matt kirk jazz - Reviews

Learning from the pros
Quartet of WHS musicians to perform with Matt Kirk Jazz
By Josh Kulla

For a young musician, there’s nothing like learning your craft from an established professional.

And next Wednesday night a talented young quartet from the Wilsonville High School jazz band will have exactly that opportunity. Saxophone players Stuart Lake, Cameron Chester, Eric Shibley and Shale Flora are booked that evening to play alongside longtime Portland jazz guitarist Matt Kirkendall and his trio, Matt Kirk Jazz, at Abella’s Italian Restaurant.

The show is an annual tradition for Kirkendall, a Wilsonville resident and veteran of the Northwest music scene for several decades. Together with his band, Kirkendall has made a name for himself locally with jazz music he likens to “traditional styles of music that would be found in Las Vegas around the 1960s.”

“We’re inspired by great club jazz and blues artists of this era,” states the band’s bio. A typical song list would include music from Billie Holiday, Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, Duke Ellington, Sarah Vaughn and other great show-tunes played acoustically with a piano, upright bass and drums. Horns and guitar often are added.
“As much as I enjoy performing, it really comes together for me when I have an opportunity to perform with student musicians in my own home town,” Kirkendall told the Spokesman. “It’s the perfect combination that’s a lot of fun and really shows community support.”

Also making the show unique will be an appearance by WHS band instructor Matt Whitehead, an accomplished musician in his own right. Whitehead will play guitar as part of the backing band. His students, meanwhile, will take turns playing lead in a set full of popular jazz and R and B standards from different eras.

Whitehead said the gig is a great opportunity for the four students to break out of the big band mold and gain experience as part of a small combo group.

“I would basically encourage them to get outside that box,” Whitehead said. This makes them really get out there and play. You can’t rest on the pop of the brass to cover up for you. I love the small combo scene. There’s so much freedom to it.”

Chester, a senior, said he is a fan of famed Portland jazz club Jimmy Mak’s and wants to eventually break into a flourishing jazz and blues scene that sees some of the top performers nationally regularly visit the area.

“I’m looking forward to it,” he said. “It’s by choice. I’ve been in Jimmy Mak’s, and I’m into that. It’s something to celebrate.”

Also a senior, Lake probably has more experience on stage than the others, thanks to appearances alongside John Nilsen and other notable local musicians over the past several years. At the same time, he is also enthusiastic about playing out in public more often.

“I’m just starting to see what I’m capable of in a live setting,” Lake said.

Abella’s owner Mark Nelson came in for praise from Kirkendall for allowing use of his restaurant as a venue.

“There just haven’t been that many places to play in Wilsonville,” Kirkendall said. “He’s been very supportive of the Matt Kirk Jazz band for a number of years now.

I’m always amazed how people like Matt Whitehead and Mark Nelson go out of their way to make this happen for these young players. I only wish I had more ways to highlight these talented kids.”

Kirk joins Global FM for first Tunes on Tuesday Concert
Jazz guitarist, singer adds another element to the cover band’s eclectic sounds Tuesday; Roughly Hewn up next

Photo by Gary Allen/Newberg Graphic

Matt Kirk (left) and members of Global FM kick out the jams this week in 2008’s first Tunes on Tuesday concert.
By David Sale

Newberg's third annual Tunes on Tuesday concert series kicked off this week with a healthy dose of jazz, rock and an audience estimated at more than 300 people. "It was huge for a first event," said organizer and Chehalem Valley Chamber of Commerce director Sheryl Kelsh. "We posted schedules around the neighborhood and got a great response."

The opening night of the concert series featured Global FM, with jazz guitarist Matt Kirk joining in on the last half of the concert, sponsored by Norman's Floor Covering. Kirk hails from Matt Kirk Jazz, a revolving cast of session players delivering 1960s-style "club jazz."

Tuesday's weather was simmering, which made for thirsty concertgoers. J's Restaurant responded with a selection of wine and beer from McMinnville's Golden Valley Brewery. "It's the first time we've offered beer and (it was) very much appreciated on a hot night," Kelsh said. Concessions were provided by Crush Wine Lounge and Chumley's Shaved Ice.

Global FM featured classic rock covers to appeal to all ages. Formed in 2005, the group features lead singer Becky Pershing and husband-and-wife duo Steve Kuepker on bass and Michelle Kuepker on vocals and percussion, as well as guitarist Dan Johnson. The group is a veteran of the Portland band scene.

For the July 15 show, Tunes on Tuesday will transport listeners to the old country with Newberg's own Celtic folk band Roughly Hewn. "Back by popular demand," Kelsh said. A fixture at local benefits and Irish dances, Roughly Hewn features Coffee Cottage owner Sally Mehler on flute, Gordon Hall on fiddle and mandolin, guitarist Sean Boyle and drummer Bill Nippoldt. Known for their blend of vocal and instrumental harmonies, Roughly Hewn has also been known to invite members of local dance studios to demonstrate the dance steps for Irish jigs and reels - but don't let a lack of training stop you from getting up and dancing. "It's going to be a great show," Kelsh said.

Jazz in Wilsonville: A Powerful Trio Works the Classics at Abella
By Kip Miller

Jazz in Wilsonville was enough to pique this writer’s interest and a visit to Abella Italian Kitchen, sited on a poor piece of real estate behind a Quizno’s in downtown Wilsonville. It was definitely worth the trip!

Abella, a comfortably upscale restaurant serving Italian inspired dishes, recently hosted Matt Kirk Jazz to celebrate their first year of business…and what a celebration! Before the first note was played, the capacity crowd broke into spontaneous applause as Kirk’s trio approached the stage. The band went right to work with some powerful renditions of jazz classics, highlighting the very talented Cam McMinn on saxophone, passing leads to Ron Murvihill on piano.

Kirk, a Wilsonville native, bills his trio as “somewhat traditional jazz for the less snooty.” That tells you something about the music, but is more telling about Kirk. He’s no rookie. Kirk has played the Portland music scene for years in everything from punk to funk and has earned a national reputation as a versatile and capable musician; he takes it all in stride. In his trio, Kirk is difficult to overlook. Perhaps it’s his 6’4” stature, the upright bass and infectious grin, but it’s more the attentiveness that Kirk has for his audience.

Catching a moment with Kirk during a break and asking about “jazz for the less snooty,” obtained Kirk’s comment; “We play for our customers. Sure, we can tease the jazz aficionados and musicians out there, but like any band looking for success, we want to touch the audience with music that is comfortable, melodic and familiar. That’s why we focus on the 1960s club jazz. It’s cool, interestingly familiar and challenging…and who can resist a sexy Billie Holliday tune?” About his musicians, Kirk says, “John Garcia is the drummer to have. We met by accident, or by synchronicity, but I couldn’t do any of this without his support and I feel very fortunate for having this opportunity to play together. Ron Murvihill was introduced to me by another bass player and I’m absolutely flattered that he’s here with me tonight! …just hear this guy play piano!”

There’s no question that Kirk’s trio sets a solid foundation, but the night was highlighted with a feature appearance from Rebecca Pershing (Global FM, Power of Ten) singing her personalized and sensuously smooth versions of Peel Me a Grape, Just the Way You Look and other great-era ballads. Matt Kirk Jazz is a stirring departure for Pershing that highlights her skills as a talented vocalist. There are few singers that can scream AC/DC tunes then follow the next night with passionate vocal jazz ballads, but Pershing comfortably shines with the same confidence and presence.

The bittersweet news is that Kirk’s successes don’t allow him to play many local performances, but savvy followers can catch him for a return visit to Abella’s on Jan. 20. Matt Kirk’s trio is booked for the night, with the exceptional Cam McMinn on saxophone, John Garcia on drums, pianist Ron Murvihill and a feature performance from Lisamarie Harrison (Reefer Madness the Musical and acclaimed performances in Sisters of Swing).

Reservations with Abella Italian Kitchen are strongly recommended to assure a seat for this performance. Jazz in Wilsonville? Absolutely! This is worth the drive!”

Positively Entertainment

"Top Pick" in the Big To-Do!

The Wilsonville Spokesman, January 10, 2007

"Strong perfomance by Matt Kirk Jazz last week at the Venetian... clearly a perfectionist jazz band"

Las Vegas Scene February 2010

"Inspired renditions of all the jazz great's with a unique and definately 'less snooty' presentation... "

Sun Times Palm Desert February 2011

"Excellent fuel economy in a world class performance automobile."

Auto Trend February 2011

"I laughed, I cried, I read every page!"

Book World January 2011