The Vernon Jazz Club will be swinging to the music as Ali Henry and the Neville Bowman Quartet take the stage Saturday.
Henry will be joined by all-star Okanagan musicians Craig Thomson on saxophone, Neville Bowman on piano, Bernie Addington on bass, and Martin Lord on drums.
The band will be playing songs such as Black Orpheus (Antonio Carlos Jobim) and Why Don’t You Do Right (Joseph “Kansas Joe” McCoy), as well a few jazzy originals titled My Love and Madamme X. The set list will also include tunes by Manhattan Transfer and Lambert Hendricks and Ross suggesting that the fine vocals of Neville Bowman will be featured.
Henry, who hails from Kelowna but is now based out of Vancouver, is a singer songwriter with a background rooted in jazz and gospel music.
“Ali’s playfully, collaborative approach to music, along with a tender yet exhilarating voice, makes an evening spent with her a memorable experience,” says Eric Tompkins, a B.C. guitarist.
In 2011, she released her debut CD, On My Mind, showcasing the same musicians the audience will hear this weekend.
The album ranges from the warm, sensual rhythms of Brazil to the emotionally charged blues in the tradition of Etta James.
Henry has had a chance to perform not only jazz and blues but in 2013, she was a vocalist for the upbeat dance band B Boss Jive Band managed by Earl Krushelnicki.
Earlier on this year, along with The Northern Boyz, she was able to share the stage with Royal Wood at the Coldsnap Music Festival.
This up and coming musician’s move to Vancouver is a recent one.
Henry says, “I recently moved to Vancouver to take the next step toward reaching goals and fulfilling dreams. Now, being in this larger market, with the help from the right musicians and people in the industry, I aim to promote myself in this new market, obtain local representation, and break into this scene and hope to be heard by the right people at the right time.”
Thomson is a well respected teacher and clinician.
He runs the band program at Mount Boucherie Secondary in West Kelowna and also organizes the B.C. Interior Jazz Festival as well as the Thursday night Jazz Jams which take place on a weekly basis at the Kelowna Rotary Centre for the Arts.
He received the 2013 Music Award from the Okanagan Arts Council.
Bowman is no stranger to the Okanagan jazz scene. He is an accomplished solo pianist, accompanist, and singer.
He was a founding member of the award winning Just In Time Trio and can be heard on numerous recordings with many diverse musicians.
When not gigging or arranging, Bowman can be seen on stage in theatrical productions.
Addington has worked with top local and international artists across North America.
He has played extensively throughout North America, Europe, and Australia and enjoys a successful career as a freelance musician and private instructor.
Lord has performed with many local bands including the Just In Time Trio, The Neville Bowman Group and the Westside Big Band.
He was also a member of the University of Alberta Big Band.
Henry’s music can be heard at alihenry.net
Ali Henry takes the stage at the Vernon Jazz Club (3000-31st St.) this Saturday at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7:15. Tickets are $20 at the Bean Scene, Bean to Cup and at www.vernonjazz.ca.
