Infidels Jazz Emerging Artist | Connor Lum
11:30AM - 12:45PM, Room 103

A recent graduate of Capilano University, Connor Lum is excited to lead his first chordless trio at Jazz @ The Bolt as he returns to Vancouver after eight months playing abroad. Alongside Raphael Agustin and Karl DeJong, he will be playing a number of tunes inspired by some of his favorite trio recordings, including compositions by Kenny Garrett, Joe Henderson, and Wayne Shorter. 

Connor Lum - saxophone, Raphael Agustin - bass, Karl DeJong - drums 

John Lee Trio
11:45AM - 1:00PM,  Studio Theatre

In a classic piano trio instrumentation, acclaimed multi-instrumentalist John Lee is joined by an illustrious, world-class rhythm section of John Webber and Joe Farnsworth featuring compositions and interpretations by the giants of jazz.

John Lee – piano, John Webber – bass, Joe Farnsworth - drums

Paul Pigat | Boxcar
12:00 - 1:15PM,  James Cowan Theatre

Paul Pigat is a legendary, Vancouver-based guitarist, blessed with a jazz man’s sheen, a rockabilly heart and a hobo’s soul, there aren’t many genres of music that don’t pull at Pigat’s wayfaring imagination like a magnet. In many ways, it’s a mystery why he isn’t a household name yet. Maybe he’d be a lot easier to pin down if he wasn’t so darn good at so many different things.

Originally created as a way of “bringing it down a bit”, Boxcar has taken on a life of its own as this new recording and touring project allows a more reflective and insular shade of Pigat’s creativity to come into play. Those with sharp ears will hear snatches of everything from Debussy to Jimmy Rogers blues inflections thrown into the mix, but, as always, the sounds Pigat creates are all his own.

Paul Pigat - guitar, Jesse Cahill - drum, Jeremy Holmes - bass

Infidels Jazz Emerging Artist | Alvin Brendan Trio
1:30 - 2:45PM, Room 103

Guitarist Alvin Brendan has been crafting a strong identity for himself as a jazz musician and session musician in Vancouver over the last few years. Despite his youth, Brendan has been fortunate enough to find himself in a variety of different recording sessions and live performances that have allowed him to hone his craft in a multitude of styles and genres. He is excited to merge many of his musical loves in this new format. Brendan has recruited long-time collaborators Benjamin Millman (keys) and Trent Otter (drums) to showcase their collective love of the improvisational aspect of jazz music, and the modern aesthetic of contemporary R&B and neo-soul. 

Alvin Brendan - guitar, Benjamin Millman - piano, Trent Otter - drums

James Danderfer Sextet
1:45 - 3:00PM,  Studio Theatre

James Danderfer is an award-winning saxophonist, clarinetist and composer who has impressed audiences around the world with his warm sound, melodic compositions and lyrical improvising style. James has performed and recorded with some of the finest jazz musicians in North America, including Steve Nelson, Quincy Davis, John Stetch, Brad Turner, Joel Ross, Oliver Gannon, and Don Thompson. Besides composing music for his own large and small ensembles, James is also a LEO award-winning composer for film and enjoys the collaborative nature of this medium. Since 2014, James has had the pleasure of working on many great films, primarily as composer but also as producer and story creator.

Danderfer and his sextet pay tribute to one of the most popular and intriguing big band leaders of the Swing era, Artie Shaw, who took jazz clarinet to a new level of artistry and celebrity.

James Danderfer - clarinet, Bill Coon - guitar, Miles Black - piano, Atley King - vibraphone, Jodi Proznick -bass and Joe Poole - drums.

From New York | Jesse Davis & The Spike Wilner Trio
2:00 - 3:00PM & 4:00 - 5:00PM,  James Cowan Theatre 

Jesse Davis: Equally influenced by Charlie Parker, Cannonball Adderley and Sonny Stitt, alto saxophonist Jesse Davis contributes a flawless technique and a natural feeling for the blues to every one of his performances. His music has been described as neo-bop but, as he says, “… all I wanna do is play beautiful music.” That he does - with a passion. Originally from New Orleans, by way of New York, Jesse now makes his home in Italy, so this is a rare opportunity to hear this hard-swinging saxophonist live. The group will be celebrating the release of a brand new recording, Jesse Davis Live at Smalls Jazz Club (January 2023 on Cellar Music).

Jesse Davis has performed and recorded with Jazz giants such as Mel Torme, Cedar Walton, Hank Jones, Kenny Barron, Mulgrew Miller, Charles McPherson, Ray Brown, Ron Carter, Alvin Queen, and the Jazz at the Lincoln Center Orchestra. Davis has led bands and performed at clubs, festivals and concert halls around the world, and is the recipient of the most outstanding musician award from Down Beat Magazine (1989). 

Spike Wilner:
Manhattonite Michael Spike Wilner is one of New York’s finest jazz pianists.  Spike has toured with The Artie Shaw Big Band, The Glen Miller Orchestra and Maynard Ferguson, and performed with Brad Mehldau, Larry Goldings, Peter Bernstein, Jesse Davis, Chris Potter, Jorge Rossi, Sam Yahel, Joe Strasser, Roy Hargrove, John Popper , Eric Schenkman (of the Spin Doctors) David Grausman and others. Wilner is a regular performer at the storied Smalls and Mezzrow jazz clubs in New York City.

Spike Wilner - piano, John Webber - bass and Joe Farnsworth – drums

Jeremy Wong Quartet
23:30 - 4:45PM,  Room 103

Jeremy Wong | About | https://jeremywongvocals.com/home

Fresh off the release of his debut album, Hey There, Jeremy Wong joins forces with two of his contemporaries from the next generation of Vancouver jazz. Alvin Brendan (guitar) and Benjamin Millman (keys) back Jeremy as he sings his way through classic American Songbook and jazz repertory, with a healthy injection of original lyrics and vocalese to keep the classics fresh.

Jeremy Wong - vocals, Chris Gestrin - piano, André Lachance - bass, Jesse Cahill – drums

Sienna Dahlen / Bill Coon
3:45 - 5:00PM,  Studio Theatre

Sienna Dahlen and Bill Coon met “on the scene” as they say, and their connection was immediate, both musically and personally. The decision to make a mostly jazz ballads album came from their shared love of the beautiful process of unfolding the muse slowly, welcoming both surprise and sure-fire musical navigation, while leading and supporting one another in an intimate dance through time. Balladextrous is the result of that rather circuitous and soulful journey.

Sienna Dahlen - vocals, Bill Coon - guitar

Jillian Lebeck Trio
5:30 - 6:45PM,  Room 103

Canadian jazz pianist, composer, and vocalist Jillian Lebeck
is one of the most dynamic and exciting voices on the Canadian jazz scene today. Her debut recording, Living in Pieces (Maximum Jazz/Universal) spent several weeks in the #1 position on the national Chart Attack radio charts. She is an alumni of the prestigious Berklee College of Music. Her projects have been featured on CBC Radio's “Studio One Jazz Series” during the Vancouver International Jazz Festival and she has received regular airplay on CBC's "Hot Air", "After Hours", l’espacemusique, The Signal, KPLU, and NPR. She was recently a jury member for CARAS JUNO Awards. 

Playing material inspired by classic and contemporary piano trios, Jillian Lebeck‘s group also includes original material. Jillian has opened for legendary jazz saxophonist Joe Lovano and New York jazz pianist Bill Charlap. She has toured Canada, including dates at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, Montreal International Jazz Festival and Calgary Jazz Festival, as well as in Europe and the UK.

Jillian Lebeck - piano, Adam Thomas - bass, Nino Dipasquale – drum

From New York: Lezlie Harrison
5:45 - 6:45PM and 7:30 - 8:30PM,  Studio Theatre

Renowned vocalist Lezlie Harrison delivers a song imbued with her own distinctive stamp and vocal ease. She explores the edges of jazz, blues, gospel, soul, the American songbook, and her own original compositions. Expect an eclectic repertoire from Lezlie, who ranges beyond the usual standards to embrace such songs as “Ain’t No Sunshine,” “If Loving You Is Wrong (I Don’t Want to be Right)”; and Abbey Lincoln originals.

"It takes a special vocalist to take songs from iconic singers and turn them into your own, but that is the styling, storytelling and soulful magnetism of Harrison" - Ron Scott, Amsterdam News

Ms Harrison’s singing evokes her childhood in North Carolina and personal and professional maturation in New York City and Boston. She has graced stages throughout Asia, Russia, Europe, and beyond - imbuing her singing with an aesthetic that reflects the lessons of dignity, integrity, and grace bestowed upon her by her elders, and fine-tuned by her own personal and musical history. 
Jazz @ The Bolt is delighted to be hosting such a phenomenal artist on its opening evening!

Lezlie Harrison - vocals, Ben Paterson - organ, Matt Chertkoff - guitar,
Pete Zimmer - drums

Seamus Blake and the Vancouver Jazz Orchestra
6:00 - 7:00PM & 7:45 - 8:45PM,  James Cowan Theatre

World-renown NYC tenor saxophonist, Seamus Blake, has placed himself in the pantheon of great saxophonists with his beautiful sound, dazzling virtuosity and exciting compositions. Born and raised in Vancouver, this will be a homecoming of a different sort for Seamus as he'll be joined by The Vancouver Jazz Orchestra to perform big band arrangements of his incredible music.

Jodi Proznick Quartet
7:15 - 8:30PM,  Room 103

Formed in 2004, the Jodi Proznick Quartet has toured extensively in Canada. The group was awarded the National Jazz Award for Acoustic Group of the Year (2008), National Jazz Award for Album of the Year (2008), the Galaxie Rising Star of the Vancouver International Jazz Festival (2004), a nomination for the Montreal Jazz Festival TD Grand Prix de Jazz (2007) and two JUNO award nominations  (2007 and 2018).

The Jodi Proznick Quartet brings you an evening of original compositions from their JUNO nominated albums Foundations and Sun Songs as well as arrangements of songs written by Joni Mitchell, Duke Ellington, Lennon/McCartney, Joe Henderson, Wayne Shorter, Irving Berlin and more.

Jodi Proznick - bass, Tilden Webb - piano, Jesse Cahill - drums, Jon Bentley - saxophones

Infidels Jazz Emerging Artist – Feven Kidane
11:30AM – 12:25PM,  Room 103

Feven Kidane is an Ethiopian-Canadian composer, trumpeter, bassist, and electronic musician from Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), Stó:lō, Səlilwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations. She adheres to the traditions of Black American Music ("jazz") of the '60s and '70s, studying its foundational components of decolonization, creation, spirituality, and self-liberation. As an improviser in Vancouver's free scene, she has worked alongside veterans of the genre including Douglas R. Ewart (Yusef Lateef, Anthony Braxton), as well as being a member of the New Orchestra Workshop Society (est. 1977). She also makes electronic music inspired by both her Blackness and video games of her youth under the moniker thehabeshaman.

Feven Kidane - trumpet, Cole Woodland - bass, Todd Stewart - drums, Quincy Mayes  - piano, Gordy Li - tenor saxophone

Jennifer Scott Quartet
11:45AM - 1:00PM,  Studio Theatre

Considered the finest jazz vocal improviser in Canada by her peers, her fans and by the musicians who work with her, Jennifer Scott is an important jazz voice. She has sung with such jazz greats as: Gene Bertoncini, Clark Terry, Tommy Banks, Paul Horn and Kenny Wheeler, to name a few. She has been nominated for JUNO and Jessie Awards with Mythos and the theatre production, War of the Worlds.

Jennifer Scott - vocals, Rene Worst - bass, David Sikula - guitar, Bernie Arai – drums

Raagaverse
12:00 - 1:15PM,  James Cowan Theatre

Enthrallingly eclectic, this new collaborative Indo-Jazz fusion quartet, led by vocalist/composer Shruti Ramani, interweaves Hindustani classical traditions, modern jazz, and poetry. Raagaverse transports listeners to a parallel dimension of gloriously collapsed frontiers.

Ramani is an innovative and emerging artist in the Canadian jazz scene. She hails from Mumbai, India where she secured a degree in Hindustani music under the mentorship of Dr. Ritu Johri from the Agra Gharana. She moved to Canada and acquired a Bachelor in Jazz Studies (Performance) with a specialization in voice from Capilano University. Her original music is an eclectic combination of the Indian and jazz traditions. She composes and arranges music that fuses the two traditions to create dynamic pieces for both large and small ensembles.

Some of her noteworthy performances include those as a bandleader playing her original music at the Vancouver International Jazz Festival and the Nanaimo International Jazz Festival, and at the Mixtophonics Festival where she premiered a string quartet composition.

Shruti Ramani - voice, Jodi Proznick - bass , Noah Franche-Nolan - piano/Nord, and Nicholas Bracewell - drums

Infidels Jazz Emerging Artist - Teresa Marie
1:30 - 2:45PM,  Room 103

Teresa Marie is an up-and-coming jazz vocalist based in Vancouver with a Bachelor’s degree in Jazz Studies from Capilano University. Teresa is passionate about storytelling through lyrics, paying homage to the Black American Music tradition, as well as making audiences feel the same joy that music brings to her.

Teresa Marie - vocals, Dean Thiessen - piano, WynstonMinkler - bass, and Seth Kitamura - drums.

Quatour André Lachance
1:45 - 3:00PM,  Studio Theatre

Quatuor André Lachance will be playing music from their brand new album Après L’Hiver. The group’s approach is eclectic, electric, improvised and interactive and draws from their collective experiences in acoustic and electric modern jazz as well as progressive rock, pop, improvised music and ambient electronic textures.

André Lachance - guitar and compositions, Brad Turner - fender Rhodes and piano, Chris Gestrin - Moog synthesizer and bass, and Trent Otter - drums.

Joel Haynes Quartet featuring, from NYC - Seamus Blake
2:00 - 3:00PM & 4:00 - 5:15PM.  James Cowan Theatre

Seamus Blake from New York returns to the Jazz @ the Bolt stage with acclaimed jazz drummer Joel Haynes.

Joel’s debut CD, released in November 2005, (Cellar Live Records, Vancouver) is entitled The Time is Now, with special guest vocalist, Denzel Sinclaire. In February 2008, live in Vancouver at the Cellar Jazz Club, Joel recorded his second CD, Transitions. Joel will be recording his 3rd album in February 2023 with Seamus Blake, Tilden Webb and Neil Swanson for Cellar live records.

Joel Haynes - drums, Seamus Blake - saxophone, Tilden Webb - piano, Neil Swainson - bass

Malleus Trio
3:30 - 4:45PM, Room 103

The acclaimed Malleus Trio has been creating their unique blend of high-energy improvisation, striking compositions and deep grooves for over a decade. Dominic Conway (saxophone), Ben Brown (drums) and Geordie Hart (bass) draw on their extensive experiences across a wide variety of genres including R&B, rock and jazz to create a bold, lyrical and alluring sound.

Dominic Conway - saxophone, Ben Brown - drums, and Geordie Hart - bass

Nightcrawlers
3:45 - 5:00PM,  Studio Theatre

Nightcrawlers are an award-winning quintet of Vancouver musicians dedicated to preserving the sound and vibe of the great 1960s Hammond B3 organ bands. Inspired by the music of Brother Jack McDuff, “The Mighty Burner” Charles Earland, Big John Patton, and Booker T and the MG’s, the Nightcrawlers play gritty, soulful, down home music that’s all about having a good time.  One of Vancouver's most beloved jazz groups of the past 10 years serve up heaps of grease playing the music of Eddie Harris, Shirley Scott, Hank Marr and other purveyors of greasy jazz! The band will be celebrating their 5th release on Cellar Music. Get Ready is available exclusively on 180-gram vinyl.

Dave Sikula - guitar, Chris Gestrin - organ, Jesse Cahill - drums, Cory Weeds - tenor saxophone, Jack Duncan - percussion

Campbell Ryga Quartet
5:30 - 6:45, Room 103

The Campbell Ryga Quartet is pleased to present original material as well lesser- known repertoire that may be considered obscure but has become favorites of theirs over the years. The quartet looks forward to their performance at the Shadbolt and to hearing old friends.

Campbell Ryga - soprano and alto saxophones, Chris Sigerson - piano,
Miles Hill - bass, Craig Scott - drums.

From New York: Miki Yamanaka Quartet featuring Mark Turner
5:45 - 6:45PM & 7:30 - 8:30PM,  Studio Theatre

One of the most in-demand jazz pianists in New York City, Miki Yamanaka is not only a stellar musician, but also an enthralling performer.

The Miki Yamanaka Quartet, featuring legendary saxophonist, Mark Turner, will be premiering new original compositions written by Miki, as well as music by jazz masters such as Harold Land and Buster Williams. The quartet will also feature the exciting and fresh sounds of Tyrone Allen on bass and Jimmy MacBride on drums. This is a must see show!

Miki Yamanaka - piano, Mark Turner - saxophone, Tyrone Allen - bass, Jimmy MacBride – drums

Generations Quartet featuring Virginia & Kirk Macdonald
6:00 - 7:00PM & 7:45 - 8:45PM,  James Cowan Theatre

The Generations Quartet is a dynamic, multi-generational band featuring some of Canada’s finest jazz musicians. The quartet effortlessly mixes American Songbook classics with original compositions with great verve. Featuring a unique clarinet and tenor saxophone front line with bass and drums, the Generations Quartet has wowed audiences throughout Canada, Europe and India with their brand of interactive and expressive music.

2019 Stingray Music Rising Star Award recipient and 2020 International Clarinetist Corona Competition first prizewinner, Virginia MacDonald has established herself as a respected and sought-after musician on the Canadian jazz scene. Virginia has performed extensively as both a leader and side woman at several venues across the city of Toronto, where she is currently based.

Virginia Frigault-Macdonald - clarinet, Neil Swainson - bass, Morgan Childs - drums

Jimi James Fraser Trio with John Gross
7:15 - 8:30PM,  Room 103

One of the hottest young working trios on the Canadian scene today meets a legendary saxophonist known for his work with Shelly Manne, Lionel Hampton, David Frishberg, and many other jazz luminaries. The Jimi James Fraser trio was established 2 years ago in Vancouver B.C when several students of music decided to move in together and create the Jazz House. Brad Pearson is a student of VCC, a great luthier and an even greater musician. Max Huberdeau studied jazz at Capilano and constantly brings fresh concepts to the group.

The trio has been very fortunate to work with John Gross, the great L.A tenor player who is a constant source of inspiration to the band and many others.

Jimi James Fraser - piano, Brad Pearson - bass, Max Huberdeau - drums, John Gross - saxophone

We acknowledge that we work, teach, and play on the traditional, ancestral and unceded Coast Salish Territory of the šxʷməθkʷəy̓əmaɁɬtəməxʷ (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh-ulh Temíx̱w (Squamish) and səl̓ilwətaɁɬtəməxʷ (Tsleil-Waututh) First Nations. And that Jazz music is an African American tradition, that we are honored to continue it’s journey here in Canada.