Electrifying jazz combo hits The Matchbox
Raking up rave reviews for their sizzling jazz sounds, Mark DeJong and The Outer Bridge Ensemble plays The Matchbox Nov. 5.
Showtime is 8 p.m.
Frontman Mark DeJong, who calls Saskatoon home, is not only one of the nation’s finest tenor sax players, he’s also a Western Canadian Music Awards nominee for his latest disc The Unknown. The acclaimed ensemble was formed in New Jersey back in 2003 when DeJong was studying music at Rutgers University there.
“It’s actually one of the oldest universities in North America,” he says during a recent chat. The opportunity for a constant string of gigs in the musically-rich region is also a huge advantage. “It’s close to New York which is still home to some of the finest jazz musicians in the world.”
Meanwhile, the band features Simon Fisk, Jerome Jennings, David Freeman and Steve Hudson. The guys produce a seamless, sophisticated sound that is steadily attracting a growing legion of fans.
“The Outer Bridge Ensemble is a collection of musicians who are all composers and bandleaders in their own right,” explains DeJong. “When we get together, everybody contributes a lot of different things to the music. The music we perform tends to evolve over time, so the more we play together the more the music evolves.
“Everyone just has a great time performing together. We really enjoy the collaborative process. It’s a very spiritually connected group as well.”
Currently, DeJong teaches jazz studies at the University of Saskatoon and is the former artistic director of the Saskatoon Jazz Society.
And even though he’s now far away from his bandmates, he works hard to keep the connection strong. “I realized if I didn’t remain very proactive in keeping a connection down there, it would fade away.”
And instead of looking at the distance as an inconvenience, DeJong chooses to be positive. “The distance can be a blessing. It becomes more of a reunion when you get together as opposed to tedium,” he chuckles.
A love for music in DeJong was sparked early on during his growing up years in Calgary – his folks were both involved in performing. He started piano as a youngster but enthusiastically moved onto saxophone later.
“It has so many expressive qualities. I’ve always appreciated that aspect of it.”
As for jazz, that was more of an acquired taste. “At first it sounded like crazy music to me, but I just kept going back to it,” he explains. “The more I gave it a chance, the more I was drawn to the colours of the music. There’s also such a broad range of styles within the term jazz. It’s endless – there’s so much to explore.”
For tickets, drop by The Matchbox at #110, 5301 – 43 St. or call 403-341-6500. They can also be purchased via Ticketmaster at 403-340-4455 or by visiting www.ticketmaster.ca.
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