Get ready to take a musical journey across calm waters and through sonic textures when The Skye Douglas Project performs at Hermanns Jazz Club on Thursday, March 20 at 7 p.m.
Led by Dean “Skye” Boland, the Vancouver Island-based ensemble is known for their original instrumental compositions that blend Nordic jazz, world music, neo-classical and spiritual contemporary jazz.
Boland explains Nordic jazz as a genre that originated in Scandinavian countries in the 1970s. It eschewed the tradition of American jazz standards and often used Norwegian folk music as the basis for its compositions. It incorporates elements of classical, rock, and Scandinavian folk music.
“It has a sense of space, leans more towards minor modes and is said to be guided by and reflective of the open landscapes and fjords of the musician's home countries,” Boland said.
The bandleader describes the Next Chapter Tour as “a celebration of hope, peace, and joy”. Compositions such as Open Spaces and Next Chapter Hymn evoke reflection and calm, while pieces like Something's Brewin’ and Catch You Later are more up-tempo and celebratory.
“As a composer, one of my initial thoughts is how will the music I'm writing impact the listener. Especially in today's world of such instability and growing despair, I want our concerts to give people a reprieve from the present chaos and have two hours of music that leads them to let go, breathe, be in the moment and be refreshed in their souls.”
The Skye Douglas Project was formed in 2021 and has evolved over the past few years in terms of both members and musical focus. It began as a traditional jazz quintet with trumpet, saxophone, piano, drums and upright bass that focused on playing music from European musicians not well known in Canada. Since then it has become a quartet incorporating piano, flugelhorn, trumpet, violin, bass and drums.
The band’s current lineup consists of Nick Peck on piano, Dean Boland on flugelhorn and trumpet, Quin Etheridge Pedder on violin and bass, and James McRae on drums.
“Our electric bassist also plays fiddle on some tunes. I myself focus more on playing the flugelhorn and use the trumpet sparingly,” Boland said. “Our focus is now 90 per cent original music composed by myself or other band members.”
Whether you’re a jazz aficionado or just looking to unwind, this concert promises a relaxing musical journey.
Boland recalls a moment while recording their latest music when he noticed the sound engineer with his head down after one of their takes. Boland asked him if something was wrong.
“No,” the engineer replied. “I just feel like I have been through a music therapy session and I'm so peaceful.”
Boland said this sums up his intentions for this tour.
“If people leave with these types of feelings then we have accomplished our goal and been of benefit to their lives.”
Tickets for the Hermann's show on Thursday, March 20 are $25 plus fees via hermannsjazz.com.
