Ready for a February departure?
If sunny southern climes are not on your agenda, take a trip to downtown Courtenay to catch the Departure jazz quartet. This engaging combo is the next feature in the Georgia Straight Jazz Society concert series, performing Feb. 27 at the Elks Hall in Courtenay at 7:30 p.m.
Saxophonist Monik Nordine, one of the most compelling voices on the West Coast, has just released a new CD with her group Departure, featuring Brent Jarvis on keys, Phil Albert on bass, and Buff Allen on drums. You can hear selections from the new recording at www.moniknordine.com.
The group’s local appearance will feature superlative bassist Ken Lister, sitting in for Albert.
Kerilie McDowall of CHLY Radio had this to say about Nordine: “Her improvising and composing chops are top-notch. A witty humanitarian and a highly creative musician, Monik Nordine is a musician that both jazz audiences and musicians will love.” Nordine’s passionate playing and intelligent writing are complemented by a relaxed and warm stage presence.
Nordine teaches in the Jazz Studies program at Vancouver Island University, and boasts performance credits with Michael Bublé, Rob McConnell, P.J. Perry, and Paul Horn. Her 1997 debut recording, Not just to but over the moon, won critical acclaim in Jazz Improv magazine.
Keyboardist Brent Jarvis has more than 1,000 performances to his credit, and has released three CDs, including Sequences, the Best Jazz Album of 2005 (CJAM FM). Island Jazz commentator Rick Gibbs describes his playing as “expressive and lyrical, not to mention technically brilliant.”
Juno Award-winning drummer Buff Allen has performed and recorded with a “who’s who” of jazz musicians, including Ed Bickert, Lenny Breau, Hugh Fraser, Diana Krall, Kenny Wheeler, Chuck Israels, and Mose Allison. He plays with an exceptional range of colour and texture, informed by immense musicality and listening skills.
Veteran jazz bassist Ken Lister has recorded with the Hugh Fraser Quintet and the Vancouver Ensemble of Jazz Improvisation (VEJI), and performed with many other greats including Pat Coleman, Kenny Wheeler, Don Thompson, Joshua Redman and Herb Ellis. His playing is precise, lyrical, and exciting.
The Departure jazz quartet perform Sunday, Feb. 27 at 7:30 p.m. at the Elks Hall.
Tickets are available in advance from Bop City Records and Play It Again Music Recycle, at $12 for jazz society members and $16 for non-members.
For more information, go to www.georgiastraightjazz.com.
— Georgia Straight Jazz Society