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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. This evening's music will be provided by The Ryan Oliver Quartet.
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!
A collection will be taken in support of this ongoing series.
About the musicians
Juno-nominated Saxophonist Ryan Oliver steeped his concept and artistry in the creative fires of Amsterdam, honed his craft in Toronto and realized his dream of joining thousands of saxophonists at crowded jam sessions for several years in the jazz metropolis of New York City before returning to BC and the natural beauty of Vancouver Island. For over 15 years, Oliver toured the world with legendary Canadian jazz group the Shuffle Demons along with performing with a who's who of the Canadian jazz scene. He has been nominated for the Prix De Jazz at the Montreal Jazz Festival and for this year's Western Canadian Music Awards "Jazz Musician fo the Year". His saxophone tone and musical world reflect the uniqueness of these scenes and his musical journey.
Tony Genge is a leading Canadian jazz pianist and jazz organist. He began his career as a keyboard player in Vancouver in the 1970s, later completed a Ph.D. in music, and was for many years Professor of Jazz Studies at St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia. Today he maintains a busy performing career working with many local and international musicians. Over the years has performed with leading jazz artists including Eddie ‘Lockjaw’ Davis, John Abercrombie, Randy Brecker, Paul Horn, Peter Erskin, P.J. Perry, Jeff Hamilton, Roberta Gamberini, and many others, and his playing can be heard on a number of recordings.
Louis Rudner has one foot in the tradition and the other foot firmly in the future. Performances pay homage to the masters of the craft while emerging in the present moment fresh, vital and electric. Louis is a bassist, arranger, and educator who has dedicated his life to the study and performance of music. He has apprenticed greats including Rodney Whitaker, Victor Wooten, Oteil Burbridge and many more. Originally from Michigan, Louis met his musical and life partner at sea. Together they moved to her home, Victoria, BC to help preserve the legacy of Hermann's Jazz Cub. Louis is now one of the most in-demand bassist and educators in Victoria. He strives to bring out the best in the musicians around him and works to curate a collective of the finest players Victoria has to offer.
Raised in Nanaimo BC, multi-instrumentalist John Lee continues to be one of the highest acclaimed jazz artists nationwide. Raised as a local of Vancouver Island, his early performing experiences were with Canadian artists such as Order of Canada recipient Phil Dwyer and internationally acclaimed Jazz trumpeter Ingrid Jensen. At age 19, Lee made his performance debut in the US with pianist Cyrus Chestnut at Dizzy's Club Coca Cola (Jazz at Lincoln Center) in New York City. Starting an association with internationally recognized saxophonist, record label owner and booking agent Cory Weeds in recent years, Lee was provided many opportunities to perform with the who's who of the Jazz world including Ralph Moore, Joe Farnsworth, Peter Bernstein, Roy McCurdy, Benny Benack, Jeremy Pelt, Mike LeDonne and Terell Stafford. With the support of the Cellar Music Group, Lee recorded his first album “The Artist” in 2021 under the Cellar Live record label featuring legendary Jazz drummer Carl Allen. His next recording “Second Wind” to be released in late 2024 features legendary rhythm section Kenny Washington and Peter Washington.