The Pacific Jazz Institute at Dimitriou's Jazz Alley presents the David Grisman Quintet

By Rachael Millikan
October 28, 2007 - 8:20 am

Seattle, Wash. — The Pacific Jazz Institute at Dimitriou's Jazz Alley presents the David Grisman Quintet for three nights, with two shows each night, November 2-4, 2007.

Set times Friday - Sunday are at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. on Friday and 5:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Band members are Jim Kerwin (bass), Frank Vignola (guitarist), Matt Eakle (flutist) and George Marsh (drums).

For more than 40 years, mandolinist/composer David Grisman has been busy creating 'dawg' music, a blend of many stylistic influences (including swing, bluegrass, latin, jazz and gypsy) so unique he gave it its own name. In doing so, David has inspired a whole new genre of acoustic string instrumental music with style and virtuosity while creating a unique niche for himself in the world of contemporary music.

Grisman was already playing the piano, saxophone and mandolin by the time he was a teenager, taking up the latter at age 16. In 1963 Grisman made his first recordings as an artist (the Even Dozen Jug Band-Elektra) and producer (Red Allen, Frank Wakefield and the Kentuckians - Folkways). David's interests spread to jazz in 1967, while playing in the folk-rock ensemble, Earth Opera. A failed attempt at learning to play the alto saxophone turned him into a student of jazz musicianship and theory. In the meantime, his burgeoning career as a session musician gave him experience playing other types of music and opportunities to stretch the boundaries of the mandolin. Today his discography includes recordings with Bela Fleck, the Grateful Dead, Stephane Grappelli, Emmylou Harris, Chris Isaak, Dolly Parton, Bonnie Raitt, Linda Ronstadt, Earl Scruggs, Dan Fogelberg, Maria Muldaur, and James Taylor.

Joining the David Grisman Quintet, Frank Vignola is considered by many to be among the top ranked guitarists on the music scene today. While still in his teens, Frank experienced the most effective music education possible; right on the bandstand as a working musician. Soon named among the top ranked musicians in New York, Frank performed and toured with such headliners as Max Morath and Leon Redbone. At age 23, he decided to lead his own group and formed his version of the famed Quintet of the Hot Club of France. Their debut at the New York cabaret, Michael's Pub, was a smash success and launched his career as a guitarist.

The early 2000's found Vignola recording a solo CD for Acoustic Disc, as well as making featured appearances on Atlantic, Sony and Warner Brothers Records with the likes of Donald Fagen, Queen Latifah, Mark O'Connor and Wynton Marsalis. Frank Vignola is currently the guitarist with the David Grisman Quintet and also performs occasionally on Monday nights with the "Les Paul Trio" at the Iridium in New York City, as well as fronting several of his own groups.

Reservations can be made on the Jazz Alley web site for parties of 5 or less or by phoning Jazz Alley at 441-9729 or Ticketmaster at 628-0888. Vouchers, donated gift certificates, student discounts, senior discounts, children under 12 free discounts and 2 for 1 cards are not applicable for this show. Reservations are suggested. All shows are all ages. The Pacific Jazz Institute at Dimitriou's Jazz Alley does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin.

Additional information:
David Grisman