VOCALIST
Now living in Victoria, Vancouver-born Brian Tate was active on the Vancouver jazz scene for many years with his quartet and also with the Ferguson/Tate/LaRue vocal jazz trio. He has performed at the Vancouver International Jazz Festival, the Pender Harbour Jazz Festival and the Harrison Festival as well as the Cellar Jazz Club and other venues. Brian is a founding member of the world music a cappella group “TriVo” with Dawn Pemberton and Karla Mundy.
Influenced by such diverse vocalists as Kurt Elling, Tony Bennett, and Mose Allison, Brian demonstrates versatility not only as an accomplished vocalist but also as an award-winning composer and arranger, reimagining and reharmonizing jazz standards as well as pop, folk, and world music.
As an educator, Brian offers masterclasses for singers, teaches at the UJAM summer jazz camp, “Songroots” summer vocal camp, and the BC Swing Camp. He has also taught at the Banff Centre, performed with Michael Gold’s “Jazz Impact”ensemble, created performing-arts-based workshops with the corporate coaching group “Next”, and created his own programs bringing the concept of jazz and improvisation to organizations of all kinds.
"…exceptional…the audience was mesmerized by the rhythm and texture of the music. His timing, sense of pitch and harmony and intricate knowledge of the sometimes mysterious and complicated language of music made his over-ninety-minute dreamlike show float by. Brian’s energy and connection to the human spirit are inspiring and inviting. Thank you Brian, for the gifts of your original talent and your infectious energy.” -- Undercurrents, Bowen Island newspaper