- This event has passed.
CHERYL ALEX TRIO
Thursday, February 17, 2022 | 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
FREE
2022 BIAMP PDX JAZZ FESTIVAL
CHERYL ALEX TRIO
INN AT NORTHRUP STATION | 5.00 PM – 6.30 PM
FREE Community Event
Featuring:
George Mitchell keys
Bill Athens bass
Cheryl Alex , flutist /vocalist/pianist/composer, has been central among the region’s jazz community for over twenty years, appearing regularly and recording with luminaries such as Nancy King, Randy Porter, Leroy Vinegar, Lawrence Williams and most notably guitar wizard Jerry Hahn. Cheryl’s versatility shows a masterful command of her instruments (alto flute and concert C flute.) Influenced in her early years by the music of Herbie Mann, Eric Dolphy, Roland Kirk, Ella Fitzgerald and Carole King, Cheryl’s original compositions reflect a deep harmonic sense with memorable melodies and Latin influences. With the release of “Take My Time”, Cheryl has begun to reach an international audience with her flair for the flute, amazing dead-ahead chops and heartfelt vocals. “Your wish for a different jazz voice will also be satisfied,” wrote critic Lynn Darroch of the Oregonian, “with a sound more akin to Joni Mitchell than Sarah Vaughan.”
George Mitchell along with the Diana Ross band were guest artists at the 2016 White House Holiday Concert for President Obama. He has played at every conceivable venue worldwide with Miss Ross’s ensemble. As band pianist, he performed with a 40-piece orchestra at the prestigious Symphonica in Rosso, at the Gelredome, Arnhem, Netherlands; at the 2008 Nobel Peace Prize ceremonies in Oslo, Norway; and at a 2002 command performance in Hyde Park, for England’s royal family. Not to mention private concerts for U.S. President Bill Clinton, S. African President Nelson Mandela, and Motown Founder Berry Gordy. Mitchell played piano at the famous Motown Records’ 25th Year Anniversary TV broadcast, at VH1 Divas Live in 2000, at Super Concerts in Tai Pei and Tokyo with renowned opera singers Jose Carreras and Placido Domingo; and got soaked but played on during thunderstorms at Ms Ross’ famous 1983 Live in Central Park mega concert before a massive crowd of 400,000 fans!
More recently, Mitchell was guest keyboardist on Wicked: The Musical at the Keller Auditorium. He joined Miss Ross’ band numerous times on top-rated TV shows, including: Oprah, The Tonight Show, Late Night with David Letterman, the TODAY Show and others.
Bill Athens is an accomplished performer on both double bass and electric bass. Currently a member of the eclectic chamber music group 3 Leg Torso and the funky Jazz power trio Trio Subtonic, Bill has performed with the Rose City Chamber Orchestra, the Tacoma Symphony, Bel Canto Northwest. Bill has performed with local Jazz luminaries such as: Chris Brown, Dan Balmer, Mel Brown, George Colligan, Nancy King, Tom Grant and a host of others. He has also performed and/or recorded with international artists: Ben Wendell, Seamus Blake, Byron Stripling, Dave Pietro, Laura Veirs, Stephen Malkmus and Sleater-Kinney. Bill has been a long-time music educator, teaching at University of Portland, Clark Community College, George Fox University, The Great Basin Jazz Camp, and now at Lewis & Clark College.
