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 Rowan Farintosh Quartet to open our 3rd season!
Victoria-based saxophonist Rowan Farintosh joins forces with some of Canada’s top rhythm section players to present a set of classic jazz standards from the mid- to late-1950s. Expect to hear compositions from Cannonball Adderley, Hank Mobley, Art Blakey, and Wayne Shorter.
Please see below for the bios of these fabulous musicians!
A collection will be taken in support of this ongoing series. Suggested donation $20.
Check out the full series here
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!
Rowan Farintosh (saxophone): Rowan Farintosh is an award-winning saxophonist and composer based in Victoria, BC. With a diverse set of musical influences (Roy Hargrove, Stevie Wonder, Radiohead, Bon Iver etc.), he composes music containing a wide variety of sonic tapestries that can connect with fans of jazz, R&B, ambient, and progressive genres. In addition to leading projects in various configurations, Rowan takes pride in being a top call studio saxophonist for numerous projects in the Victoria area, as well as performing for corporate events and wedding ceremonies. After winning the Lou Williamson scholarship, Rowan moved to Toronto to attend the prestigious Humber College, where he studied with many of Canada's top jazz musicians, including Alex Dean and Kirk MacDonald. Rowan currently resides in Victoria, BC and is working towards recording his original music and showcasing his talents across the world.
Dr. Tony Genge (piano) 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 (bass) 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.
Joe Poole (drums) is gradually gaining an international reputation. Since earning his degree in Jazz Performance under the guidance of Oscar Peterson, Joe has been steadily honing his craft. His tasteful playing, sense of groove, rhythmic fluidity and creativity have led him to accompany many top musicians from the U.S.A, Europe and Canada, including: Ernestine Anderson, Curtis Fuller, Marcus Belgrave, Red Holloway, Houston Person, Don Thompson, Lew Tabackin, Guido Basso, Terell Stafford, Phil Dwyer, Brad Turner, Nick Brignola, Russell Malone, Bob Mover, Denzal Sinclaire, Scott Hamilton, Harry Allen, Richard Underhill, Jeff Healy, Champian Fulton, John Stetch, Jeremy Pelt, Danny Grissett, Dayna Stephens, Ned Goold, Taylor Eigsti, Dee Daniels, Jens Winther, Oliver Gannon, P.J. Perry, Tony Foster, James Danderfer, and Dmitri Shapko.