Tag: jazz

On Capitol Hill, A Wealth of Alternatives to Alternative Music
Arts & Entertainment, Music

On Capitol Hill, A Wealth of Alternatives to Alternative Music

Last Friday night, I began my evening at St. Joseph’s Church on the north of Capitol Hill, with The Esoterics concert “Sirene.” Founded and led by conductor/composer Eric Banks, The Esoterics are a choral group that sings a cappella, shunning musical instruments for the most part. […] By the time Zubatto Syndicate, the neo-big band jazz ensemble that likes to rock, was throwing down their cover of Metallica’s “Master of Puppets,” the restraining walls of genre had disintegrated completely. Continue reading On Capitol Hill, A Wealth of Alternatives to Alternative Music

<em>Ne Change Rien</em>, the Half-Light of a French Chanteuse
Arts & Entertainment, Film & TV, Music

Ne Change Rien, the Half-Light of a French Chanteuse

Here, you learn what Jeanne Balibar, actrice, chanteuse, does “really.” Costa, I think, displays a wry sense of humor by having the film open with Balibar singing “Torture.” (You can find most of the songs here, with guitarist/songwriter Rudolphe Burger, on her album Paramour.) The camera’s obsessive focus aside, there’s no glamor here, no enormous swells of applause, if there’s an audience, it barely registers. Continue reading Ne Change Rien, the Half-Light of a French Chanteuse

Now Playing: Lee Ritenour & Dave Grusin at Jazz Alley
Arts & Entertainment, Music

Now Playing: Lee Ritenour & Dave Grusin at Jazz Alley

Good music hits you where you live, but be prepared: This show is an emotional ride. Ritenour invites you into a warm, intimate place, then blows your head off with high-energy funk. At 59, Ritenour has been around: His first session work–for The Mamas and The Papas–was in 1968, when he was 16. His resume is one of the few places you’ll see “Pink Floyd” and “Frank Sinatra” on one list! Continue reading Now Playing: Lee Ritenour & Dave Grusin at Jazz Alley

Seattle’s Other Indie Music Scene
Arts & Entertainment, Music

Seattle’s Other Indie Music Scene

Thanks to the internet, these groups can be more indie than indie: Zubatto Syndicate’s CD was funded by Kickstarter. They can also be more esoteric than even the most esoteric record store could hope to shelve. The Esoterics choir has 12 CDs out, from their latest collection of Samuel Barber’s choral works to collections inspired by sonnets, Islam, and the mandala. And the Jason Parker Quartet surprised everyone by turning Nick Drake into “Endlessly listenable, accessible, genius jazz” raved The Examiner.com. Not satisfied with that Spekulation mashed up Parker’s take with Jay-Z. Continue reading Seattle’s Other Indie Music Scene

World’s Top Saxman Joe Lovano at Jazz Alley This Weekend
Arts & Entertainment, Music

World’s Top Saxman Joe Lovano at Jazz Alley This Weekend

Joe Lovano doesn’t play the type of jazz you sip wine to. His quintet is an odd arrangement, featuring two drummers. The Kansas City Star called Lovano’s performance there earlier this month “bruising,” “alienating [to] less adventurous listeners,” and reported that half the audience fled at intermission. So, maybe don’t bring the grandparents? Continue reading World’s Top Saxman Joe Lovano at Jazz Alley This Weekend