ShookShak will perform at the Chestertown Jazz Festival onSaturday, September 15 at 1:30. Photo Ken Stanek at www.kenstanek.com
This Spy is eagerly anticipating the return of the Chestertown Jazz Festival on September 15; and although it will never be quite the same without Keter Betts, there is a stellar line-up of musicians, local and national, including the surprise addition of a National Music Festival participant, percussionist Logan Seith, with his trio. We caught up by phone with jazz bassist Amy Shook and vocalist Felicia Carter, (who was in the middle of packing for a Canadian vacation). The two are performing at the festival as ShookShak with guitarist Donato Soviero and FAB Trio pianist Bob Butta and drummer Frank Russo.
Shook and Carter have been collaborating since 2010, when they wrote two tunes for a PBS documentary. Shook said they,”..cranked them out in one try,” adding that there was nothing like a deadline to get something completed. Their 2011 cd release, “Nothing to Do” garnered high praise from Washington Post music critic Mike Joyce, who noted their “witty songcraft” and “warm lyricism.” Describing their music as bluesy, countrified jazz, both Carter and Shook say they write music with the band’s personalities in mind, as did Duke Ellington. Carter added that it is almost unconscious, and that, “..when we rehearse with Bob (Butta), it’s almost better than we imagined.”
This core group of musicians, the FAB Trio (Frank, Amy, Bob) perform regularly as a jazz trio in the Washington/Baltimore area and are in demand as a rhythm section for touring and local artists. In fact, they will be backing up vocalist Giacomo Gates at the jazz festival later on in the afternoon. The trio and guitarist Soviero performed on Carter’s double cd, “Feather/Step Lightly,” as well. Shook also plays in theShook/Russo 4tet with husband Pat (saxophone), Russo, and pianist Tim Young. No wonder Carter calls her the hardest working bass player in the area.
Carter has not always been a jazz vocalist. She was a drama major in college, took opera vocal lessons, performed in theater groups and on “Homicide; Life on the Street,” sang in rock groups and led a punk-pop quartet. Her musical influences are: “…all the greats,” Ella, Billie, Nina Simone, as well as Peggy Lee (as a singer as well as songwriter). She mentioned Ricki Lee Jones as a “modern” influence; both Shook and Carter referenced recent Grammy winner, jazz bassist and singer Esperanza Spalding.
Shook’s focus lately has been on writing music for the quartet. When asked she named Oscar Peterson, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, bassist Ray Brown and songwriter Billy Strayhorn as her influences. “It’s about creating a great groove.” She has been playing with a lot of out of town musicians this summer, and commented that although it’s good to get a fresh perspective, she prefers playing with people she is comfortable with, her “musical soulmates.”
Both Carter and Shook are looking forward to performing at the jazz festival and experiencing some quality family time.
Chestertown Jazz Festival
Saturday, September 15, 2012
SCHEDULE: (subject to change)
11:00 Gospel Brunch featuring 100 Voice Choir
12:00 Logan Seith trio
12:30 Joe Holt Trio
1:30 ShookShak featuring Felicia Carter & Amy Shook
2:45 Project Natale
4:00 Giacomo Gates
5:15 Frédéric Yonnet
Local Food, Wine and Beer Available
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