Seattle's Premier Wedding & Event Jazz Band
The Jason Parker Quartet makes a return engagement at Egan’s in Ballard on March 15, 2008. We’ll play from 9:00-10:30pm, and we’ll feature tunes from our debut album The Jason Parker Quartet, and new tune or two, and some not-so-standard standards.
If you’re looking for a band to play at your wedding or party or other event, here’s a chance to check us out in Seattle’s most intimate jazz club. Space is limited, so please make a reservation today, or call 206.789.1621.
Wendee Pratt contacted me months ago after finding the JPQ on the web. She was throwing a 71st birthday party for her mom at the Rainier Club in downtown Seattle and wanted a band who could set the mood and liven up the festivities. Of course, I told her we were her band!
The Rainier club is a beautiful spot, and we played in the Rainier Room, which houses the Grand Fireplace, pictured here with Josh and me in front. When they light the huge fire this room positively glows! It’s a beautiful place to play, and we had a ball with the Pratt Family and friends.
Joining us on the gig were Nate Omdal on bass and Adam Kessler on drums. These guys make up The Josh Rawlings Trio, and have been playing together for years. It’s always a treat for me to be backed by such a talented and cohesive rhythm section.
The party was a blast. Highlights included the “How well do you know Debbie?” game, the toast from family and friends, and the heartwarming speech from the birthday girl herself.
The next day I got this nice email from Wendee:
“Thank YOU! You guys were outstanding and everyone loved your music. Several people have asked us how we found you and we told them about your web-site. I intend to speak with Charleene at the Rainier Club on your behalf–I hope you play there a lot more! Your band is really talented and you hit every important mark of the evening–with perfection! I look forward to hearing you play again real soon, and you can count on us for the highest of recommendations. Thanks again Jason—you and your quartet have a great vibe.”
Thanks Wendee!
Its hard to believe that 2007 is now behind us. The JPQ had an amazing year; we played 35 weddings all over the state, from the Olympic Peninsula to Spokane, released our new CD, went on our first tour, played for Microsoft, UW Medical Center, Canlis Restaurant, Seattle Chamber of Commerce, Pike Place Market, Farestart and many more. We played multiple sold-out shows at Egan’s Jazz Club and started new residencies at 22 Doors Metropolitan Bistro, Mona’s Bistro & Lounge, and continued our regular run at The Repp (formerly Sebastian’s).
Please keep an eye on our calendar and come see us play. We’ll be out and about as much as we can in the new year, and hope to see old friends and new in the clubs. If you’re considering hiring us for your wedding, there’s no better way to get a feel for what we do than to come see us play live. Shoot me an email and let me know you’re coming and I’ll be sure to make some time to say hi and answer any questions you may have.
Happy New Year, and here’s to a glorious and peaceful 2008!
Sometimes couples tell me about their “non-traditional” ideas for their wedding, and I have to roll my eyes, either because they are so far out that I can’t even picture it, or they are just not that far off the beaten path. However, when I met with Bea & Nate last fall, and they told me their wedding was going to be “baseball themed”, I couldn’t wait! My only fear was that they wouldn’t commit to the theme fully.
Those fears were unfounded! This was truly one of the most fun and unique weddings I’ve seen, and I’ve seen lots over the last 7 years. Bea and Nate went all the way, from tables named after famous ballparks, to snowglobes of those parks marking each table, to a baseball bat for people to sign as their guest book. It was all there! Ironically, the Seahawks playoff game was on in one of the side rooms, but we’ll forgive them that mixed metaphor, especially because of the personalized bobble head dolls!
The reception took place at Tibbetts Creek Manor in Issaquah, which is a beautiful country home on 3 acres of parkland. Bea looked absolutely gorgeous in a red-trimmed strapless dress, and her daughter had a matching dress as well. Nate was very dapper in a black tux with red vest and tie to match his bride.
Joining me on the band were my longtime partners in crime Josh Rawlings on piano and Donovan Pfeifer on drums, and the bassist from my new CD, Evan Flory-Barnes. The boys played great, and stepped up to play inspired versions of the Father/Daughter/Mother/Son dance “Sunrise, Sunset”, and the best first dance we’ve ever been asked to play, “Take Me Out To the Ball Game”. Yes, Bea & Nate went the extra mile for their theme!
I have to make special mention of the fabulous band Mariachi Fiesta Mexicana that kicked off the reception in style. These guys are old-school, traditional Mariachi music at its finest, and we were thrilled to meet them and a little apprehensive having to follow them! They set the tone for the whole evening, and I highly recommend them if you are ever in need of Mariachi music.
Thanks also go out to Kelly and Kristen of Sweet Pea Events, who coordinated the whole afternoon. The event ran smoothly, on time and seamlessly thanks to all their hard work and planning. It was a pleasure to work with them for the first time, and I hope we’ll get to do so again.
I received this nice email from Bea:
“Hi Jason!
OMG you guys are wonderful! I had a blast and everyone couldn’t stop talking about you and the Marachi band! I’ve already passed your contact information to a few relatives and friends who asked about you. SO yay!!! I just wish someone was there to record our first dance because honestly..it was the best version of Take me out to the ballgame ever!! Opening day will never be the same for us!
Take care!
Bea and Nate Hoover”
And Kelly from Sweet Pea Events had this to say:
“The fabulous Jason Parker Quartet played an awesome jazz rendition of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame†for Bea and Nate’s first dance! This was a surprise to everyone and guests got such a kick out of it, as did Bea and Nate as they had so much fun dancing to one of their favorite tunes! Jason and his fellow musicians are extremely talented, very personable, and love what they do – if you haven’t heard them yet, be sure to check our their website and find out where you can hear them playing next in Seattle!”
My song “You and Me” is now the #2 download of the last 60 days at AllAboutJazz.com! As you can see, it’s been downloaded over 2000 times since I put it up in June.