The Jon Miller jazz quartet is going through an exciting metamorphosis, and attendees of its upcoming performance at the MAC will get a front-row seat to the group’s changing sound.
The band’s Friday, Aug. 25 performance will be the debut for the band’s newest member, Tony Genge, on Hammond B-3 organ.
With the switch from Juno-award-winning bassist Ken Lister to Genge, band leader Jon Miller said he’s looking forward to focusing on the quartet’s new sound and getting in the recording studio once again.
“There is a long tradition of organ players basically replacing the bass player,” said Miller. The organ player can use their left foot, left hand or both to play the low register that a bass occupies, while still being able to solo like a piano player, he said. “But with that distinctive Hammond B-3 kind of sound.”
“It hits a little harder,” said Miller. “The organ is a bit of a louder instrument. That’s one thing that attracts me, as a drummer, is you can play a bit harder, push it out there a bit more, which is just a great vibe.”
He’s expecting to get a bluesier, more soulful vibe, though the band is still working on creating new music and re-interpreting its existing work.
For the Friday, Aug. 25 performance at the MAC, the quartet will be playing music from their 2015 album, 3 Days in Winter, some of their older work, some organ-jazz classics and brand-new music.
Miller said he’s excited to return to the MAC, adding that Genge has been particularly eager to play.
“People who came to the previous show I hope will enjoy what we’re doing, but will appreciate the difference… it’s an exciting and fun band.”
The Aug. 25 performance will be the final one in the MAC’s Summer Sounds Series.
The concert takes place at 7 p.m. with tickets for $15, or $12 for OCAC members.
For more info and to buy tickets, go to mcmillanartscentre.com/jon-miller-quartet/.
