WAYNE KOZAK TRIO

Wayne Kozak honed his jazz skills in Vancouver's thriving music venues in the early '70s, including the iconic Cellar jazz club, opening for the likes of Ornette Coleman and Herbie Hancock. He went onto become mainstays of the Canadian jazz scene as a founding member of Cobra, one of Canada's first fusion jazz groups. Perhaps best known as the tenor sax man for the legendary Powder Blues Band, Wayne became a sought-after session musician and performer who worked with such stars such as Tina Turner, Tom Jones, Bryan Adams, Dionne Warwick, Gladys Knight, Loverboy, and Randy Bachman. Wayne also played with Long John Baldry, Jim Byrnes and Hans Stamer. He recently moved to Vancouver Island from Vancouver, where he performs Jazz, Blues and Contemporary Music at various local venues.

John Wade is a highly respected bass player who performs throughout the Cowichan Valley. In addition to the Wayne Kozak Trio, he is a regular at the Masthead in Cowichan Bay. John's unique interpretations of jazz tunes, combined with a long history of playing many music genres, makes him a perfect fit for the unique jazz approach and sound of the Wayne Kozak Trio.

Peter Gillespie's first musical love is Jazz! This began in grade seven Junior High Big Band, and continued to develop through High School and University. While at the University of Alberta, he gained jazz and big band experience through playing drums and percussion for two outstanding big bands and numerous small jazz ensembles. Throughout his career, Peter has sought opportunities that fed his appetite for jazz – be it the jazz standards, jazz fusion, or the jazz of current day. Peter is honored to be playing with one of the greatest sax players in Canada – Wayne Kozak! Within this tight trio, he can be heard as an accompanist, as an integral voice, and as a soloist.
About Us
The members of the Wayne Kozak Trio are proud to call the Cowichan Valley their home. Their central location offers a great jumping-off spot for Vancouver Island, Gulf Islands, and Vancouver mainland engagements.