The Jon Miller Quartet has gotten plenty of airplay with its 2015 release, Three Days in Winter. This Friday, Feb. 12, the foursome will warm up a late-winter night on the mid-Island when they play the Jazz at the MAC series at the McMillan Arts Centre.
The Victoria-based quartet, led by Victoria Jazz Orchestra drummer Jon Miller, showcases primarily instrumental jazz while incorporating blues, fusion and other forms of improvisation.
With upright bassist James Young driving the rhythm along with Miller, jazz guitarist Rob Cheramy and saxophonist Monik Nordine provide soaring, dynamic solos and counter-melodies in a wide range of moods, from meditative and introspective to raucous and freewheeling.
The group plays primarily original material composed by group members along with classic jazz repertoire by such composers as Ornette Coleman and Roland Kirk. The group has honed its live performance chops with appearances in several editions of Victoria JazzFest International as well as gigs in Vancouver, Victoria and Island music spots.
Miller is a McGill University Jazz Programme graduate and veteran of more than two decades of touring and collaborating.
In addition to being a prolific composer, Cheramy is a highly creative and technically impressive solid body player with a highly individual guitar style, sought out both for his exciting solos and for his tasteful accompaniment.
Young is one of the busiest bassists on the Victoria scene, known for his versatility, driving beat, great sound and innovative soloing style. His stylistically diverse original compositions are also a key addition to the group’s sound.
Nordine, who plays both alto and soprano saxophone, has toured Canada with the group Departure who have several releases to their name. She also directs the Victoria Jazz Orchestra.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the concert starting at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15, or $12 for OCAC members, and may be purchased in advance at The MAC, 133 McMillan Street in Parksville, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
For more information, call 250-248-8185 or email info@mcmillanartscentre.com.
— Submitted by The MAC