One of the big joys of any festival is discovering new artists. That pleasure is doubled when the artist is both new to you, and new to the public spotlight. Today we shine a light on some artists to watch in the coming years.
LUDIC
Ludic guitarist Ayla Tesler-Mabe used to be in Calpurnia with Stranger Things actor Finn Wolfhart. Having established herself as a player to be reckoned with outside of her media-friendly affliations, she now makes jazzy, poppy music with brothers Max and Rhett Cunningham. Ludic means “showing spontaneous and undirected playfulness,” which is an accurate reflection of the band’s sound. Drawing more on 70s groove and jazz fusion bass lines, Ludic is redefining modern soul for a new generation. Tesler-Mabe will also present a workshop from Tom Lee Music, demonstrating her amazing chops and joyful spirit.
THAD BAILEY-MAI
Thad’s dad, Vince, is also a trumpet player, and Thad carries the family tradition with flair and skill. One of the bright lights of the latest generation of artists to graduate from the Jazz Studies program at Cap, he incorporates the diverse influences he absorbed there to his sound. Before COVID, he was a mover and a shaker in the scene that was forming around the Memorial Jazz Space on the Downtown Eastside, and we look forward to getting a chance to see him live once again. His band for this gig feature some of the most interesting emerging voices in jazz (David Blake, Mili Hong, Eli Davidovici).
SOLD OUT IN PERSON! WATCH ONLINE
JAMIE LEE
Drummer Jamie Lee brings a beautiful energy to everything she does, whether it’s playing the drums or riffing on how great striped socks are. Another bandleader formed in the crucible of the CapilanoU Jazz studies program, her tight trio (who met at school) plays her original compositions which stand up to anything being produced by more established artists. A distinctive artist and lovely human, we look forward to seeing what the future holds for her!
AMANDA SUM
The most astonishing moment the Coastal Jazz marketing department had as a collective was opening Amanda Sum’s promo packet and hearing the wallop her voice packs. Do not be fooled by the sweet-looking promotional pictures–she’s a deeply thoughtful lyricist and a forceful and soulful singer. She’s also using her platform to support other female Asian artists–Jamie Lee is also in this band, as well as Ginger Chen on bass.
SOLD OUT IN PERSON. WATCH ONLINE
KEVIN ROMAIN
Teetering on the edge of “emerged” drummer Kevin Romain’s eclectic tastes and versatility sometimes mean he doesn’t pop to the top of people’s minds when listing off Vancouver’s creative drummers. That’s a mistake. As a side person, Romain can be heard performing regularly with art pop ensemble Only A Visitor, Itamar Erez’ jazz quartet, and gamelan-rock iconoclasts We Just Stole A Car, among many others. But as a leader, his project with pianist Roisin Adams (Enemy Pigeon) and his own modern jazz trio, which will play Frankie’s Jazz Club this festival, demonstrate his fine ear and willingness to explore the corners of jazz.
BONNIE NORTHGRAVES
One of our favourite things about Bonnie Northgraves is that across social media, she’s Bonnie James Dio, which is hilarious. She also makes regular YouTube videos called “Jazz Story Time” where she does a little talking, a little playing, and a lot of jazz appreciation. One of our other favourite things about her is that she’s as comfortable on trumpet as she is on piano or vocals, and she’s not afraid to mix it up. Clever pop covers, traditional big band swing, modern jazz: It’s all in the mix. Sadly, with COVID, the swing dancers won’t be permitted to enjoy her concert in the traditional way (they turn up on the regular when she plays!) but it’s sure to be a swingin’ set regardless.
SOLD OUT IN PERSON. WATCH ONLINE
KRISTIN FUNG
Kristin Fung used to work at Coastal Jazz, where she was beyond beloved. There was much lamentation when she moved to Toronto–we’re so happy she’s back, with her easygoing, joyful soul-pop-jazz. Who knows, she might even bust out the ukulele.
SOLD OUT IN PERSON. WATCH ONLINE
