January 7th at 7:30 pm - Tribute to Herb Alpert

Following a two week break, Georgia Straight Jazz Society is pleased to start the 2016 Thursday Night Jazz season with the much celebrated Tribute to Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass. This most popular show has become an annual celebration of brilliant, happy music, in the darkest days of winter!

Spanning a musical career of over 50 years, Alpert built a solid reputation as one of the most successful performing artists of the 20th century. Due to a growing demand for live appearances, the "Brass", consisting of the best LA session musicians, was formed in 1964 and soon became one of the highest paid acts in show business. Tijuana Brass awards and honors include five #1 Hits; twenty-eight albums on the Billboard charts; eight Grammy Awards; fourteen Platinum albums, fifteen Gold albums, and as of 1996 a total of 72 million albums sold worldwide. In the 1980s, Alpert created a Foundation in his name to support the California Institute of the Arts (in aid of youth arts education and environmental issues). He also donated millions towards expanding the School of Music at UCLA.

The "BRASS"

Band leader, trumpeter Jake Masri was first attracted by the music of Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass before taking up the trumpet at age 11. His passion for jazz is directly connected to artists such as Harry James, Miles Davis, Chet Baker, and Arturo Sandoval. Jake studied trumpet with Boyd Hood, Gerald Gerbrecht, and trombonist, Dave Robbins. Since moving to Comox in 2002, Jake has appeared with most of the local jazz ensembles, and is a great favourite at Thursday Night Jazz.

Joining us on trumpet is local favorite Jay Havelaar. Jay is comfortable in a variety of musical styles and brings a distinctive voice to his trumpet in any setting.

Guitarist Rick Husband, has performed extensively throughout Vancouver Island and is arguably the finest of our region's jazz guitarists. By integrating improvised lines with familiar motifs and genres, Rick is a master at communicating beautifully with his audience.

Keyboard master Michael Eddy is a welcome addition to, and well established with, the local music scene. Mike is the recipient of the Alberta Band Director of the Year and of the Alberta Excellence in Teaching Award.

Victoria born drummer Neil Clark spent many years collaborating with some of its best local musicians as an active member of that jazz community. During the 1980s, Neil performed with many well-known groups and solo artists while touring the world on cruise ships. Since relocating to the Comox Valley in 1996, he has performed with most of this regions finest performers. We are honored that Neil will join the band for this special performance.

Talented multi-instrumentalist Grahame Edwards is on bass. Well known in the local jazz scene, Grahame's is first musical love lies with improvised music and he enjoys playing and composing his own jazz tunes. In addition to performing, he has taught both privately and within the Campbell River School District, and enjoys sharing his music by conducting workshops and clinics.

All you have to do is join the friendly crowd that now gather every Thursday for the best show in town. Admission is $10 for members, and $12 for non - members.