The 2015-16 performance year – September to May – has enabled the Georgia Straight Jazz Society to present a greater diversity of performers from a wider range of places than any previous year; from across Canada, and many parts of the U.S. as well.
This diversity continues on Thursday with a show presented by 23-year-old modern jazz vocalist Meghan Gilhespy – an innovative voice in the diverse Vancouver jazz scene. Gilhespy has recently completed her debut album, Vive Le Tour, which showcases her exceptional vocal talents, ranging from soulful standards to avant-garde improvisation.
The album tracks provide the foundation of her Courtenay debut. Once again, it illustrates our good fortune in becoming a well-established jazz venue where many of our bookings are made in response to artists’ requests.
Vive Le Tour features eight tunes that draw from the Great American Songbook, classic jazz composers such as Wayne Shorter and Thelonious Monk, and one original composition from the band. All of the pieces were arranged by Gilhespy, except Norwegian Wood and Little Tassie.
Gilhespy is joined on the album by guitarist David Blake and bassist Jeff Gammon, with acclaimed tenor saxophonist Steve Kaldestad featured on two of the tracks.
Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Admission is $10 for members, and $12 for non-members.
For more information about the Jazz Society and its forthcoming acts – including the 2016-17 season – visit www.georgiastraightjazz.com
