Hard week? Well then, immerse yourself in a hot bath of smooth and sultry jazz with the Jesse Peters Trio at the Vernon Jazz Club Saturday.
This classic jazz combo features Peters on vocals and piano, Jared Evangelos on drums, and Isaac Carter on bass.
Peters’ jazz-edged soul features a mix of standards, and original tunes like Face Time, a cheeky look at modern technology, and the classic swing number That Ain’t Today.
“If I could sum up my musical style in one word, it would be classic. I’m very inspired by classic jazz, classic R&B – imagine Frank Sinatra hanging out with Marvin Gaye or the Rat Pack taking in a session at the Motown studios in Detroit,” said Peters.
Peters’ musical inspirations are well-known masters of jazz and soul.
“I remember the first album that really changed my life was Oscar Peterson’s Night Train. The sound coming out of the speakers was incredible,” said Peters.
“Another significant influence for me is Tony Bennett. He is such a master. And last but not least, I owe a great debt to the late great Ray Charles. His fusion of gospel music, blues, and soul has inspired me to widen my horizons.”
Peters has received glowing reviews ever since he entered the Canadian music scene in 1998. While still in high school, his singing and song writing earned rave reviews from distinguished jazz artists Diana Krall and Ingrid Jenson.
By age 21, his group The Peters Drury Trio had released two critically acclaimed recordings, the second of which featured some of Canada’s elite jazz musicians including Hugh Fraser, Campbell Ryga, Ross Taggart, and Alan Matheson.
Both discs were praised by critics and listeners alike in Canada and abroad.
When not touring, Peters is a part of the Edmonton jazz scene.
“We have a vibrant scene in Edmonton these days. We are very fortunate to have everyone from living legends like Tommy Banks to musicians such as Dave Babcock, an incredible sax player,” said Peters.
Peters is also known as the face and voice of funk/soul artist Paramedic. His album Love, Doubt and Soul was nominated for the 2009 Western Canadian Music Awards Urban Recording of the Year.
Peters’ newest recording, Face Time, is a vocally driven tribute to his many influences, featuring tunes that according to Peters, “beg to be listened to with only the finest of wines or indeed an excellent scotch in hand.”
Also a busy songwriter and producer, Peters recently co-wrote and produced an album for R&B singer Lindsey Nagy which will be released in November.
Evangelos is a phenomenal drummer, an alumnus of the St. Francis Xavier jazz program in Nova Scotia. He met Peters when both were freelancing as country musicians. Evangelos is also an amazing chef, running a successful catering business in Edmonton.
In the Grant MacEwan music program in Edmonton, bassist Carter splits his time between jazz and his hard rock band Vanity Red.
He performed with Peters at this year’s Medicine Hat Jazz Festival.
The Jesse Peters Trio takes the stage at the Vernon Jazz Club Saturday at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7:15 and tickets are available in advance for $20 at the Bean Scene, Bean to Cup or online at www.vernonjazzclub.ca
