We felt it was time to say thanks to our fans and hopefully gain some new ones this year with a "free or pay what you like" album download.  We know alot of artists have gone down this path and we wanted to jump in too.  Digital downloads have some legal and licensing implications, so all the tunes on our download page are ones that we own the rights to because we wrote them, except for Amazing Grace, which is in the public domain.  We encourage you to "help yourself", but we sure would appreciate it if you would spread the word on our behalf.  Of course we would be thrilled if everyone checked out our latest CD "Quintesential Coffee" while they are at it.  

 We played an intetresting gig last night.  It was a gala for about 125 professional event planners.  The theme for the evening was that of taking a flight and the ballroom was decked out with all things airplane.  The MC for the evening played the role of a pilot making a series of inflight announcements.  He repeatedly talked about having great live jazz  during the flight.  The name of our band was mentioned over and over again.   It was defintely airtime deluxe.  

We are amazed that our website had visitor number 20,000 today (August 1, 2011).  Google analytics lets us know where all of our site visitors are from and how long they stay when they visit our site.  The average length of a visit is just over four minutes.  We get visitors from around the world, which is one of the cool things about the internet - we can share our music anywhere people are online.  Just to be clear, we are not trying to be a big online marketing machine, but we do like the idea that if people come to visit us online they would be interested in our music and stick around for a while.  Thanks to everyone who has stopped by over the years.  

The harmonica is not usually considered much of a "high brow" instrument - it is the inexpensive instrument of the street.  And most people would not consider it to be a prime candidate for jazz.  But that all changed when Toots Thielmans got his hands on one.  There is no denying his amazing soulful playing.  His most famous song is Bluesette, a tune I love to play.  Here is a sample of many from You Tube. Enjoy!

This past Wednesday (May 18) we were hired for our first ever Harbor Cruise gig on the Pride of Vancouver.   We  have had a cool, wet spring in Vancouver this year, but the day of the gig was gorgeous - sunny and warm.  It was a bit of a challenge to get our gear from the parking area to the boat and up on to the lounge deck, but it all worked pretty well. The crew on the boat were very helpful and in no time we were set up and ready to play for about 60 people from around the world who were here to experience the fabulous city of Vancouver.  It took us a few minutes to get used to the motion of the boat on the water.  Once we got cruising it was pretty smooth, except for when we crossed the wake of a large container ship!  We played jazz standards and originals for about three and half hours, although we did get a 45 minute break.  I have to admit that it required more concentration to play than usual because the scenery was so spectacular.  Seeing Vancouver from the water was amazing.  It was cool as we passed other vessels because we were playing right beside a big open door and the sound of our music was carrying across the water.  The would look at us and give us a wave. During our break the guests were on the lower deck having supper so we just kicked back and relaxed.  The chef was kind enough to save us supper, which we enjoyed once the cruise was done.  We all agreed it wouldn't be hard to get used to gigs like this one.  

Last Saturday we were invited to play at Mosaic, in downtown Vancouver.  Mosaic is a faith community for everyone, but especially for the marginalized and disadvantaged.  They have a great gathering space and a really interesting mix of people who participate.  We were asked to provide a jazz concert along with a presentation about the creative aspect of improvisation as being a reflection of the creative nature of God.  We also shared how different types of jazz tunes serve well as expressions of the human heart, ranging from despair through to joy.  We played the very sad Angel Eyes as a reflection of heartache and the very happy St. Thomas as an expression of happiness.  The vibe, interaction with the crowd, and pre/ post concert conversations with people were really meaningful.  It was one of those times when the music really provided a great way to interact with people.  Very enjoyable.

We are giving away 5 free CDs in honor of the mystery coffee cup rhythm track!  Doug surprised us with it on our recent CD, Quintessential Coffee.  Can you hear it?  Listen to our sample tracks and let us know which song includes the mystery coffee cup rhythm track.  Post your comment the first five right answers will a free Quintessential Coffee CD.  We will not confirm or deny any answer posted so as not to give things away.  

This past week our band was featured in both of the local newspapers after I sent a press release out about our CD launch.  We appreciate the way both papers do a lot to support the local arts and music scene.  These days everything that goes in the newspaper is also posted on line, so if you want to see the articles you can find them at the following links:  Coffee's on at the Watershed Cafe and Quintessential Take on Jazz

This past Christmas Eve I (Gerry) had opportunity to play bass at a wonderful Christmas Eve service where I got to be on stage for the first time with someone playing a harp. Tammy, the harpist, started the service along with a lone vocalist singing Angels We Have Heard on High.  What was truly amazing was the impact of the harp on the start of the service.  Within just a few notes of the harpist starting playing the buzz of the crowd talking and visiting (between 250-300 people) stopped and went almost totally silent. The music powerfully drew people into the mood of the service.  For me it was one of those magical moments where the power of music, just a few notes, on an amazing instrument had a incredible impact.  I have never had the opportunity get up close and personal with a harp before.  A very cool instrument for sure.  

On behalf of Quintessential I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year and to thank you for your support over the past year.  As we look ahead we have a few things we hope to achieve in 2011. We are looking forward to having some CD Release events in support of our new CD Quintessential Coffee.  We are also planning to work on a new album of original tunes.  We also want to get busy with more gigs this year now that we have finished recording Coffee and have had time to welcome our new drummer Lionel into the band.  We love playing for live audiences. May 2011 be a good one for you all.