Winnipeg jazz lovers are in for a treat this Sunday, March 16, at 7 pm when the Pacific Prairie Jazz Quintet takes the stage at the Fort Garry Hotel. The performance promises an evening of soulful, high-energy jazz, led by the dynamic saxophone duo of Anna Blackmore and Tristan Martinuson. Their unique blend of their Prairie roots and West Coast influences creates a sound that will captivate audiences in their hometown once again.
Blackmore and Martinuson, who both honed their craft at the University of Manitoba’s Jazz Studies program, are no strangers to the city’s jazz scene. Under the mentorship of renowned saxophonist John Gordon, they developed a deep appreciation for jazz as Black art music, while learning to respect the genre’s roots and the musicians who shaped it. Their shared passion for jazz would later lead them to Vancouver, where they expanded their musical horizons and became part of the city’s thriving jazz community.
"We were in a lot of the scene that was already existing there," Martinuson explained of their Vancouver experience. He was able to study with Fred Stride, whose big band and composition work influenced his studies. "We got to play with a lot of students from UBC, Capilano, and beyond, which really helped us grow as artists."
Despite their academic shifts—Blackmore pursued a master’s in English literature while Martinuson delved into computer science—they continued to make jazz their focus. Both musicians drew inspiration from the vibrant jazz community in Vancouver, which introduced them to legendary artists like Jodi Proznick, Derek Gardner, and Bill Coon. Through these collaborations, Blackmore and Martinuson learned invaluable lessons about authenticity, mentorship, and maintaining a personal musical voice.
"I really learned how important it is to have a sound that identifies you," Martinuson said. "It’s about having a voice that’s distinct, so people can recognize you just by hearing you play." For Blackmore, mentorship played a key role. "What really drew me to musicians like Jodi Proznick and Fred Stride was their warmth. They were so willing to help younger musicians, which I try to emulate in my own approach."
The Pacific Prairie Jazz Quintet’s name reflects their journey, representing both their Prairie origins and their time spent in the Pacific Northwest. "We were Prairie musicians who came to the Pacific Northwest trying to establish ourselves," Blackmore said. Now back in Winnipeg, they are excited to perform once more for a hometown audience. "We had a show in December, and it was so nice to play for Winnipeg again," Blackmore said. "It’s exciting to hear different rhythm sections interpret our music in new ways."
For Sunday’s performance, the quintet will feature an outstanding rhythm section, including Connor Derraugh on piano, Lindsay Woolgar on bass, and Kevin Waters on drums. Expect a setlist that blends original compositions with the work of some of Vancouver’s top jazz talent, such as Jodi Proznick and Sharantha Beddage. There will also be a nod to their Prairie roots with a performance of "Wheatland," by the legendary Canadian pianist Oscar Peterson.
Describing the sound of the Pacific Prairie Jazz Quintet, Martinuson pointed to their love for the energetic, harmonically rich saxophone duos of jazz greats like Johnny Griffin. "We love that loud, blazing saxophone sound," he said. "But we’re also experimenting with textures and using different woodwinds to add variety." Blackmore emphasized the flexibility their multi-instrument approach provides. "Between the two of us, we cover all the saxophones, which lets us really play with the arrangements."
For Blackmore and Martinuson, this performance is also a homecoming. "It’s so nice to be back in Winnipeg," Blackmore said. "Vancouver was tough, starting from the ground up and not knowing many people. Here, we have friends, family, and connections. It’s great to reconnect with the local jazz scene."
Don’t miss the chance to experience the soulful, dynamic sounds of the Pacific Prairie Jazz Quintet this Sunday, March 16, at the Fort Garry Hotel. The performance begins at 7:00 p.m., offering an unforgettable evening of music from two of Canada’s rising jazz stars.
