After last week’s memorable performance by the NMA Big Band, the extended stage is out for the second week in a row, as the Strathcona Little Big Band returns this Thursday to the Avalanche Bar and Grill.
Approaching the end of its fourth season, the band’s sound has matured significantly as it plays its own brand of high-energy, entertaining big band music.
Little in name only, the band consists of a full five-piece sax section: Suzie Christensen and Fred Kolls on alto, Julie Kenny and Gord James on tenor and Julie Chamberlain on baritone.
This time out the saxes will be featured on Duke Jordan’s swing classic Jordu and Jobim’s Wave. You can also look forward to the section’s beautiful rendition of Dreamsville by Henry Mancini.
Four trumpets and three trombones make up a horn section that generates precise shots and lush interpretations of old and new tunes.
Expect to hear beautiful renditions of Bobby Shew’s Blue from trumpeter Roger Kirk. Also, look forward to some amazing solo work from Jake Masri and Jay Havelaar, with Wendy Daniel’s solid support.
The trombone section consists of Phil Cassidy, Doug Craig, and Brian Killikelly. You can expect to hear some excellent solo and soli work from this fine section. Brian will be featured on the classic Here Comes That Rainy Day and Doug’s rendition of You Are Too Beautiful will tear up a few eyes.
The Little Big Band has one of the most energetic rhythm sections around and this time will be no exception.
Michael Eddy on piano will provide solid accompaniment plus a few fiery solos including a wonderful rendition of Duke Ellington’s Shiny Stockings. Completing the rhythm section are band director Don MacKay on bass and the “bopster” himself, Billy Street on drums. Billy will be featured on several numbers including the classic Sing, Sing, Sing.
To change things up a bit, the Little Big Band will add a bit of funky jazz to this show including Chuck Mangione’s Feels So Good and 1970s favourite Pick Up The Pieces.
If you wonder why live jazz fans are having such fun these days, and you don’t quite believe it’s happening, visit www.georgiastraightjazz.com and select the Images tab at the top of the homepage.
From there, just select the albums of Bill Jorgensen and Peter Sinclair — two great local photographers who have taken on the artistic challenge of linking the music and musicians to their images — you’ll be amazed at the beauty and diversity of these photographs, capturing the spirit that’s alive and well in Courtenay at Thursday Night Jazz at the Av.
— Georgia Straight Jazz Society