July 24th: The Lesley Branton Trio
Based in Vancouver, this trio features Lesley Branton (vocals), Tamami Maitland (piano) and Emilio Suarez (bass). Influenced by an array of artists and genres, this trio is passionate about sharing their love of music. Having met via Vancouver’s vibrant music scene, these musicians have melded their talents, and together have produced a unique and uplifting sound.
Lesley is a versatile vocalist, who grew up listening to artists including Carole King, James Taylor, Bonnie Raitt and Joni Mitchell. Also inspired by the Peggy Lee records her parents would play, and the timeless voice of Ella Fitzgerald, Les set out to follow her dream of becoming a professional singer. Les recently had the pleasure of recording a rendition of “Speak Low” at The Palace Studio, produced and engineered by Bill Buckingham, alongside: Jennifer Scott – acclaimed vocalist and jazz pianist and Rene Worst – respected bassist, producer, and educator.
Tamami has an extensive jazz education from Berklee College of Music (MA, USA) and Capilano University. She has developed her unique musical style that blends various genres such as jazz, pop, R&B, and soul. Musician and composer, Emilio completed his studies and was awarded his bachelor of music in Jazz Studies at Capilano University.
Emilio’s style is a dynamic range from jazz and bebop to contemporary, classical, and pop. The Lesley Branton Trio plays a variety of jazz standards and Bossa Novas which are as diverse as their audiences.
July 31st: ‘Jim Hopson Groove Trio’
Juno Nominated Jim Hopson is back with his friends!
Three sound-poets conversing in Song, finding consensus in the Groove. Jim Hopson, Jason DeCouto, and Buff Allen are three of Canada’s most in-demand musicians. Together, their collective musical alchemy gives life to greasy grooves, soaring melodies, and electric vibes. Their eclectic repertoire includes jazz & pop standards in English and French, 70s Funk Fusion, and genre-bending originals, all delivered in a uniquely retro-romantic style.
Jim Hopson – trombone, bass, vocals, electronics
Jason DeCouto – organ
Buff Allen – drums
August 7th: Van Django Trio
Van Django is Back!
music is well-rooted in the gypsy jazz of 1930’s Paris France. Since the
group’s formation in 1998, they have toured extensively in Canada as
well as international forays to the US, Europe and China.
The group has had repeat performances at Djangofest Northwest
(DFNW) in 2008-2016 sharing the stage with gypsy jazz luminaries such
as the John Jorgenson Quintet, the legendary gypsy jazz guitarist
Romane and many others.
The group have released 4 CD’s: “Tiptoe Trip”, “Waltz in the Shape of a
Tree”, “Hotel Europe” and a Christmas CD with special guests titled,
“Cool Yule”. They have been well received and played on many radio
stations including; CBC, RDI, Espace Musique, NPR and Lyric FM in
Ireland CD.
August 14th: Mad Jazz Live
Join MAD JAZZ LIVE at Brasserie Coquette!
Dane Warren has had the privilege of travelling the world, bringing his love of big band music to thousands, through concerts, tours, and as a performer and entertainer aboard Holland America and Princess Cruise Lines. He has had the pleasure of performing with some of Canada’s most talent jazz musicians, such as Juno Award winning legend Rick Kilburn. He has also performed with the likes of Tom Arntzen, Dan Brubeck, Roy Styffe, Diane Lines, Joe Poole, Derry Bird, Dean Thiessen and many more…
With style and an air of cool, Dane definitely exudes the presence, talent and excitement that harkens back to an earlier era. Dane had great success with a world premiere concert series tour of
“Christmas with Sinatra” in 2018 in Victoria, Nanaimo, and Campbell River on Vancouver Island, and in 2019 in 6 different citites throughout the lower mainland bringing his love of vintage music, the big band era, and the iconic style of Frank Sinatra to a Christmas setting which received high praise from concert goers and critics alike. Recently he wrote, co-produced, co-directed with his lovely partner Mandy Rushton (the ‘M’ in MAD JAZZ LIVE), and starred in a “Bio-Musical” of the life of Frank Sinatra entitled “Ol’Blue Eyes” which was arrranged and scored by Dean Thiessen and a six piece little big band. The show had historic film, radio clips, multimedia and featured a live duet with Frank in his last performance of MY WAY generated through a mix of AI, voice isolation, and live band!
At Coquette Brasserie in Kitsilano on Thursday, July 17th Dane will be accompanied by his long-time friend and collaborator Aaron Pang (The ‘A’ in MAD JAZZ LIVE). Aaron Pang is a classically trained jazz pianist from Vancouver, BC. After graduating from the University of Victoria with a Bachelor of Music, Aaron has delved deep into the Vancouver music scene, playing in countless bands spanning multiple genres from blues, funk, soul, indie, country, pop, and hip hop. After performing numerous shows for almost a decade, he has returned his focus to his dearest musical love, jazz. Since their inception in 2020, he has been the arranger and pianist for MAD Jazz LIVE, performing all over BC and through online streaming platforms. Aaron hopes to continue entertaining communities, family, and friends, and inspire the livelihood of those around him with his music.
