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Chuck Deardorf

Chuck Deardorf has been an integral member of the Northwest jazz scene for over two decades. A respected acoustic and electric bassist, his dynamic performances have been a part of countless festivals, nightclubs, and recording sessions, touring the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, and Australia with such jazz greats as saxophonists Bud Shank and Don Lanphere; pianists George Cables, Bill Mays, and Kenny Barron; and guitarists Larry Coryell and Bruce Forman. As a first call bassist in Seattle over the last twenty-five years, he has been chosen to perform with a long list of legendary artists such as Chet Baker, Kenny Werner, Herb Ellis, Charlie Byrd, Eric Alexander, Phil Woods, Zoot Sims, Pete Christlieb, Joe LaBarbara, Jeff Hamilton, Victor Lewis, Joe Williams and Mark Murphy among others.

Chuck’s latest solo release on Origin records, “Transparence”(released 2011) demonstrates his performing, producing and arranging abilities with a host of great musicians. He is currently a member of the Deardorf/Peterson Group (whose 2004 Origin release "Portal" won critical acclaim), the Jovino Santos Neto Quartet, the Susan Pascal Quartet along with the Bill Ramsay Big Band. An accomplished studio musician, Chuck’s bass has been heard on many first run movie soundtracks, dozens of albums and CD projects, and numerous Broadway touring shows. Chuck also has performed on numerous occasions with the Seattle Symphony Orchestra.

Jovino Santos Neto Quarteto: Mais Que Tudo: Live at Kerry Hall 1995

by Bruce Phares
August 30, 2025

Sit down. Put on the best earphones you've got. A seatbelt wouldn't hurt, either. Get ready to be blown away. From the opening salvo of Jovino Santos Neto's dazzling composition “Metamorph," you're about to be taken on a musical journey of intense elation, abandon, and passion, engaging and urgent in all aspects, through the many twists and turns of what now is considered a legendary concert; the first time Seattle ears were given a chance to hear these amazing songs ...

Liner Notes

Hadley Caliman / Pete Christlieb: Reunion

by Thomas Conrad
March 28, 2024

At the end of the first decade of the new millennium, one of the most gratifying developments in jazz is the late blossoming of Hadley Caliman. In 2008, at 76, he released Gratitude, his first recording as a leader in 31 years. It was followed in 2010 by Straight Ahead. They created a buzz on the jazz street. It is not just that he has lasted long enough to finally get the attention he deserves. Hadley Caliman is currently playing ...

Profile

20 Seattle Jazz Musicians You Should Know: Chuck Deardorf

by Paul Rauch
June 8, 2020

The city of Seattle has a jazz history that dates back to the very beginnings of the form. It was home to the first integrated club scene in America on Jackson St in the 1920's and '30s. It saw a young Ray Charles arrive as a teenager to escape the nightmare of Jim Crow in the south. It has produced such historical jazz icons as Quincy Jones and Ernestine Anderson. In many instances it has acted as a temporary repose ...

Album Review

Jenny Davis: Rearranged

Read "Rearranged" reviewed by C. Michael Bailey

by C. Michael Bailey
April 4, 2020

The first listen is simply heating the snifter to introduce the complex and commanding music made as essence to the listener. The second and subsequent listenings consumes the musical liquor of the talent and vision of vocalist and composer Jenny Davis, who reveals a very sophisticated creative method existing at the triple point of her singing, composing and activism. Davis's previous recordings It Amazes Me (Self Produced, 2006) and Inside You (Self Produced, 2010) were well received, setting Davis up ...

Radio & Podcasts

Bill Frisell, Tom Harrell, Wadada Leo Smith and Other Great New Releases

by Bob Osborne
April 25, 2019

A show packed with new music featuring new releases from Chuck Deardorf, Bill Frisell & Thomas Morgan, Matt Brewer, Josh Lawrence, Tom Harrell, and Wadada Leo Smith. Playlist Chuck Deardorf “Lullaby" from Perception (Origin Records) 00:00 Bill Frisell & Thomas Morgan “You Only Live Twice" from Epistrophy (ECM) 07:23 Josh Lawrence “We're Happiest Together" from Triptych (Posi-tone) 16:23 Matt Brewer, Damion Reid, Mark Shim “Ganymede" from Ganymede (Criss Cross Jazz) 20:56 Tom Harrell “The Fast" from Infinity ...

Album Review

Chuck Deardorf: Perception

Read "Perception" reviewed by Paul Rauch

by Paul Rauch
February 20, 2019

Before the tech revolution that has ushered in an era of unprecedented growth and global recognition, the city of Seattle was a bit of an outpost in the world of jazz. Since the 1920s, the city has enjoyed a vibrant and innovative jazz scene, often resulting in local musicians backing major international touring artists. The emerald city has spawned such renowned jazz icons as Quincy Jones, Ray Charles, Larry Coryell and Ernestine Anderson as well. In the 1970s ...

Interview

Chuck Deardorf: Hanging On To The Groove

by Paul Rauch
January 19, 2019

Bassist Chuck Deardorf has gained a reputation for virtuosity and professionalism over a career that has thus far spanned 40 years. He has been the first call bassist in Seattle for most of his career, playing with some of the most renowned musicians in the history of jazz. For many years, despite having a prolific local jazz scene, the now burgeoning city of Seattle was considered a remote outpost in the jazz world. Many touring musicians would arrive on the ...

“Chuck is one of my favorite bassists...one of the finest working today” Bud Shank “A virtuoso soloist” Jazz Times "Bassist Chuck Deardorf has been a yeoman on the Seattle jazz scene for more than 25 years. His muscular sound and Gibraltar-like time have been heard locally behind everyone from Abbey Lincoln and Chet Baker to Art Farmer and Mark Murphy. After spending a career in the shadows, Deardorf finally has stepped into the spotlight with an album under his own name. Seattle Times