After last week's wonderful performance by Hans Verhoeven Quintet, AKA Time Bandits, the Georgia Straight Jazz Society continues its run of small combos with a return performance by the Jeff Drummond Trio.
Anyone who has listened to Jeff's performances recently will know what to expect — some of the smoothest and most lyrical guitar playing in this part of the world. But the high-calibre musicianship doesn't stop there. Jeff is joined once again by John Hyde on bass and Aaron Amar on drums. Both John and Aaron are fully established within the local jazz scene, despite their relative newness.
All three musicians moved to the Comox Valley around the same time three or four years ago and have become highly respected performers on the local jazz scene since then.
"We will be playing some originals ranging from traditional to contemporary in style and a few standards and modern covers," Jeff says. "This is particularly exciting because John and I are just finishing recording a duo CD, so we will be adding Aaron to the mix with many of those tunes next Thursday. As well, I will be sharing my anecdotes and stories about the music, where they come from and relatable stories that I can."Jeff has been a bandleader, freelance guitarist, studio guy and music educator for the past 20 years.
John spent 30 years as an in-demand freelance bassist, music educator and the artistic director of the jazz program at Mount Royal College in Calgary. Quiet and unassuming by nature, John comes alive with a standup bass in hand, and his style is magical and extremely rhythmical.
Aaron cut his teeth playing in the Toronto music scene.
Show time is 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Avalanche Bar and Grill.
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Jazz supporters are advised that tickets are now on sale for the Nightcrawlers concert March 2. We're really excited to present this wonderful band — especially since it allows us to bring Cory Weeds, Vancouver's great alto sax player, back to Courtenay. Tickets are available from Red Carpet in Comox, Bop City Records in Courtenay or at the Avalanche as well as at Thursday Night Jazz. For information about forthcoming events and activities, find us at www.georgiastraightjazz.com or follow us on Facebook.
— Georgia Straight Jazz Society