QUALICUM BEACH — Tastefully creative and unique jazz all the way from Toronto is on the bill for Music on Sunday at The Old School House (TOSH) February 12.
The Griffith Hiltz Trio includes Johnny Griffith on alto sax and bass clarinet, Nathan Hiltz on guitar and bass pedals and Sly Juhas on drums. Taking the term multi-tasking to the extreme, each member masterfully contributes to the groove on more than one instrument, simultaneously, to produce a beautifully layered musical tapestry and making this trio sound much larger than it really is.
Griffith and Hiltz were on to something when they incorporated the bass pedals, which had been gathering dust in Griffith’s basement, into their weekly jam session. Inspired by their curiosity of using vintage technology to replicate an organ’s place in a trio, these fearless multi-instrumentalists began to co-create, and something truly unique was born.
Griffith, born in St. Boniface, Manitoba, has proven to be as versatile as he is talented. Adept in a diverse range of styles, he has shared the stage with the likes of Maceo Parker, Charlie Hunter, Don Thompson, The Wailers, The Roots, Sloan and Kardinal Offishal. He has performed at all major Canadian jazz festivals and many international festivals. In 2006 he was nominated for a Juno for his work with the EMI/Blue Note recording artists the Pocket Dwellers.
Hiltz, raised in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, has shared the stage with a who’s-who of Canadian jazz icons. In 2007 he received the Juno Award for Traditional Jazz Album of the year as part of Brandi Disterheft’s group.
Juhas’ performances have earned the young, ardent drummer the opportunity to perform and record with some of the world’s leading musicians. He has shared the stage with Holly Cole, Pat Labarbera, Molly Johnson, Kenny Wheeler, and Jane Bunnet, among others. He has been a part of numerous recordings including the Juno award winning Brandi Disterheft 2007 release, Debut, and the 2009 release, Second Side.
Music on Sunday February 12 goes from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at The Old School House Arts Centre, 122 Fern Road West, in Qualicum Beach. Admission is $16.
For more information phone 250-752-6133 or visit www.theoldschoolhouse.org.