Janette West is a jazz vocalist who has been working up and down the West Coast for over 50 years variously fronting R&B, jazz, and big band outfits. Never though, has West been better served than with the dynamic quartet she and husband drummer Marty Tuttle have developed performing in restaurants, jazz clubs, concert venues, jazz walks and private engagements.
Janette was nurtured in the fabric of NW history. Her voice and style are a rich composite of dynamic jazz improvisation with the plush warmth of soulful R&B influences.
“West is a first-rate swinger, comparable in style and gusto to Ernestine Anderson, though the warmth of her ballads is more reminiscent of Natalie Cole.” - Christopher Loudon, Jazztimes
“All audiences notice is West’s easy way with the lyrics, the music and with them, the rich, lustrous undertones of an alto that can wrap around any song-Jazz standard, R&B, Latin-and make it swing’” - Carol Banks Weber, AXS
Drummer Marty Tuttle grew up in a Jazz home where his father, Seattle Trombone legend, Dave Tuttle introduced him to afro-Cuban drumming as a child. Marty’s credits include Seattle favorites from the late 60’s such “The Jimmy Hanna Band” who backed “The Temptations”, “Martha and the Vandelas”, Major Lance and opened for Stevie Wonder and “Booker T and the M G’s. He later toured with “The Springfield Rifle” during the northwest’s “Teen Market” heyday.
Marty is an exciting and versatile drummer who can drive a jazz “big band” as well as a quartet. He plays a variety of percussion instruments as well.
Bassist James Clark has been performing professionally as a bassist and vocalist since he was 12. He majored in Jazz Performance at WWU 1976-79. Moving to Las Vegas in 1984, he held house bassist positions in the Copa Room at the Sands Hotel/Casino, and the Las Vegas Hilton International Showroom Orchestra. He returned to Seattle in 1996.
He was one of three bassists to travel worldwide with Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, as part of his band (2005-11).This included multiple trips to Africa, Antarctica, China, Tahiti, Jamaica, the Bahamas, Mexico, Argentina, Sweden, Finland, Russia, Estonia, Greece, France, London, and New York.
Pianist Eric Verlinde has excited audiences worldwide with his energetic and passionate performances. He is in high demand and is constantly performing, refining the sound and creating new music. His different groups create music that is creative, spontaneous, superbly structured and melodic.
Eric is a highly trained pianist specializing in multiple genres including jazz, Latin, blues, gospel and R&B. Eric boasts one of the biggest gig calendars in our area including house pianist at El Goucho Restaurant. He has a classical background and is an alumni of renowned Berklee College of music.
Anyone lucky enough to be in the audience will come away uplifted by this engaging group who truly convey their love of playing music together.
Cost: $15 for student, $20 for non-students
Purchase advance tickets here, and also available at the door
Website: janettewestgroup.com