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The Jazz Council says ‘farewell’
Pianist Tim Plait and bassist Joel Kroeker give their final performance with the group
It has been just under two years since local jazz quintet The Jazz Council formed in September 2010. In that short time frame, the group has released its debut album, Dawn, developed a strong local following, and earned stellar reviews from audiences across the Kootenays, both with their appealing music and their irrepressible, joyful energy onstage.
But this first era in the group’s history is about to come to a close.
The Jazz Council will reluctantly say ‘farewell’ to pianist, Tim Plait, and bassist, Joel Kroeker this coming Saturday, August 11 with a concert at The Stage Door in Cranbrook. The show will be their 35th performance together.
Tim, a born-and-bred Kimberlite and quite possibly the area’s busiest and most versatile pianist, is heading to Germany in September to immerse himself in a new culture and further his studies in composition. Joel, a multi-instrumentalist who also plays keyboards with Boogie Supreme and guitar with Tritone Substitution, has accepted a full-time position teaching music and drama in Sparwood.
‘We’re going to miss them,’ says Jazz Council trumpeter Laurel Ralston. ‘Over the last couple of years we’ve really grown musically.
We all have so much respect for one another, for the skills and influences that each of us brings to our playing. It’s been a tremendous experience to work together to push our limits as jazz musicians. And we’ve become really great friends in the process.’
The three remaining members – Laurel, baritone saxophonist Bernie Primbs, and drummer Sven Heyde – are on the hunt for a couple new players to round out the group again.
‘We’re looking forward to finding out how our sound will evolve,’ says Sven.
The Jazz Council’s upcoming concert will feature a mix of styles and favourite selections from the quintet’s repertoire, including highlights from their Miles Davis tribute programme, originals from ‘Dawn,’ jazz standards, and (for a little extra musical adventure) their take on two hits by Led Zeppelin.
The Jazz Council’s farewell show takes place on Saturday, August 11 at 7:30 p.m. at The Stage Door in Cranbrook. Tickets for the show cost $15 and are now on sale at Just Music in Cranbrook and at Black Bear Books and Video in Kimberley.
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