About this Event
A bit more about the current Sharp Seven:
The Sharp Seven came together with the help of Vancouver Island University Big Band Director Greg Bush, who united an inspired mix of Courtenay/Comox musicians and VIU Music students. The project began when Ralph Barrat, a charismatic and in-demand jazz vocalist, mentioned his dream of singing with a big band. The result was Ralph Barrat and The Sharp Seven—affectionately known as #7.
With original arrangements by Greg Bush and Troy Jakubiec, the group developed a distinctive sound that blended big-band richness with small-ensemble chemistry. When the band celebrated its 10th anniversary, Ralph decided to take a hiatus—but the rest of the crew was having too much fun to stop.
After Ralph’s departure, The Sharp Seven lineup featured Paul Nuez on trombone, Grahame Edwards on bass, Michael Eddy on keys, and Jack Reynolds on sax and flute.
In more recent years, the addition of Mel McCutcheon on vocals—along with Beau Stocker on drums and Dave Lymburner on trumpet—has brought a fresh spark and creative energy, propelling The Sharp Seven into its next chapter with warmth, style, and plenty of groove. This matinee will feature local acclaimed guest guitarist Jeff Drummond, in place of Mike Eddy.
We are thrilled to be hosting this fabulous matinee at the elegant Legends Dining Room at Painters Resort. Come enjoy a drink overlooking the beauitful Discovery Passage.
Doors open at 11:30am.
Beau Stocker – Drums
Based in Union Bay, BC, Beau Stocker is a versatile drummer and educator whose PhD in music performance from the UK explored East African rhythm fused with improvised music composition. With international performance experience across Europe and East Africa, Beau brings both rhythmic drive and melodic nuance to every gig. He’s a regular working musician in the Comox Valley scene, including involvement with the experimental music ensemble Ultraviolet.
Grahame Edwards – Bass
Grahame Edwards holds down the vital bass chair with consummate professionalism. An educator, improviser, clinician, composer, recordist and multi-instrumentalist (sometimes playing multiple instruments at once), Grahame brings depth, versatility and musical curiosity to the rhythm section and beyond. He plays in numerous local groups and ensembles including The Valley Cats, With Mike and Dave, and West Coast Jazz.
Jeff Drummond – Guitar
Based in the Comox Valley, Jeff Drummond is a versatile guitarist, composer and educator with over 25 years of professional performance experience in Canada and the UK. His musical reach spans jazz, funk and soul, and he is known for his creative improvisation and deep sense of groove. A founding member of the award-nominated jazz trio Sinistrio, Jeff brings a distinctive and flexible voice to the Sharp Seven.
Mel – Vocals
Known for her heartfelt stage presence, Mel has headlined sold-out shows with the quintet Vintage Velvet and the trio Anderson Jazz. More recently she’s been travelling down-island for ever-growing performance opportunities from her base in Campbell River. With warm, expressive vocals and a genuine connection to her audience, she brings the songs to life.
Jack – Sax
Jack took up saxophone at age 15 after hearing the Kitsilano Boys Band, and at just 18 toured England for five months in the summer of ’53. On returning to Vancouver he joined the Musicians Union while studying Law at UBC, but never left the jazz scene. After moving to Comox he joined the Georgia Straight Big Band and the Sharp Seven, and continues to enjoy the local music life every day.
Dave – Trumpet
Dave studied music in Edmonton (Grant MacEwan College and the University of Alberta) many years ago, and has always loved playing in university and college big bands. He was a member of the Big Miller Big Band in the late ’70s, taught at Banff High School, directed community concert and jazz bands in Canmore and, after almost two decades away from playing, is delighted to be back enjoying the groove.
Paul Nuez – Trombone
Paul Nuez, who lives in the Comox Valley, has shared the trombone chair since the band’s inception and is delighted to be back. A familiar face in the local jazz scene, he began trombone in junior high in Calgary and studied in the jazz program at Grant MacEwan College, taking lessons with Bob Stroup. He has performed with many of Vancouver Island’s great jazz artists including Colin Campbell, Phil Dwyer and Ian MacDougall.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Painter's Lodge, 1625 McDonald Road, Campbell River, Canada
CAD 22.63
