By Genevieve Huchulak
Special to the Record
The golden age of jazz organ comes to the Comox Valley this Thursday, Sept. 28 at the Little Red Church, when the Georgia Straight Jazz Society presents the Jon Miller Trio with guest artist, Roy Styffe.
The Jon Miller Trio had its first public performance in 2021 at Victoria鈥檚 iconic jazz spot, Hermann鈥檚 Jazz Club.
Miller studied at McGill University and has shared the stage with such greats as Jeff Healey, Hugh Fraser, Charlie Hunter, members of Sun Ra Arkestra and has been a member of the Victoria Jazz Orchestra for several years.
Organist, Dr. Tony Genge, was on the faculty of St. Francis Xavier University Jazz and has performed with many leading international jazz artists, such as Eddie 鈥楲ockjaw鈥� Davis, Paul Horn, John Abercrombie, Randy Brecker, Gene Bertoncini, Randy Brecker and P.J. Perry among others.
The third member of the group will be the award-winning guitarist, Andrew Janusson who has performed across Canada and is one of the most in-demand guitarists on Vancouver Island. For this highly anticipated show, the trio prepares to share the stage with one of Canada鈥檚 greatest improvisers, Roy Styffe on alto sax. Styffe has studied under Dave Holland, Kenny Wheeler, Lee Konitz, Ed Blackwell, John Abercrombie and Don Thompson. He has performed with such greats as Kenny Wheeler, Phil Dwyer, Pat LaBarbara, Phil Woods and Renee Rosnes.
This one-time event will be a treat for those who like their organ jazz on the more visceral, emotional side. Audiences can expect to experience a potent brew of deep grooves and powerful, uplifting improvisations on soulful blues and jazz classics by such artists as Jimmy Smith, Ray Charles and Kenny Burrell, along with a selection of blues-inflected departures for variety. This will be a musical journey to remember.
Doors open at 7 p.m. with the downbeat at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $20 at the door, $15 for GSJS Members and $5 for students. For more information about the 2023-24 season of 35 weekly jazz concerts, visit georgiastraightjazz.com and select the calendar button.
Genevieve Huchulak is a board member of the Georgia Straight Jazz Society.
