The Mel McCutcheon Quartet

The Mel McCutcheon Quartet unites four of Vancouver Island’s finest jazz musicians in a group that blends timeless standards with fresh interpretations and spirited improvisation.

Fronting the band is Campbell River vocalist Mel McCutcheon. Mel is an expressive and genuine performer who has been honing her craft through intensive vocal training and a diverse range of musical collaborations — from intimate duos to lively trios, quartets, quintets, and most recently, a small big band project with Sharp 7.

Known for her heartfelt stage presence, Mel has headlined sold-out shows with the quintet Vintage Velvet and the trio Anderson Jazz, and has more recently been traveling down island for a growing number of performance opportunities.

On drums, Beau Stocker—a Toronto-born percussionist now based on Vancouver Island—holds a PhD in Music Performance from the University of York, where he explored East African rhythms and their integration with improvided music composition. Since relocating to the Island, he has been active as a performer, educator, and collaborator, contributing to jazz and experimental scenes across the region. He performs regularly with long-standing working bands and projects, including the genre-blending group Ultraviolet, bringing rhythmic energy, nuance, and deep musicality to every setting.

Brock Meades is an award-winning bassist from Nanaimo known for his rich tone, technical versatility, and deep musicality. A graduate of Vancouver Island University's jazz program, he was awarded the prestigious Fraser MacPherson Scholarship in 2019, recognizing his talent and promise as a rising jazz artist. Meades has performed extensively across British Columbia, earning a reputation as both a strong accompanist and an emerging solo voice in the Canadian jazz scene.

Doug Anderson is a Comox-based guitarist and leader of Anderson Jazz, with decades of experience performing on the West Coast. His playing blends lyrical phrasing with harmonic sophistication, drawing influence from jazz greats like Peter Bernstein and Canadian icons such as Bill Coon. A frequent collaborator with top regional musicians, Anderson continues to shape his sound through live performance and original compositions.

Together, the Quartet creates a sound that is both intimate and dynamic, grounded in the jazz tradition yet alive with the distinctive character of the West Coast scene. From swinging classics to soulful ballads, their performance celebrates connection, creativity, and the joy of live jazz.

Generously co-presented by Highway 19 Concerts.

Host or Publisher Mel McCutcheon