Forbidden Jazz, consisting of Jake Masri on trumpet and vocals, Jim Lambert on guitar and Tim Croft on upright bass are once again headlining Zocalo Café next Friday evening.
As in the past, they hope to attract a multi-generational audience by performing a wide variety of timeless jazz standards. The trio, representing more than four decades of experience, both locally and internationally, will weave their collective magic through two sets of entertaining music.
Local guitarist Jim Lambert is the former host of the Cumberland Hotel Blues Jam. His electric blues sound can be heard on the duo album entitled Morpheus along with singer/songwriter Joanna Finch. He is a member of a local rock cover band Boondock as well as the Tim Croft Quartet.
Jim has also earned himself a solid reputation as lead guitarist in the Brett Martens String Band. Look out for their recently recorded CD, produced and engineered by gypsy jazz guitar master Marc Atkinson.
Tim Croft, relatively new on the local scene, has quickly gained recognition as a strong and creative player. His jazz studies at Humber College in Toronto allowed him the amazing opportunity to learn from such Canadian icons as Mike Downes, Pat Collins, Pat Labarbera and Don Thompson.
After completing his bachelors degree, Tim relocated in Montreal where he continued to study the bass, play in local restaurants and clubs (such as House of Jazz and Upstairs) and record with several different groups.
Further education led him to the University of Western Michigan, where he completed a masters degree in Jazz Studies under the influences of Tom Knific and Dr. Scott Cowan (jazz piano and improvisation). Croft currently teaches music at L’Ecole au Coeur d’Ile in Comox.
No stranger to local music circles, Jake Masri draws his inspiration from classical repertoire to musical theater to Afro-Cuban/New Orleans, and Bebop styles. His passion for jazz is closely linked to artists such as Harry James, Miles Davis, Chet Baker, & Arturo Sandoval.
Since moving to Comox in 2002, Jake has appeared with Sounds of 17, Quintessence Brass, 6th Street, Jazztown, and Jazz Noir combos; Georgia Straight, Arrowsmith, and CR Big Bands, Strathcona Symphony Orchestra, and Just in Time Jazz Choir.
We invite you to join us for a casual, fun-filled evening of jazz from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.. As usual, the kitchen will offer a wide selection of sweet & savory dishes along with alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages. For more info, contact Zocalo Café & Gallery at 250 331 0933, or simply drop by the corner of 5th Street and Cliffe Ave. in Courtenay.
— Forbidden Jazz