Deja Blue was originally formed on the spur of the moment in 2005 in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico by Bill Street.
Bill had previously ventured South with Mo Davenport to avoid Comox Valley’s liquid sunshine. One sunny morning the guys met up with a local promoter and were offered offered a six night a week gig at the Blue Martini Bar.
When Bill was asked the question, “What is the name of the band?” He immediately responded “Deja Blue”...the name just flashed through his mind at that moment!
Bill says that playing nightly in the Blue Martini was good for tightening the band up, especially after gruelling days on the beach, and many shots of whathaveyou.
Deja Blue has played in Mexico almost every year since then. This Thursday will once again see the band that played in Mexico in the 2010/11 season: Ralph Barrat on keyboard and vocals; Don MacKay on bass and Bill Street on drums.
As well, the band is pleased to feature guest trumpet player Jake Masri, who adds to the band’s prowess as it performs great music along the theme for the evening: A Tribute to Chet Baker.
Bill is especially fond of all the work that was done by Chet Baker, who spent much of his career in Europe until his death in Amsterdam a few years ago.
Ralph will feature some wonderful Chet vocals with Jake reminding us all of Chet’s great trumpet sound. To find out just how smooth and polished these fine musicians have become, plan on joining the growing number of regular jazz enthusiasts who regularly rendezvous at the Elks’ Home on Sixth Street.
Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Admission, as usual, is by a suggested $6 donation.
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A dwindling number of tickets will be available for the Nov. 18 concert by Caravan. These have been selling fast, so don’t delay if you plan on listening to these fabulous performers.
The Georgia Straight Jazz Society is committed to promoting live jazz performances, featuring local artists each Thursday between September and June; offering an opportunity to appreciate jazz in all its genres, and to encourage students of music to foster a greater involvement in jazz music.
For more information, visit www.georgiastraightjazz.com or see them on Facebook.
— Georgia Straight Jazz Society