John MacArthur Trio featuring Al Pease at Jazz Vespers
The John MacArthur Trio featuring Al Pease will kick off the new season of Jazz Vespers at St. John’s United Church on September 12 at 7:00 p.m. Guitarist MacArthur and saxophonist Pease will be joined by Don Cox on bass. Victoria’s own John MacArthur is an accomplished guitarist with an extensive and eclectic background who plays a variety of jazz classics, swing, Latin and Gypsy jazz music. He is a regular Victoria Jazzfest performer, and is most often seen around town and the island either as a soloist or in a variety of combos with the city’s top jazz musicians. He has also done extensive cruise ship tours and has played gypsy jazz with Twango and Karmel Sutra. MacArthur began playing in the 1960’s, and at 16, was a member of David Foster’s first rock band, The Teen Beats. He was eventually inducted into Victoria’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Al Pease, one of Victoria’s finest players, began his career in Vancouver. He joined the Air Force Band in 1960 and played all over the globe and with the Naden Band as well, sometimes playing for kings and queens and other notables. He retired from the forces in 1987, and has since played in clubs around Victoria, at Butchart Gardens and at the Empress Hotel. He has also done studio work, and shows playing saxophone, clarinet and flute.
Don Cox’s resume is equally impressive, having spent a long and illustrious career with the Canadian Forces Military Bands, including positions as Musical Director of the Ottawa RCAF Stage Band and Assistant Conductor of the Naden Band. An active and versatile performer, Cox played in countless concerts and recordings, and performed with jazz and pop personalities from across North America, including Herb Ellis, Barney Kessel, Eddy “Lockjaw” Davis and Lorne Lofski. Nationally well known as a bass and tuba clinician, Don also mentors youngsters in Victoria’s Civic Orchestra.
Jazz vespers services are primarily jazz concerts, with a small amount of prayer and reflection included, and everyone is welcome to come as they are. The organizers hope that combining the spontaneity of jazz with an intimate setting, candles and the chance to be quiet and really listen, will create a powerful experience for anyone, whether they have a religious background or not. The Jazz Vespers series will continue on October 3 with The Joey Smith Trio, on November 7 with the Cold Cut Combo, on December 5 with the Sean Drabitt Trio, and on January 9, 2011 with the Karel Roessingh Trio. Jazz Vespers services begin at 7:00 p.m. St. John’s United Church is located at 10990 West Saanich Rd., across from Deep Cove School. There is no admission charge, and an offering will be taken. For further information, please call Bernadette at 656-0875 or email her at bernadettegreene@shaw.ca to be included on an email list of upcoming concerts.