Jazz pianist Bill Anschell to perform at North City Jazz Walk

Bill Anschell will perform at Jazz Walk

The North City Jazz Walk, August 14, welcomes the Bill Anschell Trio to 2012 line up of great jazz artists. The trio – Bill on piano, Chris Symer on bass, and Jose Martinez on drums— will perform at North City Bistro under the Chuck Cady/Ann Babb-Nordling sponsor banner.

A Seattle native, Bill Anschell returned to his roots in the Northwest after 25 years away. During that time he earned his music degree from Wesleyan University in Connecticut, established himself as a composer, and performer. He was drawn to Atlanta in 1989 to serve as the Jazz Coordinator for the Southern Arts Federation (SAF), the regional arts agency of the South. In that capacity he launched high-profile programs, published a how-to book on grant writing, and created “JazzSouth”, in internationally syndicated radio show.     

“I always knew I would move back home,” said Bill, “and once my son became old enough for school, we began to look around. Combining the facts that my brothers live here, housing was affordable, and the schools have a great reputation, Shoreline was our preferred choice.”  

Bill and his family have lived in the Northridge neighborhood since 2002. His son Sam attends Shorewood High School. According to his dad, Sam is a darn good saxophonist.

Jazz Walk listeners will delight in the repertoire performed by the Bill Anschell Trio.  Bill’s influences span a wide range of pianists and he is drawn to a lot of different styles.  Says Bill, “I don’t listen just to jazz; I get many of my ideas from other forms of music including that of other cultures.”

In 2011 Bill Anschell received Golden Ear Awards for the “Northwest Jazz Instrumentalist of the Year,” and the “Northwest Jazz Recording of the Year”.  Golden Ear Awards are administered by Earshot Jazz based on open voting by the Seattle jazz community.

For a treat, visit Bill Anschell’s website to read about his many accomplishments as a pianist, writer, and humorist.  His essay on Jazz Jam Sessions offers insider tips on how to lead a session and what to expect – all with tongue in cheek – if you are new at the game.

The North City Jazz Walk is on Tuesday, August 14. Music begins at 7pm; Jazz Bites are available when the street closes at 6pm. Tickets may be purchased in advance online and at designated locations in Shoreline. Visit the website for complete details.