Preview: The Stranger, March 24, 2003

CLASSICAL, JAZZ, & AVANT - Ballard Jazz Walk/OMW

By Christopher DeLaurenti

I heard a passel of excellent music at last year's Ballard Jazz Walk. Rather than ricochet all over downtown to visit more than four jazz clubs, I'm glad this annual festival concentrates so much fine local jazz within a three-block radius.

This year I'm planning to start with the Greta Matassa Quartet (Conor Byrne, 5140 Ballard Ave NW). Matassa, a sassy vocalist with a commanding set of pipes, draws from a wide-ranging repertory of tunes. Drummer Matt Jorgensen's side project, Conversations, finds him in an intimate trio with bassist Phil Sparks and sax man Saul Cline (Hattie's Hat, 5231 Ballard Ave NW). Trumpeter and jazz institution Jay Thomas holds forth at the Lock & Keel (5144 Ballard Ave NW) while the Tractor Tavern (5213 Ballard Ave NW) hosts the Origin Über Band, an all-star aggregation of musicians from the Origin Records label.

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MONDAY MARCH 29 - MATT JORGENSEN +451

Why do I dig this drummer-driven quartet? Simply put, they cook. Drummer Matt Jorgensen's willingness to bash the drums when needed blends perfectly with Ryan Burns' adroit comping on electric piano and the rock-steady work of bassist Phil Sparks. This CD-release party for their superb disc Hope (Origin) also kicks off a mini-tour of the Northwest. Also Tues March 30 at Borders' downtown Fourth Avenue location at noon. The Triple Door, 216 Union St, 838-4333, 9 pm, free.