xThe Rémi Bolduc Jazz Ensemble
Tribute to Dave Brubeck

Date and Venue January 14, 2016 at 8pm | The Anvil Centre Theatre, 777 Columbia Street, New Westminster

Reviewer Ed Farolan

The Montreal-based Rémi Bolduc Jazz Ensemble received a standing ovation from a sold-out house composed of an audience from all parts of Greater Vancouver as they performed their new production, Tribute to Dave Brubeck, for one night only. The audience clamored for more and Bolduc quickly obliged saying "We love to do encores". The quartet in fact did two encore numbers.

The Ensemble with special guest pianist François Bourassa performed the two signature songs of Dave Brubeck "Take Five", composed by alto-saxophomist Paul Desmond and "Blue Rondo a la Turk" by Brubeck. Several other songs from the album Time Out were also performed in this more than two-hour concert.

Bolduc was happy to sell a lot of his CDs during intermission, and quipped about getting free drinks when he comes back to perform again in Vancouver. The cabaret set up was interesting. There were special tables with wine and aperitifs for $55 a person close to the stage, while those just watching the show were in the regular seats in the intimate ambience of Anvil Theatre.

Brubeck passed away in 2012 at the age of 92. He was an accomplished musician winning a number of prestigious awards and honorary doctorates. He was quite prolific and produced several albums between 1946 and 2007.

© 2016 Ed Farolan