by DJ Sidecar, AKA Gary Bedell

I was thrilled to be invited to create the accompanying soundtrack to BIMA’s Within/Earshot Jazz Festival this year.

Perusing the program of live performances, film, and lectures, I went to work weaving a tapestry of sound which highlights just a fraction of the rich fabric that is jazz. Here’s everything from the modern, improvised sounds of Ill Considered, Web Web, and Gecko&Tokage Parade—to the classic sounds of Betty Carter, Thelonious Monk, Kenny Burrell, and Ahmad Jamal—to contemporary beatmakers/producers like Makaya McCraven and Kansado.

Whenever creating a playlist, I dig in a bit to find female artists to supplement the imbalanced gender representation I see in nearly every music genre. I thoroughly enjoyed discovering contemporary artists like Aziza Mustafa Zadeh and Linda Fredriksson, learning more about pioneers such as Mary Lou Williams, and being floored by the Gloria Coleman Quartet.

Since 1986 when I bought my first Green Pajamas record at Cellophane Square, I’ve enjoyed supporting local musicians whenever and wherever I can. Here, shoulder to shoulder with artists from around the globe, are Seattle music makers like The Billy Tipton Memorial Saxophone Quartet, McTuff, Eric Verlinde, and Industrial Revelation.

I hope you have been able to attend as many Within/Earshot events as you can, and that you’ll let this soundtrack be something to accompany you and well after this stellar festival. Enjoy.

Listen to the full playlist here!