Tenor saxophonist Ryan Oliver with Tony Genge on piano and Louis Rudner returns to Jazz Vespers at St. John’s United Church in January.
Juno-nominated saxophonist Oliver maintains a busy schedule as one of Canada’s most in-demand saxophonists, recently releasing Strive!, featuring jazz legend Victor Lewis. Over the last 15 years, Oliver has toured the world with legendary Canadian group, The Shuffle Demons. He is a member of Juno-award-winning Aboriginal rock performer Derek Miller’s band, and appears on Miller’s most recent recording, featuring Stevie Ray Vaughn’s rhythm section Double Trouble and Willie Nelson. Oliver is also a member of the house band for Miller’s television series, airing on the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network. The Cookers, a group Oliver co-leads, has toured extensively throughout Canada, appearing on numerous recordings and broadcasts including live video broadcasts for CBC. He has received numerous Canada and Ontario Arts Council grants for touring, recording and education and was nominated for the 2013 Prix De Jazz at the Montreal Jazz Festival.
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Oliver currently teaches saxophone to students throughout Vancouver Island and instructs several student and adult jazz combos in Victoria. He has worked as an adjudicator for the Fraser MacPherson Scholarship and the Victoria and Powell River jazz festivals.
A master in the piano styles of Red Garland and Ahmad Jamal, Genge is a sought after jazz pianist and accompanist. He is also widely acclaimed for his work as a jazz organist. He has performed with many leading Canadian and international jazz artists. In 2004, he released the critically acclaimed jazz piano trio CD Blues Walk. His playing, writings and arranging can also be heard on recordings by Joe Coughlin and Paul Horn. In addition to his jazz work, Genge is an accomplished classical composer.
He recently returned to his native west coast and can be heard on recordings by various artists.
Bassist Rudner began exploring music on the violin at age eight and at 13 began playing the viola. The forward thinking rock of the 1960s prompted him to take up electric bass, followed in time by a switch to the double bass. He has spent most of the last few years travelling the world on cruise ship duty and recently relocated to B.C. with his wife, pianist Ashley Wey, where he plays with a variety of ensembles.
The trio performs Jan. 6 at 7 p.m. The series continues Feb. 10 with Edie DaPonte and on March 3 with the Flying Saucers.
Jazz Vespers services begin at 7 p.m. at St. John’s United Church, 10990 West Saanich Rd. There is no admission charge, and an offering will be taken to cover the cost of the program.
c.vanreeuwyk@blackpress.ca
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