Ahh, the lovely, lovely Pacific Northwest summer!  Bright rhododendrons and roses, sweet blossoms and bird songs, and warm nights just begging for cool jazz.  Beg no more – Mosaique is here to cool you down – or in some cases, heat you up – with five upcoming shows through August.  Check out the deets on our Shows page, tune in to our Facebook page for regular updates, and come join us!

At our last gig, I went a little off book and loosely defined jazz as, basically, whatever is fun.  Frank (pianist) wasn’t sold on that – in fact, a whole lot of jazz is clearly the result of hard, hard work, practice, learning, collaboration, and the magical mix of raw talent and honed skill.  I won’t even go to Websters for an official definition; suffice it to say, in my years of singing, I find the most joy in jazz.  For me, joy = fun.  And I won’t enjoy a song unless it has been practiced hard, learned well, and reflects the kind of productive collaboration I find with these fantastic musicians.  So when we take a tune by Chicago, Sting, Simon and Garfunkel, The Lovin’ Spoonful, or even Prince, and we put our uniquely jazz spin on it, you can bet: it is FUN. 

But I have to ask: How do YOU define jazz?  Please comment below and let me know!

Know what else is fun? We have our gig dates out through the end of summer!  Mark your calendars now for March, April, June, July, and August, by visiting our Shows page.  We’re venturing into new venues and are happy to be adding the Buffalo Gap – a Portland live music venue for over 30 years – to our list.  We look forward to you joining us – or “joyning” us – for some serious fun.  And jazz.

Some undated time ago I wrote down a quote that I recently rediscovered: “The end of a good performance makes me lonely and I let go slowly just as I linger over the end of a good book.  It’s always like losing friends.” (Lee Uttmark)

This may sound morose, but as the guys in Mosaique will tell you, when it hits me that our gig is over, I usually cry out in pain. I really hate it.  I could play/sing with these guys and the wonderful friends at Arrivederci for hours and hours, and 3 sets go by far too quickly.  I already struggle with being “present,” and when I’m on a high from the (forgive me for the buzz word) synergy created by all the connections in that space, I’m feel transported above and beyond and as wonderful as that feels, it causes a time warp.  Time truly flies when we’re having that much fun.

So I can relate to the loneliness Uttmark described: I linger with the band and our friends, I begin planning the next one, and I lament that it’s four or six or eight weeks away and not tomorrow. 

All of that to say, these exchanges of music and connection and love and energy are transforming, transporting, and profoundly fulfilling.  Those of you who participate in this exchange help make true that the whole is much, much greater than the sum of the parts. 

Now looking at this year ending, it’s another end that can create loneliness, though I know many are glad to see it go and a new year begin (as uncertain as it may seem).  What I know for sure is that as I encounter other humans and, even for a moment of eye contact or a friendly hello, exchange the energy and gift of living, the loneliness dissipates and I am filled again by the joy of connection. 

With that in mind, I am happy to say that we have spring 2017 gigs scheduled – check them out on our “shows” page and please come join in the fun, as quickly as it may pass!  We’ll make the most of our moments together. 

I don’t need to tell any of you – time flies!  My last post here was a year ago when I was engaged in the same activity as I am today, posting the dates of our remaining gig dates at Arrivederci for the year.  How is that possible??  And though it’s mid-year, not usually a time for reflection or resolutions, I am reflecting on how grateful I am for the love of our fans, our people – YOU – who come back again and again to join us in the joy that is making music together.  And we resolve to be better – to keep bringing it, really bringing it, better.  We’re working on it constantly because you deserve our best!  We love and thank you!  See you soon!

It’s with mixed feelings that I post every remaining gig of 2015 for Mosaique at Arrivederci.  On the one hand, I feel so productive!  On the other, some dismay that I’ve already ticked away the rest of the year.  I’m reminded of a coffee mug I was recently given that defined “presence,” or “be present,” an important bit of mindfulness for my typical, head-in-the-clouds life.  So that will be how I eschew the dismay and embrace the joy of the possibilities that enjoying each gig, each month, each day will bring.

…Made all the better by your presence…  So check out our shows and please, come gift us with your presence!  Here’s to today!

The falling leaves are just starting to drift by our windows, and the distinct crispness of autumn has embraced our fair city. Is there possibly a more beautiful place than NW Oregon in the fall?

Image from http://onemoremoondance.blogspot.com/

Mosaique invites you to join us for fantabulous music, libations, company, and pure joy at our fall shows at Arrivederci:

Oct 4
Nov 8
Dec 20 (Holiday show)

All shows are Saturdays and begin at 8p. $5 cover for front tables; no cover for the rest of the joint. Reservations recommended – 503.659.1143

We look forward to seeing you there!

I’ve never been one to set goals. I should, I know. Lots of things are accomplished when one sets goals. So a few years ago, I took my big brother’s advice and set a few goals, one of which was to be invited to play in the Portland Jazz Festival. Well, the universe was listening, because this is now Mosaique’s second year in the Fest! Many thanks to our family at Arrivederci who is an official sponsor, and always makes sure Mosaique is well taken care of.

To that end, come hear us at Arrivederci on March 1, the final weekend of the illustrious Portland Jazz Festival! 8-11, $5 cover for front tables only (free everywhere else!). You know how good this place is: amazing food, service, libations, sensation, those standards of mine…

Additional gig dates also posted through June, so one way or another, we will see you soon!

Summer in Portland – THIS summer in Portland – has been glorious. And there’s nothing like a summer night, is there? In Mosaique, we love seasonal tunes, and I especially love breaking out our arrangements of Summertime and Summer In The City, both of which recall the sultry, heavy warmth of a summer’s eve. Yet jazz is the epitome of cool, yes? So it’s a perfect yin / yang – the warm summer nights and the cool, cool tunes. Come join us, dip your toe in it. Delightful.

It may still be winter on the calendar, but these Pacfic Northwest sunny days have the trees in bloom, the crocuses and daffodils and tulips popping up, and everyone out basking in the rare sunlight. Joining the celebration is Mosaique, with new tunes and new shows. Can’t wait to see you!

For me, Christmas is like going to Disneyland. As it approaches, I’m filled with excitement and anticipation, but often once I’m there, it’s so rushed and busy I forget to stop and take in the magic, and then it’s over. I realized this the last time I visited Disneyland and thus built in time where I just sat outside Cinderella’s castle and soaked in the surroundings, the amazing detail, the beauty of it all.

Do you ever feel that way about Christmas? This year, let’s all decide to slow down at least once, and soak in the joy and warmth of the season surrounded by faithful friends and family who are dear to us.

Mosaique invites you to join us as we soak up the spirit of the holidays at Arrivederci on Saturday, December 22. We’ll be filling the evening with Christmas tunes and our favorite jazz gems. All you have to do is slow down, drink it in, and be merry.

We hope to see you there!

Photo credit: Disneyland Winter Castle from http://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201011/2185/