“ The Chan Centre for the Performing ArtsChucho Valdés Date and Venue 2 November 2012, 8pm | Chan Centre for the Performing Arts       Reviewer Greg Ewan ...Of special note was the enchanting performance of Valdes's guest performer, Hugh Fraser, on the trombone. It was an unexpected treat to have another fantastic musician join the fray. His duet with Valdes was lilting and soulful, a lovely addition to the night... Read full article below: The first words that came to my mind when Chucho Valdes walked out on stage for the first time were "Quiet", "Humble" and "Gentlemanly". Bowing reverently to the thunderous applause and gleeful hollers that welcomed him to the spotlight, the virtuoso musician set to work immediately with a light hearted solo number. As his hands flew up and down the keyboard effortlessly, the now silent audience listened fervently, enraptured by the music. The second song of the night introduced his quartet companions: John Benitez on bass, Horacio Hernandez on drums, and Joaquin Nunez Hidalgo on percussion. As a group, there were in a word... seamless. Their musical blend produced a joyful, high energy, performance that couldn't help but get under your skin. In many of the audience, it caused involuntary head bopping, foot tapping, and larger than life grins...a temporary condition that lasted until the end of the concert. As the night progressed, we were treated to a fantastic fusion of various styles... ranging from classical music to very funky be-bop, all with an Afro-Cuban twist. Recognizable melodies would suddenly appear from nowhere, only to vanish back into the song... reprised later on when least expected. It was a marvelous display of technical musicality. More impressive yet, was how easily the group could transition from what appeared to be musical chaos, lockstep into a full melody, and back again. Even the chaotic be-bop segments, seemingly random notes and beats, were precise in nature. Any musician out there can appreciate the depth of difficulty involved in such a musical endeavour... let alone being able to pull it off perfectly while continuing to sound amazing. Of special note was the enchanting performance of Valdes's guest performer, Hugh Fraser, on the trombone. It was an unexpected treat to have another fantastic musician join the fray. His duet with Valdes was lilting and soulful, a lovely addition to the night. While the evening was light on lyrics, it was heavy on great music... and clocking in at two hours of near constant performance plus an encore, it was quite an experience. The Godfather of Jazz lived up to his hype and then some. © 2012 Greg Ewan” - Greg Ewan

— Review Vancouver

“Hugh Fraser's Bonehenge CD   Customer Reviews just beautiful!        by cambritton The song "Him For Her" is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful jazz pieces ever written. I heard a story, that the great Canadian tenor saxophonist Phil Dwyer was performing this song at a club, and in walked the future love of his life! She was so mesmerized by the song that they fell in love and got married. That's how beautiful it is! It is heard here with the angelic voices of Hugh Fraser's trombone. Enjoy! ” - Cam Britton

— iTunes

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Hugh Fraser's VEJI

Hugh Fraser's VEJI

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Blueshore Theatre - Capilano University, 2055 Purcell Way, North Vancouver

Join the Vancouver Ensemble of Jazz Improvisation (“VEJI”) in an explosive evening of communal sonic joy! This will be the first concert since the passing of our fearless leader, Hugh Fraser.

Blazing ensemble barrages will set the scene for the incredible collection of 16 veteran creative improvisors to explore their individual and collective experience which will surely be an inspiring and uplifting experience for all present. Legendary CBC broadcaster and creator of Hot Air, the late Bob Smith upon hearing the brash bunch in performance in 1980 said "VEJI is more akin to a gang than a band!" This sense of infectious fun is more tempered and focused after hundreds of concerts, six albums, guest appearances with Slide Hampton, Frank Foster, Dave Holland, Joe Henderson, Julian Priester, Kenny Wheeler, and Chucho Valdez.

VEJI is now celebrating 44 years of changing the cultural fabric of Canada!

This will be a joyous reunion and sound celebration not to be missed!

VEJI will feature: Bill Clark - Conductor Campbell Ryga - Soprano/Alto Sax Chris Startup - Alto/Tenor Sax Bill Runge - Tenor Sax Chad Makela - Bari Sax Derry Byrne - Trumpet Brad Turner - Trumpet Henry Christian - Trumpet Lorae Murphy-Farrell - Trumpet Dennis Esson - Trombone Rod Borrie - Trombone Brad Muirhead - Bass Trombone Jimi James Fraser - Piano Steve Wallace - Bass Jack Duncan - Percussion Dave Robbins - Drums

$50 General Admission and $40 Student plus ticket fees

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