Sanctuary AllStars Played Jazz Vespers November 12

Monday, November 13, 2023

Sanctuary AllStars Played Jazz Vespers November 12

The Sanctuary AllStars, a 17-piece jazz band under the direction of drummer Bob Liley, featuring some highly regarded soloists and an amazing collective playing swinging tunes from the libraries of Count Basie, Thad Jones, and Maynard Ferguson, among others, once again performed during Jazz Vespers at St. Andrews-Wesley Church, Burrard and Nelson Streets in Vancouver, on Sunday, November 12 from 4:00 to 5:00 pm. This was a special performance for us because we were honouring Jamie Croil, a stellar trumpeter who performed with our band for several years before unfortunately being taken early on October 13^th. You may have heard the band before because we have been playing here for the past 25 years. If you hadn't heard us before, we hoped you were in for a treat. In any event, it's hard to beat the experience of a live jazz performance, even though that was not the only focus of the afternoon. Parking underground was free behind the church, and admission was by donation. A good crowd came out to hear us. As we tell people, It's Jazz for the fun of it!

No comments:

Post a Comment

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

Monday, November 13, 2023