Celebrate the return of Spring with the Ian Hughes Quartet at Ott & Hunters intimate cabaret room where four standout Northwest musicians gather to create a sound both soulful and electrifying. At the center of this group is Ian Hughes, whose guitar work blends lyricism, groove, and a touch of fire—shaping melodies that feel both fresh and timeless. Joining Ian are Marina Christopher on upright bass, Michael Jedynak on alto sax and percussion, and Chris Patin on drums. Their latest recording "Dreamscapes" will be featured during the show and also available for sale on CD and vinyl.
Ian Hughes is a fixture in the Seattle and Puget Sound jazz scenes, known for his adventurous compositions and his ability to traverse genres with ease—from jazz and funk to cinematic, textural soundscapes. His approach to the guitar is both melodic and rhythmic, weaving intricate lines that shimmer atop the ensemble’s foundation. Hughes’s leadership is characterized by a spirit of collaboration and exploration. Whether performing with his quartet or his jazz-funk project Half Giraffe, he is celebrated for fostering tight ensemble interplay and encouraging improvisational risk-taking. His compositions often drift between the adventurous and the accessible, inviting listeners into a world that is at once familiar and surprising. In live performance, Hughes’s guitar becomes a storyteller—sometimes whispering, sometimes soaring, always inviting the audience to lean in and listen. His touch is deft, his phrasing nuanced, and his presence on stage both commanding and generous. As a bandleader, he curates not just a setlist but an experience, shaping the arc of the evening with intention and artistry.
Anchoring the quartet is Marina Christopher, whose upright bass provides both the heartbeat and the soul of the ensemble. Christopher is a rising star in the Pacific Northwest jazz community, recognized for her infectious joy, technical prowess, and genre-blending sensibility. Her playing is described as warm, resonant, and deeply expressive—a foundation upon which melodies can dance and harmonies can unfold.
On alto saxophone and percussion, Michael Jedynak brings a voice that is both agile and soulful. Jedynak is a respected figure in the Seattle jazz scene, known for his expressive tone, inventive improvisation, and ability to move fluidly between lead and ensemble roles. His saxophone lines can be plaintive or exuberant, weaving through the harmonic landscape with a sense of narrative and adventure.
Chris Patin on the drums is the engine that propels the quartet forward. Patin is a seasoned drummer with over two decades of experience across jazz, funk, soul, and pop. His playing is characterized by deep groove, dynamic sensitivity, and an ability to drive each song with intention and passion. Described as “quite possibly a modern-day Art Blakey,” Patin’s drumming is both supportive and assertive, creating a rhythmic foundation that is at once solid and flexible
In Ott & Hunter’s cozy cabaret room, this ensemble becomes something special—intimate, expressive, and alive. Settle in with a glass of our award‑winning wine and let the evening unfold in rich tones, deep grooves, and the kind of musical conversation that happens when great players share a small stage.
https://ianhughesmusic.com/
Tickets are available for purchase online at
https://otthunter.orderport.net/wines/Events
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