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By Daron Letts
Northern News Services
Published Tuesday, January 27, 2009

INUVIK - The Inuvik-based jazz combo Razzmajazz is heading to Yellowknife this week. The musicians are debuting songs off their new album as part of the Northern Performer Festival at Northern Arts and Cultural Centre (NACC) on Friday.

They launched their second album, Northern Nights, with a hometown concert earlier this week.

Christina Wilsdon plays keyboard live with Razzmajazz. The Inuvik band will take the stage at NACC this week. - George Lessard/NNSL photo

"It offers a sprinkling of original tunes written by the band members, some jazz standards and a couple of surprise pieces," said keyboardist Christina Wilsdon.

The 18 tracks include classics like I'll Be Seeing You, My Funny Valentine, It Doesn't Mean A Thing If You Ain't Got That Swing and a unique medley combining Take Five by the Dave Brubeck Quartet and Van Morrison's Moondance.

The CD's title is inspired by an instrumental composed by the band's Sax player, Mike Whiteside, called Hot Babe Northern Lights.

Razzmajazz will be joined by local bassist Pat Braden and drummer Jonathan Churcher, who moved to Yellowknife from Inuvik last year. The show also includes guest appearances by student jazz musicians from Bill Gilday's class at Sir John Franklin and young singer/songwriter Chrystal Saunders of Inuvik.

This is the first time Razzmajazz has played the NACC stage since forming five years ago.

"We're very excited and very honoured," Wilsdon said.

Razzmajazz take the stage at 7:30 p.m.