Forbidden Jazz headlines the Coachman Pub on Sunday afternoon of Oct. 5.
Featuring Jake Masri on trumpet, flugelhorn, and vocals, Grant McLellan on guitar, Grahame Edwards on bass, and Neil Clark on drums, they will strive to reach audiences of all ages by performing a wide variety of timeless jazz standards. Representing more than four decades of experience, their unique blend of voice, brass, and strings will weave their collective magic through three sets of entertaining music.
Filling the position of lead guitar is local favorite Grant McLellan. McLellan holds a music diploma from Grant McEwen College in Edmonton. Upon moving to Campbell River, he set about carving a niche for himself as a guitar teacher and musical sideman in numerous local groups of various cultural styles, including his own popular trio.
McLellan has a wonderful touch on the guitar, incorporating a rich and varied modal, melodic weave to his improvisations. When accompanying, he uses his extensive harmonic knowledge through a subtle, yet empathic supportive approach to the chords.
Talented multi instrumentalist Grahame Edwards studied music at the University of British Columbia and holds a Diploma in Fine Arts from the University of Calgary. Aside from both acoustic and electric bass, Edwards also plays percussion and trumpet. He has appeared with countless local ensembles and productions in every genre from choral to musical theatre, big band jazz to classical. His first musical love, however, lies with improvised music and he enjoys playing and composing his own jazz tunes. In addition to performing, Edwards has taught both privately and in the Campbell River School District, and enjoys sharing his music by conducting workshops & clinics. Over the years, he has studied with many respected Jazz musicians including Don Clarke, Phil Nimmons, Chris Nelson, and Paul Horn.
As a rare addition to the combo, Victoria-born drummer Neil Clark spent many years collaborating with some of it’s best local musicians as an active member of that jazz community.
During the 1980’s, Clark was given the opportunity to perform with many well known groups and solo artists while touring the world on cruise ships.
Since relocating to the Comox Valley in 1996, he has performed with musicians such as the Annie Siegel Band, Jazztet, DMN, and others. Due to his recent retirement, Clark is now in a position to devote more time towards his love of music by playing here on a regular basis.
The Coachman invites both first time patrons and seasoned “jazz veterans” to check out Clark’s wealth of experience and impressive skills behind the kit.
No stranger to the local music scene, Jake Masri draws his inspiration from classical repertoire to musical theater to Afro-Cuban/New Orleans, and Bebop styles. His passion for jazz is directly linked to artists such as Herb Alpert, Miles Davis, Chet Baker, and Arturo Sandoval. As a performance major at VCC, UVIC, and UBC, Masri studied trumpet with Boyd Hood, Gerald Gerbrecht, & trombonist, Dave Robbins.
His studies in jazz exposed him to pros such as Mike Herriot, Bill Clarke, and Hugh Fraser during the local CYMC summer program. Among his favorite vocal instructors are Ann Mortifee, Rhiannon, Ysaye Barnwell, and Wendy Nixon Stothert.
Since moving to Comox in 2002, Masri has appeared with Quintessence Brass, 6th Street, Jazztown, and Jazz Noir combos; Sounds of 17, Georgia Straight, Arrowsmith, and CR Big Bands; Zandhunga and Luzna Latin Bands, Strathcona Symphony Orchestra, and Just in Time Jazz Choir.
Join in a casual, entertaining afternoon of jazz. Music commences at 1 p.m. and admission is by donation. As usual, the kitchen will offer a wide selection of home style sweet and savory dishes along with beverages.
For more infoformation, contact the Royal Coachman Pub at 250 286-0231.