“Music is the universal language that brings people together”
When I wrote “Happy Hour With You,” I wanted to capture the simple joy and human connection that can begin at 3 pm when happy hour starts. To me, happy hour is an invitation to slow down, be present, and spend meaningful time with the people who matter most. The ease of real conversation, and that face-to-face connection is the heart and soul of this song. Happy Hour has become a tradition embraced in many dining venues around the world. I wanted to create a song that reminds us of the irreplaceable value of real connection—the laughter shared across a table, the warmth of eye contact, and the memories created simply by being together. These everyday moments may seem ordinary, yet they often become the ones we cherish most. Happy hour has become a universal tradition, bringing people together across cultures, and its accessibility makes it a celebration that nearly everyone can enjoy.
I wanted to celebrate those moments when we leave our worries behind, put our phones down, and connect with friends, family, or someone special. My hope is that this song reminds listeners to embrace those opportunities to celebrate life’s everyday moments, and appreciate the people in front of them. Sometimes, the greatest happiness isn’t found in grand occasions, but in sharing an ordinary afternoon with someone whose company makes every hour feel special.
Musically, I wanted the recording to reflect the same warmth and authenticity found in its message. Tom Keenlyside, whose expressive flute, saxophone, and trumpet performances brought depth, elegance, and soul to the arrangement. Allan Rodger’s masterful mix completed the recording, creating a sound that is both intimate and vibrant.
REVIEWS
“Happy Hour With You is a graceful reminder that the best jazz doesn’t just entertain—it creates space for the kind of genuine connection modern life too often forgets.” – Apricot Magazine
VIDEO
LISTEN
CREATIVE TEAM
Maria Solena is an internationally acclaimed jazz vocalist, recording artist, composer, lyricist, and bandleader whose warm, expressive voice and captivating storytelling have earned recognition from audiences and critics alike. Blending jazz standards, Brazilian rhythms, French chansons, and original compositions, she brings a fresh artistic perspective while honoring the timeless traditions of jazz.
A graduate of the University of British Columbia, Solena has performed internationally throughout Italy, Las Vegas, Denver, California, and across Canada. She has collaborated with distinguished jazz artists and arrangers, including Richie Cole, Warren Vaché, George Robert, Phil Dwyer, Torben Oxbol, Fred Stride, Allan Rodger, and Miles Black. Influenced by legends such as Nat King Cole, Nancy Wilson, and Antônio Carlos Jobim, she creates performances marked by authenticity, elegance, and emotional depth.
In 2024, Solena was selected to perform at Hermann’s Jazz Club through the Victoria Music Strategy Grant and returned for acclaimed performances in 2025 and 2026. She is also a regular performer at Frankie’s Jazz Club. Her debut album, Where or When, received notable recognition when the original track “Just a Touch” was selected as bumper music for Coast to Coast AM.
Beyond performing, Solena continues to expand her catalogue of original music for film, television, streaming platforms, and commercial advertising. Her recordings celebrate the enduring spirit of jazz while embracing contemporary storytelling, affirming her commitment to preserving the genre’s rich legacy and contributing a distinctive voice to its future on the international stage.
Allan Rodger is a Vancouver based music producer, recording engineer, arranger, multi-instrumentalist, and studio owner whose career spans more than four decades of excellence in the recording industry. With over 45 years of professional experience, he has earned a reputation for creating broadcast-quality recordings across an impressive range of genres, including pop, rock, country, folk, jazz, hip-hop, and children’s music.
Beginning his career as a touring musician in 1980, Rodger later transitioned into recording and production, ultimately taking the helm of Vancouver’s renowned Crosstown Studios. His artist-first approach, exceptional musicianship, and meticulous attention to detail have made him a trusted collaborator for both established and emerging artists.
Throughout his distinguished career, Rodger has worked with an impressive roster of Canadian and international performers, including Mike Reno (Loverboy), Doug and the Slugs, Hawksley Workman, Digable Planets, Long John Baldry, Barney Bentall, Jim Byrnes, Odds, Limblifter, Jessie Farrell, John Mann (Spirit of the West), Bill Henderson (Chilliwack), and Todd Fancy (The New Pornographers). His productions are recognized for their musical integrity, technical excellence, and enduring quality. Today, Allan Rodger continues to produce commercially competitive recordings from his Vancouver studio, bringing decades of experience, creative vision, and a deep commitment to artistic excellence to every project.
Tom Keenlyside is an award-winning Canadian saxophonist, flautist, composer, arranger, and producer whose remarkable career has spanned more than five decades. Widely recognized for his versatility across jazz, rock, and pop, Keenlyside has become one of Canada’s most respected and influential musicians, earning induction into the B.C. Entertainment Hall of Fame in 2006.
A leading figure on the Vancouver jazz scene, Keenlyside has performed extensively with his own ensembles, including the Tom Keenlyside Quartet and Quintet, while continually championing creative and contemporary jazz. In 1979, he co-founded the acclaimed Canadian jazz fusion group Skywalk, helping shape the evolution of modern Canadian jazz.
Beyond the jazz world, Keenlyside’s artistry has reached international audiences through his horn arrangements and recordings for iconic artists including Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, Mötley Crüe, INXS, and Van Halen. He has also shared the stage with legendary performers such as Dizzy Gillespie, Mel Tormé, Natalie Cole, and Diana Krall, reflecting the breadth of his musical accomplishments.
As a producer, Keenlyside received a Juno Award for Jim Byrnes’ acclaimed roots album “That River”, further demonstrating his exceptional musical vision and creative leadership. His enduring contributions as a performer, composer, arranger, and producer continue to enrich Canada’s musical legacy while inspiring audiences and fellow musicians around the world.
ADDITIONAL CREDITS
Videography: Musical Breeze Productions
Hair Design: Proper Hair Salon, Vancouver, BC
Photography: Danilo Piccioni, The Italian Eye
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