After last week’s wonderful bop music by the Aaron Amar Quartet, the Georgia Straight Jazz Society returns to perhaps the most mellow songstress in the Comox Valley.
Dale Graham returns with Indigo Jazz to Thursday Jazz at the Elks on May 3, starting at 7:30 p.m. with other core members Rick Husband (guitar) and John Hyde (bass), joined by pianist Mike Eddy.
Mike retired to the Comox Valley after an outstanding career in music education, marked by honours such as Alberta band director of the year and the Alberta Excellence in Teaching Award.
His classical piano performance background underpins his playing technique, but his passion for the jazz idiom has led to his immediate adoption by several local small combos when he moved here. Indigo Jazz welcomes the addition of Mike`s high-energy playing and his swinging feel.
Another relatively recent import to the Valley, Hyde has a wealth of experience in performing, arranging, composing, and teaching jazz. In his hands, the acoustic bass finds the perfect mix of personality, precision, and support.
He has performed with Lee Konitz, Hugh Fraser, Phil Nimmons, and Oliver Jones, among others. He has released two CDs in the past two years, as leader of the John Hyde Quartet.
Husband has performed extensively across Vancouver Island, in big bands, small combos, and everything in between. He is a compelling guitarist, highly responsive to his fellow players. He also communicates beautifully to his listeners by integrating improvised lines with familiar motifs and genres.
Graham’s compelling performances and her agile, warm voice have garnered her a significant following among local jazz fans. With Indigo Jazz, she offers classic jazz standards with a fresh twist, and lesser-known tunes that feature sweet melodies and rhythmic play.
The Georgia Straight Jazz Society is proud to be a participant in Elevate the Arts on May 5, when it hosts three hours of vocal and big band music.
If you cannot make to our Thursday venues, than drop in on Saturday evening between 7 and 10 p.m. to discover why this is the best live music in the region. The Society is committed to offering Comox Valley residents an opportunity to expose themselves to live jazz music between September and June.
— Georgia Straight Jazz Society
