Swing Set vocal jazz quartet starts summer right with a night of juicy harmonies, compelling rhythms and saucy-sweet material at Joe’s Garage this Thursday night.
The members of Swing Set are Wendy Nixon Stothert, Michelle Weckesser, Jenn Forsland and Dale Graham. With special guests Sean Mooney on piano, John Hyde on bass and Grahame Edwards on drums, the women of Swing Set will perform solo features in addition to their exquisite four-part harmony.
The quartet will perform old favourites such as Chili Con Carne and A Child Is Born, along with new repertoire including the sweetly hypnotic Real Group song Bumble Bee and a luscious version of Van Morrison’s Moondance.
Stothert is a well-loved music leader in the Comox Valley, directing the Just In Time Vocal Jazz choirs, as well as performing solo with her quartet SynInTonic. Stothert’s trademark passion and commitment will leave you spellbound.
Weckesser is a stunning soloist with classical as well as jazz credentials. She performs regularly with the Island Voices Chamber Choir and as guest soloist with the Timbre! choir in Port Alberni. Weckesser turns her talents to jazz with the Swing Set repertoire.
Forsland fronts the Jenn Forsland Group, directs the Celebration Singers, teaches music privately and in the schools and is an in-demand adjudicator for music festivals. Forsland’s strong technical skills are beautifully complemented by her playful interpretations.
Graham is best-known for her solo vocals with local group Indigo Jazz and for her previous work in the folk and Celtic genres. Graham is equally at home in the open space of a jazz ballad and the exciting twists and turns of up-tempo swing.
While many of the quartet’s arrangements are a cappella, some numbers simply cry out for a hip rhythm section. Mooney, Hyde and Edwards more than fill that bill. Their fine musical skills and instincts provide a terrific blend and give strong support for the quartet and for solo vocals.
Swing Set appears at Joe’s Garage this Thursday night. The kitchen opens at 6:30 p.m., and the show gets underway after 8 p.m.
Tickets will sell quickly for this show — they are available in advance for $15 at Bop City Records and at the door for $20. Ensure your seat, come down and eat.
For more information and reservations, visit www.joeson5th.ca.
— Swing Set