Since the early 1990s, Seattle jazz lovers have had (and continue to have) the highly rewarding opportunity to see and hear the development of a great talent — pianist and composer Nelda Swiggett. When she recorded with her first band, Room To Move, her lyrical improvisatory and composition skills were already on display. As time […]
When trumpeter Terell Stafford was nearing the completion of his classical trumpet studies in college, he was also developing an interest in jazz. Since jazz was frowned upon by his classical mentors, Terell had to meet covertly with the school’s jazz studies professor, pianist Kenny Barron. Barron agreed to help Stafford, but only if they […]
All the members of this U.S. Navy Sextet agree that serving their country by playing jazz is a pretty sweet gig. Heck, yes! Unlike most young jazz musicians, they have steady work, decent pay, job security and great benefits. And do they ever have fun. Other military jazz bands that we’ve hosted seem to gravitate […]
In 2012, at age 24, drummer/vocalist Jamison Ross won the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition, without singing a note. After all, it was a drumming competition. Part of the prize was a recording contract with the Concord Jazz recording label. Earlier this year his record (titled ‘Jamison’) was released and this time it was […]