For the last few years, it has been a tradition for smooth jazz saxophonist / singer / songwriter Mindi Abair to play on Valentine’s Day weekend at Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley in downtown Seattle.  It’s a special treat for all who are able to attend another spectacular, energy filled show with Mindi and her band:   Jamey Tate on drums, Jay Gore on guitar, and Rodney Lee on keyboards, along with her former bass guitar player, Stan Sargeant, who has returned after an eight year gig with The Tonight Show.   Mindi was dazzling in a sleeveless, silver sequined tank top, her trademark black jeans and knee high black boots, having a commanding stage presence.  Mindi generously shares the stage with her band members, giving them plenty of time to shine, showing off their own skills with solo performances.  It’s obvious by their interaction with each other on stage that this band truly enjoys playing together.

With four CDs under her belt, it’s impossible to play all of her many hit songs in one performance, but she played several of her biggest hits, including “Smile” from her most recent CD, Stars, and “Save Tonight,” displaying stellar vocals, and my personal favorite (and cell phone ringtone), “Bloom,” from her Life Less Ordinary CD.  At one point she encouraged the audience to hold up their cell phones, lighters or the candles on the table, and wave them as though we were at a concert in a large stadium.  The audience cheerily complied.  She also played an energetic rendition of “Work Song,” a Cannonball Adderley song, and ended the set with “The Joint,” a song written about all of those small, dirty joints many musicians play at until they move on to bigger and better things.  Mindi and her band also treated her Pacific Northwest fans to a brand new song from her upcoming CD, to be released in June of 2010.  The song was co-written by Mindi and the band members.  How fitting that a song named “The Alley,” literally written in an alley, would be debuted at the most popular place to see a jazz show in the city of Seattle – Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley on the corner of 6th Avenue and Lenora Street.  Mindi’s parents lived in Seattle for a few years, and she spoke of her father, who often called the local radio station, 98.9 KWJZ, asking them to play her music.  Carol Handley, Program Director, finally complied and Seattle soon fell in love with Mindi’s contemporary saxophone music infused with pop and funk.

Mindi is always willing to spend time with her fans after her shows.  She’s one of the most approachable Smooth Jazz artists on the scene and sure to be around for many more years with her extraordinary talent and on-stage presence.  For a great night out in Seattle, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley is the place to be – great food, great wine, great friends and Mindi Abair – who could ask for anything more?