I turn star pupils onto gigs when I can, and educate them in the “business of show” and music.
Is there ever a time when a teacher should tell a seemingly hopeless or lazy student that they should choose another path? I would leave that up to the student to decide, but I would try to guide them with positivity. Have you ever hurt your hands by practicing or performing for extremely long periods of time? If so, how did you heal them? Well, I did 45 one-nighters on three continents with Gloria Gaynor and my hands were beat up and hurting. I would soak them in a bowl of ice water, to help the swelling go down and that was it. Well, after 45 years of playing and hitting the drum, I am now on a program of glucosamine and chondroitin. I found out about four years ago I had no cartilage left in my hands. Since using these, my hands and bones are feeling a lot better. What else do you do to keep the home fires burning? I practice every day and teach every other day. Other than choosing a career in music, what is the most adventurous or dangerous thing you have ever done? U.S Army (Vietnam era), 1968-71. To date, what is your most significant achievement as a performer? Performing at Carnegie Hall in NY City in front of my friends and family. What attracted you to the love of your life? The Music of Cuba—my motherland. What do you know for sure? That I will play until I die; even if I can’t, I will… What do you want people to remember about you and your music? That I treated the music with integrity and respect, and that I was a ‘giver’ of the drum.
Tracey Hooker Trumpet, Olympia, WA NOVEMBER, 2009
The one thing you must realize about the music business is the value of having a great/deep love for music. I think of my audience and what music I would want to hear. When the tip jar is filled and you see smiles on their faces, then you know you are making that connection. The bottom line is that if you make them happy, then you feel good about what you do for a living. I chose the trumpet because of those Hanna Barbara cartoons of the 1960’s; those screaming horns always caught my attention. I can still hear the tunes in my head; remember the “Jonny Quest” theme? You are primarily known as a trumpet player. Do you play any other instruments? Although I wish I had chops for Bass or Piano, trumpet is my only instrument. I remember my father saying to me when I would play my sisters flute, “Jack of all trades, master of none.” I have seen some musicians play the daylights out of multiple instruments, so that traditional school of thought doesn’t always apply. Which style of jazz are you most connected with? I mostly enjoy contemporary/smooth jazz. Melodic lines always seem to call to me. One of my favorite solos ever, believe it or not, is from the Eagles, “One of These Nights”—much energy and a great melodic line. I have always heard, “play something you can leave your audience whistling.” Which style of jazz are you least connected with? This is difficult to voice and admit and may make some readers cringe, but I have found that a little be-bop goes a long way. Of course, there is a time and place for many (not all) things. I would like to add in here that Van Gogh says, “To know life is to love many things.” So, having said that, I prefer the kind of music that relaxes, uplifts, excites, and sometimes mellows me if I am feeling a bit blue, but be-bop seems too frantic for me. Which internationally respected artists have you worked with? Although I have spent most of my adult life in the United States Navy Music Program, I have worked with the O’Jays, Frankie Valli, Bobby Shew, and Arturo Sandoval…to name a few. In what other countries have you performed? Having previously mentioned the Navy Music Program, I was fortunate enough to be stationed in Naples, Italy during the early to mid-90’s. The band spent much time on the road in support of the 50th anniversary of D-Day. We traveled to some 18 countries during my three year tour. We were always treated well by our host countries and sponsors and, yes, I ate very well. For my money though, Italy has the best food! What is your academic background? Growing up in Daytona Beach, Florida I attended
A LOOK BACK
significant contribution to the contemporary jazz vocabulary? Contemporary Jazz is an ever-growing art form. It is difficult to credit any one group or artist with a greater influence over another. However, I am always happy to hear some hip tune performed with the flavor of smooth jazz.
PROFILES FROM 2009 NW JAZZ PROFILE
the local community college. Joining the Navy in 1982, I finally completed my B.A. in 1997 from SUNY (State University of New York) in Albany, NY. I guess you could say it took a while, but I was active duty and making music everyday. One perspective is that I was making a living in the field I was also pursuing. I have to put in a plug here: the Navy was a great education in itself. Where do you start when you’re composing original music? Original music has never quite been a desire or a gift of mine. I have written one blues tune about my boat (“Mama Bleu“). If you own a boat, then there is only one style fitting—the BLUES. I do perform it on occasion and it has been requested many times. This would have be a recognition and understanding for others who share my misery. Do you have perfect pitch? Perfect pitch? I do know one person who has perfect pitch but sings flat; go figure that. I have relative pitch and I can thank Jamey Aebersold for that. Countless hours have been spent playing along with his CD’s…but wait…I started with his books and vinyl. Bb is still ringing in my ears man!
What attracted you to the love of your life? I found the LOVE of my life just recently; she is a classical pianist and her dedication to music and to me has finally led my heart to her. Other than jazz, what activities do you enjoy? Boating and music are my two great passions in life. I always wanted to try hang-gliding and actually did once; I was tethered though. What do you want people to remember about you and your music? When people leave our performance I want them to feel good because they had fun. Oh yeah, maybe they would think I still have nice hair for a man my age.
Butch Harrison Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Keyboards, & Vocals - Federal Way, WA NOVEMBER, 2009
continue to give me good sound advice when necessary. STATE OF THE BIZ The industry has changed so much (especially at the marketing end) that it has become difficult to maneuver in. You can’t get air play without sales, and you can’t get sales without air play. The music is out there but you really have to know where it is or hunt it down online. Meanwhile, the big producers are marketing what they see as commercial and they also are new on the scene. The labels of the past (Motown, Polydor, Capitol and Arista) are under new leadership and have been replaced by new players such as Def Jam, or Gangsta and Death Row. CD baby and Amazon have been saving graces for the independent artists to get their music out there, and it still remains a crap shot. For now, the recipe seems to be to throw enough stuff on several walls and see what sticks, but you have to be careful what walls you hit. PERSONAL LIFE Life is still good. Health is well, I’ve been blessed with a new grandson this year, my oldest son is engaged to be married next summer, and my youngest son stepped out on his first date this month and, of course, the CD was just released in August. FAMILY LIFE My wife of 18 years, and all my children, are in good health and doing well. PERSONAL GROWTH I continue to be a student of life and believe that learning is a life-long process; therefore, I continue to learn. The CD is good and you can access it directly by going to www.cdbaby.com/cd/butchharrison.
How can a serious jazz artist reach a younger audience? Reaching a younger audience has no real trick but to play your music well and from the heart. I think people can feel you on stage. Again, I tend to play tunes with great melodies. If you are genuine with your audience, they will respond. Can jazz still be considered a party music? You can sell jazz and people will dance. We play tunes from the Charlie Brown (Vince Guaraldi) library and people are up doing the Snoopy Dance. Programming is key. No dead air between tunes and carefully putting together your list thinking about styles, tempos, how one tune ends, and how one begins are all things that take work, but when you collect your bread at the end of the night and they book you for the next years event on the spot, you know you’re doing something right. Put your audience first. There will be times to show your musical prowess during the evening. Maybe you work a nice long cadenza and let your fingers rip. Bottom line, making them happy makes you happy. Which R&B, Soul or Rock artist has made a
PERFORMANCE CAREER BH : Wel l, so fa r, fo r N ove mb er I’l l be performing at the Southport Cafe on Friday the 13th, with Ms. Stephanie Porter and, Saturday the 14th, at Vino Bella with Good Company. There should also be some reoccurring dates at “Saigon Palms” in Renton for Thursdays. RECORDING CAREER The new CD is still selling well locally and moving around the globe. The US market is taking off a little slower than one would think it would. CIRCLE OF FRIENDS I’ve been blessed to be in a good circle of friends who continue to enjoy life and all that comes with it. Ms Josephine Howell is having fun in a new play, “Obama On My Mind,” and just celebrated her birthday (I wont tell which one). Darren Motamedy, Doug Barnett, Wadie Ervin, and Brian Kirk are still doing their thing and
Website: Butch Harrison on Face Book_ Email address: butchharrison@hotmail.com
Danny Welsh Tenor, Soprano Saxophones, Flute Seattle, WA NOVEMBER, 2009
PERFORMANCE CAREER Pretty much the same as the past few years; I’ve been playing clubs, events and doing studio work.
way. Her website is www.conflicttransformer.com. PERSONAL GROWTH I am finding my “internal home” on stage; I’m getting to the place where it feels like I’m comfortably singing in my living room when I’m doing a show. I also find myself intensely craving the mic as one craves a lover, feeling jealous when some one else gets to love it. I am learning to store that energy and open it up completely when I do get my spin on the stage; it’s quite powerful.
RECORDING CAREER I’m in the middle of a new CD project that I’m very excited about. It marks my first time as composer, producer and, of course, saxophonist all on the same project. The target date for download release is March 2010. Look for it on iTunes. My goal is to release an entirely originally composed CD. I’ve got some good sounding covers in the wings, but I don’t know if I’m going to cave and add a few! CIRCLE OF FRIENDS My true friends are like gold to me! They’re all doing fine, My good friend, baseball historian Dave Eskenazi, has a recently opened Pacific Coast League display at the San Francisco Ai rpo rt. a mus t-s ee Sea ttl e P ilo ts’ 40 th anniversary display at Safeco Field, and a book co-written with the P.I.’s Dan Raley on the history of the PCL, titled Pitchers of Beer , which is being published this spring. STATE OF THE BIZ Well, obvi ously the internet h as changed everything . Music, being a do wnloadable commodity, has given so many more artists access to a much larger audience. In many ways, it’s a great era for musicians. PERSONAL LIFE Well, I’m newly single and pretending I like it! Lol! Hear that women? The silver lining is that I have more time to spend on music which is what I should be doing in the first place. FAMILY LIFE My family’s all doing well, particularly my grown daughter who’s also my closest best friend. PERSONAL GROWTH As I grow older, I’m definitely much more in touch with what a true gift each and every day really is. It’s easy when your very young to see our time on this planet as infinite when, in fact, it is quite finite. Email: dannywelsh@mac.com
Oghale Agbor Vocalist - Seattle, WA NOVEMBER, 2009 PERFORMANCE CAREER I’m still making a name for myself—paying my dues if you will. I am currently working on booking some international performances; possibly some gigs on a deluxe cruise line or a very nice hotel. The demand that those kinds of gigs put on the performer, I believe, will make me even stronger.
Website: www.oghaleagbro.com Email address: oghalea@gmail.com
RECORDING CAREER I am in a good position to start my first album. I have, at my finger tips, some of the best musicians around, and I have an ample repertoire and wonderful arrangements for some of my favorite songs. Currently, funding is the only hindrance to my album being made.
Sandra Locklear Piano, Keyboards, Vocals, Music Educator NOVEMBER, 2009
CIRCLE OF FRIENDS Douglas Acosta, a good friend of mine, has taken his destiny into his own hands and moved to New York to boost his promising vocal career. He is picking up speed and I’m very proud of him. His web site is www.dougacosta.com; check him out he is a true crooner. STATE OF THE BIZ I think the industry is what it has always been: hard to trust and hard to ignore. I haven’t had much personal experience with it, but what is being fashioned as “popular” has left something to be desired. I feel that individual artists need only keep true to their hearts and find their niche somewhere in the middle. My concern is how much one has to choose between being able to perform what they love and making a living performing. I do like that artist have found and are creating vehicles to sell their art that take some of the control out of the industry hands and put some into their own. PERSONAL LIFE I am currently working on a book. It’s a book I’ve been looking for all my life but have never found, so I figured I may as well write it. It pegs questions that I’ve never really heard people ask about their lives, or life in general. It started with catching some of my more in-depth conversations on tape, and now I’m compiling what I have so far into a blog called “Kneweyes.” I want to get a feel of how people will react to it, then, after that, who knows? Hopefully, a best-seller. I’m also learning Brazilian Portuguese, such a beautiful language to sing and speak. I will be adding some Portuguese songs to my repertoire, so stay tuned. FAMILY LIFE My mother is currently releasing her second book called “The ABC’s of Interpersonal Fitness.” Her aim is making people aware of the root of conflict and giving them the tools to resolve it in a healthy
PERFORMANCE CAREER I’m happily into year three of polishing my technique on Steinway grand pianos at the Bellevue Collection, where I play 3 1/2 hours without sheet music. This fall, I’ve been working at some of the newer restaurants and clubs popping up in south Seattle, sometimes with my singerguitarist husband, Jim. Holiday band gigs are around the corner and, next year, I look forward to doing some touring again. RECORDING CAREER “Girl Gone Jazz” was recorded in 2007 on my ThunderEye Music label. It’s cool that people from different countries are downloading cuts from my albums. Lately, my company has been working on editing video footage for YouTube. Last February, I shared new original material at the Women of Wisdom Conference in Seattle that will be on my next album project. Then, there’s the music I recorded in Africa. There’s not enough time in the day! CIRCLE OF FRIENDS Well, they all seem to have a special calling in life. Last year, a friend on the Seeds of Compassion committee gifted me with tickets and I took my family to hear the Dalai Lama speak at Key Arena. One couple I know connects goods and services with the needy and I can donate stage clothing to
D’Vonne Lewis Drummer - Seattle. WA
A LOOK BACK
NOVEMBER, 2009
from this line of musicians that brought me my focus and appreciation. I think a lot of my generation understands this concept and the music is evolving as a result. PERSONAL LIFE You know, I tend to like to keep things like that private, but everything in life is good right now and I am thankful for everyday that I live and play music.
PROFILES FROM 2009 NW JAZZ PROFILE
Website: dvonnelewis.com Email address: dvonnelewis@yahoo.com the local theatre company that another friend runs. I’m in awe of my band members; they’re all talented artists busy with their families, teaching and musical projects of their own.
Paul Richardson Keyboards - Seattle, WA
STATE OF THE BIZ I’m concerned about the state of music education in America and the future of the music industry. We now have legions of young people growing up with no musical opportunity or exposure to a musical role model. I spent all last year helping to lead an arts advocacy effort in the school district where I teach music part-time because we no longer have middle or high school choirs. Our best efforts failed because of a tidal wave of education trends over the past five years that have put music education in the back seat. Check out my research article at www.newhorizons.org. I agree with Michael Tilson, Music Director of the San Francisco Symphony, that “we must not sit idly by as artists.” If it weren’t for my mentor, I wouldn’t have evolved into a professional musician. FAMILY / PERSONAL LIFE Between career and marriage, mom care and college and scholarship searches, I am blessed to have a full and rich life that admittedly is sometimes hard to juggle. So, I exercise and hang out with my friends and try to pay attention to the small miracles of daily life, like my daughter getting all the way through “Fur D’elise” at her homecoming show without a single mistake! PERSONAL GROWTH I’m into shamanism and sweat lodge but didn’t start out that way. Pinning a Kleenex onto my head before being dragged into Catholic mass as a young girl was why I always played “The Impossible Dream” once I became their church organist. Website: www.sandralocklear.com Email address: thundereye13@msn.com
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I just try to continue to play lots of music, practice and learn. And I try to check out new music and come up with new ideas. Other than that, everything’s pretty cool. PERFORMANCE CAREER One of the bands I play in, McTuff, just completed a West Coast tour and we have a lot of upcoming tour dates. One of my other newly formed projects is a jam night at Waid’s Haitian Cuisine every Thursday night from 10pm to 1am; it’s called “Kool Vybes.” In addition to live music, there is also a live DJ—my good friend, Kuhnex. I mainly wanted to do this in the Central Area community, because there is a history there and members of the community who need to know that there is now a place where music can reach them. RECORDING CAREER I am currently involved with several recordings, so look out for the release dates. I have a new album coming out with the “Jason Parker Quartet.” The CD release is at LUCID on Saturday, October 24th. I am really excited and looking forward to my band, “Industrial Revelation,” to release our debut recording called “Unreal Reality” soon.
NOVEMBER, 2009
PERFORMANCE CAREER I’m doing a lot more acoustic piano playing. RECORDING CAREER I’m just starting two new recordings. One will be all original and the other will be cover tunes from my solo gigs. FAMILY LIFE Just appreciating every moment I have with every member of my family. PERSONAL GROWTH Focusing on people more.
CIRCLE OF FRIENDS A lot of my friends are musicians, of course, and I feel that everyone is doing their part in the music community. There is pretty much a jam session every night of the week and I have been able to be a part of them in one way or another. A lot of my friends are composing a lot of new music and I feel real good to be able to share that experience with them. STATE OF THE BIZ In order for music to really progress and evolve, younger musicians have to understand the roots of music. I was heavily influenced to play music by my dad. I first became aware of my musical heritage by seeing a photograph of him at the drums. Later on, it was my grandfather, Seattle Organist Dave Lewis, and knowing that I came
REMEMBER THIS I want to remembered as a family man that was honest, kind and genuine, that played music with his own passionate approach. Website: www.paulrichardsonmusic.com Email address: paulrichardsonmusic@me.com
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Mercedes Nicole Vocalist - Seattle. WA NOVEMBER, 2009
just to name a few—are just laying down music all over the Northwest and, in Josie’s case, the world! It’s cool! I love them! STATE OF THE BIZ Each of us are uniquely our own and that in it se lf is a be aut ifu l thi ng ! T he mu si c/ entertainment industry needs to trust in this reality NS embrace the fact that, when we artists give our gift of music and voice to the world, everyone will win! Everyone will get paid. There is no shortage or lack of financial base, so our fans and the people at large do not need to be manipulated or protected. They are intelligent enough to follow their hearts and honor what and who they feel connects with them. In doing so, the industry will do what it’s designed to do: ‘make money.’ It’s a true, winwin. PERSONAL LIFE Ah, the key here is ‘personal,’ so I try my best to keep it that way. I’m enjoying people! Enjoying other artists! I’m getting out there on a weekly basis and supporting live music! That excites me and inspires me! I wake up each day looking forward to my next gig as well as who I might see and hear. It makes my life full and rich, and it makes me a better performer! I’m definitely enjoying love; that’s all I can and am willing to say! LOL!
PERFORMANCE CAREER Actually, I have carved out November for family time; I have family in Southern California that I’m long overdue to see! Both of my parents are still alive, so I’ll connect with them for Thanksgiving. It gives me time to line up and prepare for the 2010. December, I have several private shows up until the week of Christmas, so I can rest and refresh for the New Year! It was amazing to perform at the Blue Heron’s during the Panache Jazz Series, Maureen Gerard’s 88 Keys on Whidbey, and Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley this past summer! The turn out blew me away! I’m already lined up to return there, Bake’s Place, and a few other great places. RECORDING CAREER I’m thrilled to be working with Bernie Jacobs, Eric Ve rlinde, Evan Flory Barnes , Andre Thomas, Thaddeus Spae, Wayne Porter, Clipper An de rso n, R and y Hal be rst ad t and t he phenomenal Ms. Alaine Fitz-Carter on a new vocal project entitled “Silk.” It’s a deliciously warm and sensual take on some of the songs from the Great American Songbook alongside a few originals. I’ve had a chance to work with a couple o f great new songwr iters—Pete Tomack, Lenard Jones, Beth Wulff—as well as some of my own compositions.
PERSONAL GROWTH On a daily basis, I try and find my balance and put a lot of focus on what I am grateful for! I recognize that I am connected to the entire world family. We are part of a whole and not a “everyone for him/herself” nation. I do a lot of reading and a whole lot of forgiving myself and others. Suspending judgment has become pretty crucial. Who am I to judge and who am I to criticize? Like my mama says, “ If I don’t have anything good to say about someone or a situation, keep my mouth shut.” It’s easier said than done, but I work on it. DREAMS? To record with Herbie Hancock one day. To do a tribute to Miles Davis and Shirley Horne. They were pretty tight back in the day! My dream band? OMG! There are so many talented artists in the Pacific Northwest. There’s not enough room to in this magazine to start the discussion! www.mercedesnicole.com www.myspace.com/ mercedesnicolemakesmusic Booking/Questions Call: 206-235-0478
CIRCLE OF FRIENDS My friends are gigging and gigging hard! Erin McGough, Josephine Howell, Special Kay (Karen Anthony), Elna Jordan, Katie King, Celestine Berrysmith, Grace Holden, Reggie Goings, Overton Berry and Michael Powers—
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BLUES Rafael Tranquilino Randy Oxford Band Rafael Tranquilino, of the Randy Oxford Band, is one of the hottest young guitar-slingers in the region. His style is spirited and energetic, a skillful blend of Blues with Jazz, Rock, Funk, and Latin. He has a smooth, soulful voice and a knack for writing songs that speak to the heart, whether the words are in English or Spanish. Rafael has several side projects, including an up-coming CD and his own band, Jesse the Wolf.
There are usually four main elements that come together to make a hot blues band. Of course there are the vocals, the bass and the drums, but the average blues band just wouldn’t be able to deliver that in-your-face, burning urgency without a guitarist who’s really laying it down. When you’re ready to hear some great blues, and dance your butt off, use this guitarist showcase as your guide to the areas hottest blues bands. See you at the show.
Tom “T-Boy Neal” Boyle
Mike Wright Guitarist Mike Wright began performing as a young man when he was in the Air Force, and he continued playing professionally until he was thirty-one years old. He took a hiatus to raise a family, and after twenty four years he came back in full swing, rediscovering his love for an old friend, his guitar. He carefully reworked his 1970 Les Paul Custom “tuxedo”, revitalizing this fine instrument that he plays today. Mike says he is grateful to the South Sound Blues Association and the other blues organizations for keeping the blues alive, and for welcoming and encouraging musicians to participate in this great art form, called “the blues.”
Kimball Conant Kimball Conant & the Fugitives
Becki Sue & her Big Rockin’ Daddies! Known for his signature stingin’ Texas and Chicago blues style, Tom “T-Boy Neal” Boyle is a 5-time winner (‘03, ’05, ’06, 0’7, ’09) of the WA Blues Society’s “Best Electric Guitar” BB Award. He is a founding member of one of the Pacific Northwest’s hottest blues acts, Becki Sue & her Big Rockin’ Daddies! www.bigrockindaddies.com - www.myspace.com/tboyneal tboyneal@comcast.net - Cell: 360-790-6105 - Fax: 360-357-5454
Credits: Bumbershoot, 2005 Fisherman’s Restaurant last 3 summers, Seattle Sunbanks Blues Festival 2006 & 07 Mukilteo Lighthouse Festival 2006, 07, 08 New Orleans Creole Restaurant, Seattle Interbay Golf Course “Jazz on the Green” 2007, 08, 09 Everett Waterfront Festival 2007, 08, 09 EMP Seattle Center, 2006 Styles: Jazz, Blues, R & B Standards, Samba, Rhumba, Salsa, Tex-Mex, Polka, Cumbia, Rockabilly, Country and Western, Western Swing, Folk, 50s/60s/70s Rock ‘n Roll Hits.
Booking: www.kimballconant.com www.stickshiftannie.com 206-661-7177
Billy Shew
Preston Miller
Billy Shew Band
Michal Miller Band
Billy has played in many diverse bands, which include Blues, Jazz, Rock and Concert Bands. He has performed in various clubs and festivals throughout the Midwest and West Coast including Big Reds in Amarillo Texas, Hwy 99 club in Seattle, Dawson’s in Tacoma, Jazz Bones Tacoma, Halftime Saloon in Gig Harbor, The Firecreek in Kent, The Bite of Seattle and the Taste of Tacoma just to name a few. Contact info: www.billyshewband.com, myspace.com/ billyshewband and email: admin@billyshewband.com.
I was born in Alabama but I never called that home. A big Influence when I was a kid were Yazoo Records of old Blues 78’s with that nice scratchy sound KACHUNCK they’re all on Cd’s now. Michal Miller Band has been sent twice to the IBC in Memphis. With luck a little juice and a lot of pain maybe we can go again. The Blues Rollon...
Al Alto Maia Santell and House Blend Intense and edgy, and sometimes over the top. Al Alto’s guitar playing is finger pickin’ wild, with a tone and style that give him ranges of expression that few others come close to. He owes his claim to fame “redneck jazz” finger-style to guitarist Danny Gatton. Like many musicians he was a fan of BB King and Jimi Hendrix, and studied Hendrix’s unique style, rooted in blues. Like Hendrix, Alto is a multistylist, often playing four or five styles in one - jazz, blues, rock, funk and country. To check out Al with Maia and the rest of the band see: www.MaiaSantell.com
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