So it’s October already! Nights are closing in early, weather has cooled off and most people have stopped eking out the last of the summer wine.
Thursday Night Jazz at the Elks’ on Sixth Street awaits you: A warm and social gathering spot for music lovers smart enough to recognize a weekly opportunity to start their weekends a day earlier than most.
This is week four of our new season, and we’re happy to present the Ralph Barrat Group (RPG) on the stage at 7:30 p.m.
RBG consists of Ralph on vocals and keyboard, Jim Chew on guitar, James Lithgow on acoustic bass, with Bill Street on drums.
Ralph’s been singing jazz standards around the Comox Valley for several years beginning with the Georgia Strait Big Band and now, several combos later, he has formed the RBG to focus on the songs he loves to play and sing following the stylings of great piano vocalists Nat King Cole, Diana Krall, Harry Connick Jr. and others.
As always, you’ll hear classic Sinatra favourites, lots of Duke, Jobim, a little Louis Jordan, and some more recent songs written by some of Ralph’s favourite mentors.
Jim has been playing all styles of guitar for over 35 years and before moving to Campbell River, he was playing and teaching in the jazz program at Mount Royal College in Calgary. Incredibly inventive and exciting, his rhythm and solos are the perfect complement to Ralph’s singing.
Equally thrilling, James on acoustic bass adds just the right mix of steadiness and spontaneity to this group. He has a sensitive touch and an eclectic, solid style and he joins Bill and Ralph again on the Elks’ stage for the first time in four years.
Bill and Ralph spent part of 2011 bringing their brand of jazz standards to Bucerias, Mexico where they enjoyed playing four nights a week, developing their sound. Always a great fan of Ralph’s renditions of Chet Baker songs, Bill the Bopster plays his fabulous swinging style expertly, and sets the mood and feel of each number.
For more information about the Georgia Straight Jazz Society and other forthcoming events, visit www.georgiastaightjazz.com or on Facebook.
— Georgia Straight Jazz Society