Jazz Vespers (Spirited Jazz)

SPIRITED JAZZ Jazz Vespers Series Enjoy jazz with a splash of spiritual inspiration by Reverend Shana. Jon Miller Quartet; Theme: Taking Risks April 28th, Sunday, 7 - 8 PM First Unitarian Church Victoria The Jon Miller Quartet is a top-rated jazz group from Victoria that has been making waves on the B.C. jazz scene for several years running, both for its engaging live performances and for the depth and variety of its original compositions. The group's most recent iteration (AKA the Parallel Universe Band) features the amazing Tony Genge on Hammond B-3 Organ along with jazz guitar great Rob Cheramy, saxophonist extraordinaire Monik Nordine and leader Jon Miller on drums. The quartet's repertoire alternates original material by group members with classic organ-jazz in the vein of giants of the genre - Jimmy Smith, Brother Jack McDuff, Joey DeFrancesco and Larry Goldings. Hard hitting and soulful, with an emphasis on swing, groove and blues inflected jazz, the Jon Miller Quartet (AKA Parallel Universe Band) invites audiences everywhere to join in their unique musical vision. The band's leader and drummer Miller is a graduate of McGill University's jazz programme and a participant in Banff Centre's Jazz Programme under the direction of Dave Holland. Upon graduating he played drums with a wide variety of Montreal based groups before going on to spend the 90's in Europe and the US, playing with successful bands and sometimes freelancing with other artists including Charlie Hunter and Terry Mann in France, the Netherlands, Monaco, Germany and the US. He has studied drums with Pete Magadini, Alan Dawson and Marvin "Smitty" Smith. In addition to writing for and leading his quartet, Miller is also a member of the Victoria Jazz Orchestra. Enjoy jazz with a splash of spiritual inspiration in venues with exquisite sound and setting. These hour-long evening services are a unique blend of jazz and spirituality. Each service brings together live music from popular local jazz musicians, a brief meaningful message, and a little of the history of the music performed. First Unitarian Church of Victoria 5575 West Saanich Road (250) 744-2665 Program of First Unitarian Church Victoria; www.victoriaunitarian.ca