This Comox Valley based jazz combo is a wonderful mix of both progressive Jazz along with a glance into the past when the "Rat Pack" members were the kings of song, movies, and of course, the real Las Vegas. The band has been playing steadily for 3 years and has been recorded extensively. The composition of the band is an interesting one with respect to the players themselves

John Ringstead (Guitar) has had a career in education and for many years has taught high school on Vancouver Island. He is well known for his many years of musical contribution to this region. John's guitar playing is from the school of the later jazz guitarists.  This is reflected in his very special tone and chromatic massaging. Possessing a fine and speedy technique, John is an exciting player. He has performed internationally from Manzanilla to Yellow Knife while often passing as the 5th Beatle.  John is the founding father of the band.  Thanks Dad!

Don MacKay (Bass).  Don's musical career includes 30 years as a bassist, arranger and teacher in Victoria's jazz scene before moving to the Comox Valley.  During that time he played with many of the finest jazzers on the island and he has performed internationally from London to Tokyo. He holds a masters degree in jazz studies and is an active writer and arranger.  He is also a bit of a MIDI maniac.   Since moving to the valley Don has shared his talents in many musical ventures and has played an integral part in the resurgence of local jazz.  His bass playing is solid, sensitive and quite creative.

Michael Schwartz (Saxophones) has lived in the Valley forever and plays his saxes whenever and for whoever he can. Mike is a well respected multi-talented reed man switching comfortably between Soprano, Alto, Tenor and  Baritone saxophones. He plays varying types of jazz and takes on the mantle of style and tone of whatever genre is being played.  His tone is exceptional and his improvisations are very open.

Ralph Barrat (piano/vocal) makes his home in the "sheep country" of the Comox Valley. Ralph is affectionately known as "Radio Ralph" as a result of his rich vocals and emcee work. Playing a swing type piano and crooning Sinatra type songs is now his trademark and this allows the band to glance into the very swinging past .

On drums is the familiar Bill Street who has lived in the valley for twenty years. Bill has been an extremely strong Jazz advocate of Jazz and he has played in various combos in Courtenay. He was raised in a jazz big band oriented home and lived only moments from some of the best jazz in London, England. From age thirteen drums became his passion and after many years of playing jazz as well as rock, country and all else in both Canada and UK,  Bill steered back to where he started; Jazz.  "The Bopster" likes to swing at any tempo and does just that for "THE JAZZTET".

Catch these guys around the Island. You will enjoy!