Jazz Piano + String Quartet
Blending genres is always tricky business; in attempting to take “the best of both worlds” sometimes one can end up diluting the potency of either style. Fortunately, in the right hands, a marriage of jazz and chamber music can blossom into a new and unique voice.
John Roney is not only a talented jazz pianist, but also a composer and arranger. He studied classical composition under one of Canada’s finest contemporary composers – Gary Kulesha, and is comfortable in both the jazz and classical idioms. In his hands, the two worlds of jazz and classical chamber music blend together seamlessly, effortlessly, and without pretence.
The idea of combining John Roney and the Silver Birch String Quartet was first made real right here in Sudbury as part of Silver Birch Concerts. At that time, there was about half a programme of repertoire created for us by John. The rest of the programme featured works by Glenn Buhr, Stravinsky, and a few of John’s solo piano pieces. This concert sparked a passion in both John and the SBSQ to expand the idea into a full length album. The resulting album “John Roney: Silverbirch” was nominated for a JUNO award in 2010.
As cellist of the Silver Birch String Quartet, I have had the privilege of being a part of this project since the beginning. Each time we have performed this show, it matures and evolves. Whether you were in Sudbury for our first show with John, or whether you have seen us in Ottawa or Montreal jazzfests, you are sure to feel as if it is a brand new experience. One that you will not forget!
Saturday January 28th, 2012 8pm
St. Peter’s United Church, 203 York Street, Sudbury
Tickets at Black Cat.
(P.S. If you’re still in town on Sunday January 29th at 12pm, check out the Cello Café at Fromagerie Elgin!