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Quintessential Jazz performs in Abbotsford

Langley-based quartet unveils its latest album at the House of James on March 11.
95930abbotsfordQuintessentialJazz
Doug Dunbar

Quintessential Jazz unveils its latest album at the House of James on March 11.

The record, Quintessential Coffee, features a collection of jazz standards like Autumn Leaves, Song for My Father and Blue Bossa, along with two originals and one live track, Angel Eyes.

"We kind of wanted to have an album that showed a few different faces of our style of music, from soft background jazz to passionate music and a few upbeat tunes," said bassist Gerry Teichrob.

The Langley-based quartet describes its sound as classic jazz with a twist. Songs often incorporate the electric piano and electric bass with guitar, sax and drums.

Quintessential has played at numerous jazz festivals, corporate events and weddings throughout the Lower Mainland since forming in 2004. The band members - Phyllis Heppner (keyboards), Doug Dunbar (guitar and sax), Lionel Duperron (drums) and Teichrob - are all private music teachers by day. A shared passion for performing brought the friends together on stage.

"It's the music that captivates us more than anything," said Teichrob. "We love the creative interaction that jazz affords. As musicians, it offers so much more freedom than other kinds of music to express ourselves."

The group also sees performing as an opportunity to explore the spiritual relationship between music and the heart and soul.

"That ability to create in the moment is a profound way of experiencing what God is like, a creative being," added Teichrob. "We see music as a gift to be shared."

The House of James concert starts at 8 p.m. at 2743 Emerson St. Admission is by suggested donation of $7. Quintessential Coffee will be on sale at the venue.

CDs and demo tracks are also available online at www.quintessentialjazz.info.