Forbidden Jazz is once again headlining Zocalo Caf茅 this Friday evening.
As in the past, they hope to attract a multi-generational audience by performing a wide variety of timeless jazz standards. The trio, representing more than four decades of experience, both domestically and internationally, will weave their collective magic through two sets of entertaining music.
Tim Croft, relatively new on the local scene, has quickly gained recognition as a strong and creative player. His jazz studies at Humber College in Toronto allowed him the amazing opportunity to learn from such Canadian icons as Mike Downes, Pat Collins, Pat Labarbera and Don Thompson.
After completing his bachelors degree, Tim relocated in Montreal where he continued to study the bass, play in local restaurants and clubs (such as House of Jazz and Upstairs), and record with several different groups.
Further education led him to the University of Western Michigan, where he completed a Masters degree in Jazz Studies under the influences of Tom Knific and Dr. Scott Cowan (jazz piano and improvisation). Croft teaches music at L鈥櫭塩ole au Coeur d鈥橧le in Comox.
Joining the trio on lead guitar is Jim Chew. Jim has explored all areas of music over the past 35 years, from trios to show bands, both live and in the studio.
During his teens, Jim was inspired by Django Reinhardt, and went on to study classical guitar for three years. He eventually discovered a passion for jazz, which led him on a path of playing and teaching in the jazz program at Mount Royal College in Calgary.
When he wasn鈥檛 playing jazz, he supplemented his income as a commercial freelance musician. This experience left him with a broad range of influences, which he can now apply to his playing style. Jim resides in Campbell River and performs with the CR Little Big Band.
No stranger to local music circles, Jake Masri draws his inspiration from classical repertoire to musical theater to Afro-Cuban/New Orleans, and bebop styles. His passion for jazz is closely linked to artists such as Harry James, Miles Davis, Chet Baker, and Arturo Sandoval.
As a performance major at VCC, UVIC, and UBC, Jake studied trumpet with Boyd Hood, Gerald Gerbrecht, and trombonist, Dave Robbins. His studies in jazz enabled him to learn from pros such as Mike Herriot, Hugh Fraser, Campbell Ryga, and Bill Clarke 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, Jake has appeared with Sounds of 17, Quintessence Brass; 6th Street, Jazztown, and Jazz Noir combos; Georgia Straight, Arrowsmith, and CR Big Bands; Strathcona Symphony Orchestra, and Just in Time Jazz Choir.
You're invited for a casual, fun-filled evening of jazz from 7:30 to 9:30.
For more information, contact Zocalo Caf茅 and Gallery at 250-331-0933, drop by the corner of Fifth Street and Cliffe Avenue in downtown Courtenay or visit www.zocalocafe.ca.
鈥� Forbidden Jazz
