Zale was a mainstay on the Edmonton jazz scene for many years, being a stalwart supporter of Jazz.

The many who knew Zale will fondly remember “Hello World!”, a remark that Zale would yell out at the end of most songs, confirming his enjoyment of the performance. Edmonton’s remarkable tradition of jazz is largely due to fans like Zale, who have made it possible to have supportive audiences for performing.

The music this night will reflect Zale’s personal taste in jazz, a collection of Kent’s originals, and some well-known standard gems. February 28 is sure to be a swinging affair.

JUNO nominee Kent Sangster has been a prominent member of Canada’s jazz scene for over twenty-five years. He is a highly respected saxophonist, educator, bandleader, composer-arranger, and producer.

Some of the artists Kent has shared the stage with include Pat Metheny, Bob Minzter, Randy Brecker, Dave Liebman, Joe Lovano, Mick Goodrick, Maria Schneider, Jon Beasley, Ira Sullivan, PJ Perry, and Tommy Banks.

Kent’s Obsessions Octet has performed at Carnegie Hall, The Rochester International Jazz Festival, and completed two extensive tours in Europe. The European tours included performances in London, Budapest, Prague, Gdansk, Krakow, and Syros, Greece. Kent has released seven commercially released recordings, four of which are with the Obsessions Octet. In addition to the JUNO nomination, he is a Western Canadian Music Award winning artist.

Kent also holds an Associate Professorship at MacEwan University in the areas of jazz composition, arranging, improvisation, and performance. He is also the artistic producer of the Edmonton International Jazz Festival.

Photo of Kent Sangster supplied By Michelle Lori.