"They're outstanding for their vitality, exuberance, elegance & melodic strength, and for the joy these three fine musicians share ... Atkinson is a daring & inventive acoustic guitarist and a powerful force in the new roots/jazz movement." — Toronto Star
The final instalment in the Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park Summer Concert Series is this Thursday and things are ending with a big musical bang with the Marc Atkinson Trio.
Marc Atkinson is a Juno Award nominee, multi-instrumentalist/composer/arranger/producer and one of Canada's most talented musicians. He is a co-founder, composer and performer in the acclaimed group, the Bills and the leader and composer of the internationally renowned Marc Atkinson Trio.
The music of this virtuosic group is melodically captivating, sensually charged and ferociously, technically awe-inspiring. Embracing a lifetime of musical influences, Marc and the Trio have released their fourth CD, The Marc Atkinson Trio IV, praised as the finest yet. The compositions on this CD are punchy, driving and rhythmically inventive.
The trio, formed in 2000, has toured North America, England and Europe and has received standing ovations everywhere they perform from the Montreal Jazz Festival to the Vancouver International Folk Festival to DjangoFest Northwest.
Marc has been called "a remarkable guitar player . . .innovative and dazzling" by the Vancouver Province and " an inventive composer ... a truly original voice" by Acoustic Guitar Magazine.
Atkinson's compositions take guitar beyond the usual repertoire and sound. The tunes have a fiery but elegant guitar style, infused with a catchy blend of influences.
All this while still maintaining the laid-back humour and casual 'good time feel' of Canada's West Coast.
Atkinson's picking has been described as flawless, surprise-filled, sizzling and supremely melodic. His music is original, complex and challenging in its conception and delivery but remains accessible and absorbing. The music of the Marc Atkinson Trio welcomes all listeners aboard for an intriguing, exhilarating and unforgettable ride.
Tickets are available online at Laughing Oyster Books, Long and McQuade in Courtenay or Blue Heron Books in Comox.
The Filberg Summer Concert Series is a fundraiser for a new main stage at the historic Filberg Park in Comox as a home to year-round musical programming and special events.
To find out more about the concert series, the main stage project and the park, check out www.filberg.com.
— Filberg Summer Concert Series