Malleus Trio- Album Release Concert at the Cultch

By Maddy Cristall

There is nothing quite like seeing live jazz music in a vintage venue. Our elusive fascination with nostalgia is satiated when we experience something rare in our contemporary world. We feel this while witnessing the flickering world through trains, listening to scratchy records, the satisfying sound of typewriters and if you’re lucky-receiving a handwritten piece of mail. Jazz music has this voodoo magic that can transport listeners to different eras, head spaces, physical relaxation and emotional ease. That is why it is so exciting the ridiculously talented Vancouver based Ben Brown, Geordie Hart and Dominic Conway have curated Malleus Trio. The jazz group just released their impressive sophomore album-Play Nice. This past sun-drenched Saturday evening at The Cultch Theatre marked the first show of their tour through Western Canada.

The historical Cultch is a beautiful, rich and red velvet draped theatre in the heart of East Vancouver. The nearly sold-out crowd were transfixed by this generous performance by the refined trio. The crowd remained silent while the band provided mesmerizing instrumentation. The large stage allowed space for the music to move through and each musician to have their own island of sound. There is chemistry shared amongst band members that vibrates through the room.

It is refreshing to refrain from speaking during performances and simply take in truly beautiful music. This experience is an art form in and of itself- shutting the fuck up and listening. Malleus Trio is now sharing this musical opus with various parts of Canada. If you get the chance to be by the magnitude of their sound, take it.