Carolena Mátus

Musicians

Joe Baque - Piano (Olympia, WA)

Joe Baque began playing the piano at age six and is well-known and respected for his vast musical knowledge.  He is, as one bandmate described him, a "complete" musician who inspires awe and reverence in both fellow instrumentalists and audience members alike.  While in his golden years, Joe continues to play three to five gigs per week all over Western Washington and down into Portland, OR.  Although he migrated to the Pacific Northwest in the early 80s, he is still known to many in New York and elsewhere where his reputation for excellence remains strong.

Having grown up in Queens, NY in the heyday of jazz, and later relocating to Greenwich Village, the list of greats with whom Joe has played is seemingly endless.  However, he considers that to be "old news" and prefers not to discuss it. So instead, allow his own playing to speak for itself ... dynamically rich, replete with exquisite elegance, artistry, rhythmic sensitivity and creative brilliance, the deft touch of the master pianist ...

There have been many articles written about Joe Baque throughout the span of his rich career; likewise there are many quotes from which to choose.  I offer only the following, which epitomizes the spirit of the man and his music ...

"Joe Baque ... philosopher and mentor to dozens of area musicians – fledglings and professionals alike. He is the pied piper of music – attracting an unlikely audience everywhere he goes ... Playing with meticulous precision, he interprets the minutest details of a song's interior." ~Nancy Pasternack, the Olympian

John Stowell - Guitar (Portland, OR)

John Stowell is a unique guitarist and a true original. A beloved figure on the international JaZz scene, his special take on harmony, chords and improvisation set him apart. John began his successful career in the early 1970s. Traveling the globe from Argentina to Ireland, Portland to New York, Russia to Australia, John continues to actively perform, teach and record. In the Autumn of 2011 he visited Estonia, the 20th country in which he has performed since being on the road.

John is a contributing columnist for several popular publications, including "Downbeat" magazine since 1995. His album, "Through the Listening Glass," which he recorded with bassist David Friesen, was named one of the "Ten Best Jazz Albums of the Decade" by the Los Angeles Examiner. John's recording/performance credits: Milt Jackson, Lionel Hampton, Art Farmer, Conte Condoli, Herb Ellis, Bill Watrous, Mundell Lowe, George Cables, Billy Higgins, Billy Hart, Richie Cole, Paul Horn, Tom Harrrell, Don Thompson, Dave Liebman and many others.

“More guitarists would play like John Stowell if they knew how.” ~Herb Ellis

"Stowell challenges you to listen to music in a way that isn’t done anymore – with patience, curiosity and a sense of wonder."  ~TrueFire.com

“He plays his amplified guitar as if he were surrounded by fine crystal … the type of slow burning, sustained energy that you hear in players that practice all the time.” ~Downbeat Magazine

“In the age of mediocrity and clones, John Stowell’s uniqueness and originality are a breath of fresh air. I love playing with him.” ~Paul Horn

"John Stowell plays JaZz, but he doesn't use any of the cliches; he has an incredible originality. John is a master creator." ~Larry Coryell

"Guitarist John Stowell’s style with standards is a delightful departure from the road well traveled.  He transcends the label of JaZz guitarist." ~Los Angeles Times

Jeff Johnson - Bass (Seattle, WA)
 

JaZz bassist Jeff Johnson is an itinerant professional, who has lived and worked in Atlanta, Miami, Oklahoma City, San Diego, Austin and Los Angeles.  Since 1990 he has been based in Seattle, Washington. He has led his own groups and worked with many JaZz luminaries including:  John Stowell, Jessica Williams, Hal Galper, Bud Shank, Chet Baker, Lew Tabackin, Barney Kessel and Charlie Rouse. A sensitive accompanist, Johnson is sought-after by vocalists. Those whom he has accompanied include:  Karrin Allyson, Tierney Sutton, Kendra Shank, Mark Murphy and Marlena Shaw, among others.

Bill Anschell has played and/or recorded with a host of jazz greats including Richard Davis, Ron Carter, Benny Golsen and Russell Malone.  In 2001, he was selected by the American Composers Forum for its "Composer-in-the-Schools" program; his residency included a commissioned piece for chamber orchestra. The same year, his piano work was featured in the soundtrack of the PBS movie, "Old Settler." Since 2003, Anschell’s original compositions have received widespread cable and network exposure, appearing on programs including NBC’s "The West Wing" and HBO’s acclaimed series "The Wire."  His 2009 duo CD of spontaneous improvisations with saxophonist Brent Jensen was described by Cadence as "startlingly beautiful, surprising, and powerful … a transforming experience."