The third instalment of the Jazz at Lincoln Park concerts saw André Wickenheiser and guests taking to the floor of the Nickle Theatre on March 15.
The lineup consisted of Wickenheiser playing trumpet and flugelhorn, Nate Waters playing saxophone, Joanna Boromeo on piano and keyboard, Daniel Nava on bass, and Sanah Kadoura on drums.
They performed Wickenheiser’s own original compositions, and some he coined as “world premieres”.
The composer is a former MRU student and teaches occasionally in the Mount Royal University Conservatory.
“I didn’t actually get to spend a lot of time in this theatre, but we came in here occasionally so it’s really great, and it’s going to be really fun to play with,” Wickenheiser said before the show.
After completing his artist diploma at MRU, Wickenheiser then went to McGill University in Montreal to complete a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in jazz performance.
Since graduating, the trumpet player has performed with an impressive mix of groups, such as Decidedly Jazz Danceworks, The Canadian National Jazz Orchestra and The Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra.
“I prefer smaller situations like this, you get more of a connection with the audience so it’s a lot more fun,” Wickenheiser said.
The concert also included Q&As with the audience, and quick-fire questions from John Roggensack, who helped organise the event alongside Gina Allen.
Wickenheiser informed the audience during one of these sections that he is now living in Banff, where he drew much inspiration for some of his new compositions.
“I did a slightly different process for my composing this time than I usually do, where I start with melodies instead of chord progressions. And so that allowed things to develop in a different way.”
The next concert will take place on Apr 19. with John McCaslin and guests taking to the floor for the penultimate performance of the Jazz at Lincoln Park series.