NEWS

August and September music previews

We hope you've been enjoying your summer, and want you to know that we appreciate your support of jazz in your community. We have some great shows lined up for you as we head into the fall.

We're closing out August with some terrific shows. Stephanie Scheiderman, The Insomniacs, Soul Vaccination, Ben Fowler, and Rod Nightingale's C4 Influenz represent some of the very best music in their genres.

We'll kick off September as one of the host venues for MusicFest NW, followed by visits from guitarist Mimi Fox, a new collaboration from Linda Hornbuckle and Janis Scroggins, and a return of hometown favorite, Dan Faehnle.

As always, reservations are recommended to guarantee seating for all of our shows. Please contact us at 503-295-6542 for reservations and additional information.

RESIDENT EVENTS:

Every Tuesday
"Partners in Jazz", A collaboration between KHMD 89.1FM and Jimmy Mak's
Generously supported by Mirassou Winery
6:30pm, with The Mel Brown Septet following at 8:00pm
Jimmy Mak’s is proud to be participating in a partnership with KMHD's "Home Grown Live" program, which is featuring a series of shows designed to bring you the very best up-and-coming jazz artists in Portland. There are many exciting and talented new artists working in Portland right now, our hope is to introduce you to the next generation of jazz musicians coming up in the Portland scene. Every Tuesday, the featured artist in our "Partners in Jazz" series will open for the Mel Brown Septet at 6:30pm, and play until 7:30pm. Then, The Mel Brown Septet will hit it with their blend of straight-ahead and hard-bop jazz. They will play two sets, starting at 8pm as usual. The dates and artists in our "Partners in Jazz" series for include:

August 19th- The Audience
August 26th- The Michelle Medler Quartet
Sept 2nd- No "Partners" show this evening
Sept 9th- To Be Announced
Sept 16th- The New West Guitar Quartet
Sept 23rd- To Be Announced
Sept 30th- Kate Davis, CD release event

Monday nights
Dan Balmer, no cover.
 Dan Balmer leads off our week with a variety of trios. Dan’s music is best described as guitar-based contemporary jazz reflecting the great guitarists of the 70’s (i.e. John McLaughlin, Pat Methany, Bill Frisell etc.) His line-ups include Micah Kassel, Charlie Doggett, Carlton Jackson and Drew Shoals (Drums) Clay Giberson and George Mitchell (Keyboards) and Jeff Leonard and Damian Erskine on Bass. On two Mondays a month, Dan teams with Shoals and Giberson to form Go By Train, a post-modern look into the future of jazz-fusion. There is no cover on Mondays and music starts at 8:00 so we can welcome young listeners for the first set. Check out Dan at www.danbalmer.com.

Tuesday nights
The Mel Brown Septet, $6.00 cover.
The Mel Brown Septet plays hard bop and straight ahead jazz with passion and flair. The Godfather of Portland jazz and one of the world’s finest drummers, Mel 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, Warren Rand on alto, Stan Bock on trombone and euphonium and Derek Sims in the trumpet chair. Mel’s Septet re-creates the sound of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, with a continuous flow of music that must be seen to be appreciated. This early-start show time allows young players to come and hear the music.

Wednesday nights
The Mel Brown Quartet, $5.00 cover.
The Mel Brown Quartet swings their collective butts off. Pianist and musical director Tony Pacini brings his extensive book of original material and crafty arrangements to the mix.  Bass guru Ed Bennett lends some of his own compositions in addition to his amazing playing.  Dan Balmer brings his versatile guitar playing and some of his own music as well. The band is anchored by Mel’s drumming, featuring his legendary brushwork. This group represents some of the finest traditional jazz played being played anywhere in the world. We’re also reveling in the release of their newest CD “An Evening with the Mel Brown Quartet.”

Thursday nights
The Mel Brown B-3 Organ Group, $5.00 cover.
The Mel Brown B-3 Organ Group has held court on Thursday nights for nine years and shows no signs of letting up. They play organ based soul jazz in the tradition of Jimmy Smith, Jack McDuff and Jimmy McGriff. But that’s only part of the show. Mel brings his 20 plus years of Motown work to the table as well, as the band plays instrumental versions of your favorite Motown music. The engine of the band is clearly the Hammond B-3 Organ, in the very capable hands of Louis Pain. Adding melodic under-pinning and great grooving ability is guitarist Dan Balmer. Out front with his smoldering tenor saxophone is the man with more soul in his little finger than most of us have in our whole bodies, Renato Caranto.

AUGUST

Stephanie Schneiderman
Friday, August 22nd
Cover $10
Stephanie Schneiderman’s exceptional songwriting talent and radiating charm are a winning combination. Her honest, earthy presence and rich, serene vocals separates Stephanie from the hordes of ‘girls with guitars.’ – Adam Zachs (Talent Buyer for the House of Blues)
That pretty much sums it up folks. She’s got the whole package happening, and if you don’t believe me, check her out at www.stephanieschneiderman.com.

The Insomniacs
Saturday, August 23rd
Cover $10
THE INSOMNIACS, recently nominated for a W.C. Handy award for Best New Artist Debut, are partially Portland-grown with bassist Dean Mueller from Chicago and singer/songwriter Vyasa Dodson from a small town a few hundred miles south in the state Oregonians love to hate. It's OK. Their fans have forgiven them, and the hot jump band's debut album, "Left Coast Blues", on Delta Groove Records has been on the national blues charts for 29 weeks, climbing as high has No. 5, almost unprecedented for a first disc. The Insomniacs have also won a Muddy Award from Oregon's prestigious Cascade Blues Association for Best New Act of 2006, and Best Contemporary Act of 2007. Their song, "Crime Scene", has been named one of the top 20 contemporary blues songs for 2007 by BluesCritic.com.  Give them a look at www.myspace.com/insomniacsblues.

Soul Vaccination
Friday, August 29th
$10 Cover
I’m totally psyched to have another show with the serious soul and funk of Soul Vaccination! This fixture in the Northwest music scene has been bringing you tunes from the likes of Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Earth Wind & Fire and Tower of Power for years. The band features the mighty Hammond B-3 organ playing of Louis Pain as well as the precision guitar playing of Max Rees. Handling the bass is Leah Hinchcliff,, while Edwin Coleman III keeps the time on drums. Jeannine Wiggins and Mark Wyatt share the vocal duties, with Lewis Livermore and Dave Mills carrying the backbone sound of the Soul Vax horns on trumpets, with Mary Sue Tobin and Gary Harris on saxophones. They’ll be celebrating the release of their new CD, recorded live at Jimmy Mak’s! There is no doubt that this show will blow the roof off of the club, so don’t miss out! Check then out at www.soulvax.com.

Ben Fowler Quintet with C4 Influenz
Saturday, August 30th
$10 Cover
Alto saxophonist Ben Fowler comes from the old school of Jimmy Mak’s. As a member of the Fowler/Simms Jazz Explosion Project back in 1997, Ben explored soul-jazz and expanded his chops. All these years later, Ben has evolved into a complete musician, finding his own voice and leading and unbelievably solid group of Portland’s finest young players. Dave Fleschner mans the Hammond B-3 organ while Dan Gildea lends his considerable skills on guitar. Bill Athens throws down on the bass and Ed Pierce keeps the time on the drums. Playing music from his CD “The Pilgrimage,” Ben explores his gospel roots while maintaining the tradition of soul-jazz. Check him out at www.benfowler.com.
Rod Nightingale and his band, C4 Influenz will release their new CD with us this evening.

SEPTEMBER

Mimi Fox
With The Mel Brown Quartet
Wednesday, September 3rd
$12 Cover
Mimi Fox is the real deal, having been named a winner in 5 consecutive Down Beat Magazine's International Critics Polls (2003-2007). Fox has received glowing reviews, among them Jim Josselyn of Cadence Magazine saying that "This may be the finest solo jazz guitar playing I have ever heard". She will join The Mel Brown Quartet this evening for what will truly be a wonderful evening of music. Find out more about Mimi at www.mimifoxjazzguitar.com.

MusicFest NW
Friday and Saturday, September 5th & 6th
Admission with MFNW wristband or $10 at the door each night

Friday night:
KMHD presents Something Different
DJ Santo                                9pm
Trio Subtonic                        10pm
Velella Velella                        11pm
Rupa and the April Fishes  Midnight

Saturday night:
Devin Phillips Band, 9pm
Copacrescent, 10pm
Barry Hampton and The Triple Grip, 11pm
Tony Ozier, Midnight

Alan Jones and Randy Porter
Friday, September 12th
$10 Cover Charge
Randy Porter is nothing short of a musical genius. As a piano player and composer, his reputation is far reaching. Drummer Alan Jones is simply explosive on his instrument and is well known for his hard-hitting sextet. With these two virtuosos playing together, you can expect fireworks. Learn more about Alan at www.alanjonesmusic.com. Visit Randy at www.randyporter.com.

Linda Hornbuckle/Janice Scroggins CD Release Event
Saturday, September 13th
$10 Cover
Tonight our guests will be treated to a double whammy. If you missed her last show, don’t fret! Come on down and check out the Northwest’s premier Soul Diva, Linda Hornbuckle. Without a doubt, she’s one of the very baddest singers anywhere, and with her powerful band she consistently provides us with some of our best shows. Her rhythm section includes drummer Rod Nightingale, bassist Randy Monroe and guitarist Doug Lewis. The keyboards of Janice Scroggins and Louis Pain on his Hammond B-3 Organ round out the band. Now here’s the bonus. If you’re familiar to Linda’s shows, you’ll know that she loves to sing duets with resident musical genius and pianist Janice Scroggins. Well folks they put that magic onto a new CD entitled Sista, and they’ll be celebrating its release this evening. This is truly wonderful music and we expect a heavy crowd, so get your dinner reservations early. Check out Linda at www.lindahornbuckle.com.

The Konkies
Friday, September 19th
$10 Cover

International Male with Caña Son
Saturday, September 20th
$12 Cover
The boys from International Male are back to bring you the funk and disco that you so richly deserve. Whether it’s the pop sensibility of Boz Scaggs, or the straight up funk of Heatwave, or the infectious humor of the band themselves; these folks come to play. Enjoy the guitar pyrotechnics of “the ladies choice” Laird Grainger. Feel the slap and tickle funk of John McIssac’s bass in your backside. Check out the silky-smooth vocals of lead singer Mitchell “Moose” Lee. Groove with the ivory tinkling of Adam McIssac. Get down and dirty with drummer Cory Burden. Their latest addition is the sweet voice and beautiful curves of vocalist Angela Darrow. In short people, be amazed at what happens when musicians learn more than three chords! As if this wasn’t enough to get your booty shakin’, they’ll be followed by the smoking hot sounds of Caña Son. ¡Hay mas caliente! We’re bringing in the dance floor as we did for their last double bill in March and people it will be time to put on your dancing shoes. You can check out International Male at www.myspace.com/internationalmalefunkypo. Also check out www.canason.com for more info about this great Cuban band.

Debra Arlyn with the Dave Milne Band
Friday, September 26th
$10 Cover
This double bill promises to be quite a bit of fun. Vocalist Debra Arlyn is set to break out as a composer and performer with an excellent stage presence and gifted song writing. Saxophonist Dave Milne recently celebrated the release of his newest CD “Present Tense.” His performance here brought images of Steely Dan crossed with David Sanborn. His story is compelling to put it mildly and his music is wonderful. This night will showcase of original music from both performers, so don’t miss out. Check out www.davemilnemusic.com and www.debraarlyn.com for more information on these exciting young players.

Dan Faehnle
Saturday, September 27th
$10 Cover Charge

Kate Davis CD Release Event
Tuesday, September 30th 6:30-8:30
$5 Cover
Followed by the Mel Brown Septet at 9pm
$6 Cover
At 17 years old, Kate Davis is already an accomplished musician. She ranked #1 for bass in the OSAA (Oregon State Solo Competition) for the last two years. She is also ranked #2 for violin in the OSAA. In their recent Student Awards, she was recognized by Downbeat Magazine as the Outstanding Vocalist for 2008 and she won top Arrangement for her Rachmaninov inspired “Symphonic Dances.” Kate frequently plays in the Portland area with her numerous jazz mentors. Her debut CD Introducing Kate Davis features more than 15 of the region’s finest jazz musicians and spotlights Kate’s many musical talents. Taking cue from her musical influences, the CD is a compellation of jazz with a modern kick. The evening will feature Kate playing singing, playing bass and violin accompanied by Randy Porter and Todd Strait, along with several of the recording’s contributors as special guests. This unique all-star lineup offers a fresh take on jazz. Check her out at www.katedavismusic.com.

From Behind the Bar,

J.D.