I regret that I have only enough familiarity with Star Trek: The Next Generation to recognize that the title of this sweet, sweet jam from Michael Owcharuk and Kate Olson is a reference to that series’ beloved Captain Picard. Michael and Kate are both deeply accomplished musicians in the local jazz scene and beyond, who can be seen composing and fronting their own ensembles around town, as well as supporting an incredible range of artists in just about every genre. (Holiday burlesque fans in Seattle, catch them right now as 2/3 of the Land of the Sweets band!)
All of that to say, it is an absolute joy to hear what happens when these two get together and musically bond/geek out over a mutual appreciation for this much-adored franchise. “Make It So” is an unapologetically fun tune, brimming with good-natured glee, toe-tapping bass, and sweet, soaring sax. Since I don’t know enough about TNG to properly place this music in that universe, I’ll just turn the rest of this review over to Michael and Kate, who say, “This song could be something playing in 10 Forward or in a holodeck nightclub. Unfortunately we couldn’t get Riker to play trombone.” (Hey, I know what a holodeck is! And I’ve heard of Riker too. I think he has a beard.) Clearly, the Force is with Michael and Kate, as Dr. Spock would say. (Did I get that right?)