On Nov. 26, a stellar lineup of West Coast jazz artists, along with dozens of fans and friends, will gather at a North Vancouver theatre for a benefit concert to support pianist, saxophonist and bandleader, Ross Taggart.
Taggart, a highly respected musician and friend to many, has been conspicuously absent from bandstands in the Vancouver area while he battles renal cancer.
Six featured groups will perform at the concert: the Ian McDougall Sextet, Hugh Fraser Quintet, Bill Coon Quartet, Ugetsu, Jill Townsend Big Band and Bob Murphy Duo with Campbell Ryga. All of these groups are ensembles that Taggart belongs to.
“I always recognize Ross's sound immediately," says Ryga, the organizer of the event and a close friend of Taggart's. "I hear his grace, elegance and heart, all in combination with the history of the tenor saxophone, in his wonderful playing.”
“Ross is an extremely caring, kind and supportive friend," Ryga continues. "He is someone who has always had my best interests at heart for over 30 years now.”
“Along with being a talented and accomplished musician, Ross exudes a singular warmth and dignified presence both on and off the bandstand," says John Orysik, media director for the Coastal Jazz and Blues Society in Vancouver. "I've always found him to be an engagingly positive, supportive individual with a quick sense of humour and a generous spirit.”
Margaret Gallagher, the host of CBC’s long-running jazz show, Hot Air, crossed paths with Taggart early in his career.
"About 20 years ago, I was living above a shop on Main Street, and sharing a rooftop garden with two other apartments," says Gallagher. "One night we were all hanging out on the roof on a beautiful summer night. Then in walks a tall, dapper fellow wearing a tux and carrying a saxophone case. I learned that it was my neighbour Ross, fresh from a wedding gig, looking like he'd just stepped out of a Fitzgerald novel.”
“That's the thing about Ross," Gallagher continues. "He's got a gentlemanly, old school charm that is rare to find, and really comes through in his music.”
Gallagher and CBC Early Edition host Rick Cluff will MC the event, which kicks off with a pre-concert event hosted by a house rhythm section to accommodate Taggart’s many additional friends who will no doubt want a chance to contribute to the evening’s music-making.
The benefit concert is now sold out, but those who would like to contribute to Taggart’s recovery can find details on how to help at this website.
Related:
Listen to the Hot Air 65th anniversary concert featuring Ross Taggart