NEWS
February music previews

Happy New Year to you, and our best wishes for a healthy and happy year.

Get your year started off right, by enjoying some great music at Jimmy Mak's. January and February feature a number of world-class artists, including Dan Faehnle, Luis Conte, Janiva Magness, and Jeff Lorber, along with the very best of Portland's respected local musicians. Look below for more information about all of the great acts playing the club.

As always, dinner 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"
6:30pm, with The Mel Brown Septet following at 8:00pm
Jimmy Mak’s is proud to feature 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. The Mel Brown Septet will hit it with their blend of straight-ahead and hard-bop jazz, playing two sets, starting at 8pm. The dates and artists in our "Partners in Jazz" series include:

Tuesday, February 2nd, Tree Palmedo and friends
Tuesday, February 9th, Mac Potts and his jazz/funk quartet

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, Carlton Jackson, Todd Straight, and Alan Jones on drums. Clay Giberson and George Mitchell rotate on keyboards, with Jeff Leonard and Damian Erskine rotating on bass. On two Mondays a month, Dan teams with Kassel and Giberson to form Go By Train, a post-modern look into the future of jazz-fusion. There is no cover on Mondays, music starts at 8:00, with  minors welcome until 9:30. Check out Dan at www.danbalmer.com.

Tuesday nights
The Mel Brown Jazz Orchestra, $6.00 cover
In 1989, legendary trumpeter Doc Severensen (the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson) implored Mel Brown to “never let this band stop playing.” The extraordinary performance at the 1989 Playboy Jazz Festival was only a hint of things to come. Recently renamed as the Mel Brown Jazz Orchestra, this octet continues 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 is joined in the rhythm section by pianist/composer, Gordon Lee and bassist, Andre St. James. The five-horn line-up features Renato Caranto on tenor saxophone, Warren Rand on alto saxophone, Derek Sims on trumpet and flugelhorn, Stan Bock on trombone and euphonium, and Thara Memory on trumpet. Adjunct members include John Nastos (saxophones), Farnell Newton (trumpet), Jof Lee (piano), and Carlton Jackson (drums). The Mel Brown Jazz Orchestra 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.

Wednesday nights
The Mel Brown Quartet, $5.00 cover
If you were to look up the word “swinging” in the dictionary, the definition and picture would be of the Mel Brown Quartet. The band plays a smart mixture of original material and intelligent arrangements, in the style of Oscar Peterson and Gene Harris. 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 straight-ahead jazz played being played anywhere in the world today. You can learn more about them at www.tonypacini.com/mbqinfo.htm.

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 over ten years, and continues to smoke the house with every show. They play organ based soul jazz in the tradition of Jimmy Smith, Jack McDuff, and Jimmy McGriff. Mel also brings his 20 plus years of Motown work to the table, 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. Finally, we’re very happy to welcome back percussionist, Curtis Craft! This group has really been the defining sound for Jimmy Mak’s since our early days, and it has been said that you can’t truly call yourself a Portlander, if you haven’t checked out Mel and this great band. Learn more at www.myspace.com/melbrownb3organgroup.

FEBRUARY

The Dan Faehnle Quartet
Monday, February 8th, showtime at 8:30pm
$10 in advance through www.ticketsoregon.com
We’re very excited to welcome back jazz guitarist and Portland ex-patriot Dan Faehnle! Throughout the nineties, Dan was a fixture on the jazz scene here, playing alongside the legendary Leroy Vinegar, as well as being an integral part of Mel Brown’s Quintet every Thursday night at Jimmy Mak’s. In 2000, he joined the touring band of Grammy winning artist Diana Krall, and has since been featured with a number of World-class jazz artists. In addition, he’s been touring heavily with Portland’s own Pink Martini for the last several years. Tonight, Dan has put together a killing quartet, featuring bassist and Pink Martini band mate Phil Baker, and young piano genius Dan Gaynor. The coup here, though, is the inclusion of legendary drummer Dick Berk. Long considered one of the best timekeepers in the business, Berk recently moved back to Portland, and we’re thrilled to have him on our stage. This show will swing like nobody’s business and will be packed.  Check out Dan at www.danfaehnle.com. You can also hear a sound clip right here on our web site. 

Intervision with the NOW! Quartet
Friday, February 12th
$12 Cover
These boys always bring their very best to our stage. Their music takes you back to the 70’s sounds of Stevie Wonder and Steely Dan, with tightly arranged and performed melodies, and poignantly intelligent lyrics. Vocalist Paul Creighton is exactly what a front man should be, and gets great help in harmonizing from guitarist Tony Stovin and keyboardist Kit Taylor. Making it funky on the back line are new bassist Damian Erskine and drummer Jon Barber. They’ve also added the killing saxophone of our good friend Josh Cliburn. This is a really outstanding band, playing some seriously good original music. They were recently recognized with an IMA award for their tune “Live Out Loud.” And the word on the street is that they’re going back into the studio early next year. They previewed some of their new music at their December show with us, and let me tell you, it was pretty damned happening! They’ll get some help opening the show from the NOW! Quartet at 8pm. This one will be crazy so don’t miss out! Check ‘em out at www.intervisionmusic.com.

Bobby Torres Ensemble with special guest Luis Conte
Friday, February 13th
$15 in advance through www.ticketsoregon.com
Bobby Torres knows how to put a great band together. His full sized ensemble rips it up every time they take our stage, and tonight will be no exception. As always, Bobby’s famous percussion leads the way with help from drummer James Travers, as well as bassist Keith Brush, and pianist Brian Ward. Bobby’s five piece horn section always blows the house down with Dick Titterington and Matt Carr on trumpets, Lars Campbell on trombone, and Tim Jensen and John Nastos on saxophones. And to top it all off, he’s put together the smoldering sexy duo of Karla Harris and Julana Torres on the vocals. Bobby will also welcome home son and percussionist Carmelo Torres. The big surprise for tonight’s show is the appearance of Cuban master percussionist and Grammy-winning artist, Luis Conte! Luis is truly a living legend in Afro-Cuban music, and has performed and recorded with most of today’s top artists. Tonight Bobby is celebrating the 16th Anniversary of his band as well as his (undisclosed) birthday! And with the help of so many special friends, it can’t help but be one of the greatest parties of the year! Learn more about Bobby at www.bobbytorres.com, and more about Luis at www.luisconte.com. Bobby’s shows are always a lot of fun, but this one will be off the hook. Talk about a great birthday present! WOW!

Janiva Magness
Thursday, February 18th
Tickets $19 Advance available at www.ticketswest.com
The story of award-winning vocalist Janiva Magness’ rise to the top of the blues world and beyond is a testament to the redemptive power of music and the human spirit. Possessing a rich, soulful voice and absolute command over her material, Magness is an incredibly gifted performer who can lead her audience through a range of emotions, from the deepest sorrow to overwhelming joy.
Magness received the 2009 Blues Music Award for B.B King Entertainer Of The Year (she is only the 2nd woman to ever win this award, the other being Koko Taylor) as well as for Contemporary Blues Female Artist Of The Year (she also won the 2006 and 2007 Blues Music Awards for Best Contemporary Female Artist Of The Year). She has nine solo recordings to her credit and has made guest appearances on CDs by R.L. Burnside and many others. Her presence on stage is legendary, as she performs 200 nights a year at clubs, festivals, and concert halls all over the world
What defines Janiva Magness is the strength, power and passion of her deeply soulful, emotionally moving music, sung with truth and soul-shaking talent

Soul Vaccination
Friday, February 19th
$10 Cover
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. And they do it quite well, thank you. 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. And Lewis Livermore and Dave Mills carry the backbone sound of the Soul Vax horns on trumpets, with Mary Sue Tobin and Gary Harris on saxophones. Be sure to pick up a copy of their latest 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.

Jeff Loerber with Patrick Lamb
Presented by Melvin Broadous, RE/MAX Equity Group
Saturday, February 20th
Two Shows at 7:30 and 10pm
Advanced Tickets $25 Reserved Seating/$20 General Admission available through www.ticketsoregon.com
They’re bringing back the funk on Saturday night! Patrick Lamb brings back legendary fusion pioneer Jeff Loerber to show you how it’s done. Portland guitar icon Jay “Bird” Koder will add his shredding ability as well. Rounding out the band will be Reinhardt Melz on drums and Damian Erskine on bass. This will be the third time Jeff has come to visit us, and I fully expect this night to be as explosive as the first two. When you put Reinhardt and Damian on stage together, it’s gonna get crazy. Add Bird’s insane guitar, Patrick’s funky saxophone and Jeff’s world famous keyboards, and the place will probably catch fire! You can catch some of this insane action at www.youtube.com. Just put Patrick’s name in the search engine and you’ll see what I’m talkin’ about. We’re featuring two shows this evening with two ticket options for each show. Reserved seating for the 7:30 show requires a dinner reservation, which you can make by calling us at (503) 295-6542. We will have a $15 per person food minimum on all dinner reservations. Our 10pm show also has reserved seating tickets available. This show does not have a food minimum as we will be offering our bar menu at this time. Both shows also feature General Admission tickets that do not guarantee seating. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.ticketsoregon.com. Get on it now as tickets are already on sale and seats are going fast!

Soul Brasiliero
Friday, February 26th
$10 Cover
Vocalist Nancy Curtin was raised in a musical family and has been singing all her life. Her interest in jazz began in college, where she studied music and wrote and performed original and jazz compositions. She has always been drawn to a wide variety of world music, and in 1998 she fell in love with the music of Brazil.  Nancy’s recordings and performances cover a number of styles, from Antonio Carlos Jobim’s beautiful bossa novas, to the passionate Afro-Sambas of Baden Powell and Vinicius de Moraes.  Based in Portland, Oregon, Nancy performs her unusual repertoire locally and nationally with her band, Soul Brasileiro.  This band features one of the truly great rhythm sections anywhere in the Pacific Northwest. Bassist Dave Captein stands out in a town of over-achieving bass players. Equally adept with the upright and electric bass, Dave always brings it strong. Pianist Tom Grant is a legend in his own right. As a pioneer in the smooth-jazz movement of the eighties, it would be easy to peg him as a one trick pony, but that would be a supreme injustice. Tom is widely regarded as a World-class jazz pianist, having played with many of the true legends in the genre. There is much to tell about drummer Ron Steen, and all of it is good. But what you really need to know is that probably every musician to have come up in Portland over the last twenty-plus years had to cut his or her teeth at one of Ron’s legendary jam sessions. His ear is as good as you’ll ever encounter, and his right hand will evoke memories of the late Billy Higgins. Enough said. Check out Nancy and Soul Brasiliero at www.nancycurtain.net.

The Toast of the Town
Saturday, February 27th
$10 Cover
This Saturday night, Feb 27th, Peterson Entertainment, in collaboration with Jimmy Mak’s, proudly presents “The Toast of the Town!” a very special, dual CD release party. If you like your jazz groove-heavy and served up with attitude, get your reservations in early!

This locals-only performance features a power-house lineup of Portland’s coolest jazz cats: Noah Peterson on saxophone, Gordon Lee on piano, Andre St. James on upright bass, and Edwin Coleman III on drums. 

Bay-area guitarist and former Portlander Jay Stapleton opens the night debuting his boogaloo and soul-jazz CD “Upshot.”  Always tasty and groove-oriented, Jay’s sophisticated delivery is funky, on the mark and sure to get the party started. Please come and enjoy Jay Stapleton’s homecoming performance at Jimmy Mak’s. 

Spoken Word artist Emmett Wheatfall headlines the night, showcasing his groundbreaking new CD “When I Was Young.” A fresh talent, Emmett delivers a soulful and moving performance with lyrics that cover romance, faith, betrayal, and the matters of life. His words are set to a fierce, sensitive and moving accompaniment that crosses the boundaries of jazz into blues, funk, soul and gospel.  This show will set your night on fire! 
For more information visit www.petersonentertainment.com.

We’ve sure got a lot of great music to start out the new decade! Remember to make your dinner reservations early, as seating is limited for many of our shows. And once again we’d like to thank you for your continued support! Happy New Year!

From behind the bar,
JD