From Rio to Chicago: The Larry Ayre Trio Brings Blues, Bossas and Swing to 40 Knots Winery
On May 7, the Larry Ayre Trio makes its debut appearance at 40 Knots Winery, joining the popular Thursday Night Jazz concert series presented by the Georgia Straight Jazz Society.
Ayre is looking forward to reconnecting with the Society’s loyal listeners.
“This will be our first appearance at the Winery, and it’s great to be back playing for the enthusiastic GSJS audience,” he says.
A respected fixture in the Comox Valley music scene for more than 35 years, Ayre will perform on both acoustic and electric guitars, adding vocals to a program that moves effortlessly across styles. Audiences can expect a rich and varied repertoire—acoustic and electric blues, Latin instrumentals, and classic standards—featuring the warm, expressive sound of the nylon-string guitar.
Joining Ayre are two exceptional musicians: Steve Wallace on acoustic bass and Bob Vail Grant on drums. Both appeared with Ayre at his previous GSJS performance at the High Tide Pub, and their musical chemistry promises an evening of dynamic, deeply rooted groove.
The first set will transport listeners to South America, drawing inspiration from early Brazilian masters such as Dilermando Reis, Antonio Lauro, and Julio Sagreras—pioneers whose music laid the groundwork for the later Bossa Nova movement. The evening then shifts gears into a spirited set of jumpin’ and jivin’ blues, tracing a musical journey from Rio to Chicago.
Ayre speaks with admiration about his bandmates:
“I am extremely fortunate to play regularly with Steve. His career spans Canada and the world, and he’s performed with legends including Oscar Peterson, Ed Bickert, Moe Koffman, Guido Basso, and the Boss Brass. Bob Vail Grant is a fantastic drummer with a natural feel for the blues and a longtime collaborator from the Larry Ho Blues Show. He’s toured with outstanding artists such as Harpdog Brown, Gary Hummel, and Sue Foley.”
For more information about Larry Ayre’s upcoming performances, visit:
www.facebook.com/larryayreblues
Tickets are available on Eventbrite: $25 for members, $30 non-members, or at the door for $30 members, $35 non-members and $10 for students