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The New Cool: Allstars of Coolness Return to Seattle

Justin Steyer / KNKX
Three of five Greyboy Allstars live in the KNKX studios - hard to make room for all that talent!

The members of the Greyboy Allstars are a busy bunch, making their two-nights at Nectar Lounge in Fremont on June 15th and 16th a special occasion for their fans in the Pacific Northwest.

Formed in the mid-90s to celebrate a record release for their namesake, funk and soul spinner DJ Greyboy, the Allstars continue on intermittently (minus Greyboy himself) to thrill fans of danceable boogaloo-flavored jazz. Robert Walter handles the keyboards, Karl Denson plays sax and flute, Elgin Park (aka Michael Andrews) grooves on guitar, with the locked down rhythm section of Chris Stillwell and Aaron Redfield at the bass and drums. Due to the popularity of each individual member, there are just four precious albums (plus a live recording from '99) for their loyal fans to enjoy at home - so this double-return to Seattle is a reason to celebrate.

Around the time of their most recent release, 2013's Inland Emperor, the quintet stopped by the KNKX studios for a live session, where they told us that their style isn't too far from the origins of jazz, "jazz was supposed to be dance music originally", said Walter. "We're playing a head and we play solos on the form, we're just using a slightly different rhythm...that's maybe more current." On the question of waiting an average of 6 or 7 years between albums, Denson told us there's an upside, "Anticipation."

It's still to be determined whether another album is on the horizon, but the anticipation for another chance to boogie with The Greyboy Allstars is nearly over. As an extra bonus, both nights will feature Seattle's preeminent groovers in their original line-up opening for the Californians: "OG" McTuff includes the Hammond organ master Joe Doria, Andy Coe's guitar slinging, D'Vonne Lewis on drums and Skerik's saxophonics. This is a West Coast boogaloo party your booty should not miss - if you can still get tickets!

Full disclosure: Abe Beeson, host of The New Cool, will be spinning his favorite groovy jazz records and more before both shows!