Local Jazz Scene Better Than Ever

Thu., March 14, 1996

Don Adair Correspondent

Spokane may be off the beaten track when it comes to attracting bigtime jazz performers, but out of that vacuum has grown a thriving local scene.

For proof, the Spokane Jazz Society throws its second-annual All Stars Concert at The Met Saturday. Last year’s All-Stars show was one of 1995’s best concerts and this one promises to repeat.

Headliners include Charlotte Carruthers, the home-grown vocalist who is now based in Eugene, Ore., saxophonist Greg Yasinitsky and trombonist Nat Wickam.

All the usual suspects will be there: tenor saxman Gary Edighoffer, pianists Brent Edstrom and Arnie Carruthers, trombonist Dave Stultz and the dynamic Scott Jones on drums.

Trumpeter Dan Keberle will do double duty; in addition to being one of the town’s hottest soloists, he will also conduct the Spokane Jazz Orchestra in his new role as music director.

Two groups will lay down the foundation - the 20-piece Spokane Jazz Orchestra and the Arnie Carruthers Trio. The two-ensemble format will allow exploration of a wide variety of styles. Song selections include “New York, New York,” Pat Metheny’s “Always and Forever” as arranged by Spokane’s Bob Curnow, a samba rendition of “Body and Soul” and such standards as “There Will Never Be Another You.”

Scott Jones will man the sticks for Buddy Rich’s “Channel One Suite,” a multi-movement work that will also feature Edighoffer.

Top Flite, a male vocal quartet, will sing a capella arrangements of classics by artists ranging from the Everly Brothers to the Drifters.

After the show, all the musicians will move to Cavanaugh’s Fourth Avenue for a giant “third set” party in the main-floor restaurant and in Hobart’s Jazz Lounge downstairs.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Drawing of a saxophone

MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: JAZZ The Spokane Jazz Society’s All-Stars Concert will be at 8 p.m. Saturday at The Met. Tickets are $16, ($14.50 for students, military personnel and Jazz Orchestra Society members).

This sidebar appeared with the story: JAZZ The Spokane Jazz Society’s All-Stars Concert will be at 8 p.m. Saturday at The Met. Tickets are $16, ($14.50 for students, military personnel and Jazz Orchestra Society members).

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