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Tune into Thursday night jazz

Thursday Night Jazz features artists from our region of Vancouver Island — with one notable exception.

Thursday Night Jazz features artists from our region of Vancouver Island — with one notable exception.

When the Vancouver Olympics were scheduled in 2010, the Georgia Straight Jazz Society was surprised to receive a request from Jennifer Scott and Rene Worst: Could they play a Thursday night concert, 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 third consecutive year. We are honoured to have them on our stage once more this thursday 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 and supportive bass 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 both in Canada and the U.S. Worst 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.

What makes this appearance even more special is the context — during the past year their lives have been rocked by Rene’s diagnosis of prostate cancer (followed by successful therapies — he is now cancer free).

Jennifer lost two sisters to illnesses, and the death of their beloved cat, Ella Fitzgerald. This spring has become their rebirth: they are touring all over North America, they have four new CDs and a whole bunch of inspiration to create new music together.

Those readers who have experienced these wonderful artists need no further encouragement to see the show, but the added bonus is to catch the warm glow that Jennifer and Rene exude, and the afterglow created by their emotional renaissance.

If you think this sounds a bit spiritual, come and hear the music for yourself: it doesn’t come any better. 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, so this is your chance to realize the dividends of all your generous contributions during the past year.

— Georgia Straight Jazz Society