Zubatto Syndicate is a 12-piece big band based out of Capitol Hill and led by guitarist/composer Andrew Boscardin. The band specializes in jazzy instrumental music that draws on pop, classical, rock, funk, and hip-hop.  Zubatto Syndicate debuted at Seattle’s Town Hall in November 2009, and now they are gearing up for their next big show on April 15 at The Crocodile with opening bands OwCharuk 5 and Water Babies. Boscardin has lived in Capitol Hill for 7 years, and has ties with the local DIY music scene as a graduate of Cornish College of the Arts, and a member of the Gallery 1412 cooperative. Here is an interview with Boscardin about his band and life on Capitol Hill.

---

Photo: http://zubattosyndicate.com/

What does the name Zubatto Syndicate mean?

The name doesn’t mean a great deal, beyond combining two words that sounded cool in my head. I have a difficult time coming up with names for things. I started browsing Wikipedia by term alphabetically, only backwards (starting with Z). I didn’t have to go very far before finding “Zubatto,” which is a Japanese onomatopoeia for hitting a target dead-on with an arrow, aka “Bullseye!”

I wanted a second word, but something more interesting than “ensemble” or “group” or “Big Band,” so I combed through a thesaurus for words meaning “group” or “gang.” Basically, I really liked the ring of “syndicate” sounded after “zubatto.”

Why should people come see Zubatto Syndicate?

Zubatto Syndicate has something for everyone–if you are new to jazz or not a big jazz fan, I think you’ll find lots to love about what we do. It’s a big sound with plenty of room for shaking body parts.  If you are a jazz fan, we’re presenting a fresh perspective on the Big Band tradition that you can appreciate.  We’ve also got some of the best improvisers in Seattle, so you’ll hear some fantastic solos.

Tell me about your connection with Capitol Hill.

I lived on Capitol Hill when I first moved to Seattle in 1997 and loved it here.  I moved to a couple of different neighborhoods for no good reason and realized that I was spending almost all of my free time here, so when it came time to move, I knew where I wanted to go.  I’ve been living here ever since (going on 7 years).

I’m a member of Gallery 1412, which is a collective of muscians, artists, writers, and dancers that maintain and run a performance space on 18th between Pike and Union.  Zubatto (my band) rehearses here.  The Gallery is a really amazing (and totally overlooked) piece of the Capitol Hill music scene.

Lastly, I’m a graduate of Cornish College of the Arts, here on Capitol Hill. It’s another arts resource that doesn’t get the attention if deserves.  Many members of Zubatto are also affiliated with Cornish.

What do you like most about Capitol Hill?

I like Capitol Hill’s livability.  People make fun of Hill residents for never leaving the neighborhood, but to me, that’s just good city living.  I can shop, eat, do yoga, buy records, go to shows, see a movie, visit the doctor, all without owning a car.  Capitol Hill also supports a large number of locally-owned businesses of all kinds, which is really important to me.  It really feels like a community here.

What about the Hill would you change?

Most things that I would change about the Hill are things I would change about Seattle, and many are already in motion.  More and better transit…I think Capitol Hill is going to be evn more of a central hub for transit in the next 10+ years.  I also think it is vital to have better protections for neighborhood integrity so that we’re not pushing out small businesses for larger chains, renters in favor of owners, older character in favor of new development.

What are your favorite places to frequent on the Hill?

Wall of Sound is my favorite record store, along with Sonic Boom.  I miss Bailey-Coy and look forward to the coming of Elliot Bay.  I spend most hours of the day (when not at home) at 8 Limbs Yoga.  I oscillate between Victrola and Vivace for coffee.  I love both local parts of the Hillside Quickie Empire: Plum and Sage Cafe. Ana Purna, Queen Sheba, Madison Market…

If you are a Capitol-Hill-based musician or know of an up-coming music event, E-mail Suzi with your info and any upcoming concerts or events you want us to know about, and we’ll put the word out!