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Join us at St Mary’s for a unique blend of exceptional jazz rooted in the context of meditation and prayer. In this final service of the 2023-2024 season, the music will be provided by The Jon Miller Quartet:
- Tony Genge - Organ
- Alex Pinto - Guitar
- Jon Miller - Drums
- Nicolas Marquez - Percussion
A collection will be taken in support of this ongoing series. There will be a season-end reception to follow!
Check out the full 2023-2024 series NEWS post
Evolving out of two ancient services of prayer as the sun is setting—vespers and compline—the service of Evensong is an opportunity to put the events of the past day into perspective, to ground one’s body, mind and spirit in preparation for the restorative night of sleep, when in our dreaming, our subconscious will continue the creative work of making sense of our experiences.
Jazz, as Ken Burns says, is “a profound intersection of freedom and creativity”. So, whether you are a seasoned jazz lover or a newcomer to the genre, you will be sure to find something to speak to you at this unique and moving experience of making sense of your day. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this inspiring and intimate celebration of faith and music. All are welcome!
The Jon Miller Quartet
“Woah! Where have you been hiding, Jon Miller Quartet? ...on behalf of sun-deprived Canadians everywhere, thanks for this much needed dose of Vitamin D.” —Robert Rowat, CBC Music
“This has got to be one of the best jazz acts in the city.” —Adrian Chamberlain,Victoria Times Colonist
“...a particularly swinging show.” —Roderick MacDonald, Pat's Pub
Hailed as one of Canada's most exciting groups, the Jon Miller Duo/Trio/Quartet plays organ jazz in the vein of Jimmy Smith, Larry Goldings and Jack McDuff. Band leader Miller is a multi-talented drummer, composer and band leader. “I have always had a soft spot for organ-jazz which I got to hear a lot of -and grew to love- while living in Philadelphia in the 1990's. Tony Genge is a great player who has really dug deep in the organ jazz tradition while at the same keeping up with current sounds, so there is an incredible depth to his playing which I really admire.” Guitar, sax and percussion are also regular additions to the group's sound with guitarists Andrew Janusson and Ross MacDonald appearing regularly, as well as saxophonists Roy Styffe and Monik Nordine, and percussionist Nicolas Marquez...all Victoria area players who are recognized as being among the area's finest musicians.
Since releasing 3 Days in Winter in 2015, the Jon Miller Quartet has appeared many times throughout the BC jazz circuit including Pat's Pub, Georgia Strait Jazz Society, McMillan Arts Centre, Moby's, Hermann's Jazz Club, Saltspring Jazz and Blues Society and JazzFest Victoria. 3 Days in Winter charted at #1 on jazz charts at several West coast radio stations.
The band is led by McGill University Jazz Programme graduate and powerhouse drummer Jon Miller. Jon has performed throughout Canada, the US and Europe in a variety of genres with many renowned artists including Charlie Hunter, Vic Vogel, Hugh Fraser and members of the Sun Ra Arkestra. Along with freelancing with many artists on the local scene and leading his own groups, Miller held the drum chair for the Victoria Jazz Orchestra for several years, performing with many distinguished guest artists including Alan Matheson, Mike Allen, Mike Herriot and Andrew Homzy.