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Olympic Sound Collective
More untrained dance techniques could be witnessed where funky, Seattle-based quartet Olympic Sound Collective performed. The jazzy, soulful collision of an organ, saxophone, guitar, and drums got the attention of one woman who had no intention of stopping by.
"They just killed it," said Nora Nonnelly, 18, from Seattle. "I'd never heard of them but the sound got my attention when I was walking up the hill. They kicked ass." ERIKA HOBART
- Spin Magazine
Bumbershoot is primarily a pop-music festival, and the jazz programming this weekend reflects those priorities with groups like the Olympic Sound Collective and The New Mastersounds — bands that incorporate jazz elements into danceable songs that contain bluesy riff and funky grooves.
Seattle saxophonists Mark Taylor and Steve Griggs and their groups are the only straight-ahead groups performing this year at Bumbershoot.
The jazz acts will be split between two venues, the Northwest Court Stage, where in past Bumbershoot festivals jazz was played all day, every day, and the Fisher Green Stage. Most of the music will be presented Sunday, with one act Saturday afternoon and one Monday afternoon.
The five-member, Seattle-based Olympic Sound Collective has a rhythm section of drums (Charlie Workman), organ (Nathan Spicer) and guitar (Mike Saskor), with Damien Aitken on sax and Chris Littlefield on trumpet. The group is an electronic and acoustic jam band, with both jazz and rhythm-and-blues influences. The group plays at 12:30 p.m. Saturday on the Fisher Green Stage.
- Seattle Times
Discography
1 self released CD, 8 tracks.
OSC Live in Seattle
Photos
Bio
Olympic Sound Collective, also known as OSC features band members who have played with a variety of regional and national acts. Most notable are Karl Denson's Tiny Universe, Haunuman, Das Rut, Haiku-Chi, Jude Bowerman, the Nepotistas, Altered States of Funk and Rai.
Olympic Sound Collective was formed in the summer of 2004 in Seattle, Washington. While the band has been around only for a few years, the members have roots in the Seattle music community for over 25 years.
OSC brings jazz back to the dance floor with their orignial fusion of Soul, jazz and funk. The rhythm section grooves with the combination of funk bass from the B3 organ and keys, street beat drumming and old school guitar riffing. The dual horn section of trumpet and sax provide punches and hooks that build the music to fantastic peaks. Fans of Charlie Hunter, Galactic, MMW, and other jazz/funk artists will feel right at home when they hear the 1st few seconds of the sound that is, unmistakably, Olympic Sound Collective.
OSC has performed at some of the most popular Seattle Festivals on the Main Stage. Festivals include Bumbershoot, Fremont Fair, U. District St. Fair, The Bite of Seattle, & NW Folklife Festival. People are noticing too. OSC is a major weekend headline act in Seattle at Nectar Lounge, Tost, and the Tractor Tavern, and is drawing interest all over the Northwest and beyond. Listen to an MP3 and see why everyone is dancing. Feel the groove!
Band Members:
Damien Aitken: Saxophone
Growing up in Melbourne, Australia, Damien has long had a passion for all kinds of music and people, and found himself involved in numerous acts from punk to funk to blues and jazz.
Joining the Boston Ska scene in 1996 Damien was able to realize some of his childhood dreams by touring in South America, Europe and the U.S; while being on bills with Toots and the Maytails, The Wailers, Ziggy Marley, The Skatalities and The Mighty, Mighty Bosstones.
Damien met Mike while he was on tour with Seattle band Hanuman
Nathan Spicer: B3 Organ and Clavinet
This wizard of the B3 has spent the last 20 years deeply involved in the Seattle music scene. He has played with a list of bands that includes Jude Bowerman, the Nepotistas, Haiku-Chi, and Superfly to name just a few. Nathan teaches regularly at the Seattle Drum School, and has a large list of students that are waiting to learn from this master of the keys.
Mike Saskor: Guitar
Mike Saskor has been a staple in the Seattle music community for more than 10 years. His past and current projects include Toadstool, Rai, Altered States of Funk, and Olympic Sound Collective. He has also done stints with the Danny Godinez Band and Marmalade. Mike has studied jazz and funk on both the East and West Coast, and developed an ear for funk/groove riffing, and jazz improvisation. He effortlessly melds these styles together, creating a sound that is melodic, fluid and catchy. Current influences include the Meters, Shane Theriot, George Benson, John Scofield, and Soulive.
Charlie Workman: Drums
Charlie has been playing for about 21 years now. He started in the middle school system & never looked back. Becoming a teacher/peer facilitator in his youth helped him understand multiple principles in learning. Jumping a year early into the high school marching program, he was able to excel w/his MHS brothers to two straight undefeated seasons in the top class. During the summer months of higher education, he helped teach a regional drumline & co-lead them to their best finish in school history. Charlie's beats are tight and will make you want to get up and dance. He plays vintage kits and has a passion for that "vintage drum sound " ! Current influences include Billy Martin, Stanton Moore & John Fishman. Prior to moving to the Pacific Northwest, he played with Indianapolis based bands "Funk Bud Johnny" and "Chocolate George". Upon arrival to Seattle he played with Organica & currently plays in Rai & Olympic Sound Collective.
Chris Littlefield: Trumpet & Flugel Horn
Chris is a long standing member of the music community that has come to be known as the " Seattle Groove Scene ". Having played in numerous clubs through out the NW region, most of the US, & other parts of the world, Chris has come to be known & well respected as a trumpet player, bandleader & composer.
After pursuing his degree in music education & performance at Central Washington University in Ellensburg WA., he moved to Seattle in the early 90's to begin his career in music. It was at this time he began his tenure in the " Seattle Groove Scene ". Cutting his teeth by playing in many popular clubs such as the 700 Club & Baltic Room and performing with well known bands like Phat Sidy Smokehouse & Crack Sabbath. Performing on just about any night of the week from straight ahead Jazz to Electronica in some of Seattle's longest running club night's such as Jumbalya & Das Rut (featuring singer Reggie Watts of "Maktub"), Chri
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