By Malcolm Holt
Submitted to The Record
The dynamic trombone duo of Paul Nuez and Jeff Agopsowicz blows into the Georgia Strait Jazz Society for an evening dubbed Trombone Reflections, Dec. 3 at the Avalanche Bar.
Having played in various bands and musical groups, Nuez is a familiar trombone presence to many in the Comox Valley. He began playing the trombone during junior high days in Calgary with lessons from Hugh McPherson. Nuez went on to play with the Calgary Youth Orchestra, later enroling in the Grant McEwan College’s jazz program where he took sessions with the great Bob Stroup. Paul has shared the stage with many of Vancouver Island’s great jazz artists including (the late) Colin Campbell, Phil Dwyer, and Ian MacDougal.
Agopsowicz has become a musical force in the Valley since settling in Courtenay in September 2014. He was introduced to the trombone back in high school band and hasn’t spent much time without playing the instrument since then.
In April 2014 Jeff retired from military life, having spent 25 years as a veteran performer in The Canadian Forces Band Trade playing in concert bands as a soloist, and in multiple smaller group instrumental ensembles. He’s also worked as a show band member on several cruise ships of the Celebrity Cruise Line.
Nuez and Agopsowicz were introduced years ago thanks to a mutual friend and, now that they are both located in the Valley, it’s a growing partnership that has only served to encourage the individual skills they each bring to the duo. Nuez and Agopsowicz are passionate trombone players that can often be found practising together any chance they get on Nuez’s days off work.
Kelly Thomas (piano and vocals), Bill Street (drums) and James Lithgow (bass fiddle) will back up Nuez and Agopsowicz.
“The band performance will feature inspiration and arrangements from Jay and Kai, the famous performing and often recorded trombone duet pair,” said Nuez. “Jeff and I are both avid jazz lovers and we’ll also be playing Jeff’s beautiful arrangement renditions of several familiar jazz classics during the performance. This performance promises a musical treat for all who enjoy the smooth sounds of trombone harmonies.”
Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Admission is $10 for members, and $12 for non-members.
For more information about the Jazz Society visit www.georgiastraightjazz.com
The show will be preceded by the AGM, beginning at 5:30 p.m.