BLJQ performed at Jazz Vespers in North Vancouver

Thursday, July 10, 2025

BLJQ performed at Jazz Vespers in North Vancouver

The Bob Liley Jazz Quintet brought their classic bebop sounds to St. Andrew's United Church in North Vancouver to participate in their Jazz Vespers service on July 27, 2025.

With Mark Bender on bass, Norm Quinn on trumpet and flugelhorn, Shannon Thue on piano, Aaron Hardie on alto sax and flute, and Bob Liley on drums, we put smiles on faces and set feet to tapping. The band was very much appreciated and a good time was had by all. And remember, It’s Jazz, for the fun of it!

2 comments:

AnonymousAugust 6, 2025 at 4:43 PM
Hello I was at the event at Trout Lake this year and asked for a contact for the band. I was given a card but the email does not work on it. Please contact me on OddFbusiness@proton.me we are looking for bands for events at the Hall. Thank you - Jean
ReplyDelete
Replies

Add 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

Thursday, July 10, 2025