Submitted
Jazz at the Avalanche Bar this Thursday was originally billed as The John Hyde Trio.
There’s nothing unusual about that; John makes regular appearances on our stage, and is well known and respected as a superb bassist. But then press information was distributed last week to say that in addition to Aaaron Amar on drums, Bill Coon was joining them to make up the trio.
To anyone reading this with a passing knowledge of who’s who in Canadian jazz these days, you should know that Coon is one of Canada’s foremost jazz guitarists.
So plan on joining John Hyde and Aaron Amar as they welcome guitarist Coon from Vancouver in an intimate evening of familiar tunes from the golden age of jazz. Coon’s melodic touch and style is that of a master instrumentalist.
Juno-nominated guitarist/composer/arranger, Coon is one of Canada’s most highly respected and sought after musicians. He has been performing professionally for over 25 years and has worked with numerous jazz artists including Jimmy Heath, Eddie Daniels, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Campbell Ryga, Brad Turner, and PJ Perry.
GSJS supporters have heard him at Christmas time with the B3 Kings Concert.
Coon’s performing and writing has been documented on more than two dozen CDs to date, while big bands and orchestras throughout the world have performed his arrangements.
Recently he has conducted and performed with the 23-piece Bill Coon Orchestra featuring jazz vocalist Denzal Sinclaire in a musical tribute to Nat King Cole.
John Hyde spent 30 years as an in-demand freelance bassist, music educator and the artistic director of the jazz program at Mount Royal College in Calgary. Quiet and unassuming by nature, he comes alive with a stand-up bass in hand, and his style is magical and extremely rhythmical.
Amar brings his professional jazz experience from Toronto where he was active on the jazz scene for several years. In the five years or so that Amar has lived in Comox Valley, he has earned a solid reputation as one of the finest drummers around.
His rhythmic talents are much sought after and he performs with numerous local groups.
Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Admission is $5 for members and $7 for non-members. For more information about our forthcoming events, go to www.georgiastraightjazz.com, or see us on Facebook.
This is a last reminder for members that the Society’s 2014 AGM will be held at the Avalanche, starting at 5:30 p.m. – two hours before show time.