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Smokey blues at Vernon’s Record City

Through delicately executed timing and mood, musicians can transport the audience through time
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Blue Moon Marquee prepares for their show alongside the Smith Fraser Duo at Record City June 4. (Photo submitted)

Through delicately executed timing, pitch, and mood, musicians can transport the audience through time.

That’s the goal of Blue Moon Marquee Sunday, as they transform Record City into a film noir-esque jazz parlour.

“I think we both respect the old style of blues and jazz performers,” says Jasmine ‘Badlands Jass’ Colette, who plays the upright bass, foot percussion, and sultry vocals in the duo.

Blue Moon Marquee blends together influences of Southern blues, Delta blues, and Eastern European swing music in their nearly all-original compositions set, creating a sound Colette refers to as “gypsy blues.”

Playing alongside Colette is smokey vocalist and electric guitarist Alexander Wesley Cardinal, both of whom are from the Alberta Badlands.

“We both left there (Alberta Badlands) many years ago, and have been living all over the world,” Colette says, adding that the duo didn’t form until about three and a half years ago.

“Alexander had been living in New York and came to Vancouver to record an album. I played bass and sang on it. We instantly knew we had to play together.”

Now based on Vancouver Island, Blue Moon Marquee has been touring steadily since their formation, and were invited to nine jazz festivals across Canada. This fall, Blue Moon Marquee will be playing in seven jazz festivals before embarking on their first European tour.

But for Blue Moon Marquee, the intimacy found at venues such as Record City is what it’s all about.

“The staff is the friendliest. I love the whole vibe. I love the record shop,” Colette says. “We’re very excited to be back.”

At smaller shows, Colette and Cardinal enjoy generating dialogue with the audience, which helps immerse both the band and the viewers, Colette says.

“You’re not as far removed.”

However, it goes beyond the increased audience interaction.

“Usually the sound is better than if you’re in a bigger space,” says Colette.

“We’re going to give it all we’ve got.”

Blue Moon Marquee is playing alongside The Smith Fraser Duo at Record City June 4 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20, available at Record City.