Band Battle III at Jillian's with Project Live

Brainchild of Matt Cavinto, Project Live took to the stage at Jillian's last night for their inaugural performance and proceeded to win their Band Battle III. With the finals coming up on August 4th, they called me yesterday to add a little spice to the mix in the hopes of getting a spot on that final show. Whether I helped at all or not, we won! A couple of great rock bands opened up the night, followed by a sorta-jive rapper, but Project Live managed to take home the gold from the judges. Stay tuned for a follow up report after the finals on August 4th at Jillian's -- if you want to help cheer us on, come on down!

Jay Thomas Big Band at Tula's

If you've never been to Tula's on a Tuesday night, you may have been missing out. Unofficially dubbed Big Band Tuesday, Tula's has traditional-sized large ensemble jazz music in a variety of styles from traditional to experimental. Tonight, I played down there with one of the Jay Thomas big bands -- this one dubbed (at least formerly) Jay Thomas and the Usual Suspects. The band included such Seattle notables as Rich Cole, John Gofoth, Jay Thomas, Greg Williamson, and Vern Seilert, plus some new figures on the scene that if you haven't heard them yet, you will. This gig is always a great time for me, and as far as I know, you can hear this band the 2nd Tuesday of every month at Tula's.

Jazz Workshop at University of Washington

On Friday afternoon, we finished off the Fifth Annual University of Washington Jazz Workshop with a student concert in Brechemin Auditorium on the UW campus. This teaching experience is always one of the highlights of my summer, and this year was no exception. I usually end up working with the beginners, which is always tough because their levels tend to be so varied, but they end up sounding like a real band when they opened the concert with Duke Ellington's "C Jam Blues" and "Take the 'A' Train". I always end up learning new things about playing and teaching, and I'd like to think the kids go away with something, too! If you know some late middle or high school kids interested in learning more about playing jazz, or just want to see what we've been up to out at the UW, visit the UW Jazz Workshop website and watch the highlights video from this year's workshop.

Independence Day and the Return to Seattle

Welcome one and all to my newest weblog endeavor, and a very Happy 4th of July to you. I have recently moved back to the great Northwest after nearly six years in New York City, and I can only say that it is both a pleasure and honor to return to the best music scene in the country. I recently finished coursework for my Doctorate of Musical Arts in Jazz Arts Advancement at Manhattan School of Music, but have been dying to get back in the trenches playing music. And so, after nine months with no television, roommate, internet connection, or social life, I'm back in the saddle again, as they say. I'll be using this space to comment and elaborate on my personal music happenings, as well as anything else that seems connected to -- Music in Seattle.