How does a musical idea evolve into a composition?
It’s a question musician Greg Bush hopes to explore during his presentation during the Arts and Humanities Colloquium Series at Vancouver Island University Oct. 16.
His presentation, A Journey in Jazz from Inspiration to Performance, will explore how ideas become notes on a page and then become interpreted by musicians during the performance. He wants to give people a look at the creative process of a musician.
“I talk the audience through the piece. Where a musical idea might come from and how it is developed,” said Bush.
With the help of the Vancouver Island University jazz ensemble Bush walks through the process from beginning to end. The event culminates with the performance of his composition, Current Events.
The jazz ensemble is volunteering its time and Bush said it gives the students a chance to perform live.
Bush said jazz was traditionally a street music but over the last 20 years it has begun to become “entrenched in academia,” but it wasn’t being presented in post-secondary lectures.
For Bush inspiration can come from doing mundane tasks.
“Inspiration comes from everywhere,” he said. “I get my ideas in the shower, driving or when I’m walking.”
Originally from Montreal, Bush has been a musician for 35 years. He is also a professor in VIU’s music department.
Before moving to Nanaimo he worked as the director of jazz studies at Abilene University in Texas.
He is a freelance jazz trumpet player who has performed in jazz clubs, concert halls and during festivals across Canada.
In 2001 he released his debut album, Cause and Effect, which featured his original compositions.
A Journey in Jazz happens 10-11:30 a.m. at Malaspina Theatre. The event is free.
reporter2@nanaimobulletin.com