by Tom Mohrman, Seattle Jazz blogger
While never contributing directly to a specific style of jazz (like Chicago, or New York, or New Orleans), Seattle has long been a city with a vibrant jazz scene. Greats like Quincy Jones found Seattle to be a place to grow and prosper in days gone by. Over the years, jazz has seen major popularity and relative obscurity. In the 1930s and ’40s, jazz was alive in the rainy streets of Seattle. While giving way in terms of popularity to rock, and, later, grunge, jazz never left. Today Seattle has re-discovered her roots in America’s original musical art form with many venerable jazz clubs, festivals, and renowned touring acts bringing amazing music to both new and seasoned audiences in the Emerald City.
To dig in to the jazz scene in Seattle, one must simply take a walk downtown. Visit Jazz Alley, visit The Triple Door. Stop by Tula’s or the New Orleans Creole Restaurant. You’ll find that great music, food, and drinks await. There are also several non-profits that promote jazz throughout Puget Sound. Earshot.org is a sponsor of many amazing events, and is a great way to get involved.
Seattle is a city that loves music, supports music, and draws musicians to her. It rains a lot. We need indoor activities. On any given night there is a great jazz show somewhere in the city, with musicians blowing into horns, hitting drums, and breaking hearts with pianos. All they need is you to be there, tapping your toe, enjoying the moment.