There are some people who choose only to listen to tunes performed by established musicians, without recognizing that each of those big names started their careers with no eminence and little recognition.
Years later they acknowledge, regrettably, their missed opportunities to listen to great talent at its inception. Well, this is one of those moments: Don't miss it!
This week, Thursday Night Jazz at the Elks' brings you an exciting new combo from the jazz program at Vancouver Island University when the Nick Everett Quintet takes the stage at 7:30.
Those jazz lovers who have witnessed the succession of VIU bands during Thursdays over the past three years have been amazed by the degree to which the music quality has soared.
Young musicians, many of whom will become tomorrow's celebrities, offer you the opportunity to listen to the sounds and style of the future. We, the fortunate recipients just up the road, are pleased to present yet one more new act: rooted in a classic hard bop quintet in the style of Clifford Brown and Art Blakey and the Messengers, yet able extend into swing, modal and many other ear-catching styles.
While gaining experience on the bandstand is the band's priority, the main objective is providing an enjoyable collage of music with a little bit of something for everyone. Among the repertoire, expect to listen to standards such as Take The A Train, 'Round Midnight and Come Rain Or Come Shine.
This band consists of wholly of students from the jazz program at Vancouver Island University. All of the players have played in many different bands island wide in both jazz and other genres; this is your opportunity to hear how their incredible talent combines into a musical collage ranging from original compositions to tunes from the Great American Songbook, as well as jazz standards.
The quintet comprises Nick Everett, trumpet; Theo Hughes, tenor sax; Phil Hamlin, piano; Dan Montgomery, bass, and Colin Paugh on drums.
So, plan on coming down to the Elks' home this week, and give these young guys the support they deserve. For them, music education within the confines of VIU is only part of the curriculum; the other essential ingredient is live performance in front of a discerning audience.
For more information about the Society, forthcoming events and activities, press releases, and other interesting tidbits about jazz, please visit us at www.georgiastraightjazz.com or on Facebook.
— Georgia Straight Jazz Society