Forbidden Jazz, consisting of Jake Masri on trumpet and vocals, Jeff Drummond on guitar and Tim Croft on upright bass are once again featured at Zocalo Café this 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 domestically and internationally, will weave their collective magic through two sets of entertaining music.
A welcome addition to the Comox Valley, guitar master Drummond obtained his Diploma in Jazz Performance at Mount Royal College in 1995. He went on to perform throughout Canada and the UK., touring with many different artists in a variety of musical genres.
Drummond has also appeared on national radio and television programs, produced and engineered countless albums, and played with many well known artists. In total, he has accumulated over 20 years as a music educator, which contributes towards a high demand for his skills and services.
Jeff tours and performs with a Calgary based-band called Sinistrio.
Croft, also 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, 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, and Arturo Sandoval.
As a performance major at VCC, UVIC, and UBC, Jake studied trumpet with Boyd Hood, Gerald Gerbrecht, and trombonist, Dave Robbins. His studies in jazz enabled him to learn from pros such as Mike Herriot, Hugh Fraser, Campbell Ryga, and Bill Clarke during the local CYMC summer program.
Among his favorite vocal instructors are Ann Mortifee, Rhiannon, Ysaye Barnwell, and Wendy Nixon Stothert. Since moving to Comox in 2002, Jake has appeared with Sounds of 17, Quintessence Brass; Sixth Street, Jazztown, and Jazz Noir combos; Georgia Straight, Arrowsmith, and CR Big Bands; Strathcona Symphony Orchestra, and Just in Time Jazz Choir.
They invite you to a casual, fun-filled evening of jazz from 7:30-9:30. As usual, the kitchen will offer a wide selection of sweet and savory dishes along with beverages.
For more info, contact Zocalo Café and Gallery at 250-331-0933, or drop by the corner of Fifth Street and Cliffe Avenue in downtown Courtenay (www.zocalocafe.ca.).
— Forbidden Jazz