Malcolm Holt
Special to the Record
The Georgia Straight Jazz Society welcomes Greg Bush back to entertain the Comox Valley jazz scene. Bush is a weekly traveller from Nanaimo to Comox Valley in his capacity of the director of the Georgia Strait Big Band, and Courtenay is his regular beat in the cause of coaching and instructing our community band.
On Thursday, Feb. 8, Bush will strut his stuff with four other accomplished musicians when he takes the stage at The High Tide on Fifth Street for a two-hour concert at 7 p.m.
Originally from Montreal, Bush holds a bachelor of fine arts degree from Concordia University and a master of music in jazz performance from McGill University. Prior to moving to Nanaimo to join the music faculty at Vancouver Island University, Bush was director of jazz studies at Abilene University in Texas.
In addition to his broad teaching experience, Bush has also enjoyed a career as a busy freelance jazz trumpet player, arranger, composer, and conductor.
He鈥檚 had the good fortune of playing in big bands and orchestras that have accompanied many fine jazz artists, and as the leader of his own groups has performed his original compositions in jazz clubs, concert halls and jazz festivals in Canada and abroad.
Steve Wallace is one of Canada鈥檚 foremost jazz bassists. He was born in Toronto in 1956. Most of his career took place there and internationally, playing clubs, touring, and recording with such American greats as Zoot Sims, Ray Bryant, Scott Hamilton, Rosemary Clooney, Woody Herman and many more.
James Darling, keyboards, holds a bachelor of music in jazz studies from Vancouver Island University and has studied piano with Phil Dwyer, Bob Murphy and Steve Smith. He has spent a decade working on cruise ships in lounge bands and showbands. More recently he has been the keyboardist of the high-energy dance band Johnny Inappropriate, the pianist for VIU鈥檚 Vocal Jazz Choir, and the organist with the Duncan Symonds Trio.
Lachlan Craven is a swinging Canadian trumpet player with a unique vocality in his sound, carrying the torch of American music tradition on a pathway of innovation.
Currently based on Vancouver Island, Lachlan has made appearances at notable venues in Vancouver, Toronto, Amsterdam, and Barcelona, and has shared the stage with the likes of John Lee, Simon Rigter, and Benjamin Herman鈥檚 New Cool Collective Big Band. In 2019, Lachlan was selected to be a part of the Canadian National Youth Jazz Combo, where he performed at the Toronto TD International Jazz Festival. He has toured in Spain (2022) and Denmark, performing at the 2023 Copenhagen Jazz Festival. At the age of 17, he moved to Amsterdam to pursue his musical education and career and has completed his BMus at the Conservatory of Amsterdam as of summer 2023.
Nivedan Kaushal has been playing percussion for the last decade and is fascinated by the rhythmic traditions from around the world. He earned a minor in jazz from Capilano University. With influences from his studies in Ghanaian hand percussion and a passion for jazz, he brings a unique blend of styles to his drumming.
The High Tide has become an instant success and is extremely popular. Food from the pub menu s served until 8 p.m., and drinks are served throughout the performance.
Admission to this show is $15 for members, and $20 for non-members. 2024 memberships ($25) are available at the door.
Please visit www.georgiastraightjazz.com to see the wonderful schedule of concerts lined up between now and May.
Malcolm Holt is the vice-president of the Georgia Straight Jazz Society.
