Steve Griggs: Panama Hotel Jazz at Seattle Jazz Fellowship

Soulful tenor saxophonist Steve Griggs revives his Panama Hotel Jazz program that integrates original composition with the stories of historic hotel in the CID. The hotel holds the stories of hope, hatred and humility  experienced by Japanese Americans before, during, and after WWII. The music is inspired by the rich history of the building.

The performance includes a rendition of the imaginary Oscar Holden song, "Alley Cat Strut" that is featured in the Jamie Ford novel, "Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet." The band is chamber-like in nature, without a traditional drummer. Multi-instrumentalist Jay Thomas is one of the true jazz icons in Seattle history, and is featured on saxophones, trumpet and flute. Guitarist Milo Petersen and the four mallet technique of vibraphonist Susan Pascal provide harmonic density along with Seattle stalwart Phil Sparks on bass, each a master soloist as well. Griggs' throaty, rounded sound on tenor speaks the narrative in soulful fashion. ...

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Soulful tenor saxophonist Steve Griggs revives his Panama Hotel Jazz program that integrates original composition with the stories of historic hotel in the CID. The hotel holds the stories of hope, hatred and humility  experienced by Japanese Americans before, during, and after WWII. The music is inspired by the rich history of the building.

The performance includes a rendition of the imaginary Oscar Holden song, "Alley Cat Strut" that is featured in the Jamie Ford novel, "Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet." The band is chamber-like in nature, without a traditional drummer. Multi-instrumentalist Jay Thomas is one of the true jazz icons in Seattle history, and is featured on saxophones, trumpet and flute. Guitarist Milo Petersen and the four mallet technique of vibraphonist Susan Pascal provide harmonic density along with Seattle stalwart Phil Sparks on bass, each a master soloist as well. Griggs' throaty, rounded sound on tenor speaks the narrative in soulful fashion.

This is the first end of a jazz doubleheader at 109 S. Main! There's time for dinner and a drink before the 7:30 sets with Kelsey Mines and Elsa Nilsson. Photo Credit: Daniel Sheehan https://seattlejazzfellowship.org/events

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