Thursday night jazz normally features artists from our region of Vancouver Island — with one notable exception that is becoming a lovely tradition: Jennifer Scott and Rene Worst.
When the Vancouver Olympics were scheduled in 2010, the Georgia Straight Jazz Society received a request from Scott and Worst.
They wanted to play a Thursday night concert in Courtenay, because they wanted to escape from the madness of Vancouver. The result was one of the most memorable jazz evenings, where two of Canada's jazz greats, played "for the hat" before a packed house. It was so successful that they made a repeat appearance last year; again to a capacity audience.
Well, Jennifer and Rene are back by (their) request for a fourth consecutive year. We are honoured to have them on the Avalanche Bar and Grill stage at 7:30 p.m.
Scott is a singer and pianist born in Vancouver. She specializes in jazz, blues, and world music. She is considered one of the more important jazz artists working in Canada and the United States today.
As well as being a performer, she arranges and writes jazz and pop tunes, with several CDs containing a combination of original tunes, tunes she has arranged, and more traditional tunes. She has also appeared on many CBC recordings and has worked with many other musicians both live and in studio.
Worst has been a professional bassist since 1971. His virtuosic playing has been a Canadian treasure for many years on both acoustic and electric basses.
He is as gifted on fretless as he is on acoustic — a rarity in the industry. Rene was educated in Canada and the U.S.
He is one of the founding members of the noted fusion band Skywalk and has anchored and produced six recordings with them. He is also a highly regarded producer.
For a sampler, visit www.jenniferscott.ca and listen to the MP3 tracks.
Volunteers and corporate members are reminded that volunteer appreciation commences at 5:30 p.m. Food will be served.
Jennifer and Rene will join us for that celebration.
For more information about forthcoming events, visit www.georgiastraightjazz.com or see us on Facebook.
— Georgia Straight Jazz Society