Tuesday Night Jazz at the Church proudly presents legendary Canadian bassist Neil Swainson and Friends!
Join us for an all-star trio featuring legendary Canadian bassist Neil Swainson, alongside long-time musical friends saxophonist Roy Styffe and pianist Dr. Tony Genge.
Victoria-born bassist Neil Swainson made a name for himself as one of the world’s finest bass players, performing, recording, and touring globally with pianist George Shearing, saxophonist Joe Henderson, pianist Renee Rosnes, vocalist Ernestine Anderson, and countless others.
Enjoy a special concert showcasing Neil Swainson on bass with some of the West Coast’s finest musicians.
Date: Tuesday, January 13, 2026
Time: 7:00 pm (Doors open at 6:30 pm)
Location: James Bay United Church, 511 Michigan St.
Admission: by donation ($20 suggested donation, but all are welcome)
Experience a night of swinging jazz with some of the country’s finest musicians in an intimate and welcoming setting.
Neil Swainson was born in Victoria, British Columbia, on November 15, 1955. He began working with Paul Horn in 1975 and played in his band for two years. Neil also backed musicians such as Barney Kessel, Herb Ellis, and Sonny Stitt.
In 1977, Neil moved to Toronto, which has since become his home. He became highly active in the local jazz scene, performing with artists including Moe Koffman, Ed Bickert, Rob McConnell, and Peter Appleyard. He has also played with many visiting jazz artists, including James Moody, George Coleman, Jay McShann, Tommy Flanagan, Lee Konitz, Joe Farrell, Slide Hampton, and Woody Shaw. Neil toured and recorded with Woody Shaw, and his own recording 49th Parallel (Concord Jazz 4396) features Woody Shaw on trumpet and Joe Henderson on saxophone.
In 1986, Neil began working with George Shearing. Together, they performed worldwide with artists such as Mel Tormé, Joe Williams, Nancy Wilson, Robert Farnon, and Diana Krall. Neil has made numerous recordings with George Shearing.
Neil has also recorded with many other artists, including Jay McShann, Doc Cheatham, Geoff Keezer, Sam Noto, Peter Leitch, Pat LaBarbera, Kevin Dean, Rob McConnell, Ed Bickert, PJ Perry, Lorne Lofsky, Kirk MacDonald, Gene DiNovi, Roberta Gambarini, and JMOG—a cooperative band featuring Don Thompson, Pat LaBarbera, and Joe LaBarbera.
Many recordings featuring Neil have won Canada’s Juno Award. More recently, he has toured internationally with vocalist Roberta Gambarini. Neil continues to compose and freelance extensively in the Toronto area.
Tuesday Night Jazz at the Church admission by donation (suggested $20)
relax in the cosy and acoustically excellent sanctuary
of James Bay United Church for some very special presentationsTuesday Night Jazz at the Church is part of the Arts Ministry of James Bay United Church in partnership with the Victoria Jazz Community
Watch previous weeks' gems... but before you watch, please consider making a donation to the Arts Ministry of James Bay United Church. From the drop-down menu select Fund # 2- Arts Ministry and Tuesday Night Jazz ... in the comments section you can leave a note about what show you were watching ... or any other message for us.
DONATE NOW Fund # 2- Arts Ministry and Tuesday Night Jazz