Tucked off on the corner of 6th and Lenora resides one of the last bastions of great Jazz music. Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley is the place to be this summer to serve your live music appetite.
I had the pleasure of checking out two shows just last week. The first show, Monday, June 27th, was Vocalist Samara Joy (Jazz Artist from NYC) along with the Pasquale Grasso Trio, featuring Pasqaule Grasso (Guitar), Sam Edwards (Bass) and Keith Balla (Drums). The Italian born now NYC based guitarist has been performing with Samara since last year, promoting her self titled debut album where Joy performs jazz standards and songs from the Great American Songbook. A monster player in his own right, Grasso’s guitar took a backseat, allowing Samara’s classical and soft voice to really shine as she sung Standards such as “Just one of this things,” and “April in Paris,” the first part was sung in French by the talented Vocalist. She had a work cut out for her though, as one of the front row audience members were from Paris. Causing some nervousness in the 22 year old, once finished she asked “Was that ok?”
“Oui!” said the audience member.
The performance marked Samara’s first at Jazz Alley, and all of Seattle can’t wait to have her back.
Tuesday, June 28th, my Godmother and I went to see Husband and Wife duo Marcus and Jean Baylor, affectionately called The Baylor Project. Though the name at first sounded a little corny to Jean, after playing around the world and receiving 5 Grammy nominations, I wouldn’t suggest a name change anytime soon. Fresh off the plane, the band arrived a few minutes late, but they made up for it with a blistering set that featured grooves almost reminiscent of Black Baptist Churches and down-home cookouts. The Baylors will raise you up and inspire you to clap along with them, as they entice your ears with a swinging mid-tempo tune. Yet, at a moments’ notice, you may be moved to tears when they change the atmosphere with a spiritual song that will stir the emotions and almost bring you to tears. Band members include: Jean Baylor (Vocals), Marcus Baylor (Drums), Terry Brewer (Piano), Richie Goods (Bass), Keith Loftis (Tenor Sax/Soprano Sax) and Freddie Hendrix (Trumpet/ Flugelhorn).
Don’t miss out on the bevy of shows playing at Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley this summer. Check out their calendar schedule here: https://www.jazzalley.com/www-home/calendar.jsp
