By Malcolm Holt

Special to the Record

Renowned jazz chanteuse Maureen Washington is set to take the stage at the Little Red Church in Comox on Thursday, Dec. 14, when she makes her 2023 Comox Valley debut in her delightful seasonal concert entitled 鈥淎 Sprinkle of Jazz and Blues.鈥�

Joining her for this musical soir茅e will be three of Vancouver Island鈥檚 best-known outstanding jazz musicians: Karel Roessingh on piano, Joey Smith on bass and Damian Graham on drums.

Washington stands out as a unique presence in Canada鈥檚 modern jazz landscape, with a vocal style that pays homage to legendary jazz icons like Etta James, Carmen McRae, Holly Cole and Jann Arden. With a voice that resonates with the echoes of legendary female jazz singers, she effortlessly captivates her audience with her own distinct presence.

鈥淚 began my musical journey in the town of Prince George, where I contributed my vocals to the diverse sounds of the funk, blues, and swing ensemble, and bop,鈥� she said. 鈥淎nd for this special concert, a smattering of seasonal tunes too!鈥�

She鈥檚 now completely established herself in Victoria, where she displays her versatile talents in a range of musical configurations: from intimate duos to vibrant sextets, she continues to captivate audiences with her performances.

Washington鈥檚 diverse career has made a lasting impact on the music industry, showcasing her talents as a singer-songwriter, vocal instructor, and performer.

With an impressive track record, she has graced the main stage at the Prince George International Folk Fest for four consecutive years. During this time, she had the honour of sharing the spotlight with renowned artists, including Bruce Cockburn, Janis Ian, and Martyn Joseph. In 2014, she won the highly esteemed Black Canadian Award for Best Jazz and Soul Artist.

Additionally, Washingtonwas voted as the Jazz and Blues Artist of the Year by the readers of Monday Magazine for three years in a row. Her attendance at the Victoria Jazz Fest highlights her lasting influence in the music industry, emphasized by the release of nine exceptional CDs.

Doors open at 7 p.m., and the concert begins at 7:30. A few tickets ($35) are available at House of Colour in Courtenay, and Blue Heron Books in Comox. The concert is the Georgia Straight Jazz Society鈥檚 end-of-year highlight, which precedes a three-week Christmas and New Year break before recommencing on Jan. 11.

Please visit www.georgiastraightjazz.com to see the amazing calendar of Thursday night jazz events between now and May 2024.

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