From the Mar 25 – Mar 31, 2004 issue

Music

Concerts

by Christopher DeLaurenti

THURSDAY MARCH 25



SEATTLE SYMPHONY

Three expansive masterpieces by three conservative (though nonetheless great) 20th-century masters with deep roots in 19th-century Romanticism: Richard Strauss' Death and Transfiguration, Sibelius' Symphony No. 2, and Rachmaninov's underrated Piano Concerto No. 4 with pianist Horacio Gutiérrez. Also Fri March 26 at 8 pm. Benaroya Hall, Third Ave and Union St, 215-4747, 7:30 pm, $16-$80.

FRIDAY MARCH 26



SEATTLE COMPOSERS' SALON

A monthly, informal presentation of new music by Seattle composers, the Salon features finished works, previews, and works in progress. Emcee Tom Baker has corralled fellow composers Colt Valenti, Doug Palmer, Rick Bidlack, and Keith Eisenbrey. Soundbridge at Benaroya Hall, Second Ave and Union St, 215-4747, 8 pm, $5.

SATURDAY MARCH 27



OPUS 7

Choral music for the Lenten season: Josef Rheinberger's Passionsgesang for choir and organ, Ralph Vaughan-Williams' ethereal O Vos Omnes, and Mendelssohn's Mittenwir im Leben sind. Also music by Ildebrando Pizzetti, Rudi Tas, and George Schumann as well as music from Latvia and Sweden. St. James Cathedral, 804 Ninth Ave, 782-2899, 8 pm, $18/$20, students pay as able.

MUSICIANS OF THE GUILD

Nope, this gig has nothing to do with the generally ineffective Musicians Union. Instead, two stalwarts of the Early Music Guild, cellist Claire Garabedian and harpsichordist Jillon Stoppels Dupree, explore Italian baroque works by Alessandro Scarlatti, Frescobaldi, Legrenzi, and, of course, Vivaldi. Bethany Lutheran Church, 7400 Woodlawn Ave NE, 325-7066, 8 pm, $10/$12.

MONDAY MARCH 29



MATT JORGENSEN +451

Why do I dig this drummer-driven quartet? Simply put, they cook. Drummer Matt Jorgensen's willingness to bash the drums when needed blends perfectly with Ryan Burns' adroit comping on electric piano and the rock-steady work of bassist Phil Sparks. This CD-release party for their superb disc Hope (Origin) also kicks off a mini-tour of the Northwest. Also Tues March 30 at Borders' downtown Fourth Avenue location at noon. The Triple Door, 216 Union St, 838-4333, 9 pm, free.

SOUND OF THE BRUSH

Gust Burns (prepared Fender Rhodes electric piano), alto sax firebrand Wally Shoup, and Dalton Davis (drums) join forces "to paint pointillistic, Miro-laced sound pictures" in an up-close, workshop setting. The final set is an open-to-all-comers, mix 'n' match improvisation. Polestar Music Gallery, 1412 18th Ave at E Union St, 329-4224, 8:30 pm, donation requested.

TUESDAY MARCH 30



PK & KEVIN SAWKA

Each week, bassist PK and drumming phenomenon Kevin Sawka of Siamese cross-pollinate atmospheric, nu-jazz (think old-time swing doused with drum-and-bass inflected funk) grooves with a rotating cast of improvisers. Lo_Fi, 429B Eastlake Ave E, 10 pm, free.

WEDNESDAY MARCH 31



FLOYD STANDIFER GROUP

Trumpeter Standifer and his group serve up well-stewed, savory bop standards. If you're lucky, he'll croon a tune, too. Some were surprised by Standifer's Earshot award as Northwest Vocalist of 2003, but I still remember his stirring rendition of "Everything Happens to Me" at Bumbershoot last year. New Orleans Restaurant, 114 First Ave S, 622-2563, 8 pm, free.

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