Sanctuary AllStars Go Outdoors

Friday, July 6, 2012

Sanctuary AllStars Go Outdoors

Two recent outdoor concerts refreshed our spirits. And both took place on rain-free days featuring lots of sun during this terribly cool and wet spring we have been having in Vancouver. The first of these was on July 1st, where we closed the Canada Day celebrations at the Kitsilano Showboat. This was our first time doing this, and it was a really fun experience for all. The second took place on July 4th at Mission's Fraser River Heritage Park. This is a truly beautiful, pastoral setting high on a hill above the Fraser Valley. It made it hard for the band to concentrate on the music. But the 300+ people who came out to hear us didn't seem to mind at all. In fact, they loved it! Other than the fact that this was one of the very few warm, sunny days this spring (and the start of a trend) we were told the band was 'awesome'! Now, how cool is that?

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BLJQ Origins

Following a successful and rewarding association in the Sanctuary AllStars big band, the Bob Liley Jazz Quintet was formed in the spring of 2008 with the principal purpose of playing some of the many regional jazz festivals that take place across BC every year. Since its formation, the Quintet has been featured at various events around the Lower Mainland, including several appearances at Jazz Vespers at St. Andrews-Wesley church, as well as a segment on CBC's 'Hot Air' jazz program. We have also performed before over 600 people at Mission's Fraser Valley Heritage Park. In addition, we were featured for several years at Davie Day, an outdoor street festival in Vancouver's lively West End, played the Olympic Torch relay in 2010, and were featured several times at The Cellar, then Vancouver's premier jazz club. That was followed by several performances at the Blue Martini nightclub, including opening the Vancouver International Jazz Festival there one year. A six-month stint at the Cottage Bistro didn't hurt, either. We have also performed at a number of corporate events and private parties which are not included in our event listings.

The group plays contemporary jazz, with influences such as Max Roach/Clifford Brown, Freddie Hubbard, the Cannonball Adderley quintet, and Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. We utilize strong harmonies and interaction among the horns, with solid and driving rhythms from the rhythm section.

BLJQ features Aaron Hardie on alto sax, Norm Quinn on trumpet and flugelhorn, Shannon Thue on piano, Mark Bender on bass, and Bob Liley on drums. The music the group plays reflects classic bebop music as performed by some of the leading musicians of the time. It is listenable, stimulating and groovy music that showcases the individual talents of the members of the Quintet while building on the inherent synergies across the group. Our obvious camaraderie, energy and enthusiasm are infectious, and help us to engage our audiences in the overall performance experience.

The Bob Liley Jazz Quintet - BLJQ

Friday, July 6, 2012