The Island Jazz Quintet

The Red Bicycle Bistro & Sushi will be shining its spotlight on one of the most innovative jazz bands in the Northwest, the Island Jazz Quintet. Meeting and growing in a place that is the antithesis of bright lights and glamour gave the band a chance to develop its style in peace. That style combines improvisational jazz, bossa nova, and a smoky hint of cabaret in distinctive arrangements that lead Victory Review to note, “Vashon Island boasts a group worthy of national attention. This group would be right at home in a New York cabaret.”

Island Jazz Quintet released its third CD, “Who Knows,” to a standing-room-only crowd at the Crepe de Paris in Seattle. This collection of originals and colorful arrangements of standards immediately began receiving national and international airplay. “This is one of Washington state’s best jazz ensembles… Just listen to the personal touches and humor the band adds to ‘What a Little Moonlight Can Do,’ to see that this is a group that should be selling out shows all across the country.” -James Rodgers

The band came into being in 1999. Early jam sessions in a cabin in the woods led quickly to regular gigs and a desire to record. The band released its first album in 2001, a self-titled collection garnering local airplay and critical notice.
IJQ features Maggie Laird on vocals, Richard Person on trumpet, Michael Gotz on guitar, Todd Gowers on bass and Todd Zimberg on drums.

IJQ was in full swing by 2004 which saw a second CD release, “Youkali.” The title track is a lesser-known Kurt Weill piece, a French-Arabian tango featuring some smearing trumpet and a sensual vocal. This disc turned up on radio play lists all over the country. The sound was evolving; standard polish gave way to more potent statements, more originals, and more atmosphere.
This is a free show and all-ages ’til 11pm, 21+ after that.