When Vince Mai composes, he doesn't write for one person in mind.
Rather, the Coquitlam musician tries to evoke a feeling that will move the audience — whether they be seated in a theatre for a concert or a movie, or in front of a TV or radio.
Over the years, the trumpeter has penned and performed many tunes for commercials, television and film. He wrote theme song for CBC Radio One's The Early Edition, as well as for the Knowledge Network when it rebranded.
And he's shared his talent with Douglas College students in New Westminster, where he has taught music composition for film and video for the past 11 years, and with his son, fellow trumpeter and composer Thad Bailey-Mai.
As a session musician, Mai has also worked with some of the greats on their recordings and shows, from Canadian artists Sarah McLachlan, David Foster and Michael Bublé to The Temptations, Natalie Cole and Sheldon Reynolds of Earth Wind and Fire.
Next month, Mai will play the last show in the inaugural Inlet Theatre Music Series at Port Moody, bringing with him four equally talented musicians in his quintet:
- Bernie Arai (drums)
- Miles Black (piano)
- Daryl Jahnke (guitar)
- Laurence Mollerup (bass)
Each will have solos in the concert at the Inlet Theatre, which starts at 7:30 p.m.
Mai, who has recorded six albums as a solo artist, told the Tri-City News that he's grateful for the invite from the show producers Bill Sample and Darlene Cooper, and he will perform mostly original music — including a couple of world premieres.
"It'll be primarily jazz," he said, "but also lots of Latin and funk influences. Maybe some groove stuff. I tend to write eclectically and explore different avenues with the sound. It's all in the spirit of jazz."
Still, Mai said he might throw in one or two classic ballads from Miles Davis, the late American trumpeter, band leader and composer.
Tickets to see the Vince Mai Quintet at the Inlet Theatre (100 Newport Dr.) on May 6 are via Eventbrite.
