On the eve before Christmas Eve, Linda Walker joins the Marty Howe Jazz Trio for a hoilday-themed concert at the Front Street Grill.
In honour of the special holiday, the musicians plan to play Christmas-themed tunes, all jazzed up in the style of Charlie Brown’s Christmas.
Critics described Walker’s voice as that of velvet and satin. Her unique interpretation of jazz standards makes them seem brand new.
She has been a regular of the Island jazz scene, and organized the Vancouver Island Jazz festival for the Oceanside area for three years.
Howe plays jazz harmonica and flute. While the diatonic harmonica is a familiar sound in blues and pop, the jazz chromatic harmonica is a rare bird, but a beautifully expressive jazz instrument.
Howe doubles on the flute, drawing from the stylings of Jethro Tull and Herbie Mann.
The band’s repertoire spans jazz standards, bossa nova and ventures into hot Latin jazz, where the flute traditionally has a prominent voice and natural playground.
The rhythm section inclues Marty Steele on keys, who, like the great jazz organists of old, plays the bass lines with his left hand at the same time as he plays the piano.
Although the band is made up of well-seasoned players, it’s a new collaboration.
The concert is set for Dec. 23 at the Front Street Grill, across from the federal buildings on Front Street. Music starts at 8 p.m.
The Front Street Grill re-opened earlier this year, offering Mediterranean-inspired food. For more information, please visit http://frontstreetgrill.ca/ or call 250-591-8850 for reservations.