By Malcolm Holt

Special to the Record

There鈥檚 excitement in the air for jazz lovers in the Comox Valley as the Georgia Straight Jazz Society has moved to The High Tide Pub on Fifth Street as its new permanent location.

We鈥檙e happy to be presenting regular jazz concerts in a comfortable lounge setting with great sound, lighting, and sight lines. As well, food from the pub menu will be available for the first part of the evening.

An important item to note is the start time for the two-hour concert has been brought forward to 7 p.m.

Most appropriately, the opening performance at the new venue is saxophonist and flautist Tony Morrison 鈥� one of the original musicians first involved with the Georgia Straight Jazz Society almost 20 years ago. Morrison refers to himself as 鈥済eographically unstable鈥� since he divides his time between life in Montreal and Comox Valley but counts himself as extremely grateful to still enjoy the opportunity to perform here.

鈥淚鈥檓 so fortunate to be accompanied by Parksville-based pianist and vocalist Gary Lovell,鈥� said Morrison. 鈥淗e鈥檚 lyrical, astute, and interactive in a group setting, and fun to play with. Gary is one of my favourite keyboard players and singers 鈥� as well as one of my favourite musicians. He sings with mesmerizing vocals and plays lyrical melodic solos.鈥�

Parksville percussionist Wayne Finucan will bring his joy and pep to the band.

鈥淚t is a delight and a privilege to play with him,鈥� added Morrison. 鈥淵ou can tell as Wayne plays he always has the melody and even lyrics in mind. Has had a long and illustrious career in jazz music since playing in his early years during the 鈥�60s with jazz legend Lenny Breau.鈥�

Further excitement comes with the upright bass playing of Richard Kilburn, now based in Parksville, following a long and distinguished career in New York. During his 50 years as a bassist, he鈥檚 played with some of the world鈥檚 top jazz artists, including Mose Allison, Dave Brubeck, Paul Desmond, Gerry Mulligan, Chet Baker, and Dianna Krall.

Don鈥檛 miss this inaugural performance. It鈥檚 bound to be a celebration in the new location. Downbeat is at 7 p.m. Admission is unchanged at $15 for members, $20 for non-members. 2024 memberships ($25) will be available at the door.

For more information about forthcoming concerts between now and May, please visit www.georgiastraightjazz.com and select the calendar tab.

Malcolm Holt is the vice-president of the Georgia Straight Jazz Society