Sunday Afternoon Jazz with Nico Rhodes Trio

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Sunday, February 28th, 2016
12:00 PM

“Time for a wild ride!” That is what is promised on a musical adventure with the Nico Rhodes Trio.

This group is dedicated to the bringing you on a journey through a myriad of musical worlds. Inspired by the music of Ahmad Jamal, Oscar Peterson, Art Tatum, Debussey, Chopin, Bach, Scott Joplin, Gordon Lightfoot, and many more, the Trio draws on their diverse musical training, experience and taste to bring you a fully immersive musical experience. Re-imaginings of great piano works, creative original compositions, dazzling arrangements, and most importantly the highest degree of musical collaboration and communication. Join Sean, James and Nico on for unique musical adventure.

A jazz bass player for over 20 years, Sean Drabitt is justly known as a classic jazz bassist and is highly sought after in the local jazz scene. He has played with a wide variety of top name world jazz artists, having lived and played professionally in the music centers of New York City and New Orleans, prior to returning to Victoria where he now resides. One of Drabitt’s more unique projects is his tribute to Jaco Pastorious, the supremely funky bass virtuoso. James has been involved in a professional music context since the early 80s on a full time basis. He has performed with Mikaila Tombe, Connor Stewart, James Darling, Andrew Homzy, David Vest, Luv Train, Michael Patrick, Scott White, Miles Black, Ken Lister, Jennifer Scott, and Rene Worst among others.

Never limiting his means of expression James has been involved in multiple theatre productions including: Western Edge Theatre’s “Hedwig”, A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline at the Chemainus/The Arts Club Theatre and most recently 'Twist and Shout' at the Chemainus Theatre. Based in Nanaimo, James is an active composer, multi instrumentalist and band leader, while maintaining an active role as a mentor to you musicians in the community.

A pianist, composer, woodwind player, arranger, symphony orchestrator, studio musician, film composer, music director and conductor, Nico has made his mark in almost every musical context. An award winning pianist and saxophonist from a young age, Nico’s influences are a gumbo of styles and individuals.

He draws on his formal training and repertoire to interpret classical repertoire and adapt it to an improvisational context, interprets famous jazz repertoire and composes complex and intricate originals. With blistering technique and a floating touch Nico’s piano playing has been described as “bombastic”, “acrobatic” and “heart breakingly sensitive”. Always striving for new inspiration and levels of creativity Nico’s current works include new musicals, symphonic works, piano pieces, and music directing a slew of musicals.