The Ellen Vanderslice Jazz Quartet

featuring Ellen Vanderslice, vocals, Jim Schlauch on piano, Pat Fitzgerald on upright bass and Alvin Hall on drums

The EVJQ performs Saturday, July 12, 7 - 9 pm at the West Café, 1201 SW Jefferson, Portland

Ellen Vanderslice is a jazz composer and vocalist whom Dick Bogle calls “a world-class song writing talent,” and George Fendel has praised for the “timeless quality” of her melodies and lyrics.

Pianist Jim Schlauch brings a tender touch to ballads and a dry sense of humor to infuse his swing. He has been a member of several ensembles, including the Portland Community College Big Band, the nine-piece Jazztones and the quartet Delight Jazz.

A trombone player in recovery, Pat Fitzgerald played electric bass with bands ranging from Los Cucaraches Del Muerte to Freefall, and is featured on numerous recordings. He was awakened by Glen Moore to the One True Bass, the upright. On upright, he has performed with big bands and small ensembles, and has played two stints at Jazz Vermont.

Alvin Hall retired to Portland in 1995 from sunny Southern California, where he was timpanist for the Santa Monica Civic Opera for 22 years and principal percussionist for the Burbank Symphony. Since moving to the Pacific Northwest he has enjoyed “trying the jazz thing.” Among many other engagements, Alvin performs regularly together with Ellen in the 18-piece Carroll Raaum Swing Orchestra.

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