After last week's exciting opening concert for the 2022-23 Thursday Night Jazz season , Georgia Straight Jazz Society is excited to present one of the Valley's most popular bands, when Sympatico takes the stage at 7:30pm.

Sympatico is led by Don MacKay on 5 string bass and Michael Eddy on keyboards. The band features Rachel Cooper on saxophones, clarinet and EWI; Jay Havelaar on trumpet, and Tom Tinsley on drums.

These well known and very experienced Vancouver Island musicians play an exciting program of challenging music sure to please your audio palate.

The performance will begin with a set of Chick Corea's more accessible music, followed by a set featuring a potpourri of songs guaranteed to fulfill any need you might have to hear something a bit different. These will include works by McCoy Tyner, Wayne Shorter and Nat Adderly, amongst others.

On piano/synthesiser, Michael Eddy maintains a solid, sensitive approach to accompaniment while also performing some very fiery solos. Incredible talent and a compassionate approach to tackling very challenging music makes it an absolute pleasure to listen.

Rachel Cooper and Jay Havelaar play so well together that at times you would think you were listening to one instrument, not two. With five instruments between them as well as assorted percussion they give Sympatico, symbiotic synergy.

On 5 string bass, Don MacKay brings a solidity to the harmonic and rhythmic aspects of the band while also locking in melodically when needed. His arrangements have been used extensively for this program.

Drummer Tom Tinsley brings to the band a wealth of musical expertise and plays with both the energy and taste needed to perform Sympatico's music.

Sympatico is an energetic infusion of talent, conceived to be unique and enjoyed by all!.

Admission is $15 for jazz society members, $20 for non-members. Annual memberships ($15) will also be available. All payable either by cash or credit card.

For more information about the forthcoming 2022-2023 Thursday Night Jazz concert season, you're invited to select the calendar tab. You will be amazed at the line- up of scheduled shows between September and May. Our principal goal is to keep live jazz alive in the Comox Valley. The calendar is a testament to how we're doing.

We look forward to seeing you there.

GSJS showcases jazz live in the Comox Valley, giving music lovers an opportunity to enjoys local, regional and internationally-known jazz musicians.

Photo Credit - Bruce Johnston  here