VIU music alumnus Brent Jarvis returns for ‘Dark and Edgy’ jazz Jan. 29

Acclaimed jazz composer and performer Brent Jarvis returns to his roots at Vancouver Island University for an evening concert and discussion on the creative process on Jan. 29.

Jarvis, a graduate of VIU’s music program, will lead a discussion entitled Dark and Edgy Tunes: Jazz, Canadian Poetry, and the Creative Process. He will be joined by award-winning vocalists Melinda Whitaker and Anne Schaefer.

“We’re very excited about this event because it’s the first collaboration between VIU’s music department and the Arts and Humanities Colloquium committee,” said English professor Katharina Rout.

Using the Brent Jarvis Quartet’s latest album Daedalus- Poetry by Dorothy Livesay as their starting point, the musicians will discuss and explore philosophical and psychological perspectives on creativity in music, poetry and the visual arts.

The discussion covers analysis of motivation, values, practices, and concepts related to creativity, with specific examples including music, poetry, painting and other visual arts.

The album features the work of poet Dorothy Livesay set to jazz music. The result is immensely lyrical and rich poetry by one of Canada’s most notable poets presented in the context of sophisticated and subtle platforms for improvisation.

Jarvis has given more than 1,000 performances and released 3 CDs to critical acclaim. He has taught Jazz Piano Ensemble and Jazz Musicianship at the Victoria Conservatory of Music and Camosun College, and is the founder of the Brent Jarvis Academy of Music that brings together some of Canada’s elite musicians and educators.

Melinda Whitaker has broadcast for Jazz Radio Canada, given CBC radio and television performances, and done gigs at the Vancouver International Jazz Festival. Her 2003-04 CD, The Touch of Your Lips, features rich textured ballads sung in English and Spanish.

Anne Schaefer has won many awards, including Vocalist of the Year at the 2004 Island Music Awards, and Songwriter of the Year and Artist of the Year at the 2005 IMAs. Her 2005 debut album Twelve Easy Pieces has attracted national and international attention.

The discussion led by Jarvis takes place Jan. 29 in the Malaspina Theatre (Building 310) at VIU’s Nanaimo campus from 10:30 to noon. VIU faculty, staff, students, and the public are invited to attend. Refreshments will be provided, and there will be ample time for questions following the presentation.

Later that evening (Jan. 29), the Brent Jarvis Quartet, including bass player Ken Lister and drummer Jesse Cahill, will perform Daedalus – Poetry of Dorothy Livesay with vocalists Anne Schaefer and Melinda Whitaker at 8 pm in the Malaspina Theatre. Tickets are $12 ($10 for seniors and students) and available at the door or in advance from Fascinating Rhythm and Tom Lee Music.

Lister has played jazz since 1983, and currently teaches at VIU. He won a Juno for the Best Mainstream Jazz Album in 1997, and is a member of the Hugh Fraser Quintet and The Vancouver Ensemble of Jazz Improvisation.

Cahill is one of the foremost drummers on the Canadian jazz scene. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Jazz Performance from McGill University, and currently teaches at VIU. He is a member of the Juno nominated and National Jazz Award winning Jodi Proznick Quartet.

For more information on the Arts and Humanities Colloquium series, contact Katharina Rout at (250)753-3245, Local 2120 or by email at Katharina.Rout@viu.ca, or Helen Brown, (250)753-3245 Local 2105 or email Helen.Brown@viu.ca.  

For more information on the Brent Jarvis Quartet concert, contact Gregory Bush, (250)753-3245 Local: 2107 email Gregory.Bush@viu.ca.