KNKX records and produces exclusive Studio Sessions every month with world-class jazz and blues musicians from around the world and the Northwest. We also like to use Studio Sessions as an opportunity to showcase the talented local students participating in our award-winning School of Jazz program.
Studio Sessions typically last around an hour, but the exact program will depend on the artist. You can usually expect about 15-45 minutes of sound check and mingling, followed by 20-30 minutes of recorded studio session time. This consists of 2 to 3 songs followed by an interview from one of our hosts.
We'd love for you to join us for a session in our new Seattle studios next to Pike Place Market. Below you will find more information about each upcoming Studio Session along with a link to register.
Studio Sessions are very popular and are free to attend.
Please register for only one per three months so others can enjoy the show!
Joey Alexander Trio and Theo Croker
Friday, May 2, 1 p.m.
Hosted by Abe Beeson
The Grammy-nominated, Indonesia-born pianist, composer, and bandleader Joey Alexander’s seventh album, Continuance, finds him once again concentrating on his own tunes, augmented on four tracks by Grammy-nominated trumpet player Theo Croker. Since a tender age, Joey has been widely regarded as one of the most highly skilled pianists and thoughtful improvisers in jazz. Continuance, however, presents him primarily as a composer of haunting chamber jazz who leads an ensemble with its own point of view. Continuance shows his writing and playing have continued to deepen. Talking about his growth as a composer, Joey cites inspirations from outside the jazz world, including Ennio Morricone, John Mayer, Burt Bacharach, and, perhaps surprisingly, even Bonnie Raitt. KNKX is excited for our fourth studio session with Joey, who we first recorded when he was just 13. His trio will be performing at Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley May 1-4.
SOLD OUT
Duende Libre
Thursday, May 15, 1 p.m.
Hosted by Abe Beeson
Duende Libre is an award-winning jazz trio whose original music combines jazz virtuosity with roots rhythms from Cuba, Brazil, and West Africa into a “strikingly authentic blend.” Each having apprenticed with direct descendants and master musicians of these traditions, they consider themselves disciples of their teachers. The result: A euphoric new jazz that honors its historical roots, pushing open the boundaries of genre to invoke a powerful sonic freedom. This KNKX studio session features core members Alex Chadsey (bandleader and keys), Jeff Busch (percussion), and Farko Dosumov (bass).
SOLD OUT
Jacqueline Tabor
Wednesday, May 21, 1 p.m.
Hosted by Stephanie Anne Johnson
The "Seattle Chanteuse” is a four-time Earshot Jazz Vocalist of the Year Award winner and a recipient of the Seattle-Kobe Sister City Association Female Jazz Vocalist Award. Jacqueline's unique bluesy style and charming energy have made her one of the most beloved jazz vocalists and storytellers in the Pacific Northwest. She is often backed by an ensemble of Seattle’s most talented jazz musicians when she performs, and she always manages to put on a spectacular and unforgettable show. Pianist Marino Albero joins Jacqueline for this session. They teamed up with Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra in 2022 to present their “Don’t Explain” project, delivering a powerful, dynamic performance paying tribute to musical icons Billie Holiday and Nina Simone, and receiving the Earshot Award for Northwest Concert of the Year 2022.
SOLD OUT
Bainbridge High School All-Star Combo
Friday, June 6, 1 p.m.
Hosted by Abe Beeson
KNKX is excited to welcome an all-star combo from Bainbridge High School, under the direction of long-time band director, Chris Thomas. Their advanced jazz combo, Jazz9, performed in KNKX’s Belltown studios a few years ago. More recently, two of Chris’ jazz students were KNKX student DJ’s in January of this year.
Peter Daniel Quintet
Thursday, June 12, 1 p.m.
Hosted by Abe Beeson
Peter Daniel is an accomplished Seattle-based saxophone performer, instructor and horn section leader. He has appeared on numerous albums as a soloist, bandleader and writer, and has toured with such acts as Lauryn Hill & the Fugees, Father John Misty, Tito Puente Jr, Liv Warfield, the Polyrhythmics, the True Loves, and many others. You can hear Peter's writing and playing talents on display in the bands 45th St Brass and Futurenot, as well as his singles "Take A Little Chance" and “Miles Around," streaming on all platforms. He also has his new big band PBS (Peter Band Supreme). For this studio session, Peter will have an all-star lineup including pianist Marina Albero and trombonist David Marriott.
SOLD OUT
