HOLY / ALLEN / WEBB & ROBBINS CELEBRATE THE MUSIC OF BRUCE NIELSEN

Thu, Oct 02

For 35 years, Bruce Nielsen was an integral part of the Vancouver music scene. He first appeared as a young jazz drummer in the mid 80s, and began to work with many of Vancouver's leading musicians while studying at VCC and in New York City with Victor Lewis. Fascinated with composition, Bruce went on to studies at UBC and to leading and writing for his own jazz quartet, developing a unique and highly rhythmic style. He ardently explored classical composition, writing a few dozen pieces for chamber ensembles, the most recent of which was performed at this year's Sonic Boom Festival. He also went on to a highly successful career in music education, teaching at Emily Carr Elementary for 17 years. His personal story, reflections on music and assorted recordings can be enjoyed at https://musicforpianotrio.ca/. Bruce had much more music to give but unfortunately his life was cut short by Multiple Sclerosis and he passed on August 24, 2024. Bassist Steve Holy, Tenor saxophonist Mike Allen and pianist Tilden Webb were the members of Bruce's last working jazz quartet, playing and recording across Canada. With the inimitable Dave Robbins taking the drum chair, they are honoured to present and celebrate an evening of his compositions.