The Baird, Black and White Trio performs at the Denman Island Hall on Aug. 11 at 8 p.m., and Studio Live, 2679 Beaufort Ave. in Cumberland on Aug. 12 at 8 p.m.
The Baird, Black and White Trio is Roger Baird on drums, and features stellar pianist Miles Black and bassist par excellence Scott White.
The trio is a melding of three of Canada’s most creative musical minds. The musicians take inspiration from a multitude of influences and use their improvisatory skills to create a unique musical tapestry.
The trio has released one CD, Spirit Door, as well as a DVD and has been featured twice on Shaw Cable TV.
Baird has performed and recorded around the world in a career that spans 45 years. He was active in the ‘70s New York loft scene as a founding member of The Music Ensemble.
In 1980, he played and recorded with Louis Armfield’s Spiritual Jazz Quintet in Amsterdam.
During the late-’80s and ‘90s he performed/recorded as sideman and bandleader with some of Canada’s most adventurous musicians as well as with U.S., European and Japanese artists, including Marilyn Crispell, Glenn Spearman, Walter Wierbos, Dr. Umezu and Lisle Ellis. His atmospheric style of drumming brings a fresh vision to the instrument.
Black’s playing has been compared to the likes of piano greats Keith Jarrett and Brad Mehldau. His performance is melodic, creative and spellbinding.
The list of jazz greats he has played or recorded with is too long to list in its entirety but includes Maynard Ferguson, Harry “Sweets” Edison, Slide Hampton, Dee Daniels, Oliver Gannon, The Paul Horn Band, Chuck Israels, Max Roach, Lew Tabackin, and Houston Person.
This is a rare opportunity to see Black play in an environment where his creativity and musicality shine in a completely new light.
Now living in Berlin, White left Canada to become the musical director, bandleader and bass player for Berlin’s Cirque du Soleil. A gifted bassist, he now tours around Europe and North America collaborating with many renowned musicians in styles ranging from Russian Folk and Gypsy Swing to Free Jazz.
White is an entertaining player to hear and watch. His sound palette encompasses many unorthodox percussive and melodic effects.
He is a virtuoso with an unmatched playing style. White’s improvisational talents and virtuosity on the bass shine in the context of the BBW Trio.
Tickets may be purchased at Abraxas Books and at The Denman Island General Store, or at the door for the Denman Island show.
Advance tickets are $20, available at Bop City Records in Courtenay, Rider’s Pizza in Cumberland and at the Church Street Bakery in Comox for the Cumberland show.
Tickets are $25 at the door.