April 2011 - Special Edition
We don't normally send out a newsletter covering a Thursday Jazz at the Elks event, but this coming Thursday is special - an appearance by two of Canada's jazz greats. No tickets, no concert, the same pass-the-hat informality as on any Thursday, but with a difference!
AT THE JAZZ CLUB
Jennifer Scott
&
Rene Worst
Last year when Vancouver was going nuts over the Winter Olympics, Jennifer Scott and Rene Worst, two of Canada’s jazz greats, decided they had to escape their home town so they could find some peace and quiet. The result of their decision was a request to our little ol’ jazz society to see if we would consider them appearing on our stage for a Thursday performance. We were both stunned and flattered, and gladly accepted their offer. The Elks’ home on Sixth Street was packed for their appearance.
With fond memories of that experience, Jennifer and Rene are making a return appearance in 2011. Mark your calendar for this Thursday! This is it: Jennifer and Rene take the stage at 7:30.
Jennifer Scott is considered one of the most important jazz artists working, recording and teaching in Canada and the United States today. Her vibrant voice and solid piano playing have been featured on many CBC and NPR shows including JazzBeat, and her recordings have garnered critical acclaim and sold thousands of copies. Jennifer sings and plays piano in Novo Tempo, a Brazilian group based in the San Francisco area. Her latest recordings as a solo artist are, "Emotional Girl" with her Quintet, “Mile 41” with her quartet, and “Live at The Cellar”, recently released on the Cellar Live label & receiving international airplay.
Jennifer is also an ‘in-demand’ session singer and can be heard in numerous jingles and on various album projects. She has performed with jazz greats Clark Terry, Tommy Banks, Rufus Reid, Paul Horn and Don Thompson, to name a few.
Rene Worst, an internationally known and very well respected jazz bass player, has established himself as a leading bassist in North America for several decades. He attended the UBC School of Music and Douglas College jazz program and was voted Bassist of the Year by the BC CARAS Tribute to West Coast Music for the 4 years that the awards were given. Rene was co-leader of the now-legendary fusion band Skywalk with six CD’s to their credit (which Rene produced). He has toured Canada with jazz legends Chet Baker, Gene Bertoncini and Joe Pass and has toured the former Soviet Union with Paul Horn.
He is also the bassist with a Brazilian band called Novo Tempo which has been touring throughout the US; he is a virtuoso on both string and electric basses. Rene Worst has recorded and performed with numerous jazz greats, including Jack Sheldon, Tommy Banks, Herb Ellis, Freddie Hubbard, Ernestine Anderson, John Faddis, Don Thompson. He has been featured on recordings by Jennifer Love Hewitt, David Bowie, Aerosmith and Poison. Rene recently released a duo album with pianist Miles Black called “Escorial” to much critical acclaim. Rene’s studio works include jingles, album projects, and movie scores.
Thursday April 14
7:30 pm
Elks' Hall, Courtenay
"...this voice immediately arrested my hearing and said, 'wake up, sit down and listen to this lady 'til she's finished singing.' A very pure, a very flexible voice - a voice made to sing jazz." -
Katie Mallik, CBC Jazzbeat
"...even as the (Vancouver International) Jazz Festival was drawing to a close, several revelations awaited. Vancouver vocalist/pianist Jennifer Scott has made some excellent recordings, but in person she's a force of nature, an artist unafraid to take risks. Her big, warm contralto sounded in top form on Charlie Chaplin's "Smile" and an up-tempo version of "Just In Time" that climaxed with several thrilling scat choruses. Most audaciously, she transformed Lesley Gore's hit "It's My Party" into a tortured torch song. Scott is the kind of singer who you want to tackle your favorite songs, just to hear what she might do with them." -
Andrew Gilbert, JazzTimes
Come down a little earlier if you wish to meet friends and get seats together. This is guaranteed to be one of the great nights of the 2010-2011 season. Like all Thursday night performances, admission is by donation. Don’t miss the opportunity!