Jose “Juicy” Gonzalez Trio – Washington Park Arboretum, Seattle – August 20, 2025
Gonzales splits his mental real estate between being a musician and working as a gardener at the Arboretum’s Japanese Garden. Every now and then the metaphorical parallels between these domains synergize when fused, manifesting as a concert at the Arboretum’s visitor center (with complimentary free popsicles!). The outdoor setting is spectacular, surrounded by plantings befitting the institution. Gonzalez’s endearing between-song patter expounded a life philosophy that celebrates those metaphors. Music of the classic piano-bass-drums trio is self-described as “rooted in jazz, fueled by the blues, marinated in funk”. Gonzalez handles vocals as needed. Quite a few Beatles tunes received the treatment.
Jose Gonzalez
Matt Jorgensen
Michael Marcus