As the second concert of the Seattle Jazz Composers Ensemble, Jazz Impressions of Ennio Morricone unites musicians from all corners of Seattle’s vibrant music community. It brings together artists who play in symphonies and jazz bands, even a few that perform pop music. There are only so many words that can describe the electrifying result of this collaboration, so to fully understand, come join us in the celebration and listen for your self.

Details? Here is what you need to know: Friday, February 19th, 2010 at University Prep Founders’ Hall. The show is all ages and starts at 7pm. $15 for adults and $8 for students and seniors.

You can find more information at Seattle Jazz Composers Ensemble.com.

You can also find an interview about the show with SJCE co-founder Michael Owcharuk at KUOW.org.

Getting married or planning a wedding? Congratulations!

You are about to embark on the biggest planning adventure of your life. But never fear, J&J Music can help you find just the right music to compliment your big day.

The music you choose can help make the difference between a wedding that is “nice” and one that will have your family and friends saying “That was an amazing wedding!” We will work with you to choose the best fit for each portion of your wedding day, from ceremony to cocktail hour to dinner and dancing! Whether you know exactly what you’re looking for already or would like our help designing the perfect flow, J&J Music is your one-stop solution to all your musical needs for your big day.

What you can expect from J&J Music:

Our bands will make every effort to accommodate your needs. We will sit down with you to discuss every detail so that we know exactly what to expect and what we can offer.

Our bands can provide the following services:

• Act as Emcee to announce the wedding party and keep the event flowing smoothly
• Provide a sound system, if necessary, to keep the band’s volume just right. You are also welcome to use this system for toasts or any other announcements
• Take requests prior to the reception and play as many as they can throughout the night
• Learn one special song for your first dance (given 45 days notice), or play a pre-recorded song of your choosing
• Provide prerecorded music to play during their breaks so that the music never stops. Band will come equipped with music on an iPod to play, but you are also welcome to provide your own iPod or CD player that can be plugged into our sound system
• Show up on time, dress appropriately, and always conducted themselves in a professional and courteous manner
• Work with you and your wedding coordinator or planner to ensure a smooth flow to the day do whatever they can to make the day about YOU!

Enjoy these pictures and video clips of NSPT performing:

These drummers did a fantastic job and they delivered groovy goodness early in the AM that the crowd really enjoyed. J&J Music is proud to work with these talented and professional musicians and look forward to booking them for YOUR next event!

Greeting the guests from the valet to door was the classical guitar melodies of Monarch Duo. Co-led by guitarist Cameron Peace and vocalist/guitarist Eli Rosenblatt, the duo played a worldly blend from Africa, Latin America and Eastern Europe. These inspired fusions ushered patrons into a retail wonderland of delights and surprises.

Jazzing up the Ladies! Shoe section was Monty Banks, the featured act. Direct from Las Vegas and in full swing, Monty (also known as an acclaimed Lounge Pianist) specializes in music harkening back to the Rat Pack era. Rounding out the group was an assembly of local jazz musicians including famous drummer Ray Price and saxophonist Ronnie Pierce. These performers delighted the audience with tunes that caused the shoes to tap, souls to smile and the client to request an additional 30 minutes of play. Encore!

Traveling down the escalators, one was lured by the seductive salsa of Tumbao, an ensemble that added some Latin spice to the Intimate Apparel section. Steeped in the tradition of original son/salsa music from Cuba and Latin America, Tumbao is a local group led by sensational Latin vocalist Carlos Cascante and notable local jazz trumpeter Thomas Marriott. Carlos’ soaring vocals wrapped each number in emotion and provided a rich texture and color while the rest of the band grooved with sweet precision and passion. Salsa surrounded by satin never sounded so good!

Past the velvet rope and into the exclusive VIP area of the top floor, the elite were entertained by the classic elegance of double-bass and piano in the form of the Randy Halberstadt Duo. Notable upright bassist Larry Holloway joined Randy, jazz piano legend and prominent professor, to play sophisticated jazz standards throughout the evening. The distinguished duo, who regularly accompany world-renown jazz vocalists at Jazz Alley, charmed the privileged room full of gentlemen in tuxedos and ladies draped in couture.

It was an evening of the finest and most fashionable form and J&J Music was there every step of the way to insure a flawless event. From contracting talent to meet the client’s specifications, needs and desires, to carefully placing the ensembles within the store, it was the attentive and personal touches of Jason Parker and Josh Rawlings that ultimately shaped the musical tone of the event.

The next morning J&J Music also provided the entertainment for the public grand opening in the form of the Darrius Willrich Trio. Please enjoy this video of the performance: