Jazz musicians thick as thieves

The music will be all over the place Feb. 11 when Thick as Thieves play their imaginative blend of jazz, blues, folk and world music

Band mates: Richard Owings, Blair Shier, Jordan Dick and Larry Keats perform at the Jazz Club Feb. 11 at 7 p.m.

Band mates: Richard Owings, Blair Shier, Jordan Dick and Larry Keats perform at the Jazz Club Feb. 11 at 7 p.m.

The music will be all over the place Feb. 11 when Thick as Thieves play their imaginative blend of jazz, blues, folk and world music.

The quartet features Richard Owings on five-string violin and arrangements, Jordan Dick on guitar, Blair Shier on guitar/bass and Larry Keats on drums.

A principal inspiration for the group is the distinctive work of American composer and guitarist Bill Frisell. The quartet performs its own original versions of choice Frisell compositions and arrangements, plus new tunes written by band members.

Of special interest are the band’s covers of the Beatles’ Strawberry Fields and Julia, in fresh instrumental settings.

Owings is well- known to local audiences for his work with the folk/Celtic band Birchbark and for his many performances in various Gypsy swing bands led by Willy Gaw.

Dick and Shier gig frequently in the Salmon Arm area, sometimes as a guitar duet, sometimes as part of Sunday’s Cool. Owings, Dick and Shier have been featured players in the acclaimed Django Gypsy jazz shows at Shuswap Theatre. Dick also serves as the artistic director for the Salmon Arm Jazz Society. Keats plays drums with the Salmon Armenians. All members of Thick as Thieves are active locally as music teachers and educators.

The Jazz Club takes place in the banquet room of Shuswap Chefs. Doors open at 6:30 and a tapas menu is available.

 

Salmon Arm Observer