Quintessential, a Langley-based jazz quartet, will introduce their third CD, titled “Quintessential Coffee,” with a live performance at the Watershed Arts Café in Walnut Grove on Friday, Feb. 18, beginning at 8 p.m.
“We have been encouraged with the initial response to this album as it has received airplay on CBC and CKUA radio,” said bassist Gerry Teichrob.
The idea to include coffee in the title was the result of the band enjoying significant amounts of coffee while recording the album, along with a surprise coffee cup rhythm track that showed up in the recording process.
“Doug, our sax and guitar player, was tapping out a rhythm pattern on his coffee cup during the recording of one song — with the band unaware,” said Teichrob.
“During one of our listening sessions we figured out what had happened and we liked how it sounded.”
The album is a collection of favourite jazz standards such as Autumn Leaves, Song for My Father, and Blue Bossa, along with two originals and one live track, Angel Eyes.
The band describes its sound as “classic jazz with a twist,” as they rely on the Rhodes electric piano and electric bass along with guitar, sax, and drums to create their sound.
Quintessential has been busy playing throughout the Lower Mainland since 2004, including four previous appearances at the Langley Jazz Festival.
A second CD launch event is booked for Friday, March 11 at 8 pm at the House of James in Abbotsford.
Band members are Doug Dunbar – guitar and sax, Lionel Duperron – drums, Phyllis Heppner – keyboards and Teichrob on bass.
CDs and demo tracks are available at www.quintessentialjazz.info.