Conclusion of Is That Jazz? Festival

The Avant-Jazz Festival at the Chapel Performance Space wrapped up this past weekend with four more powerful performances.

The second weekend began with Vertigo led by Seattle Clarinetist Jesse Canterbury. It was an ethereal almost dream like set that carried the listener on a journey into the stars. Canterbury was joined by Tom Baker on guitar, Joanne DeMars on Cello, and Chris Stover on Trombone. The quartet was strongly attuned to each other which carried them to a higher more intense level of performance.
Vertigo

Bad Luck was also like a journey but instead of a journey into the heavens it was a trip into the earth. The duo’s performance was simple yet powerful. Saxophonist Neil Welch used loops and pedals to build mosaics over which he and drummer Chris Icasiano could build off. Well crafted and very earthy compositions with tight rhythms.
Bad Luck

The last night started with the Tom Baker Quartet. This dynamic ensemble covered the entire gambit of emotions from powerfully moody with crunchy guitar led compositions to light and airy numbers given flight by clarinetist Jesse Canterbury. The rhythm sections consisted of bassist Brian Cobb, and drummer Greg Campbell.
Tom Baker Quartet

Headlining the festival was the Cuong Vu Trio. Vu, currently living in New York, grew up in Seattle. He brought his drummer, Ted Poor and bassist, Stomu Takeishi. This emotional set was reminiscent of a Sigur Ros performance, who Vu admitted to having a love affair with. All three performers poured out their energy and showcased the mastery of their instruments. The packed house was treated to an amazing sonic journey that seemed to take them deep into Vu’s heart.
Cuong Vu Trio


It was a unique and very special two weeks of performances that every jazz appreciator in Seattle should have attended. Dates are not confirmed yet for next year but more information and updates can be found at IsThatJazz.org
The festival was sponsored by Nonsequitur, which holds regular performances at the Chapel Performance Space, Seattle Composers Salon, Present Sound Recordings, Seattle Percussive Collective and 4Culture.