The Peru Gazette

A pair of the hottest names in contemporary jazz join the North Country’s favorite vibes player Tim Collins for three shows at the Saranac Fire Hall Friday, March 20 at 7 pm; Saturday, March 21 at 7 pm; and Sunday, March 22 at 3 pm.

Christine Jensen on alto sax and Ingrid Jensen on trumpet headline jazz festivals and clubs around the globe, including Burlington and Montreal.  For over 20 years the West Canadian sisters have shaped prolific careers, collaborating with influential names in large and small ensembles and responding to various commissions to compose for international jazz orchestras. They especially enjoy performing in the intimate setting of a quintet, where they can give free reign to their intuitive sibling trust – “Ingrid’s mellifluous trumpet technique melds with Christine’s warm, legato alto to conjure the aura of a wordless vocal” – combined with the creativity of renowned colleagues, here Tim Collins on vibes, Marcos Varela on bass, and Jon Wikan on drums.

Plattsburgh native Tim Collins is currently based in Munich, Germany, where he is active in the European jazz scene. Hailed a “world-class vibes player” (CJSR Canada), “a distinctive vibraphone voice” (Radio One Australia), and a “musician of fire” (Washington Post), Tim’s music is described as “thoughtful, probing” (Downbeat) and “stunning, sophisticated jazz” (PBS Australia). The concerts will feature his tunes “Valcour” and “Crazy Cat,” as well as the Jensens’ “Blue Yonder” and “Swirl Around,” plus much more.

Opening each show, the Wickmoore Jazz Trio – “Saranac’s own” – features another pair of siblings:  Eli Moore on bass and Nelson Moore on drums and vocals.  The two brothers joined with pianist Vihan Wickramasinghe, originally from Sri Lanka, whom they met when members of SUNY Plattsburgh’s Mambo Combo.  Fast forward three years, the three now rip through jazz standards, funk favorites, and contemporary staples alike. They have gained a reputation throughout the North Country for providing intimate entertainment in restaurants, breweries, wineries, festivals, and private functions.

Three consecutive shows take place Friday, March 20 at 7:00 pm, Saturday, March 21 at 7:00 pm, and Sunday, March 22 at 3:00 pm at the Saranac Fire Hall on NYS Route 3 in Saranac.  Seating at the Saranac Fire Hall is club-style: six to eight chairs per table.  Requested donation of $20 includes refreshments.  For further info please telephone 518-293-7613, e-mail hillholl@hughes.net or visit www.hillandhollowmusic.org.