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Friday, August 30, 2013

Jazz in The Georgian, August 23, 2013


Super saxman Alexey Nikolaev was back at The Georgian, the Four-Diamond restaurant inside The Fairmont Olympic Hotel on Friday, August 23, 2013.  As usual we had a terrific time playing many great tunes and songs from the Great American Songbook.  Alexey was in prime form as always.  Playing the saxophone in The Georgian is a challenging prospect.  The nature of this gig is that it is quiet.  This is a very fine dining establishment and it is incumbent upon us, the band, to perform at a level of ambient volume that does not overshadow the phenomenal culinary experience of this great restaurant.  Alexey has extraordinary facility and chops who is known for his powerful tenor sax playing.  It is remarkable to hear him play at a pianissimo level and still retain the intensity and speed of his playing.  This is a very difficult thing to do.  Alexey is no ordinary talent.  He pulls it off effortlessly.

Here are some moments we captured on video.

Autumn Leaves


This is a nice tune called Whisper Not by Benny Golson.
Whisper Not


This song exemplifies exactly what I said about Alexey's marvelous facility and ability to perform quietly yet retain his fluidity, speed, and intensity over his instrument.  This song is a good old standard called Just One Of Those Things.  Alexey just burns on this tune yet is quiet enough that you can hear the clicking of the sax keys from his fingers.  This is great stuff.
Just One Of Those Things




Alexey Nikolaev will be back for Jazz in The Georgian on Friday, September 13, 6pm-10pm.
Don't miss out!





Please visit our YouTube channel to see and hear highlights of Jazz in The Georgian, and Smooth Groove Productions special events.




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Jazz in The Georgian every Friday and Saturday nights, 6pm-10pm at The Fairmont Olympic Hotel, 411 University Street, Seattle, Washington 98101, 206-621-7889.


For booking inquiries of Emmanuel del Casal Jazz Ensembles,
please write to emman@smoothgroove.net
Or, call us at 1-866-771-2500.



Elevate your event with live music.  We don't miss a beat!

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