Postcards From Zambia at Hero’s Welcome
Postcards From Zambia are a polyrhythmic fusion of modal jazz and traditional percussion music from various Zambian cultures. Though the group draws inspiration from all over this central/southern African country, their repertoire is especially focussed on Luvale (and related) music from Zambia’s Northwestern Province. In essence, the Postcards recreate a traditional ngoma ensemble through the orchestration, improvisation, and arranging tendencies of the jazz idiom. Percussionist Jason Winikoff and drummer Chris Blaber recreate the tightly interlocking rhythmic foundation while Feven Kidane (trumpet), Dean Thiessen (piano), and Noah Gotfrit (bass) fill the roles of a call-and-response choir. The result is an energetic, grooving, joyful, and powerful musical meditation that can be enjoyed from the contemplative comfort of your seat or the dancefloor. Bandleader and arranger Jason Winikoff has spent years studying under, performing alongside, and working with various elite Zambian dance troupes such as Lenga Navo, Likumbi Lya Mize Chibolya, and Chota. He is a student of the renowned cultural custodians Kapalu Lizambo, Josephine Sombo Muzala Chipango, William Vunda, and Douglas Mwila as well as a proud partner of the Likumbi Lya Mize Cultural Association. He is honored to bring a slice of Luvale culture to Vancouver with the help of this scene’s most creative and sensitive musicians.
Gals & Pals with the Leading Ladies at the Pearl
For over five years, 11-woman big band The Leading Ladies have been thrilling audiences all over the Lower Mainland with their unique blend of modern cool and classic swing, all under the direction of Casey Thomas-Burns. On Sunday, November 10th, The Ladies make their long awaited debut at the Pearl on Granville with Gals & Pals, a brand new show featuring some of the city’s top R&B & Pop vocalists and bands, including Dawn Pemberton, Krystle Dos Santos, Club Sofa, Tess Anderson, with more surprises to be announced in the coming weeks!
The Ladies will be dipping into the more contemporary side of their repertoire for this special show, with familiar R&B & Pop hits sung by some of your favourite local singers.
Robin Layne & The Rhythm Makers at The Painted Ship
Over the past decade and a half, Juno nominated percussionist Robin Layne has steeped himself in rhythmic traditions around the world. His search for rhythm and folkloric traditions has led him to Cuba, Guinea, Mali, Mexico, and beyond. He brings these influences to bear in his compositions that are inspired by his travels. He’ll be releasing a brand new album in November, and is excited to present this new music at the Painted Ship, with the help of Jocelyn Waugh, Tim Sars, Wynston Minckler, Daniel Ruiz, and Liam MacDonald.