Throw away your musical chains. Forget what you grew up with; erase your boundaries. Be brave. Hie thee down to Seattle for one of Willie and Lobo’s performances during their six-night stand at Jazz Alley.
And expect to smile, because Willie Royal and Wolfgang (“Lobo”) Fink will be doing their share.
Don’t be too quick to toss them in the New Age corner, because while their performance is instrumental, with music from a variety of styles, their lives have truly been an international and cross-genre experience.
The Texas-born Royal was raised in Turkey, Germany, France and Florida. He studied classical violin, played fiddle in a county-rock band and toured various continents with a reggae, jazz, salsa mix.
Fink was born in a Bavarian village, spent a year studying guitar with Gypsies, formed a flamenco group, and eventually went to Mexico, where he met Royal.
The confluence of international forces created a successful team of Gypsy guitar and violin, a team that has nine albums and is just as likely to turn out a song celebrating a Mexican surfing pipeline as to include Brazilian rhythms and Southern rock.
Adult alternative radio supported them early in their career, but now word-of-mouth has taken over.
Jeanette Alexander: The New Yorker-turned-Seattleite said she tends to write in reaction to the city’s hectic lifestyle, taking the tranquil, heart-felt approach to composing and piano style. Alexander performs Sunday in Everett. Her latest album, “Open Sky,” has won best-instrumental awards and tracks can be heard on Delta and Japan airlines.
Eric Ode: Parents’ Choice-award winner Eric Ode and Smilin’ Coyote Band play in the Children’s Concert Series on Tuesday in Everett. The four-piece “Old McDonald”-style jam band incorporates hand gestures, costumes and props in its entertainment efforts. The former elementary school teacher has been recorded for a Canadian children’s TV series.
Yami Bolo: The singer delivers cultural music from Jamaica, a reggae that speaks to suffering and surviving. He sings Saturday in Seattle. Opening is the Northwest reggae group Mugicians. Authentic Jamaican food can be purchased at Casulitas Caribbean Cafe.
Willie and Lobo
Where to hear it
Willie and Lobo: Various times Tuesday through Sept. 5, Jazz Alley, 2033 Sixth Ave., Seattle; $12.50-$17.50; 206-441-9729.
Jeanette Alexander: 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Forest Park, Everett; free.
Eric Ode: Noon Tuesday, Legion Memorial Park, Everett; free.
Yami Bolo: 9 p.m. Saturday, Studio 7, 110 S. Horton St., Seattle; $16-$20.
Where to hear it
Willie and Lobo: Various times Tuesday through Sept. 5, Jazz Alley, 2033 Sixth Ave., Seattle; $12.50-$17.50; 206-441-9729.
Jeanette Alexander: 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Forest Park, Everett; free.
Eric Ode: Noon Tuesday, Legion Memorial Park, Everett; free.
Yami Bolo: 9 p.m. Saturday, Studio 7, 110 S. Horton St., Seattle; $16-$20.
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