The popular Jazz Vespers series at St. John’s United Church in North Saanich resumes Sunday, Dec. 1 when the Ashley Wey Trio hits the stage.
A pianist, composer and singer, Wey has received praise for her writing and playing, which has seen her perform with 2006 Canadian Idol winner Eva Avila, Juno Award-winning Brandi Distrehaft, Mae Moore, and The Parachute Club. She has also toured on cruise ships around the world with four-time Grammy Award winner Manny Kellough.
Bassist Louis Rudner, who is Wey’s husband, and drummer Nicholas Bracewell round out the trio. Founded in 2010, the group has built a large repertoire and a strong sound focused around intricate harmonies and melodies.
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Wey’s three self-produced albums have earned critical acclaim and her latest, Live, celebrates the beauty of modern jazz with passion and improvisational joy in bringing genre standards back to life.
Rudner graduated in 2014 from the jazz program at Michigan State University, where he studied under Rodney Whitaker. The program allowed Rudner to combine a strong jazz foundation with a playful style. He has spent most of the last few years playing on cruise ships and recently relocated to B.C. with Wey, playing in a variety of ensembles.
Bracewell also graduated from Michigan State, where diverse influences helped form his muscular sound and deep swing.
The Jazz Vespers series continues on Jan. 5 with Edie Daponte and on Feb. 9 with the Ryan Oliver Trio.
Jazz Vespers services start 7 p.m at St. John’s, 10990 West Saanich Rd. across from Deep Cove school. There is no admission fee, but offerings are gratefully accepted to cover the cost of the musicians and the Vespers program.
For more information and a list of future concerts, call Bernadette at 250-656-0875 or email her at bernadettegreene789@gmail.com.
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