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Join us at St Mary’s for a unique blend of exceptional jazz rooted in the context of meditation and prayer. This time, the David Santana Quartet will be bringing their unique fire to the service, exploring the rich legacy of jazz through the lens of Miles Davis’s iconic music. With a dynamic blend of skill and passion, this ensemble, led by accomplished guitarist David Santana, delivers electrifying performances that channel the spirit of innovation and deep emotion. Each set is a journey through the evolving sounds of jazz, filled with spontaneous improvisation, intricate rhythms, and expressive interpretations of jazz classics. Interwoven with poetry, scripture and prayer, it promises to be an inspirational way to enter eventide.
A collection will be taken in support of this ongoing series. Suggested donation $20.
About Jazz Evensong
Evolving out of two ancient services of prayer as the sun is setting—vespers and compline—the service of Evensong is an opportunity to put the events of the past day into perspective, to ground one’s body, mind and spirit in preparation for the restorative night of sleep, when in our dreaming, our subconscious will continue the creative work of making sense of our experiences.
Jazz, as Ken Burns says, is “a profound intersection of freedom and creativity”. So, whether you are a seasoned jazz lover or a newcomer to the genre, you will be sure to find something to speak to you at this unique and moving experience of making sense of your day. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this inspiring and intimate celebration of faith and music. All are welcome!
About the Musicians
David Santana - Music is medicine. For me, playing music is an act of reverence—an honoring of the cosmic symphony of nature. It's a prayer, an offering, an ecstatic surrender to the divine. When shared, it becomes a unifying force, weaving the tapestry of our hearts and reminding us of the threads that bind us. With each performance, I aim to bridge gaps, transcending individuality to create a collective experience. Through music, we rekindle connections, reawaken our shared essence, and nurture togetherness. When this is accomplished, music is indeed medicine. David Santana is a Chilean national electric guitar competition winner with a bachelor’s degree in music. After traveling the world performing on Celebrity Cruises, he has made Victoria his home and playground, offering jazz as a way to unite us and celebrate our shared human experience.
Juno-nominated Saxophonist Ryan Oliver steeped his concept and artistry in the creative fires of Amsterdam, honed his craft in Toronto and realized his dream of joining thousands of saxophonists at crowded jam sessions for several years in the jazz metropolis of New York City before returning to BC and the natural beauty of Vancouver Island. For over 15 years, Oliver toured the world with legendary Canadian jazz group the Shuffle Demons along with performing with a who's who of the Canadian jazz scene. He has been nominated for the Prix De Jazz at the Montreal Jazz Festival and for this year's Western Canadian Music Awards "Jazz Musician fo the Year". His saxophone tone and musical world reflect the uniqueness of these scenes and his musical journey.
Nick Peck is an award winning composer, pianist and organist from London UK. After graduating from London's Guildhall School of Music and Drama Nick was increasingly active as a sideman, gaining valuable hands-on experience accompanying UK Jazz heros including Peter King, Derek Nash & Paul Booth in and around London and the South of England. After moving to Canada he established a new presence on the west coast, appearing clubs and festivals across the country. Along the way he has performed with Peter Bernstein, Joe Magnarelli, Nick Hempton, Terell Stafford, Oliver Gannon, & Cory Weeds amongst others.
Joe Poole is gradually gaining an international reputation. Since earning his degree in Jazz Performance under the guidance of Oscar Peterson, Joe has been steadily honing his craft. His tasteful playing, sense of groove, rhythmic fluidity and creativity have led him to accompany many top musicians from the U.S.A, Europe and Canada, including: Ernestine Anderson, Curtis Fuller, Marcus Belgrave, Red Holloway, Houston Person, Don Thompson, Lew Tabackin, Guido Basso, Terell Stafford, Phil Dwyer, Brad Turner, Nick Brignola, Russell Malone, Bob Mover, Denzal Sinclaire, Scott Hamilton, Harry Allen, Richard Underhill, Jeff Healy, Champian Fulton, John Stetch, Jeremy Pelt, Danny Grissett, Dayna Stephens, Ned Goold, Taylor Eigsti, Dee Daniels, Jens Winther, Oliver Gannon, P.J. Perry, Tony Foster, James Danderfer, and Dmitri Shapko.