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The Outta Towners: The Legacy of Soul Music Lives On

The image shows a cozy, dimly lit area of a tavern, likely a booth seating section with a whimsical mural of a crescent moon with a face looking toward a small table. The wooden walls are adorned with framed photos and decorations, including a mounted fish. The lighting is warm, casting an inviting glow from small candles on the tables and bar. A door marked “HEAD” can be seen in the background. The overall ambiance reflects a nostalgic, quirky vibe with a blend of retro decor, making it an intimate space for gatherings. The Sunset Tavern Entrance

September 11, 2024 - 4:02 pm


91.3 KBCS Jalisa Bass The image shows Jalisa smiling warmly at the camera, wearing a pair of stylish, large, round glasses. Her hair is styled in a bun with a headband that has orange and brown accents. She is wearing a green shirt, and the background shows part of a cozy room with artwork visible on the wall. The soft lighting highlights her friendly and approachable demeanor.91.3 KBCS Operation Assistant, Jalisa Bass reporting a wild introduction.

Social anxiety often shapes how I engage with the world, though it hasn’t taken away from my experiences. Like many in Seattle, I find comfort in familiar spaces and music. Long before moving to Seattle, both always were a constant in my life. I embraced a wide range of genres—Ray Barretto’s jazz-infused “Summertime”, Tom Waits’ gritty “The Piano is Drinking”, and the reflective hip-hop of Ab-Soul & Zacari’s “Do Better”. Music, for me, has always been a way to connect with my environment, bringing balance and clarity to the chaos.

Crescent Moonlighting

September 8TH Sunday night began serendipitously. The Waxing Crescent Moon hung low, casting shadows that twisted unnervingly.  The shadows stretched across the pavement like dark tendrils. Cool air whispered of the encroaching fall and carrying with it a chill that would have normally unsettled me. Just down the strip, at the foot of the Cathedral, a man in faded brown dockers sat motionless. His only company was the low hum of global news on a crackling portable radio. The Sunset Tavern loomed with a gritty exterior. Its worn-down charm more ominous than inviting, yet it pulled me in. I found parking immediately, something almost unheard of in the city. Thus, I felt like an omen that this night would be special. Tonight, I wasn’t running from the fear but it was carrying me like a charged chariot, propelling me forward with a strange excitement. The city itself was holding its breath, preparing for something beyond the ordinary.

The Sunset Tavern & Neighbors

After paying $12.50 for my ticket at the door and receiving the warmest welcome from the host, I entered through The Sunset Tavern’s backdoor, which evoked the spirit of prohibition-era speakeasy. The dimly lit space was illuminated by small candles scattered across tables. A neon sign was glowing faintly in the background and the atmosphere hummed with anticipation. It wasn’t hard to see why this venue draws people in—it’s equal parts intimate and quirky, the perfect setting for a night of music that would stay with me long after.

The image shows a cozy, dimly lit area of a tavern, likely a booth seating section with a whimsical mural of a crescent moon with a face looking toward a small table. The wooden walls are adorned with framed photos and decorations, including a mounted fish. The lighting is warm, casting an inviting glow from small candles on the tables and bar. A door marked “HEAD” can be seen in the background. The overall ambiance reflects a nostalgic, quirky vibe with a blend of retro decor, making it an intimate space for gatherings. 91.3 KBCS Jalisa Bass

At the bar, I met my neighbors, Morgan Paris Lanza and Keely. The image shows three people smiling at the camera in a warmly lit venue. To the left is Jalisa, wearing large, reflective glasses. She has a bright smile, illuminated by the colorful lighting in the background. In the middle is Keely, radiating a joyful, carefree energy with her wide smile and casual, relaxed appearance. To the right is Morgan Paris Lanza, smiling confidently. Morgan is a talented musician known for her contributions to the local music scene. The lighting gives the scene a vibrant, intimate feel, capturing the camaraderie and fun of the evening. 91.3 KBCS Jalisa BassAs I sipped on a Lavender Soda, I couldn’t help but feel how saxophonist Tyler Rogers, blend jazz, rock, and pop into a sound that both honors Seattle’s rich musical history and paves its own path. I had never been so seduced by a saxophone before. That night, I felt something new. A deep connection between body and mind, brought to life by the captivating tones of a saxophone. It wasn’t just a performance; it was an intimate conversation in melody, filling the room with free love and revolution. The image features a saxophonist performing live on stage in a dimly lit venue. The musician, blurred slightly in motion, stands with a saxophone in hand, positioned near a microphone stand. He is in front of a striped black and white background with soft, ambient lighting. Two large stage speakers are visible in the foreground, emphasizing the live performance setting. The image conveys the energy of live music in an intimate, moody atmosphere.But it’s not just the sax that defines this band’s unique energy—it’s the rhythm section that keeps everything grounded and approachable.

The OuttaTowners


The image captures a live performance by The Outta Towners on stage. In the foreground is vocalist Savanna Woods, energetically singing into the microphone. She wears a headband and has long dreads, with her expressive gestures matching the intensity of her voice. Next to her is the saxophonist, playing alongside the band, bathed in stage lighting. Behind them, you can see part of the drum set and a Nord Stage 3 keyboard, as well as other instruments that contribute to the dynamic atmosphere. The blurred, vibrant lighting gives the scene a lively, electric energy, perfectly encapsulating the raw passion of their performance.

While the saxophone entranced me, the real revelation came after the show. I was so captivated by The OuttaTowners that I looked up their vocalist, Savanna Woods. To my surprise, I learned that she had been a standout on Season 20 of The Voice, even earning a spot on Kelly Clarkson’s team. It was hard to believe that I had just witnessed such talent in such an intimate setting. Woods’ voice— a reminiscence blending the soulful depth of Etta James with the raw power of Janis Joplin—pulled me out of my saxophone-induced haze, grounding me back in reality. Her voice is both powerful and vulnerable, breathing life into lyrics that carry the spirit of soul music’s legacy.

The image captures The Outta Towners bassist, Matthew Crissey, performing live on stage. Matthew is seen playing his bass guitar, wearing a casual outfit of a t-shirt, shorts, and a bucket hat, giving off a relaxed and approachable vibe. He stands slightly turned toward the band, deeply focused on his instrument. In the background, you can see other band members and equipment, including a laptop on a stand and additional instruments. The stage lighting is a mix of vibrant purples and greens, adding a dynamic energy to the scene and reflecting the laid-back yet powerful atmosphere of the performance.

Bassist Matthew Crissey lays down steady, soulful grooves that effortlessly hold the band together. His playing is subtle but powerful, always driving theThe image captures a moment from a live performance featuring The Outta Towners keyboardist, Jacob Martin. He is seated behind a Nord Stage 3 keyboard, deeply focused on playing, with a laptop set up in front of him. Jacob is wearing a colorful, tropical-print shirt and a red cap that reads “CONSPIRACY THEORIST.” The stage is lit with purples and reds, adding to the lively atmosphere of the performance. In the background, the drummer is partially visible, adding depth to the scene. The setting reflects the intimate, energetic vibe of the venue, with Jacob’s keyboard playing adding layers of warmth and complexity to the band’s sound. music forward. Meanwhile, Jacob Martin on keyboards brings warmth and complexity, seamlessly balancing lead melodies and support. His charisma shows in every note. In contrast, drummer Luca Cartner adds a crisp, versatile energy with his relaxed yet dynamic style, giving the band an approachable feel. Together, this rhythm section forms a solid foundation that not only supports but also elevates the sax and vocals. Ultimately, The Outta Towners create an emotional experience on stage, reminding the audience that the legacy of soul music continues with passion.

Good Night Ya’ll

In a world where musical genres blur and overlap, The OuttaTowners stand as true fusion artists. They show that music doesn’t need to be a perfect fairytale to connect with people—it just needs to be real. Their music brings people together in ways few others can.

 

The legacy of soul music lives on, and The OuttaTowners are proudly carrying that torch. If you don’t believe me, check out the video below. 

Looking forward to your comments Washington.

Signing Off,

91.3 KBCS Jalisa Bass

 

 

 

 

 

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