Ajna

I have always loved the Victoria music scene. The community is full of talent and boasts innovative and creative groups. Ajna is no exception. While the group includes several great musicians, the players on this album include Jonnie Bridgeman (saxophones), Tim Croft (double bass), Russell Tenning (guitars) and Geoff Mason (drums). This particular quartet first got together in April 2014 and because they had played together before, quickly took the opportunity to rehearse and start recording.

After listening through their album, I quickly realized Slow Cookin’ was my favorite – I suppose this is due to my weakness for slow jazz. The only thing I could think about when I listened to this piece was red wine. It was like drinking a glass of fantastic red wine where warmth spreads to the entire body. It was easy to get lost in this song and I loved the funk / blues influence.

The next piece I want to point out is Full Disclosure. A contrast to Slow Cookin’, Full Disclosure is much more lively. Though I could still hear a bit of that funk rhythm, the fusion in this song leans more towards rock – and I love it! Within moments my feet were tapping and I was humming in an attempt to follow the melody. The high energy pace of this song definitely made me want to get up and dance around the room.

Overall, I found this album to be wonderfully balanced in many ways. Although the saxophone is the main melody instrument, I felt the other instruments were also well represented. It’s easy to hear that the members of Ajna have played together before as there is an ease to the music. The lines work well with each other to create and album that combines jazz with elements of funk, rock and latin music, but still maintaining a sound that is all their own. While Ajna has covered some lesser known jazz songs in the past, this album contains original compositions penned by Jonnie Bridgeman. A great CD for listening in the car or a night in.

I would definitely recommend getting a copy or better yet, if you’d like to see them live, they are having a CD release party at Hermann’s jazz club in Victoria, BC! on August 23rd! Details can be found on Facebook. You can also listen to the CD online here, and even book them for an event. Great sounding group and I’m you’ll love them! - Musetta Stone

by Staff Writer - Penticton Western News
posted Jun 17, 2014 at 3:00 PM
The Ajna jazz trio, led by Keremeos-born saxophonist Jonnie Bridgman, will be embarking on their second annual tour of the Okanagan with a brand new album of innovative original music.

Bridgman, who taught music at Similkameen Elementary Secondary School from 2010-2012, is making a name for himself as a saxophonist in the Victoria’s vibrant music scene.

The tour kicks off on July 10 in Naramata at the Cobblestone Wine Bar at the Naramata Heritage Inn. July 12 they will provide entertainment at the Similkameen BBQ King in Keremeos at the Historic Grist Mill. They also will play at the Okanagan Crush Pad as part of their summer concert series on July 17 and will wrap up the tour in Penticton in Gyro Park for the Sunshine Cabaret on July 18, which will also feature a number of guest musicians.

Ajna will also feature Naramata-based jazz guitar guru, Shpengla, and the bass role will be shared by two of B.C.’s finest: Tim Croft from Victoria and Bernie Addington of Kelowna.

The group of highly skilled musicians will be performing their own unique arrangements of a wide variety of traditional and modern jazz standards as well as original compositions from their debut album The Day After, which is due to be released at the beginning of the tour and will be available at each performance. The music features excellent musicianship blending elements of swing, hard bop, tango, funk and drum and bass. The album also features cover artwork by Okanagan artist Barb Hofer. - Penticton Western News

A Keremeos-raised saxophone player will be touring through the Okanagan and Similkameen as part of a jazz trio. A Keremeos-raised saxophone player will be touring through the Okanagan and Similkameen as part of a jazz trio.
Jonnie Bridgman and his Ajna jazz trio features Bridgman on alto, tenor and baritone sax, bass player Nick Mintenko and Naramata-based jazz guitarist, Shpengla.
The group will be performing their own arrangements of a variety of traditional and modern jazz standards as well as original compositions.
Anja kicks off the first of four shows on Thursday, July 4 with a performance at the Cobblestone Wine Bar at the Naramata Heritage Inn at 7:30 p.m. as part of the Inn's Thursday Jazz series. Call 250-496-6808 to reserve a spot.
On July 5 they'll be playing at the Cawston Hall at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. Cost is $10.
The following day they visit Penticton for a performance at the Elite, in a show that will feature special guests and an opportunity for local musicians to sit in with the group. The event starts at 8 p.m. and cost is a minimum $5 donation. Call 250-492-3051.
Anja's final show happens Monday, July 8 at the Minstrel Cafe & Bar in Kelowna at 8 p.m. Tickets are $5. Call 250-764-2301.
From 2010-2012, Bridgman was the music teacher at Similkameen Elementary Secondary School in Keremeos.
He has performed throughout the Okanagan previously with various groups including the jazz-flamenco fusion quartet, Alboa and a unique jazz collective, Cherry-Pickle-O.
He currently resides in Victoria and is building a reputation as a saxophonist.
Bridgman plays with several local jazz groups, a blues band and an 11-piece hip-hop-funk dance band, The New Groovement, which will be appearing the Victoria Jazzfest and Skafest. - Penticton Herald

Sunday, September 15th, 2013
2:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Saxophonist Jonnie Bridgman, who brings his trio to the Crofton Hotel Pub jazz series on Sunday, is rapidly establishing himself as both a performer and educator in Victoria.

A graduate in jazz studies at Malaspina University College in Nanaimo and in music education from the University of Victoria, Bridgman taught music in his home town of Keremos for two years before returning to Victoria, where he has carved out a name for himself in the city’s vibrant music scene.

He plays with several jazz groups, a blues band and an 11-piece hip hop/funk dance band, The New Groovement, and this summer co-directed the Larsen Music Summer Switch Band.

The trio he brings to Crofton features Bridgman on alto, tenor and baritone sax; Nick Mintenko, a sought-after Victoria bass player; and guitarist Russell Tenning. The group will perform its own variety of traditional and modern jazz standards (John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk and others) as well as original compositions.

The weekly jazz series runs every Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. at the pub, 1534 Joan Ave. in Crofton, a stone’s throw from the Saltspring Island ferry terminal. Admission is $10. For information, call 250-324-2245.
Cost: At the Door: $10. - Harbour Living