MEDIA ADVISORY
For Immediate Release
January 20, 2017
Contact: Caitlin Peterkin, Earshot Jazz, (206) 547-6763 or caitlin@earshot.org
Press photos available upon request
Earshot Jazz Announces Winter Series, Sound In Motion
Earshot Jazz kicks off the year with a new concert series, Sound In Motion: Bright Moments for Dark Nights, which brings a roster of heavyweight touring artists to Seattle stages. The series begins January 27 and runs through March 13, and features:
Battle Trance
Friday, January 27, 8pm
Chapel Performance Space (4649 Sunnyside Ave N)
The complex foursome of Battle Trance reappears in the Pacific Northwest after two years of touring and a sophomore album release, kicking off Earshot Jazz’s winter series, Sound In Motion: Bright Moments for Dark Nights. Performing their unique meld of avant-jazz, classical, and even metal-infused soundscapes, the quartet will play in the same space where they profoundly stunned Seattle during the Earshot Jazz Festival of 2014.
Kahil El’Zabar Ethnic Heritage Ensemble
Friday, February 3, 7:30pm
The Royal Room (5000 Rainier Ave S)
Kahil El’Zabar has been one of the deepest and most forward-thinking artists from Chicago’s renowned improvised music scene for many years. This Ethnic Heritage Ensemble includes trumpeter Corey Wilkes, baritone saxophonist Alex Harding, who has stepped in for an ailing Hamiet Bluiett on this tour, and the compelling presence of El’Zabar on drum set, hand percussion, and soulful vocalizations.
Eric Vloeimans & Will Holshouser
Wednesday, February 8, 7:30pm
The Royal Room (5000 Rainier Ave S)
Dutch trumpeter Eric Vloeimans and versatile American accordionist Will Holshouser form a unique pairing that explores the areas between jazz, folk, and experimental music.
Amina Claudine Myers
Saturday, February 18, 7:30pm
The Royal Room (5000 Rainier Ave S)
New York-based, Arkansas-born pianist Amina Claudine Myers is recognized for her luscious, soulful playing style that combines her blues, jazz, and gospel influences. During a multifaceted 50-year career as an accompanist, organist, vocalist, composer, and educator, Myers has released 11 recordings, her most recent being Sama Rou – Songs From My Soul, which derives a global sensibility from the idiom of the Great Negro Spiritual and moves it forward with “a predominately prayerful slow pace.”
Kneebody / Happy Orchestra
Sunday, February 19, 8pm
Nectar Lounge (412 N 36th St)
Presented by Nectar Lounge
Grammy-nominated quintet Kneebody generates explosive rock energy paralleled with high-level chamber ensemble playing, and highly wrought compositions balanced with adventurous no-holds-barred improvising. Happy Orchestra, produced by local drummer Tarik Abouzied, is a band that puts smiles on faces and lights fires under feet.
Ralph Towner / Anja Lechner & François Couturier
Tuesday, February 21, 8pm
Seattle Art Museum (1300 1st Ave)
An established innovator, and, as a former Seattle resident, mentor to an earlier generation of guitarists, Ralph Towner creates music with deep sensibility and a genuine passion for beauty. The captivating duo of pianist François Couturier and cellist Anja Lechner has contributed to the quality of the ECM catalogue.
Aaron Parks Trio
Wednesday, February 22, 8pm
PONCHO Concert Hall (710 E Roy St)
Co-presented with Cornish Presents
Any return of Aaron Parks to Seattle stages carries an air of “the prodigal son” to some of us. But this impressive trio setting – with the iconic drummer Billy Hart and top-flight bassist Ben Street – is epic indeed, especially on the heels of a major new release, Find The Way, on a major global label like ECM.
Craig Taborn Quartet
Friday, February 24, 8pm
PONCHO Concert Hall (710 E Roy St)
Co-presented with Cornish Presents
Pianist Craig Taborn was once called “one of the visionaries of the current wave” by DownBeat magazine, and has intentionally and successfully proven that point year after year. His brilliant new quartet includes long-time Minneapolis-area friend Dave King (of the Bad Plus) on drums, former Seattleite Chris Speed on saxophone, and Chris Lightcap on bass.
Miguel Zenón Quartet
Wednesday, March 1, 8pm
PONCHO Concert Hall (710 E Roy St)
Co-presented with Cornish Presents
Internationally acclaimed saxophonist/composer Miguel Zenón celebrates the release of his new recording, Típico, his tenth as a leader. Joining Zenón are his long-time bandmates who are also featured on the recording: pianist Luis Perdomo, bassist Hans Glawischnig, and drummer Henry Cole.
Ben Allison Quartet
Wednesday, March 8, 8pm
PONCHO Concert Hall (710 E Roy St)
Co-presented with Cornish Presents
In a career that spans nearly 30 years, bassist/composer Ben Allison has developed his own instantly identifiable sound, solidifying an international reputation as one of the leading voices of his generation. He performs in Seattle with guitarist Steve Cardenas, trumpeter Kirk Knuffke, and drummer Allan Mednard.
Ryan Keberle Catharsis
Saturday, March 18, 8pm
The Royal Room (5000 Rainier Ave S)
Trombonist/composer Ryan Keberle leads a bold pianoless quintet, Catharsis. The band comprises some of the most compelling up-and-coming voices in jazz – trumpeter Mike Rodriguez, bassist Jorge Roeder, vocalist Camila Meza, and drummer Eric Doob – culminating in an approach rich with melodic invention, heavy groove, and a subtle indie rock sensibility.
Tickets and information available at earshot.org.
About Earshot Jazz
Founded in 1984, Earshot Jazz is Seattle’s non-profit, jazz support and presenting organization. In addition to concert presentation, which includes Seattle’s premiere annual jazz festival, Earshot provides jazz education programs and publishes the monthly Earshot Jazz magazine. More information is available at www.earshot.org or by calling (206) 547-6763.
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