M.B.Q. (Mel Brown Quartet), Is a band of bandleaders that blow the stage apart Every Wednesday Night at Jimmy Mak’s Jazz Club.
Read what Jazz Journalist / Radio Celeb George Fendel says about M.B.Q.;
“If mainstream jazz is your bag, the Mel Brown Quartet brings you bop, ballads, blues and scintillating originals making you glad you have ears! With over 100 years of collective experience, here’s a group that knows jazz and brings it boldly to the bandstand on every gig” - George Fendel
Saphu Record’s own staff writer Marci Maitland wrote in the liner notes of the (critically acclaimed) CD “Girl Talk”, the following biographical info: (read below)
“The Mel Brown Quartet came together in the fall of 2002 at Jimmy Mak’s, a popular jazz club in Portland, Oregon. All seasoned jazzmen the group has become a mainstay in the Portland jazz scene playing to enthusiastic, full capacity crowds at every appearance. The quartet, Tony Pacini on piano, Ed Bennett on bass, Dan Balmer on guitar and legendary drummer Mel Brown present on this recording a variety of tasty original compositions and fresh takes of time-honored standards in the jazz tradition.
The band members, all bandleaders in their own right, look forward to Wednesday night when the quartet performs at Jimmy Mak’s. Pianist/musical director Tony Pacini sets the stage for us: “Dan shows up with his guitar, Ed with his bass, Mel with his stickbag and I show up with my music and piano mic. Tonight the room looks full. Dan tells me he would like to play Ed’s tune Waltz For Theo (written for Ed’s youngest son). A fan comes up to me and asks how was my weekend. In response I pull from my book Girl Talk, a popular tune from the 60’s I had arranged that Sunday. Next I select Oldest Son, an original composition written for Mel by Dan. The band takes the stage. Bartender J.D. welcomes the audience promising an evening of world-class jazz. One of us counts the tune off; the band hits and here we go.” – Marci Maitland
Catch all the action Every Wednesday Night At:
Jimmy Mak’s Jazz Club ( Voted one of the top 100 places to listen to jazz in the world – Downbeat Magazine ).
221 N.W. 10th Avenue ( between Davis and Everett Streets )
Portland, Oregon 97209
503-295-6542
8pm – 11:00pm (All ages welcome for the first set)
Audio Sampler (Have a listen)
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CHUCK REDD RETURNS TO PORTLAND…
