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Please come and wind down your busy week with us! The Richard Bird Quartet will present a programme featuring bebop, Latin, swing and blues influences, wrapped in poetry, readings and prayers for the end of the day.
The Richard Bird Quartet are a veteran Pagliacci’s band plus many performances at Hermann’s Jazz Club and many other venues across the capital region and beyond. They are:
- Richard Bird - Piano
- Bruce Hurn - Trumpet
- Don Cox - Bass
- Bob Brown - Drums
A collection will be taken in support of this ongoing series.
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!
About the Musicians
Richard Bird is a Victoria born jazz pianist. singer, composer, music educator, and arranger. Classically trained with a broad interest in all musical genres, he has worked as a soloist, in duo, trio and quartet formats in all the major venues in Victoria over the last 45 years. He also played in Victoria’s premier big band jazz ensemble for over 10 years. His trio was one of the original house bands at Pagliacci's restaurant. He has performed many times at Hermann’s Jazz Club in various formats with many of the most experienced and respected jazz musicians on the west coast. He was also one of the house pianists at the Empress Hotel for several years.
Bruce Hurn has been an active writer and performer of jazz both locally and internationally. He holds a Masters degree in music composition and theory, and has had a musical career spanning over 50 years. In Canada he has performed with artists such as Michael Bublé, David Foster, Rob McConnell, Maria Schneider, The Glenn Miller Orchestra and The Temptations. His compositions, arrangements and performances have been featured on numerous jazz and R&B recordings. Bruce’s present musical endeavours include playing in the Meridiem Wind Ensemble, jazz soloist with the Don Leppard Jazz Orchestra, 17 year member of the Pretzel Logic Orchestra, over 25 years with the Festive Brass, and more recently The Richard Bird Quartet.
Don Cox, a native of Port Alberni, BC, joined the Canadian Armed Forces as a career musician at age 19. He served for 37 years and wore many hats including principal tuba, principal bass, and chief instructor of the Canadian Forces School of Music. During his tenure he toured with, and led, various ensembles worldwide and performed for numerous dignitaries including Queen Elizabeth II, President Bill Clinton, and Prime Ministers Brian Mulroney, and Pierre Elliot Trudeau. Don performed and recorded extensively, including for the CBC, radio jingles, theatre shows, corporate functions, clubs, and the Victoria Symphony. Music has been Don's life since age six; performing gives him the greatest joy.
Bob Brown is a seasoned drummer from Victoria with decades of experience. He has performed with such jazz greats as Paul Horn and Art Pepper as well as well-known local musicians including Louis Rose, Roy Reynolds, Tony Genge, Karl Roessingh, Rob Cheramy, Hugh Fraser and Jerry Bryant. From 1986 to 1988 Bob attended the Port Townsend Jazz Workshops where he studied jazz drumming under Jeff Hamilton. He has been a mentor for UJAM. During the 1980’s Bob performed a 10-year stint at the popular Pagliacci’s Restaurant every Wednesday night, with Dave Keen’s group and then with Wally Eurchuk’s band. He continued regular gigs at The Bengal Lounge and Hermann’s Jazz Club.