The Ballard Jazz Festival :: April 21-25, 2010

	Claudio Roditi PERFORMING AT: Mainstage Concert Sat, April 24, 7:30pm (All Ages) Nordic Heritage Museum “One of the very best performers in jazz.” - ALL MUSIC GUIDE This Brazilian composer/arranger and trumpet artist has fourteen critically acclaimed albums, a Grammy nomination, and a busy international touring schedule that includes the most prestigious jazz festivals in the world. Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, he relocated to Boston in 1970 and later New York where he began the arduous process of establishing himself in the highly competitive atmosphere of the world's jazz capital. He quickly broke into the local circuit, performing and recording with Joe Henderson, Charlie Rouse, Herbie Mann, Tito Puente, McCoy Tyner, and Paquito D'Rivera. He has recorded exclusively for the German Nagel Heyer label since 2004 and has produced some very fine albums as; Light in the Dark, (2004) Three for One, (2004) Reflections, (2005) and Smile, in 2006. A strikingly proficient technician, Roditi brings enormous zest and fire to his playing. Claudio integrates post-bop elements and Brazilian rhythmic concepts with ease and plays with power and lyricism. This versatility keeps him in demand as a leader, a studio musician and a sideman. His eclecticism was put to good use during his work with the United Nations Orchestra, a band originating through Dizzy Gillespie. He has also worked with Slide Hampton’s Jazz Masters. Roditi will continue to blend the two musical forms he loves. As he describes himself; “I am a Gemini. I was born in one country and live in another but I love them both - and both kinds of music, too.”
	Hadley Caliman PERFORMING AT: Mainstage Concert Sat, April 24, 7:30pm (All Ages) Nordic Heritage Museum “...a living legend in full-form.” - Earshot Jazz Tenor saxophonist Hadley Caliman is part of the living history of jazz music in America. He has performed, recorded and toured the world with some of the biggest names in jazz and popular music including Freddie Hubbard, Gerald Wilson, Carlos Santana, Dexter Gordon, Elvin Jones, Mongo Santamaria, Joe Pass, The Grateful Dead, Joe Henderson, Don Ellis, Flora Purim, Phoebe Snow, Bobby Hutcherson and many others. His influence on the sound of modern jazz can be heard on many of his albums as a leader, including Gratitude, the recent release on Origin Records and his first recording as a leader in over three decades. Teaming up with vibist Joe Locke, drummer Joe LaBarbera, trumpeter Thomas Marriott and bassist Phil Sparks, Caliman re-establishes himself as one of the preeminent post-bop saxophonists alive.
	John Moulder PERFORMING AT: Guitar Summit Thur, April 22, 8:00pm The Sunset Tavern (21+) Ballard Jazz Walk Fri, April 23, (All Ages) New York Fashion Academy “...The sound is tremendous, as are the performances...To these ears, (Moulder's aesthetic) is probing and kaleidoscopic.” - JAZZ TIMES John Moulder is a guitarist and composer whose music has evolved from an assimilation of various musical traditions. John's compositions and playing are featured on his CDs entitled Awakening (Mo-Tonal Records 1993), Through the Open Door (Igmod/Mo-Tonal Records 1997), Spirit Talk (NAIM 2003), Trinity and Bifrost (Origin). John has been a member of the Paul Wertico Trio for twelve years. Recordings with Paul include Live in Warsaw (Igmod Records 1998), Don't Be Scared Anymore (Premonition Records 2000), Stereonucleosis (A440 2004) and his new release The Other Side (NAIM 2006). He has played nationally and internationally at numerous festivals, clubs and concert halls and has performed with artists such as Eddie Harris, Bob Mintzer, Kurt Elling, Paul McCandless, Lyle Mays, Paul Wertico, Gary Burton, Niels Orsted Pederson and Terry Callier.
	Thomas Marriott PERFORMING AT: Ballard Jazz Walk Fri, April 23, 8:00pm New York Fashion Academy with Hadley Caliman Mainstage Concert Sat, April 24, 7:30pm (All Ages) Nordic Heritage Museum "Thomas Marriott is irrepressible" -The Seattle Times Trumpeter Thomas Marriott is one of the most exciting musicians to emerge on the national jazz scene in more than a decade. The five-time Golden Ear award winner is a skilled instrumentalist, composer and producer, and is always seeking to expand the boundaries of jazz music in all its forms. Marriott’s diverse interests and skills are reflected in the range and success of his albums. His 2005 release on Origin Records, “Individuation,” was named among the top 10 jazz records of 2005 by WBEZ radio, Chicago. 2007’s “Both Sides of the Fence” received over 3300 spins nationally, pushing his album into the top ten on jazz radio. His most recent release “Crazy: The Music of Willie Nelson,” was released in early 2008 to wide critical acclaim. Jazz Times Magazine declared Marriott a “first-tier trumpet player” with “serious chops and a luxuriant trumpet sound….This album is a kick in the pants.” Known for his innovative spirit and broad musical scope, Thomas continues to perform on the stages of the world’s greatest jazz clubs and concert halls, as a leader and alongside the top names in jazz. The Seattle native is featured on more than 50 recordings with musicians of all genres and styles. Thomas has produced albums for a number of artists including saxophonist Hadley Caliman and serves on the Board of Governors of the Pacific Northwest Chapter of the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences.
	Corey Christiansen PERFORMING AT: Guitar Summit Thur, April 22, 8:00pm The Sunset Tavern (21+) Ballard Jazz Walk Fri, April 23, 8:00pm Conor Byrne Pub Guitarist Corey Christiansen draws on the tradition of the masters but leans towards the future. His first two recordings - "Awakening" and MB3: "Jazz Hits vol. 1" - received ciritical acclaim and found large success on North American radio as has his most recent 2008 CD "Roll With It." While firmly planted in the soul-jazz tradition, Corey and his band with organist Pat Bianchi and drummer Matt Jorgensen, retain a modern improvisational group aesthetic. Corey Christiansen has a number of publications with Mel Bay and has conducted countless guitar clinics and concerts across the country and in Europe, South Africa and Australia. He has performed at many notable festivals and venues including the Smithsonian Institute, the Umbria Jazz Festival, the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival, the Clearwater Jazz Festival, the Daytona Beach Jazz Festival, the Classic American Guitar Show, and the St. Louis Jazz Festival. He has also performed and/or recorded with Jimmy Bruno, John Pisano, James Moody, Jack Wilkins, Christian McBride, George Duke, Terri Lyne Carrington, Danny Gottlieb, and many, many others.
	Todd Bishop Pop Art 4 PERFORMING AT: Ballard Jazz Walk Fri, April 23, 8:00pm Salmon Bay Eagles “...meticulously molding musical soundscapes that can alternately seduce you to sleep, get you stoned, and make you feel all slinky and sexy. Brilliance without words.” - ANODYNE Portland drummer Todd Bishop's latest project, Pop Art 4, explores the '60s in search of music by some of the most individualistic and dynamic performers of the time. With his first recording of the series, Bishop carries on in the tradition of his bands Flatland and Lower Monumental, sculpting ambient soundscapes as they deliver a modern, cinematic take on the songs of French pop-icon Serge Gainsbourg. Entitled "69 Année Erotique," the record features some of the Northwest's more creative performers and will be available in January 2009.
	Mark Taylor PERFORMING AT: with Corey Christiansen Ballard Jazz Walk Fri, April 23, 8:00pm Conor Byrne Pub "One of Seattle's finest young musicians." - Paul deBarros, The Seattle Times Mark Taylor is one of the most in demand saxophonists in the Pacific Northwest. A Seattle native and resident, Mark's personal sound and style are a fixture on the local jazz scene and have given him opportunities to perform for audiences all over the United States and Japan. Widely respected as a unique and creative improviser, an impeccable ensemble player, and for his stylistic versatility, Mark performs and records extensively with such diverse and award winning groups as Matt Jorgensen +451, Jim Knapp Orchestra, Frieze of Life, Victor Noriega Trio + 2, Tom Varner's Tentet and Quintet, Thomas Marriott's "Willie Nelson Project", Wayne Horvitz, Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra, and the Randy Halberstadt Quintet.
	Fu Kun Wu Trio PERFORMING AT: Ballard Jazz Walk Fri, April 24, 8:00pm Thaiku Pianist/entrepreneur, Jon Alberts, has been a leading figure in the promotion of live, local jazz players in Seattle since 1995 when he opened the Fremont Noodle House and performed every week with band mates, Hans Teuber, Jeff Johnson and Tad Britton. In 2001, Alberts opened the Thaiku restaurant in the heart of old Ballard where he continues to expand and promote the live, local jazz tradition, twice a week, 52 weeks a year, in Thaiku's Fu Kun Wu Lounge. Esquire Magazine included Fu Kun Wu in its "Top Ten Lounges in America" and the live jazz aspect is a testament to its success. For this Jazz Walk, Alberts joins his longtime friend and enigmatic Church of the Subgenius drummer, Tad Britton, along with the illuminative keyboard veteran, Ron Weinstein and bassist, Jeff Norwood for two sets of slightly skewed jazz standards.
	John Stowell PERFORMING AT: Guitar Summit Thur, April 22, 8:00pm The Sunset Tavern (21+) Ballard Jazz Walk Fri, April 23, 7:30pm Skarbos Furniture (All Ages) John Stowell began his successful career with guitar lessons in his native Connecticut from guitarist Linc Chamberlind, and from John Mehegan, pianist and respected jazz educator at the Julliard chool of Music and Yale University. Several years later he met noted bassist David Friesen in NYC and launched a critically acclaimed touring and recording association that lasted 7 years, included 6 albums, and performances in Europe, Canada, USA and Australia. During that time, John also moved to Oregon. Paul Horn, John, David Friesen and Robin Horn were invited to perform in the Soviet Union. It was the first time in 40 years that American jazz musicians had been invited to play public performances in Russia, paving the way for many others to follow. John Stowell is an in-demand teacher and clinician of jazz guitar. He has taught at the country's most prestigious schools of music, and frequently is invited to present "Artist in Residence" series.
	Cory Weeds PERFORMING AT: Lock 'n Keel "(Weeds) creates one colorful solo after another..." - All Music Guide Record Producer, club owner, radio host and yes, musician, Vancouver (Canada) saxophonist Cory Weeds makes a huge impact everywhere he goes and on everything he touches. His latest recording on his own Cellar Live label recently spent 14 weeks on the national jazz charts and his playing was lauded by All About Jazz - “...in one fell swoop, Weeds joins the ranks of the instrument’s great storytellers. On tenor he is as bold and dramatic as Dexter Gordon and Sonny Rollins. On the smaller and more sensuous alto, he is a younger version of David “Fathead” Newman or, at times, as wry and ironic as Lee Konitz...”. Weeds should be familiar to Seattle audiences from several tours with the organ legend, Dr. Lonnie Smith and performances with trumpeter Thomas Marriott.
	Andrew Oliver Kora Band PERFORMING AT: Ballard Jazz Walk Fri, April 23, 8:00pm Conor Byrne Pub After a US State Department sponsored tour of Africa, pianist/composer Andrew Oliver was inspired to dive deeper into the relationship between jazz and West African music. His exploration eventually led to the founding of the Kora Band, featuring atypical instrumentation that highlights Kane Mathis on the 21-string Kora, a traditional harp from West Africa. Kane is one of the most accomplished American Kora players, having studied with the famous Jobarteh (Diabate) family in Gambia, in the same compound that had produced three generations of the country’s most famous musicians. This study resulted in diplomas and certificates of recognition from Malamini Jobarteh, The Gambian minister of culture, and the President of the Gambia. Also featured are accomplished Seattle musicians Chad McCullough on trumpet, Brady Millard-Kish on bass, and Mark DiFlorio on drums. The band ensemble performs both original compositions designed to explore the many possibilities of its unique timbre as well as traditional and modern songs from West Africa arranged specifically for the band.
	Randy Halberstadt PERFORMING AT: Bad Albert's “One of the finest vocalists on the scene...” - Dan McClenaghan / All About Jazz Called "...one of the best male vocalists in the jazz world today," by WCLK in Atlanta, Jeff Baker has quickly become one of the most significant new talents in vocal jazz. His diverse musical recordings, exciting live performances, and infectious energy and personality have gained him accolades from critics and listeners alike. Jeff has become sought after not only as a performer, but also for his significant abilities as a music educator. He was the featured clinician at the OMEA District VII Vocal Jazz Festival in 2001, and a featured performer and clinician for the Boise State Vocal Jazz Festival in 2004. In 2002, Baker was among the artists featured at the Gene Harris Jazz Festival (Boise ID), as well as an opening spot for GRAMMY Nominee Allen Vizzutti at Jazz in the Canyon (Twin Falls, ID).
	Gail Pettis “Gail goes from strength to strength, performing a winning, crowd-involving style of vocal jazz.” - Earshot Jazz Two-time nominee for the Earshot Golden Ear "Northwest Vocalist of the Year," and recent winner of the Seattle-Kobe Female Jazz Vocalist Audition, Gail is a welcome addition to the Pacific Northwest jazz scene. Gail's style is at once subtle and elegant, sultry and soulful. Her rich, warm vocals and understated phrasing have inspired comparisons to Nancy Wilson, Sarah Vaughn and Carmen McRae. inspiration from these diverse influences and enjoys sharing her unique talent with listeners at home and abroad. Most recently, she was artist-in-residence at the Amersfoort Jazz Festival in the Netherlands, performing with the New Manhattan Big Band and with Eddie C. and the Dutch Jazz Cats on the mainstage and other venues in Amersfoort and Harderwijk. Included on this tour was a stop in Kobe, Japan to perform as a guest artist at Kobe's annual Jazz Vocal Queen Competition.
	Jovino Santos-Neto A master pianist, composer, arranger, flutist, and player of a multitude of other instruments including the melodica and the accordion, Jovino Santos Neto is one of the top Brazilian musicians working today. Currently based in Seattle, Washington, Jovino Santos Neto has throughout his career been closely affiliated with the Brazilian master Hermeto Pascoal. He was an integral part of Pascoal's group from 1977-1992 where he fine tuned his artistry and co-produced several legendary records during that time. His relationship with Hermeto Pascoal continues as his mentor figures prominently in his recent recordings. Jovino has been nominated twice for a Latin Grammy Award for best Latin Jazz Album, in 2004 and 2006. Jovino has received commissions by the IAJE and ASCAP, Jack Straw Foundation, Seattle Arts Commission, Artist Trust and Meet the Composer. He was the recipient of a Golden Ear Award as the Best Jazz Instrumentalist of the Pacific Northwest in 2004.
	Tumbao
	Goat PERFORMING AT: Ballard Jazz Walk Fri, April 24, 8:00pm Bop Street Records Goat is a unique trio combining an exceptional sonic palette with an expansive sense of space and composition. They propel their music forward with a sharp harmonic and rhythmic sensibility, motivic development and a willingness to embrace spontaneity. With a unique arsenal of loops and electronic gadgetry combined with woodwinds, electric guitar and drumset, Goat embarks on a process that spans elements of rock, jazz and modern classical music. Their music is accessible to a large variety of audiences as they combine seemingly disparate genres of music through an abstract filter, spitting them out into a stark blend, creating a distinctive soundtrack for the imaginations of everyone.