Jazz Chanteuse Marti Mendenhall and the Mel Brown Septet Perform at Jimmy Mak's at Jimmy Mak's

Jimmy Mak’s features a very special “Partners in Jazz” show. This double-bill shines with Jazz Singer/Songwriter and Scat Specialist - Marti Mendenhall and her quartet, followed by the “Godfather” of Portland Jazz, Mel Brown and his Septet.

Marti performs throughout the Pacific Northwest, including a recent appearance on KMHD’s Bright Moments, the Jazz in Jacoby Festival in Roseburg, and the Boise State University Jazz Festival in Idaho. Marti's unique writing style captures the nuances of jazz with performances that capture Jazz and Pop lovers alike. Her originals are the hallmark of every show as she uses her writing to connect to the audience musically and with personal warmth. Soaring scat solos unheard since Ella Fitzgerald remind us that the core of this singer was born from the soul of Jazz. In the words of reviewer, Nick DeRiso, “and then, of course, the crowd goes wild. You will, too.” Marti brings her full band to the show, and is backed by some of Portland’s most impressive jazz musicians: Dustin Hunley on keys, Todd Strait on drums, Eric Gruber on Bass, Matt Schiff on guitar and Bethany Small and Erin Ibarra on back-up vocals. ...

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Jimmy Mak’s features a very special “Partners in Jazz” show. This double-bill shines with Jazz Singer/Songwriter and Scat Specialist - Marti Mendenhall and her quartet, followed by the “Godfather” of Portland Jazz, Mel Brown and his Septet.

Marti performs throughout the Pacific Northwest, including a recent appearance on KMHD’s Bright Moments, the Jazz in Jacoby Festival in Roseburg, and the Boise State University Jazz Festival in Idaho. Marti's unique writing style captures the nuances of jazz with performances that capture Jazz and Pop lovers alike. Her originals are the hallmark of every show as she uses her writing to connect to the audience musically and with personal warmth. Soaring scat solos unheard since Ella Fitzgerald remind us that the core of this singer was born from the soul of Jazz. In the words of reviewer, Nick DeRiso, “and then, of course, the crowd goes wild. You will, too.” Marti brings her full band to the show, and is backed by some of Portland’s most impressive jazz musicians: Dustin Hunley on keys, Todd Strait on drums, Eric Gruber on Bass, Matt Schiff on guitar and Bethany Small and Erin Ibarra on back-up vocals.

The Mel Brown Septet is truly amazing. In 1989, legendary trumpeter Doc Severensen (the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson) implored Mel Brown to “never let this band stop playing.” Their extraordinary performance at the 1989 Playboy Jazz Festival was only a hint of things to come. Since then, the band has expanded to a septet, and today they continue to carry the torch of hard-bop and post-bop jazz in the Pacific Northwest. The Godfather of Portland jazz and one of the World’s finest drummers, Mel Brown is joined in the rhythm section by pianist/composer Gordon Lee and bassist Andre St. James. The four-horn line-up features Renato Caranto on tenor saxophone, John Nastos on alto and soprano saxophone, Derek Sims on trumpet and flugelhorn, and Stan Bock on trombone and euphonium. The Mel Brown Septet re-creates the sound of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, segueing from one tune to the next with an ease that makes the songs sound like one continuous piece of music.

This show is not to be missed! Tuesday, March 4th. 6-7:30 Marti Mendenhall. 8 PM Mel Brown Septet. $10 cover for both. Jimmy Mak’s, 221 NW 10th Ave, Portland, Reservations are highly recommended. 503-295-6542

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