Results for "Seattle Jazz Scene"

Dave Kurtiak

Born in Bayonne, NJ to a musical family, it was no surprise when Dave picked up the bass at age 13. Playing in various heavy metal and hard rock bands before being introduced to jazz, Dave developed a percussive right hand playing technique that has more to do with his playing than any bass, effect or amp he uses.

After a long hiatus playing music while working for several record labels, Dave decided to pick up the bass again. Now living in Seattle, Dave’s focus shifted to improvised music, primarily the underground jazz and funk scene in Seattle. Funky, groovy and a voice all his own, Dave’s playing can be heard with and leading How Now Brown Cow.

Sugartime Trio

Active since: 2016

Established in 2016, Sugartime Trio is a dynamic Seattle-based female jazz/pop ensemble celebrated for their tight three-part harmonies, sizzling swing, and lush ballads. Originally formed as a tribute to the The McGuire Sisters in collaboration with the Purple Phoenix Orchestra, the group quickly expanded its repertoire to include music inspired by the The Andrews Sisters, the The Boswell Sisters, along with original arrangements uniquely crafted for Sugartime Trio.

Blending timeless classics from the 1930s with contemporary favorites, the trio (Kim Maguire, Meg McLynn, & Caitlin Frances) delivers a distinctive vocal sound paired with charismatic stage presence and polished musicianship. Their remarkably unique vocal blend and vibrant performances bring both nostalgia and fresh energy to every stage they grace.

How Now Brown Cow

Featuring the dynamic rhythm section of long time bandmates as well as founding member Dave Kurtiak on bass and Donovan Pfeifer on drums with the ear-catching Kerry O'Connor on fender rhodes and keyboards and frequest collaborator Brad Schrandt on Sax and flute. Playing their signature funk and jazz fueled all improvised original instrumental music, How Now Brown Cow bring a mix of creativity, talent and musicality that has made them known throughout the Seattle music community. Their spontaneous compositions are kin to the sounds and stylings of vintage groups like The Brand New Heavies, Herbie Hancock & The Headhunters, Average White Band, Tower of Power and The Meters as well as more modern groups such as Scary Pockets, Vulfpeck, Galactic and Medeski, Martin and Wood.

Adam Chmaj

Primarily self-taught saxophonist performer and teacher Adam Chmaj has been working in music since he was a young teen, Studying major influences such as Dexter Gordon, Pete Christlieb, and John Coltrane, he was greatly influenced by their tenacity of sound. 

Coming out of high school, Adam went to pursue his degree in Music Performance at Central Washington University. With honing his skills in everything music-related, he had the opportunity to study with saxophone masters such as Grace Kelly, Dr. Adam Pelandini and Bruce Diehl. In completing his Bachelor's Degree in 2022, he returned to his home base of Seattle to begin his career as a freelance musician and private teacher.

Alex Chadsey

Born: August 7, 1980

Alex Chadsey is a professional improvisational pianist with over 20 years of experience as a performer, composer, arranger, and producer. With three albums of original music and credit on a GRAMMY award-winning record, Alex has harnessed his lifelong passion for music to grow a successful international career in the music industry.

Alex holds degrees from the Universities of Michigan and Washington, where he graduated with a Masters in 2020. In all musical endeavors, he draws from a wide range of knowledge and traditions, informed as much by formal academic training as by apprenticing with master musicians the world over—from Cuba, Mexico Puerto Rico, NYC, LA, and elsewhere. Notable works include recording with the legendary Reggae artist Clinton Fearon, as well as touring and recording with the award-winning, East LA-based Chicano band Quetzal.

Matthew Williams

Born: September 29, 1989

Matt Williams is a founding member of the group Nautabot. Nautabot gives high energy performances, creating music with simple melodies and infectious drums and bass. On December 22, 2015 Nautabot released their self titled debut album which can be ordered at bandcamp.com

Mai-Liis

With the release of her second recording, Mai-Liis has come into her own with a fresh set of tunes that are signature to her compelling musical storytelling. Through a voice that's uniquely hers, along with the ongoing writing partnership with composer/pianist Darin Clendenin, Mai-Liis' honest and understated delivery draws the listener in with its intimate calling, creating the feeling that you are who she is speaking to. With a great affinity for the works of Joni Mitchell, Norah Jones, Kurt Weill, and Leonard Cohen, Mai-Liis' work harkens back to songwriters of an earlier time

Naomi Moon Siegel

Born: August 18, 1984

An award-winning trombonist, improviser, composer, and educator, Naomi Moon Siegel is committed to creating a positive, transformative music culture beyond conventional genre norms. Her original musical vocabulary draws on the richness of a variety of global musical traditions and the sonorities of the natural world.

Siegel has been an innovative performer and recording artist since graduating from Oberlin Conservatory in 2006. She explores the trombone as a vehicle for sonic expression colored by breath, spit, and physicality. As a composer and bandleader, Siegel has released two albums to critical acclaim. Her third album, “Shatter The Glass Sanctuary,” produced by Siegel and Allison Miller, is slated to come out in 2024, inspired by the theme of holding paradox in our troublesome and beautiful world.

Jeffrey Michael Smith

Jeffrey Smith has performed in each of the lower 48 States and in 13 countries: as far west as Thailand and as far east as Turkey as a trumpet player for a variety of groups including The Temptations, The Glenn Miller Orchestra, Don Menza Big Band, Showboat, Jiggs Whigham, Bobby Shew, Kenny Rogers, Heart, Donna Summer, Yakima Symphony, New World Brass Quintet, Las Vegas Philharmonic, and many others. Performance credits also include showbands in Las Vegas including the Imperial Palace, Light at The Bellagio, the Flamingo, and many hours of studio recording for television, radio, and album productions.

Stephanie Porter

Born: June 1, 1974

American Jazz Vocalist, Stephanie Porter was first heard nationally in the mid-nineties, reaching the top 100 Gavin National Jazz Radio Chart.  A world class vocalist with a rare contralto range, Porter has been on a total of 14-album releases, including her latest, “Radio Theatre”, where she penned seven original tracks. An album featuring multi-platinum trumpeter, Steve Madaio.  

Stephanie has shared stages with original jazz greats Ernestine Anderson, Buddy Catlet, Bob Hammer, Jack Percival and Red Kelly, to name a few.  She has also opened for contemporary artists, including Michael McDonald, Chaka Khan, Cameo, Kansas and more. As a special guest, Porter has worked with The Tacoma Symphony under the direction of both Harvey Felder and Sarah Ionnides, The Harry James Orchestra, The Radio Rhythm Orchestra,  The Full Circle Jazz Orchestra, SRJO and Roadside Attraction.  As a background vocalist, she has performed with The Steve Miller Band in concert. Stephanie also toured with Hit Explosion during the 1990's, a very popular dance band, booked regularly at Portland's Crystal Ballroom, The Seattle ShowBox, Fenix Underground, Kingdome and Key Arena.