Artist Bios
Vancouver Jazz Orchestra plays Dave Robbins: Happy Faces
Under the direction of saxophonist/clarinetist James Danderfer, the Vancouver Jazz Orchestra (VJO) features an array of the city's finest jazz artists. The VJO is dedicated to the presentation of classic big band music as well as a focus on Vancouver composers, past and present. Recent performances have featured international artists such as Jeremy Pelt and Seamus Blake and 2025 promises to be the VJO’s biggest year yet starting off with this very unique presentation on Fri, Feb. 14.
This evening will highlight a seminal figure in the legacy of large ensemble jazz in Vancouver, in Canada, and beyond: Dave Robbins. As a trombonist, bandleader, arranger, composer, and teacher, Robbins made invaluable contributions to the fine art of big band and jazz orchestra performance. Shockingly, no recordings of large ensembles led by Robbins have been available for years; instead, studio and live recordings were passed privately between enthusiasts. That was the case until now, with the release of the album Happy Faces on Reel to Real Recordings. Join the VJO as they celebrate!
Evening concert: the band
Rhythm Section: Sharon Minemoto (piano), Andre Lachance (bass), Dave Robbins (drums)
Trumpets: Michael Kim, Brad Turner, Thomas Marriott
Trombones: Brian Harding, Ellen Marple, Dawn Haylett (french horn)
Saxes: James Danderfer (alto), Mike Braverman (tenor), Mia Gazley (bari)
Bria Skonberg
New York based and Canadian born singer, trumpeter, and songwriter Bria Skonberg has been described as one of the “most versatile and imposing musicians of her generation” (Wall Street Journal). Bria has stormed onto the jazz scene with her smoky vocals, blistering trumpet, and compelling compositions and arrangements. The Juno Award winner has sung the music of Aretha Franklin alongside Michelle Williams of Destiny’s Child, played with U2 at the iconic Apollo Theater, sat in with the Dave Matthews Band, was a featured guest with Jon Batiste, performed as part of The Monterey Jazz Festival on Tour, and sang the National Anthem at Madison Square Garden for a NY Rangers game.
The past few years have brought major life changes to everyone. In Bria Skonberg's case, in addition to the challenges of surviving as a professional musician during the pandemic, she experienced the joy of parenthood for the first time, two life-altering events that have together inspired her to feel a renewed sense of freedom in music making. Bria’s 2024 release, What It Means on Cellar Musc forges a way forward, in particular by returning to what inspired her in the first place: the sounds of New Orleans jazz. Recorded at Esplanade Studios during Mardi Gras of 2023, Bria is joined by an ensemble of established veterans and up and coming talent, including master Crescent City drummer Herlin Riley. This collection tells stories of life lessons that range from upbeat to down-to-earth to emotionally deep, all the while exhibiting both her mastery of the trumpet and her soulful and undeniably connective voice. Traditional jazz excursions such as "Petit Fleur" and "Elbow Bump;" a hard bop take on the Sonny & Cher hit "The Beat Goes On;" a duet with NOLA notable Gabrielle Cavassa on Van Morrison's "Days Like This;" a heartfelt dedication to her new child, John Lennon's "Beautiful Boy;" these and so many other tracks show how with her seventh studio album, Bria has solidified her artistry, mastering her signature style as one of the most distinctive artists in jazz. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Jamile with Miki Yamanaka Trio & Steve Wilson
Originally from Brazil, Jamile combines her passion for Brazilian music, jazz and soul into a sound of her own, captivating audiences wherever she goes. The rising star vocalist makes her Vancouver debut, after which she will head into the studio to record for Cellar Music.
Powerhouse pianist Miki Yamanaka is no stranger to Vancouver audiences, having performed at Jazz @ The Bolt in 2023. Yamanaka has called New York City home since 2012 and in the past decade has wasted no time establishing herself as one of the leading personalities of her generation on the piano and beyond. Critics laud her “light, expressive touch and solidly crafted, mainstream approach” (All About Jazz) while audiences delight in not only her playing but her vibrant personality. Yamanaka has gained international recognition from her celebrated Cellar Music albums Shades Of Rainbow and her most recent release, Chance.
Saxophonist Steve Wilson has attained ubiquitous status in the studio and on stage with the greatest names in jazz as well as critical acclaim as a bandleader in his own right. A musician's musician, Wilson has brought his distinctive sound to more than 100 recordings led by such celebrated and wide-ranging artists as Chick Corea, George Duke, Michael Brecker, Dave Holland, Dianne Reeves, Bill Bruford, Gerald Wilson, Maria Schneider, Joe Henderson, Charlie Byrd, Billy Childs, Karrin Allyson, Don Byron, Bill Stewart, James Williams, and Mulgrew Miller, among many others. Wilson has seven recordings under his own name, leading and collaborating with such stellar musicians as Lewis Nash, Carl Allen, Steve Nelson, Cyrus Chestnut, Greg Hutchinson, Dennis Irwin, James Genus, Larry Grenadier, Ray Drummond, Ben Riley, and Nicholas Payton.
With Pablo Menares - bass & Jimmy Macbride - drums
Seamus Blake
In this special project, saxophonist Seamus Blake performs the music of legendary saxophonist and composer Eddie Harris. The project started several years ago from the suggestion of Paul Stache, owner of Smoke Jazz Club in New York City. Blake covers classics as well as lesser-known tunes; Harris was a diverse musician who spanned many styles, including bebop, funk, soul, bossa nova, and avant-garde.
Raised in Vancouver, Canada, Blake recorded with legendary drummer Victor Lewis at age 21 while still a student at Boston's prestigious Berklee College of Music. After graduation, he moved to New York, where he rapidly established himself on the New York jazz scene. In February 2002, Seamus took first place in the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition in Washington D. C. As the winner, he performed with Wayne Shorter and Herbie Hancock. As a leader/co-leader, Seamus has released 16 albums and is featured as a sideman on over 70 albums.
With Brian Charette - organ & John Lee - drums
Geoff Claridge 3
The Geoff Claridge 3, led by bass clarinetist Geoff Claridge, delves into the bluesy folk-jazz 'swamp music' of the early Jimmy Giuffre 3 – with a twist! Initially inspired by hearing Debussy’s Sonata for Flute, Viola and Harp, Jimmy Giuffre set about creating a jazz trio where every member played every part of the band – melody, counterpoint, harmony, rhythm – interchangeably and in a very accessible musical language for listeners. Giuffre's joyful music is sure to leave a smile on your face.
With Karin Plato - vocals & Josh Roberts - guitar
Feven Kidane plays Charles Tolliver
Making an excited return to Jazz at the Bolt, trumpeter Feven Kidane is delighted to perform the music of Charles Tolliver's archival release on the Cellar Live music label, Live at the Captain's Cabin, recorded 1973 live in Edmonton, Alberta. She is proud to present this music alongside her quartet.
With Quincy Mayes - piano, Milo Johnson - bass, & Todd Stewart - drums
Kevin Romain’s Salience Network
Salience Network is a modern jazz ensemble led by drummer and composer Kevin Romain. Dramatic, spontaneous creation and razor-sharp precision come together on stage with Romain's longtime collaborators. Through dense polyrhythms and snaking melodies, Salience Network explores Romain's hyperfixations with the neuroscience of emotion, circadian biology, coffee extraction theory, cool animals, and anti-colonial resistance. The group’s debut album, recorded to tape at Vancouver's Afterlife Studios, is a sombre document punctuated by moments of humour and hope. It was released in November 2023 on the Infidels Jazz label.
With Feven Kidane - trumpet, John Nicholson - saxophone, & Jeff Gammon - bass
Bellbird
Bellbird is a collective of Montreal-based musicians who released their debut album Root In Tandem in 2023. While rooted in modern jazz, Bellbird’s music bares influences from myriad musical styles, from moving folk melodies to atonal counterpoint to rock grooves that stretch the boundaries of the jazz genre. Capturing the ethos of the band, the music on their debut album grows out of a mutual curiosity and creativity, with feelings of space and calm pierced by exhilarating solos and free improvisation.
With Claire Devlin - tenor saxophone, Allison Burik - alto saxophone / bass clarinet, Eli Davidovici - bass, & Mili Hong - drums
Brian Charette Quartet album release: You Don’t Know Jack!
New York City-based organist and pianist Brian Charette has established himself as a leading voice in today’s jazz scene. His previous record Jackpot on Cellar Music features drummer Bill Stewart, guitarist Ed Cherry, and saxophonist Cory Weeds. The album received 4 stars in DownBeat and rated highly on American jazz radio for months, peaking at #9 in the JazzWeek charts. At Jazz at the Bolt, Charette and Weeds come together again to celebrate the release of a new album by the organist, You Don't Know Jack! which they recorded in 2024. Charette is a Hammond USA endorsed artist.
With Cory Weeds - tenor saxophone, Dave Sikula - guitar, & John Lee - drums
Brad Turner Trio Plus One
Pianist Brad Turner’s previous trio recording, North Star, was a hit on streaming platforms all over the world. Turner is a three-time Juno award winner and is considered one of Canada’s most in-demand, highly esteemed jazz musicians. Described as a triple threat, Turner is also an accomplished trumpeter, drummer and composer.
Turner recently went into the studio to record the followup to North Star, this time adding percussion. Join him as he celebrates his new release.
With Darren Radtke - bass, Bernie Arai - drums, & Jack Duncan - percussion
Ha Siblings play Alice Coltrane
Tenor saxophonists Ru Ha and Paco Ha are siblings based in Vancouver who, despite sharing the same instrument and many musical idols, both provide their own unique styles to music. Paco is a graduate of Capilano University's jazz studies program, while Ru is in their fourth year. They're both excited to present a show concept that they've done successfully before in the jazz scene: the music of Alice Coltrane.
With Noah Franche-Nolan - piano, Harmeet Kaur Virdee - bass, & Karl DeJong - drums
Cory Weeds plays Jazz From The Pacific Northwest
Earlier this year Vancouver’s Reel To Real Recordings released Shelly Manne - Jazz From The Pacific Northwest. The recording combines two previously unissued concert recordings from one of the greatest jazz drummers of all-time, Shelly Manne. The first recording features Monty Budwig on bass, Russ Freeman on piano, Stu Williamson on trumpet, and Herb Geller on flute and alto saxophone recorded at the Monterey Jazz Festival on October 4, 1958. The second recording features Hampton Hawes on piano, Frank Strozier on flute and alto saxophone, Conte Condoli on trumpet and guest vocalist Ruth Price on two tracks recorded at the Penthouse jazz club in Seattle on September 7 and 15, 1966.
JATB Artistic Director Cory Weeds has put together an all-star band to play selections from this recording.
With Thomas Marriott - trumpet, Miles Black - piano, André Lachance - bass, & Joe Poole - drums
Dave Sikula Quintet
Vancouver guitarist Dave Sikula assembles a quintet featuring Brad Turner on trumpet, Steve Kaldestad on alto saxophone, Jeff Gammon on bass, and Joe Poole on drums. Taking inspiration from many of the great, hard-swinging quintets of the 1950s and 1960s, the quintet delivers reworkings and arrangements of works by some of the great composers of the last century, such as Cole Porter and Jerome Kern, in addition to the debut of several new original compositions penned specifically for this ensemble.
Taras Luka Quintet
Accordionist, composer and arranger Taras Luka graduated from the Odesa National Music Academy in his native Ukraine. He moved to Vancouver in 2023 and has an extensive performance background in Europe, having played in Germany, Italy, Poland, Greece, Moldova, and Romania.
Taras’ original music for the accordion is showcased on his jazz quintet album called Part of the Journey, released in 2023 and presented at the 2024 Vancouver International Jazz Festival. Taras has worked as a composer, conductor and music director in theatre. His composition “Chorale of Freedom” for symphony orchestra, choir and soprano solo, dedicated to children who died as a result of the war in Ukraine, was premiered in Bologna, Italy and was selected for the Victoria Symphony Orchestra’s Hugh Davidson Composer Readings 2024.
With John Nicholson - saxophone, Dean Thiessen - piano, Dan Howard - bass, & Jamison Ko - drums
Lache Cercel & the Roma Jazz Ensemble w/ guest Laura Crema
Violinist Lache Cercel merges classical music and improvisational jazz alongside traditional Roma music and culture. Cercel’s music is firmly rooted in the Roma tradition which includes Doina, Klezmer, Classical, Middle Eastern and European styles. Cercel plays with the outrageous virtuosity found in contemporary European Roma recordings, but adds his own vision. The ensemble creates a unique and original genre of music: Roma Jazz. Bridging the music of the East and the West, the goal of this music and performances is to create a dialogue between various musical cultures, providing a place for healing, peace, joy, and harmony.
With Don Ogilvie - guitar, Stephen Nikleva - guitar, Ben Meti - accordion, Ehab Guitarrista - flamenco guitar, Sam Shoichet - bass, Paul Townsend - drums, & Laura Crema - vocals
Nick Biello Trio
Saxophonist/multi-instrumentalist and composer Nick Biello is developing a reputation as an exciting and artful musician. Nick has shared the stage with world-class artists, such as Slide Hampton, Cedar Walton, the Jimmy Heath Big Band, Phil Markowitz, Steve Davis, Orrin Evans and the Captain Black Big Band, Clarence Penn, and John Benitez. He has performed at the Pescara and Bussi Jazz Festivals in Italy, as well as the Litchfield Jazz Festival, the New Haven Jazz Festival, and the Westchester Jazz Festival. Nick's saxophone has been heard at venues such as Birdland, Blue Note, Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola at Lincoln Center, Cellar Dog, The Iridium, Smalls, Smoke, Zinc Bar, The Kitano, and Joe's Pub at the Public Theater. His latest release, “Between Light and Shadow”, available on La Reserve Recordings, features Nick in a chordless trio format and has received critical acclaim.
With Michael Glynn - bass & Julian MacDonough - drums
Jacob Wutzke Quartet
Jacob Wutzke is a Montréal drummer, composer and bandleader. Noted for his exceptional technique, creativity, and ability to listen and improvise in the moment, he is an in-demand leader and sideman in the Canadian jazz scene. Wutzke's quartet is performing music from his latest album You Better Bet, released on Cellar Music.
With Steve Kaldestad - alto saxophone, Brad Turner - piano, & David Caballero - bass
John Lee Trio
Since graduating from Berklee College of Music in 2016, South Korean-born John Lee has established himself as a prominent instrumentalist on the North American scene. He has released two swinging, soulful albums on Cellar Music as a bandleader: The Artist (2022) as a bass player, featuring Carl Allen, Miles Black, and Cory Weeds; and Second Wind (2024) as a pianist, playing standards with Peter Washington on bass and Kenny Washington on drums. For this set, Lee plays piano and is joined by his working trio based out of Vancouver Island.
With Kosma Busheikin - bass & Graham Villette - Drums
Triology
Triology is a supergroup of three award winning Canadian jazz musicians who have joined forces to form one of Canada’s finest jazz trios. All three of the members have won numerous accolades over the years including JUNO nominations, National Jazz Awards, Galaxie Rising Star Awards and Western Canadian Music Awards; and have shared the stage with jazz legends such as George Coleman, David "Fathead" Newman, Ed Thigpen, Clark Terry, Max Roach, Sheila Jordan, and Harry“Sweets” Edison. Formed in 2008 and fashioned after the great early jazz trios of Nat King Cole and Oscar Peterson, Triology performs wonderful impromptu arrangements of classic standards and original tunes.
With Jodi Proznick - bass, Miles Black - piano, & Bill Coon - guitar
Bill Coon
Juno-nominated artist Bill Coon is one of Canada’s most highly respected musicians and is winner of the National Jazz Awards' Guitarist of the Year. Performing professionally for over 30 years, he has played with many significant jazz artists including Jimmy Heath, Chuck Israels, Eddie Daniels, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Bucky Pizzarelli, Sheila Jordan, Hugh Fraser, P.J. Perry, Campbell Ryga, Ian McDougall, Phil Dwyer, Dave Restivo, Brad Turner, Carol Welsman, Fred Stride, Dee Daniels, and Rebecca Kilgore.
Emad Armoush’s Rayhan
Drawing from the great tradition of Arabic songs and original compositions, the ensemble Rayhan creates innovative interpretations filled with intensity, sonic colouring, thematic and far reaching improvisations. Artistically, the Arabic repertoire disseminates through modern improvising and electronically experimental musicians, creating a new model of expression for this music – all without losing the delicate beauty and authenticity of time-tested compositional masterpieces. Rayhan recently released their sophomore album, Distilled Extractions.
With Emad Armoush - oud/guitar/ney/vocals, François Houle - clarinet/effects, Jesse Zubot - violin/effects, JP Carter - trumpet/effects, & Kenton Loewen - drums
Julian Borkowski Quintet
Local trumpeter Julian Borkowski is excited to present an exuberant, swinging and entirely original set including music written to be debuted at this year's Jazz at the Bolt. While undertaking graduate studies at the University of Oregon in Eugene, OR, Borkowski nevertheless quickly became one of the most talked about young instrumentalists on the Vancouver scene, leading bands multiple times both at Frankie's Jazz Club and for Infidels Jazz in recent years.
With Connor Lum - alto sax, Noah Franche-Nolan - piano, Jodi Proznick - bass, & Todd Stewart - drums
Jon Bentley Quartet
Soulful, bluesy, funky, straight-ahead, and swinging, Jon Bentley’s saxophone/organ jazz quartet plays a mix of originals and classic jazz repertoire from their brand new release Go Ahead! on the Cellar Music Group label. Jon Bentley is a Juno-nominated veteran jazz saxophonist with over three decades of professional international experience and 30+ recordings as a leader or sideman.
With Tristan Paxton - guitar, Chris Gestrin - organ, & Joe Poole - drums