March 31st at 7:30 pm - Alex Goodman

Admission is $10 for society members, $12 for non-members.

The exciting spring jazz season continues when Toronto-based Alex Goodman, winner of both first prize and the Public's Choice Award at the 2014 Montreux Jazz Festival International Guitar Competition takes the stage. Goodman has been hailed as "A definite musical voice" (Guitar International), "The next big thing in the jazz world" (CityTV News), "A jazz phenomenon the world over" (Birmingham Times) and "Genius" (La Presse, Montreal).

In 2013, Alex's CD "Bridges" was nominated for Canada's highest musical honor, the JUNOs, as Contemporary Jazz Album of the Year. Since moving to New York in 2012, Alex Goodman has recorded with great artists, including John Patitucci, Dick Oatts, Rich Perry, and performed with jazz including Charles Lloyd, Eric Harland and Ari Hoenig.

Goodman's appearance in Courtenay is the opening performance and westernmost gig on his 2016 Canadian and European tour. The group comprises Alex Goodman, guitar; Rick Rosato, bass; Matt Marantz, saxophone and Jimmy MacBride, drums.

Goodman started his musical life studying classical piano, before switching to classical guitar, "And then I started to get involved in jazz music, and found that I really had a calling in that area". His initial inspiration was from Wes Montgomery's "Incredible Jazz" record, "I heard that, and it was over!" For a quick sample of Goodman's genius and personality, and his CBC and other interviews about how he switched in recent years from studying political science in Montreal to pursue a New York-based career in jazz, take a look at alexgoodmanmusic.com. It's a fascinating biography of someone who had the courage to "let go" of security in order to pursue a life calling.

This is the fourth JUNO-nominated band this year on the Avalanche stage. Previous shows have been amazing and this will be no less. If you've never experienced the live and exciting atmosphere of a jazz club, treat yourself to an evening at The Avalanche, and discover why Courtenay has emerged as one of Canada's most sought after performance venue. For more information about forthcoming acts, and a wonderful photographic record of previous concerts presented by the Jazz Society, browse the websaite or follow us on Facebook.

GSJS is committed to keeping jazz live, and allowing Comox Valley music lovers an opportunity to expose themselves local, regional and internationally-known jazz musicians.