The Jenn Forsland Group was formed in early 2008 by a group of local musicians looking to share their passion for jazz with one another.
In addition to performing at various private events, the band is regularly featured at community events such as Market Days, Sunday Sounds at the Filberg, and the Local Colours Concert Series in Simms Park. They routinely host the Thursday night Jazz Club Series at the Elks for the Georgia Straight Jazz Society.
The group is generous with its time and contributes often to local fundraisers and charity events.
With a broad and colourful repertoire of jazz standards and contemporary tunes, the Jenn Forsland Group entertains audiences with a rich sound, skilled playing, and an enthusiastic appreciation for the jazz idiom.
Forsland leads the ensemble on vocals. She is a graduate of the UVic Music Education program. She works locally as an elementary music teacher, travels as a choral clinician, and teaches private voice and piano lessons from her home studio, directs the Celebration Singers, and performs regularly with SwingSet and the Luke Blu Guthrie Band.
In recent months the Jenn Forsland Group has undergone some significant changes in its lineup.
Ralph Barrat has forfeited the keyboard to Sean Mooney.
“Sean brings a tremendous wealth of skill and talent to the group and has been instrumental in shaping the new tunes. His playful nature and consistent humour, both musically and personally, have infused new energy into old favourites and a unique creative twist,” Forsland says.
Well-known bassist Al West, has retired from JFG.
“Grahame Edwards has joined the group in place of Al and we have been working on a tonne of new tunes; Grahame’s skill and ingenuity on both stand up and fretless electric bass has added a funky, new cerebral perspective on the charts,” says Jenn.
“Both Sean and Grahame have fitted seamlessly into the group and honour the JFG's tradition of mutual respect for all contributing players. I am truly fortunate to share music with some of the valley's best musicians and although my name is attached to the group, it is genuinely a collaborative effort.”
Other well-known regular musicians in the group include Rick Husband, guitar; Rob Peterson, drums and Tony Morrison on alto and tenor saxes, and flute.
The Jenn Forsland Group performs Aug. 14 in the Sunday Sounds series at Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park from 2 to 4 p.m. Free, but donations are accepted and appreciated.
Further information about the group can be found on the group’s website at jennforsland.com.
— Jenn Forsland Group