An upcoming musical tribute to B.C. jazz legend Ross Taggart by the Victoria Jazz Orchestra is the culmination of a labour of love for guest conductor Jill Townsend and her husband, Juno Award-nominated guitarist Bill Coon.
The couple were good friends of the late saxophonist and pianist and bring his music, as arranged for a large jazz ensemble, to the stage April 14 at Hermann’s Jazz Club (753 View St.). The Jill Townsend Jazz Orchestra’s album Legacy features music written by Taggart and played by some of Vancouver’s finest jazz musicians, of which he was one from 1985 to his death from kidney cancer in 2013.
Legacy, which includes new arrangements by Townsend and Coon, was voted #1 in CBC’s “Top Ten Outstanding CDs of the Year.”
Taggart, born and raised in Victoria, was a prolific composer and arranger who enjoyed a successful musical career that included a Juno win with the Hugh Fraser Quintet. He played for audiences all over the world, was a featured soloist for innumerable Canadian groups and orchestras and taught at Capilano University.
The show runs from 8 - 11 p.m. Tickets are $30 and $40, available at the door or online here. You can reserve seating by email at info@hermannsjazz.com.