The first piece I ever wrote for the now defunct Seattle Sound Magazine (City Arts is its newest incarnation) was a small feature on a hip-hop legend here in Seattle, Samuel Stephens. He passed away unexpectedly back in 2007, to the shock of his family and the hip-hop community. I thought it was just a print feature, but stumbled across it online the other day. The longtime supporter and producer of local music was also part owner of the Ezell's Fried Chicken franchise. The story is here: Seattle Hip-hop Pioneer Passes.
On a related City Arts note, I have a small review in the latest (April) issue. At an original word count of 150, it's whittled down to a mere 75, and the result is sloppy and out of context. Rats. Such is writing (and hasty editors) sometimes. The review as I intended it to look is here for you now.
Speak
Self-titled
(Origin Records)
Seattle free jazz quintet Speak hasn't been around a while – the group just formed in 2008 – but that hasn't kept them from attracting attention. They're the newest signers to local jazz label Origins and have lined up gigs from clubs in New York to jazz festivals in Europe. Their six track debut of original compositions is a 45 minute progressive jazz art piece. Cuong Vu – whose smooth, improvisational trumpet work has appeared alongside Pat Methany, David Bowie and Cibo Matto – brings a seasoned finesse to the recording, offset by technical skills brought forth by four younger members. Album highlights include: “Polypockets,” a syncopated frenzy of manic sax, precision percussion and heavy handed keys; “Pure Hatred,” a jarring shudder of schismatic, flowing jazz; and “Litany Split,” featuring Vu's feather light trumpet. It's studied, moody music. Speak has arrived with something to say.
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