The 2011-12 season has got off to a formidable start.
Last week’s performance by ever-popular Lensmen is followed this Thursday by Forbidden Jazz — Jake Masri on trumpet and vocals, Jeff Drummond on guitar, and Tim Croft on upright bass — when they step onto the Elks’ stage at 7:30.
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.
Croft, 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. Croft currently teaches music at L’École au Coeur d’Ile in Comox.
No stranger to local music circles, Masri draws his inspiration from classical repertoire to musical theatre 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.
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.
A welcome addition to the Comox Valley, guitar master Drummond has appeared on national radio and television programs, produced and engineered countless albums, and played with many well-known artists. Jeff tours and performs with a Calgary-based band called Sinistrio.
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Tickets will be on sale for the Marc Atkinson Trio’s Oct. 16 concert. Prices are $15 and $20 for Society members and non-members respectively.
The Georgia Straight Jazz Society promotes live jazz every Thursday evening at the elks’ Home between September and June, except for Christmas/New Year. Admission is by suggested $5 donation.
— Georgia Straight Jazz Society