The Baird, Black and White Trio, with Roger Baird on drums, pianist Miles Black and bassist Scott White, play Studio Live in Cumberland on Saturday, Aug. 22
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 on Shaw cable.
Baird has performed and recorded around the world in a career that spans 40 years. He was active in the ’70s New York loft scene as a founding member of The Music Ensemble.
During the late ’80s and ’90s he performed and recorded as sideman and bandleader with some of Canada’s most adventurous musicians, as well as with American, European and Japanese artists, including Marilyn Crispell, Glenn Spearman, Walter Wierbos, Dr. Umezu and Lisle Ellis.
His melodic 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 entirety but includes Maynard Ferguson, Harry “Sweets” Edison and Slide Hampton. 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, Scott 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. Scott is a very 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. Scott’s improvisational talents and virtuosity on the bass shine in the context of the BBW Trio.
Come out for this ongoing musical odyssey. You will enjoy the life affirming spontaneity of these musicians, who let the muse play them. Advance tickets ($15) at Bop City Records, Courtenay, Blue Heron Books, Comox and Riders Pizza, Cumberland. Admission at the door is $20.
Studio Live is located at 2679 Beaufort Ave., Cumberland.
Show starts at 8 p.m.