The Barry Elmes Jazz Quintet comes to Malaspina September 20

One of Canada’s leading jazz groups, The Barry Elmes Quintet, is coming to Nanaimo to play at the Malaspina Theatre September 20 from 7:30 to 10 p.m.

Malaspina music instructor Steve Jones has spent a year organizing the group’s visit. Jones said, "Be prepared for some of the best jazz Canada has to offer. This is really exciting music. The group have released three critically acclaimed recordings and are at the leading edge of contemporary jazz in this country."

The group includes drummer-composer Barry Elmes who has been a mainstay on the Canadian jazz scene since the early 80’s. Ed Bickert is one of the most influential guitarists in jazz and is an internationally acclaimed artist who plays with the Boss Brass and other famous bands. Mike Murley is one of Canada’s most renowned saxophonists and has his own Juno award-winning quartet. Trumpeter Kevin Turcotte has gained rapid recognition in Canada for his performances with the group Time Warp and the Dave McMurdo Jazz Orchestra. Bassist Steve Wallace rounds out the quintet. Wallace’s professional career began in the ‘70’s and he has played with groups like Loot Sims, Boss Brass and has recently toured Europe with the Oscar Peterson Trio.

The Barry Elmes Quintet three recording include: Climbing, the first, which features Elmes’ own compositions and it was nominated for a Juno Award. The second release, East-West, led to a national tour. The current release is Different Voices and includes special guests like Canadian guitar legend Sonny Greenwich and renowned pianist Gary Williamson. This double CD has four new compositions and a collection of jazz standards.

For more information call Jones at 741-2472. Tickets are $12 General and $10 Students and Seniors and are available at the door.