by GERARD DEE

Classical and jazz pianist Jon Day is ready to take the next bold step in his evolving career. Next week, the Vancouver native will do something he’s never done on stage before.

“It’ll be my first exhibition as a vocalist,” explains Day. “No one I know will ever have seen me do this before.”

It’s one of the reasons he decided to call his upcoming concert, which will feature 10 other jazz artists (five vocalists and five musicians), Exhibit A. Day says the name is also an apt description of the songs that he’ll perform.

“Exhibit A is the title given to this collection of music because they were all written in the same span and they all touch on the same themes. They’re based on experiences that I’ve had. It’s some very personal stuff.”

For example, one of those songs, “Babies Stare,” is Day’s take on truth.

“It’s like when someone knows that you’re not being honest, I call that a baby’s stare, because they can see right into you. And if you look into a baby’s eyes, they’ll know right away.”

Although Day has been playing classical piano since age five, he only started honing his writing and singing skills after moving to Montreal six years ago. It was a move spurred by his musical passions.

“Montreal has a great reputation as far as music and that was a serious draw. I was still a teenager back then, so who knows how much wisdom was in my decision, but it turned out to be a good one.”

Since then, Day’s musical tastes have changed dramatically—he currently listens to gospel almost exclusively.

“They’re the best singers and they sing with lots of emotion, and as a result their voices and the music that comes out is just extremely moving.”

No doubt, Day’s hoping that his own singing evokes the same response, though don’t go calling him a singer just yet.

“I still don’t consider myself a vocalist, and I wouldn’t say it’s a transition; it’s just like an addition. And I’m definitely not moving away from playing piano.”

At la Sala Rossa on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 9 p.m., $5

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