Francesco, Gail, John unedited
The Cellar Cat Wine Bar & Jazz Club is proud to present the TAPESTRY TRIO, an intimate Jazz performance which brings together 3 distinct musical talents, highlights the diversity of each artist’s individual music approach, coming together in different combinations (trio, duet, solo) and weaving their music styles to create something unique and inspiring. The trio will present original compositions and select standards arrangements.
ABOUT THE MUSICIANS
FRANCESCO CROSARA: Originally from Milan, Italy, Crosara’s music melds an impressive mix of jazz improvisation, a romantic vein from his classical training, along with Latin influences. Crosara stands among the European-bred jazz greats, performing over the years with the likes of Lionel Hampton, Freddie Hubbard, Roy Hargrove, Richie Cole, Bobby Shew, Ira Sullivan, Don Menza, Von Freeman, John Heard, Gabe Baltazar, Mayuto Correa, Bruce Forman, Barbara Morrison, Earl Palmer, Lilian Terry, and more. His recordings have featured a multicultural and international array of musicians. He has performed at festivals and venues across the USA, Japan, Canada, Mexico, France, Spain, and Italy.
Since 2017, the Pacific Northwest can claim Crosara's talents, too, as he’s demonstrated an eagerness to contribute to the local scene. Francesco was selected to perform at the 2021 Earshot Jazz Festival in Seattle and has been featured two years in a row in the trend-setting Earshot Jazz: The Second Century series for his bold and innovative music composition and video editing work. Equally adept with acoustic and electric jazz concepts, Crosara routinely headlines trios and quartets with the area top musicians.
GAIL PETTIS: Named ” 2010 Northwest Vocalist of the Year,” by Earshot Jazz Society, (also 2007), Gail’s rich, warm vocals and understated phrasing have been described as “deliciously soulful” by Cadence Magazine.
Gail’s live performances have been described by Earshot jazz as going “…from strength to strength, performing a winning, crowd-involving style of vocal jazz.”. As artist-in-residence at the Amersfoort Jazz Festival in the Netherlands in 2006, she was featured artist with the New Manhattan Big Band, also Eddie Conard and the Dutch Jazz Cats on the mainstage and smaller combs in venues in Amersfoort and Harderwijk. Included on this tour was a stop in Kobe, Japan to perform as a guest artist at KAVC Hall as First Place winner of the Seattle-Kobe Female Jazz Vocalist Audition. She has also performed at the Gene Harris Jazz Festival in Boise, Idaho, Jazz at the River Festival in Eagle, ID. Most recently, Gail completed Russian tours in the spring of 2015, performing in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Ufa, Ivanova and Perm and returning in the summer for a tour anchored by the White Nights Jazz Festival.
JOHN STOWELL: began his successful career in the early 1970's with private study with guitarist Linc Chamberland and pianist John Mehegan. Both men were valuable mentors to John, allowing him to play with them as he progressed in his development. Several years later he met bassist David Friesen in New York City, and they formed a duo that recorded and toured prolifically for seven years, with performances in the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia.
In 1983, John and David joined flutist Paul Horn and Paul's son Robin Horn (on drums) for a historic tour of the Soviet Union. This was the first time in forty years that an American jazz group had been invited to play public performances in Russia. In 1993, 1995, 1998 and 2012 John returned to Russia, playing in numerous cities. His two sold-out performances in Kursk may have been the first appearances there by an American jazz musician.
John continues to tour, record and teach internationally. He has been Artist-In-Residence at schools in Germany, Indonesia, Argentina, and in the United States and Canada. He served as assistant director and performer in Oregon Public Broadcasting's PDX Jazz Summit in 1991, and since 1995 has been a contributing columnist for a number of magazines, including "Downbeat", "Guitar Player", "Canadian Musician", "Soundcheck" (Germany), and "Guitar Club" (Italy).
See less
Kingston, Washington
ABOUT THE MUSICIANS
FRANCESCO CROSARA: Originally from Milan, Italy, Crosara’s music melds an impressive mix of jazz improvisation, a romantic vein from his classical training, along with Latin influences. Crosara stands among the European-bred jazz greats, performing over the years with the likes of Lionel Hampton, Freddie Hubbard, Roy Hargrove, Richie Cole, Bobby Shew, Ira Sullivan, Don Menza, Von Freeman, John Heard, Gabe Baltazar, Mayuto Correa, Bruce Forman, Barbara Morrison, Earl Palmer, Lilian Terry, and more. His recordings have featured a multicultural and international array of musicians. He has performed at festivals and venues across the USA, Japan, Canada, Mexico, France, Spain, and Italy.
Since 2017, the Pacific Northwest can claim Crosara's talents, too, as he’s demonstrated an eagerness to contribute to the local scene. Francesco was selected to perform at the 2021 Earshot Jazz Festival in Seattle and has been featured two years in a row in the trend-setting Earshot Jazz: The Second Century series for his bold and innovative music composition and video editing work. Equally adept with acoustic and electric jazz concepts, Crosara routinely headlines trios and quartets with the area top musicians.
GAIL PETTIS: Named ” 2010 Northwest Vocalist of the Year,” by Earshot Jazz Society, (also 2007), Gail’s rich, warm vocals and understated phrasing have been described as “deliciously soulful” by Cadence Magazine.
Gail’s live performances have been described by Earshot jazz as going “…from strength to strength, performing a winning, crowd-involving style of vocal jazz.”. As artist-in-residence at the Amersfoort Jazz Festival in the Netherlands in 2006, she was featured artist with the New Manhattan Big Band, also Eddie Conard and the Dutch Jazz Cats on the mainstage and smaller combs in venues in Amersfoort and Harderwijk. Included on this tour was a stop in Kobe, Japan to perform as a guest artist at KAVC Hall as First Place winner of the Seattle-Kobe Female Jazz Vocalist Audition. She has also performed at the Gene Harris Jazz Festival in Boise, Idaho, Jazz at the River Festival in Eagle, ID. Most recently, Gail completed Russian tours in the spring of 2015, performing in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Ufa, Ivanova and Perm and returning in the summer for a tour anchored by the White Nights Jazz Festival.
JOHN STOWELL: began his successful career in the early 1970's with private study with guitarist Linc Chamberland and pianist John Mehegan. Both men were valuable mentors to John, allowing him to play with them as he progressed in his development. Several years later he met bassist David Friesen in New York City, and they formed a duo that recorded and toured prolifically for seven years, with performances in the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia.
In 1983, John and David joined flutist Paul Horn and Paul's son Robin Horn (on drums) for a historic tour of the Soviet Union. This was the first time in forty years that an American jazz group had been invited to play public performances in Russia. In 1993, 1995, 1998 and 2012 John returned to Russia, playing in numerous cities. His two sold-out performances in Kursk may have been the first appearances there by an American jazz musician.
John continues to tour, record and teach internationally. He has been Artist-In-Residence at schools in Germany, Indonesia, Argentina, and in the United States and Canada. He served as assistant director and performer in Oregon Public Broadcasting's PDX Jazz Summit in 1991, and since 1995 has been a contributing columnist for a number of magazines, including "Downbeat", "Guitar Player", "Canadian Musician", "Soundcheck" (Germany), and "Guitar Club" (Italy).
See less
Kingston, Washington
Jean Lenke & Jeremy Bacon bios for Joni event
YES ~ Jean Lenke & wonderful pianist Jeremy Bacon are taking on Joni Mitchell! Better get your reservations in early!
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I can’t remember where I heard the quote, ”When it’s all said and done, Joni Mitchell will go down in history as the greatest songwriter to have ever lived.”, but I do remember thinking, wow, they are so right. Her music is as complex as her poetic lyrics are heart piercing. She is visionary, and exploring her endless catalogue of music is an adventure I feel privileged to be on.
I’ve always wanted to to a Joni Mitchel Concert, honoring her Folk & Jazz genius, and no time like the present! look forward to performing with Jeremy Bacon, a beloved pianist from Seattle, interpreting Joni’s magical music for you, both favorites and lesser know songs. Let’s celebrate Joni & discover something new together!
~ Jean Lenke
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
ABOUT JEAN LENKE
www.jeantherapymusic.com
With a beautifully smooth and soulful voice, Pacific Northwest Jazz, Folk & Blues vocal artist Jean Lenke paints music in full color with broad strokes and a free hand. As bandleader her approach to music is spirited ~ crossing boundaries and mixing genres ~ she doesn’t always color inside the lines.
Jean’s current projects include a Jazz-Folk album project, due out in the spring of 2025, and a series of singles celebrating women composers! The Sea the Sky, the new Jazz-Folk project celebrates beloved Folk-Rock songwriters in Jazz format, and takes you on road of twists and turns, experiencing all the shades and hues that life brings us here in the great Pacific Northwest! The Celebrate Women! series, part of The Red Rose Project, is also tied to Jean’s own art work and should prove to be an exciting crossover piece of art and music!
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
ABOUT JEREMY BACON
www.jeremybacon.com
Jeremy Bacon is a pianist and composer from New York, currently living and playing in Seattle. Jeremy Bacon was born into a jazz family. Long before jazz was commercially available, his uncles gathered records and started a “hot club” for those loving the music. Uncle Paul Bacon, the great graphic artist, was one of the founders of Riverside Records, an important independent jazz label in the 50’s and 60’s that recorded artists such as Thelonious Monk, Bill Evans, Sonny Rollins, Blue Mitchell and Kenny Dorham. Paul did the record jacket design for the label and others, including those for his close friend Thelonious Monk.
From his early days, Jeremy grew up listening to Monk, Jelly Roll Morton, Miles Davis, Billie Holliday, Art Tatum, among others.
After attending Oberlin College, where he studied jazz improvisation and composition, Jeremy returned to New York City, becoming the closest of the great Don Pullen’s students. Don, a member of Charles Mingus’ last band, was also a major influence on the avant garde scene from the 60’s to the 80’s. When putting a concert together to showcase his talents at The Public Theater, it was Jeremy that Don trusted on piano.
Jeremy was also the regular pianist with the Charles Fambrough Trio, where he worked with Jeff “Tain” Watts, Joe Ford, Johnny Coles, Pat Martino, Mike Mossman, Ralph Bowen and others. Jeremy recorded “Cloud Hands,” his first album as a leader with members of this band. He also lead his own group on two extended tours in Japan, was musical director for Joey Arias’ Billie Holliday show at Carnegie Hall, and working with many singers and instrumentalists including renowned vocalist Queen Esther.
Some more of Jeremy’s credits include playing piano in the Yallopin Hounds with the great alto saxophonist Joey Cavaseno, touring extensively in the US and Europe with the group and recording several albums together. Jeremy has also collaborated with tenor saxophonist Justin Flynn to co-lead the band, Big Train, along with Jeff Ballard on drums and Ugonna Okegwo, recording the critically acclaimed album, “Travels” for Bad Gorilla Records.
Jeremy has performed at the Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, Birdland, Smalls, Mezzrow, Smoke, Minton’s of Harlem, 55 Bar, the Blue Note, Penn State University and many other clubs in and around New York.
MY CHANGE TO JEAN'S BIO
Jazz-Folk vocalist Jean Lenke paints scenery & emotion through song, approaching her canvas with broad strokes and a free hand. Originally from Philadelphia, Jean now resides in the Pacific Northwest on the Olympic Peninsula. Through her music Jean celebrates the kaleidoscopic hues of her new home, the forested shade, the true blue skies, the mist rising off the Puget Sound in the morning, the orcas, the gulls, the life. The wild wild life.
As a performing artist, composer, lyricist, and bandleader Jean fuses the joy of her parent’s music from the 1940’s with the spirit of the Folk-Rock & Jazz-Rock soundtrack of her own youth, into an eclectic mix ~ familiar, slightly off center, haunting. Blending the magic of the past with the energy of the future, Jean's delivery is sometimes cerebral, sometimes sexy, always transportive.
“I started my musical career late in life, so there’s never been any time to waste! My love of music had always been there - I just needed to tap into my own voice. Over the past 15 years I’ve learned that it’s never too late to recreate yourself."
Jean Lenke's debut album, Restless! is as diverse as Jean is and highlights her musical creativity. Restless! includes covers & original material by Jean, Philadelphia songwriters James Soloman, Danie Ocean and Canadian David R. Miller. Fresh lyrics to classic instrumental standards and new interpretations of Joni Mitchell (2 L’s) , Steely Dan and more.
"Everything I know about music, I learned in Philadelphia. Philly tough (taught) me to sing, to write, and to fly free. When I realized I as moving (was) west to Seattle, I knew I had to record my musical experiences before I left. Sometimes you just need to get off the couch and go for it! (period not exclamation) Whatever is pulling you forward, don’t settle. Give in to your own restlessness. Be brave! (period not exclamation) Just go for it and see where things land! You'll never regret it.” ~ Jean Lenke
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
I can’t remember where I heard the quote, ”When it’s all said and done, Joni Mitchell will go down in history as the greatest songwriter to have ever lived.”, but I do remember thinking, wow, they are so right. Her music is as complex as her poetic lyrics are heart piercing. She is visionary, and exploring her endless catalogue of music is an adventure I feel privileged to be on.
I’ve always wanted to to a Joni Mitchel Concert, honoring her Folk & Jazz genius, and no time like the present! look forward to performing with Jeremy Bacon, a beloved pianist from Seattle, interpreting Joni’s magical music for you, both favorites and lesser know songs. Let’s celebrate Joni & discover something new together!
~ Jean Lenke
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
ABOUT JEAN LENKE
www.jeantherapymusic.com
With a beautifully smooth and soulful voice, Pacific Northwest Jazz, Folk & Blues vocal artist Jean Lenke paints music in full color with broad strokes and a free hand. As bandleader her approach to music is spirited ~ crossing boundaries and mixing genres ~ she doesn’t always color inside the lines.
Jean’s current projects include a Jazz-Folk album project, due out in the spring of 2025, and a series of singles celebrating women composers! The Sea the Sky, the new Jazz-Folk project celebrates beloved Folk-Rock songwriters in Jazz format, and takes you on road of twists and turns, experiencing all the shades and hues that life brings us here in the great Pacific Northwest! The Celebrate Women! series, part of The Red Rose Project, is also tied to Jean’s own art work and should prove to be an exciting crossover piece of art and music!
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
ABOUT JEREMY BACON
www.jeremybacon.com
Jeremy Bacon is a pianist and composer from New York, currently living and playing in Seattle. Jeremy Bacon was born into a jazz family. Long before jazz was commercially available, his uncles gathered records and started a “hot club” for those loving the music. Uncle Paul Bacon, the great graphic artist, was one of the founders of Riverside Records, an important independent jazz label in the 50’s and 60’s that recorded artists such as Thelonious Monk, Bill Evans, Sonny Rollins, Blue Mitchell and Kenny Dorham. Paul did the record jacket design for the label and others, including those for his close friend Thelonious Monk.
From his early days, Jeremy grew up listening to Monk, Jelly Roll Morton, Miles Davis, Billie Holliday, Art Tatum, among others.
After attending Oberlin College, where he studied jazz improvisation and composition, Jeremy returned to New York City, becoming the closest of the great Don Pullen’s students. Don, a member of Charles Mingus’ last band, was also a major influence on the avant garde scene from the 60’s to the 80’s. When putting a concert together to showcase his talents at The Public Theater, it was Jeremy that Don trusted on piano.
Jeremy was also the regular pianist with the Charles Fambrough Trio, where he worked with Jeff “Tain” Watts, Joe Ford, Johnny Coles, Pat Martino, Mike Mossman, Ralph Bowen and others. Jeremy recorded “Cloud Hands,” his first album as a leader with members of this band. He also lead his own group on two extended tours in Japan, was musical director for Joey Arias’ Billie Holliday show at Carnegie Hall, and working with many singers and instrumentalists including renowned vocalist Queen Esther.
Some more of Jeremy’s credits include playing piano in the Yallopin Hounds with the great alto saxophonist Joey Cavaseno, touring extensively in the US and Europe with the group and recording several albums together. Jeremy has also collaborated with tenor saxophonist Justin Flynn to co-lead the band, Big Train, along with Jeff Ballard on drums and Ugonna Okegwo, recording the critically acclaimed album, “Travels” for Bad Gorilla Records.
Jeremy has performed at the Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, Birdland, Smalls, Mezzrow, Smoke, Minton’s of Harlem, 55 Bar, the Blue Note, Penn State University and many other clubs in and around New York.
MY CHANGE TO JEAN'S BIO
Jazz-Folk vocalist Jean Lenke paints scenery & emotion through song, approaching her canvas with broad strokes and a free hand. Originally from Philadelphia, Jean now resides in the Pacific Northwest on the Olympic Peninsula. Through her music Jean celebrates the kaleidoscopic hues of her new home, the forested shade, the true blue skies, the mist rising off the Puget Sound in the morning, the orcas, the gulls, the life. The wild wild life.
As a performing artist, composer, lyricist, and bandleader Jean fuses the joy of her parent’s music from the 1940’s with the spirit of the Folk-Rock & Jazz-Rock soundtrack of her own youth, into an eclectic mix ~ familiar, slightly off center, haunting. Blending the magic of the past with the energy of the future, Jean's delivery is sometimes cerebral, sometimes sexy, always transportive.
“I started my musical career late in life, so there’s never been any time to waste! My love of music had always been there - I just needed to tap into my own voice. Over the past 15 years I’ve learned that it’s never too late to recreate yourself."
Jean Lenke's debut album, Restless! is as diverse as Jean is and highlights her musical creativity. Restless! includes covers & original material by Jean, Philadelphia songwriters James Soloman, Danie Ocean and Canadian David R. Miller. Fresh lyrics to classic instrumental standards and new interpretations of Joni Mitchell (2 L’s) , Steely Dan and more.
"Everything I know about music, I learned in Philadelphia. Philly tough (taught) me to sing, to write, and to fly free. When I realized I as moving (was) west to Seattle, I knew I had to record my musical experiences before I left. Sometimes you just need to get off the couch and go for it! (period not exclamation) Whatever is pulling you forward, don’t settle. Give in to your own restlessness. Be brave! (period not exclamation) Just go for it and see where things land! You'll never regret it.” ~ Jean Lenke