Mission’s Jason Stillman and his group, the Jason Stillman Quartet, will be holding a CD release party at The Stage on June 19.
The quartet is a Montreal-based ensemble featuring Stillman, alto sax; Josh Rager, piano; Fraser Hollins, bass; and Dave Laing, drums. The group’s repertoire consists primarily of Stillman’s original compositions with some jazz standards. Stillman’s rich, expressive tone and his creative invention combined with plenty of solid group interaction make for an exciting listening experience.
Stillman began playing saxophone at the age of 12 at Mission’s Dewdney Elementary School. He was primarily self-taught until post-secondary studies where he received formal training from some of the country’s most esteemed saxophonists including Remi Bolduc, John Johnson and Kelly Jefferson.
The quartet has recently recorded their debut CD entitled Prelude, which was released through Multiple Chord Music (MCM) on March 20, 2015 in Montreal. Although this is their first studio recording they have been playing together as a unit for over five years.
“The cohesion and interaction within the band, as well as the overall positive vibe, reflects the sense of camaraderie we have developed on and off of the bandstand,” said Stillman.
The quartet has performed several times in Montreal, including an appearance in 2009 at the l’Off Jazz Festival. They toured Central Canada in 2011 and, in 2013, performed a special concert in Montreal featuring tenor saxophonist extraordinaire, Kelly Jefferson.
For this special, one night performance in Mission, Stillman will be joined by fellow Missionite Joe Poole, Paul Rushka, and Tony Foster.
The show takes place Friday, June 19 and doors open at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 each and are available in advance or at the door. Visit www.thestageinmission.ca for more information.
