.png)
Join us at St Mary’s for a unique blend of exceptional jazz rooted in the context of meditation and prayer. This month we welcome the Miranda Sage Quartet: Miranda Sage on vocals and guitar, Dr. Tony Genge on piano, Louis Rudner on bass and Roy Styffe on saxophone. Each member brings a wealth of musical knowledge and intuition to the bandstand with a joy of performing together.
A collection will be taken in support of this ongoing series. Suggested donation $20.
Check out the full series here
About Jazz Evensong
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
Miranda Sage is a jazz singer who brings a lifetime of musical experience to her thoughtful, masterfully understated vocals. Born in England and raised in Victoria, B.C. She is a lyrical songwriter who has studied vocals, guitar, piano and woodwinds. She had a professional career including tours of Europe, England, Canada and the US in her early twenties. She was championed by bandleader Hugh Fraser in the 1990s, performing in ensembles ranging from duos to big bands. She released Standards and Originals in 1997 and Moon Tiger in 2003. Timeless Places in 2006 and Daydream in 2009. Don Thompson, OC, arranged and produced Both Sides Now in 2011 and On This Day in 2016. With each recording Sage demonstrated the development of her artistry honed from live performances at international festivals, concert halls and clubs. Her long awaited seventh album Music of the Spheres, is poised for release on October 18th, 2024.
Dr. Tony Genge is a leading Canadian jazz pianist, organist, educator and arranger presently living in Victoria. He has performed with many leading Canadian and international jazz artists including Eddie ‘Lockjaw’ Davis, Joe Coughlin, Paul Horn, John Abercrombie, Randy Brecker, Jerry Bergonzi, Jeff Hamilton, Roberta Gamberini, Adam Nussbaum, Gene Bertoncini, Joey Baron, Randy Brecker, Peter Erskin, Larry Grenadier, Lew Soloff, and P.J. Perry. Tony taught jazz piano at St Francis Xavier University from 1989 to 2005. As a jazz pianist, his cool and swinging style references the great jazz piano tradition of pianists such Ahmad Jamal, Red Garland, Wynton Kelly, and Horace Silver. He has written on, and published studies and transcriptions of Red Garland and Wynton Kelly.
Louis Rudner is a native of southeast Michigan. He took up violin at age eight and began studying classical music as well as American traditional music. Inspired by the energy of the music from the 1960’s beginning with Cream, Jimi Hendrix, and Santana, Louis took up the electric bass to experiment with and explore a different sound palette. He studied the Double Bass under Rodney Whitaker, earning a bachelor’s and master’s degree in jazz performance at Michigan State University. While in university, he immersed himself in the rich local music tradition and continued honing his craft in every pub, club and performance hall within reach. In addition to his love for music, he has a passion for the outdoors, and great cuisine from around the world. After several years playing music around the world and at sea, Louis is now based in Victoria. He is performing, teaching, and developing several creative projects at this time.
Regarded by many as one as one of the finest improvisers in Canada. Multi-instrumentalist (saxophones, clarinet, flute) Roy Styffe has been wowing audiences for over 40 years. He has played with the likes of Don Thompson, Ed Bickert, Rob McConnell Hugh Fraser, Kenny Wheeler and Lee Konitz. Roy is currently with the Naden band of the Royal Canadian Navy and has toured throughout Europe, Hawaii and Chile in South America. Current projects include Roy's Toronto quintet with Kevin Turcotte, (trumpet) Brian Dickinson,(piano) Barry Romberg( drums) and Pat Collins(bass). Roy's West Coast quartet is with Bill Coon, Ken Lister (bass) and Kelby McNayr (drums)he is also collaborating with Kate Wyatt and Adrian Vedady in their group The Cross Canada quartet. Roy has recorded three CDs under his own leadership, and has recorded with Duncan Hopkins, the Juno award-winning NOJO big band and his latest recording 'stories within stories' featuring Bill Coon (guitar) Ken Lister bass and Buff Allen on drums.