September 24, 2013 - 6:16am
One of the contemporary jazz scene’s most enduring and skilled pianists will play Vancouver Island University’s Malaspina Theatre Oct. 1 with his New York City trio. Harold Mabern, described as “one of the great post-bop pianists” in The Penguin Guide to Jazz Recordings, will be joined on stage by a trio of talented jazz musicians: Cory Weeds on tenor saxophone, John Webber on bass, and Joe Farnsworth on drums.
During his more than a half-century as a sideman and leader, Mabern has played and recorded with jazz greats such as Sonny Rollins, Hank Mobley, Lee Morgan, Freddie Hubbard and Miles Davis. He has been called an “unsung hero of the 1960s hardbop scene”, performing and recording with many of its finest artists. Only in recent years has he begun to garner appreciation for his long-running legacy in jazz and the understated power of his talent.
"With the wind at his back, (Harold Mabern) can sound like an ocean roar," wrote American jazz critic Gary Giddins.
The opportunity to hear Mabern and his trio will be nothing short of inspiring for students in the jazz program at VIU, says Music Department Chair Bryan Stovell.
“This is a great performance to kick off our fall term for the 80 students studying music at VIU, and a chance for all jazz fans in the area to come out for what’s sure to be a memorable night,” Stovell said.
On Wednesday, Oct. 2, from 11:30 am to 1 pm, Mabern will hold a free workshop in the Choral room in the Music Building 320 for VIU music students, high school students, and anyone else who is interested.
Tickets for the 7 pm concert on Oct. 1 are $20 each, and $5 for students, and are available at the door.
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Media Contact
Shari Bishop Bowes, Communications Officer, Vancouver Island University
P:250.740.6443 C: 250.618.1535 E: sharibishop.bowes@viu.ca T: @viunews
Tags: In the Community
