h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Well, Wayne Horvitz & Co. were superbly melodic...& while not playing jazz in it's purest form, certainly worked numerous decidedly 'jazzy moments', as well as a very nice cohesive 'jazz vibe' into both night's shows.

And, now I'm just hours away from what promises to be an amazing show by Trevor Watts & The Celebration Band (4 saxophones & 2 percussionists!) Sat. I'm kind of looking forward to as well, although somewhat reservedly, a recently-formed local trio named Fern take the stage.

Then Tuesday night's jam with Ken Hoffman, followed by Dawn Tyler Watson (backed by a local band that many people thought were better than her own Montreal band on her CD) next Fri. & Sat. And, that CD, Ten Dollar Dress, set a CD sales record at "The Suite".

I neglected to mention, a really great show/performance by Trevor Watts & Co., - rarely do we witness an act of that "ethnically/culturally rhythmic stature"! I even spoke to Trevor himself afterwards (while doin' my own celebratin' with the tragically short-lived Guinness triplets ), & had a majority of the group sign the CD I'd bought.

The following Tuesday's Jam, hosted by local musician Ken Hoffman was really an event - I'm constantly amazed by the talent of our local musicians! The assembled group, a number of them just sitting in - finished the night with splendid versions of Duke Ellington's 'Take The A Train' & 'C Jam Blues'.

And I just got in an hour or so ago, from the first of Dawn Tyler Watson's two nights at "The Suite'...which was incredible! Her stellar (local) backup band, (consisting of; Dave Babcock playing sax, Darcy Phillips on keyboards, Greg Smyth on guitar, Mike Lent on bass, & (last, but certainly not least!) Sandro Dominelli on drums) delivered excellent versions of Jimi Hendrix's 'Purple Haze' & Stevie Ray Vaughan's 'Cold Shot', among others. And remember, this was just the first of two nights!!

*SIGH* If I've learned anything from over two years of volunteering at "The Suite", its that not every act is 'my cup o' '! That was certainly the case with the in' "free jazz" ( a scourge on the name of Jazz, IMHO) of local trio Fern. I never really considered myself a traditionalist...

Likewise Double Duo: The Unexpected, who (true to the name) were indeed unexpected! Two drummers & two guitarists onstage at once...& to put it bluntly, an evening of (to borrow a term I read in a Rock review years ago) "electro-wanking" .

While still being quite improvisational, Available Jelly from The Netherlands proved a breath of fresh air. Their lineup of; bass, drums, & four horns cast a new light on some traditional tunes & their own compositions bore tuneful testimony to their cohesiveness & eclecticism.

The jam the following Tues. was all I've come to expect from their jams...another gathering of some fine local musicians! And now I'm only hours away from the first of two nights by the Melissa Walker Group from New York. Melissa herself was actually born & raised here, while her father played on our CFL (Canadian Football League) team the Edmonton Eskimo's. Her decision to pass up Law studies & instead pursue a singing career has yielded three acclaimed albums.

Well alot to look back on! Two fine shows by M.W. & her trio (drums, bass, & piano),...and an impressive performance by (Edmonton born & educated) trumpeter Lina Allemano - although, in all honesty I was more impressed with her guitarist David Occhipinti - followed next night by 2 splendid shows (Oct. 24th & 25th) by Polish compatriots Jan Jarczyk & Leszek Zadlo. Having both grown up in Krakow & mastered their respective instruments, pianist Jarczyk is now a professor at Montreal's McGill University, while saxophonist Zadlo teaches at the Richard Strauss Conservatory in Munich.

The following Tuesday brought another fine Jam, led by local sax player Blake Kinley (& including some excellent Jazz flute!) This past weekend ushered in two fine acts from New York City: sax, clarinet, & flute player Marty Ehrlich (with his fine accompanying trio) Fri., & drummer Billy Kilson with his "dare to compare" BK Groove! I eagerly await a return visit by this outstanding group, who got their Sat. night show underway by laying down some Funky Monster Grooves!

Good grief 3 weeks! Time I uh, filed an update, hmm? Anyway, just under 2 hours & I'm off to "The Suite" to help prepare for what should be a great (funk-laden) show. Local guitar wiz (& IMHO, she's a real cutie!) Mo Lafever leads a 7 pc group with 2 percussionists, 2 horns-sax & trumpet, keyboards & bass, not to mention chanteuse Rhonda Withnell. More to come, I promise!

The show & were phenomenal!! Gord Graber provided a solid foundation on drums, Dwayne Hrynkiw very nicely augmented with supplemental percussion, Shantel Koenig added some tasty bass licks, Bryan Sim added some impressive keyboards throughout the 2 sets, Bob Tildesley contributed - always at just the right time - his faultless & often muted trumpet, Brett Miles blended his alternately rousing/soulful sax to the exquisite mix (as well as some nice flute!), & of course Mo's guitar acted alternately as mortar for the splendid brick wall, & icing on a f-i-n-e cake. And then, when you thought it couldn't get much better, Rhonda Withnell's vocals rode the flawless waves like a practiced surfer on Hawaii's North Shore!

I even spoke to Mo later as she carted some of her gear out to the car, & she had thanked me for volunteering...but as I replied, I've been exposed to some really great local talent in the process...and although I hadn't said it then, a night/show like this is a Fine case in point!! And although only one of the musicians will be local, tomorrow's show-correction, roughly 18 hours away, so today's show ought to be priceless too. Local musician (& Canada's premier alto saxophonist) PJ Perry takes the stage with 3 expert musicians from eastern Canada...actually pianist Earl McDonald is currently director of the Jazz Studies program at the University of Connecticut. But as well as drummer Ted Warren & bassist Mike Downes, McDonald is in Alberta as both clinician & guest musician at Keyano College's Jazz Festial in (relatively) nearby Fort McMurray.

November 6th & 7th brought 2 superb examples of more contemporary & yet extremely tuneful/well-composed Jazz to "The Suite". Taking the stage Fri. Nov. 7th were local quartet Chamber Graffiti...yes, a name that aroused my sketicism too! In fact, when I'd become aware of the upcoming shows I had (after a few seconds consideration) said to myself "ok I can miss that one!".

However as 7pm approached, Leah (the House Manager that evening) phoned & asked if I was available...after momentary contemplation I said yes - subconscious optimism rearing its head.

I arrived just before 7, to begin preparations (at least in my area, the kitchen) & heard the group going through their sound check. It was fairly apparent that any initial apprehension was decidedly misplaced. The first set, just over 2 hours later made that quite clear!

The unconventional lineup consisted of; bass, guitar, trumpet, & trombone...part of the reason for that initial skepticism. The factor I hadn't counted on was the skill of the musicians, in creating ample tasty, melodic interplay amongst those instruments.

Saturday Nov. 8th was a date I had marked on my calendar, as I was joining a few friends to see/hear the Amsterdam-based sextet Aros. I say 'Amsterdam-based' because, apart from their involment in the Dutch music scene the group consists of; Scottish percussionist Alan Purves, English violinist Anne Wood, Liverpool-born (but Canadian-raised) saxophonist Rob Armus, Canadian trumpeter John Korsrud, Austrian-born pianist Marion von Tilzer, & Norwegian bassist Sven Schuster.

Just between von Tilzer & Armus (the group's co-leaders) a wide array of influences are fairly evident. Along with their bandmates, they created a diverse, splendid musical tapestry, that included, among other things; some flawless soloing (including an extended Hendrix-inspired bowed-bass solo by Schuster!), melodic & well crafted compositions, & a vigorous extended spoons solo by Purves to start the second set.

An extremely appreciative audience response (of which my mates & I were a part) should I hope bring a return visit at some point. I'm sure I share that opinion with at least 2/3 of the attendees that night!

Well, as I listen to my (more-or-less)regularly scheduled Sat. afternoon Jazz on http://www.ckua.org , to be followed by a couple hours of Blues programming, I can't help looking forward to the second part of The Yardbird Suite's 2003/2004 season.

I'll have to wait 3 weeks yet, as that won't start until Jan. 16th, with 2 shows by Boston Blues songstress Toni Lynn Washington, which should prove a fine start after "The Suite's" seasonal hiatus. Having maintained a prominent position on the Boston Blues scene for 15 years now, Toni Lynn'll be making her debut at "The Suite" with 2 shows Jan. 16th & 17th. She'll bring along her Boston pianist & collaborator Bruce Bears, & be backed by some of the city's R &B vetrans, including the solid/competent drumming of Grant Stovel & fine trumpet of Bob Tildesley.

The following Fri. brings a show I'm truly looking forward to (but unfortunately may miss , as the date happens to be my brother's birthday). Local saxophone star Don Berner takes the Yardbird stage leading his 11-pc Legacy Big Band. Anchored by the expert Sandro Dominelli on drums, & the superb bass of Rubim De Toledo, the group also includes; the supplementary percussion of Mario Allende , the keyboards of Andrew Glover, Jim Brenan & Ken Hoffman on saxophones (in addition to Berner himself), Craig Brenan & Ryan Purchase on trombones, as well as Bob Tildesley & Joel Gray on trumpets.

The aforementioned shows certainly aren't the only ones I'm looking forward to, as the 11 upcoming shows currently listed on the Suite's website ( http://www.yardbirdsuite.com )leave a portion of Feb. & the majority of March uncharted/unclaimed.

Among the others I'm rather eagerly anticipating, is the Jan. 31st show by the local Dino Dominelli Quartet. Building on the solid foundation of older brother Sandro's skilled drumming & Mike Lent's reliable bass, Dino'll add his sax to Chris Andrew's adeptly played piano.

Also, Feb. 6th & 7th are quite promising as well. Fri. the 6th sees the Jim Brenan Trio take the Yardbird stage, with Jim adding his sax mastery to Sandro Dominelli's (obviously sought-after) drumming & Chris Andrew's piano.

More talented local musicians are in the following night, as the Mobius Quartet return to The Yardbird Suite after a considerable abscence. With another excellent local drummer, Dan Skakun & bassist Don Bradshaw providing a sturdy foundation, the quartet is rounded out by flautist Bill Damur & guitarist Don Ehret (both of whom are music instructors at the city's Alberta College.)

Feb. 20th & 21st will most likely be great shows, as Bob Tildesley's 8-pc Indigenous Aliens rarely disappoint Edmonton Jazz audiences. Like the Mobius Quartet, it's been quite some time since the entire group have taken the stage as a unit (although I think all of the musicians have performed in other configurations.)

And the following weekend, Feb. 27th & 28th Hammond B3 veteran Doug Riley makes his 3rd appearance at the Suite. However Doug's considerable musicianship won't be the prime focal point. Perhaps proving himself to be a "team player" (or possibly just choosing the finest musicians to work with), he's joined by talented guitarist Jake Langley, nationally acclaimed saxophonist P.J. Perry & the uncompromising Sandro Dominelli.

Well with the month of Feb. now past its halfway point, I thought I was long overdue for an update or 2, on the musical goings on in my life.

With one of the 2 gift cetificates I received for Christmas, I purchased a great 2 CD compilation commemorating Justin Time Records 20th Anniversary (the other gift certificate sits waiting, don't ask me why! ) The aforementioned compilation's first disc is a substantial 72 minutes & 10 seconds in length, while the second disc surpasses that, at 74:38.

Among my favourite tracks on disc 1, are; the Susie Arioli Swing Band's superb version of "Pennies From Heaven", (pianist) Oliver Jones & (bassist) Skip Bey performing "Girl Talk", Jazz nugget "Straight Up & Fly Right" from Diana Krall's very first studio session in '92, veteran bassist Dave Young & pianist par excellance Oscar Peterson's duet treatment of Duke Ellington's "In A Mellow Tone", Ranee Lee's homage to the late, great Billie Holiday "Fine & Mellow", the Rob McConnell Tentet's smartly arranged, excellently played "Speak Low", the late Dave Van Ronk - one of Bob Dylan's early inspirations - with the title track from what would sadly be his final recording - "Sweet & Lowdown", & the vigorously performed "Surrey With The Fringe On Top"(recorded live at Vancouver's Orpheum Theatre in'58)as done by Oscar Peterson, the late bassist Ray Brown, & guitarist Herb Ellis.

Some favourites from the second CD include; the David Murray Latin Big Band's Cuban-flavoured "Aerol's Change", P.J. Perry with The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra doing a rich "Harlem Noctuurne", the World Saxophone Quartet's finely played "Blues", violinist & Vietnam veteran Billy Bang's hauntingly Oriental "Moments For The KIA/MIA" (a stirring memorial to his many brothers-in-arms killed & presumed killed, in Vietnam), the up-tempo, bluesy "A Laugh For Rory" a Rahsaan Roland Kirk tune performed by Canadian flautist(flutist?) Jane Bunnett with saxophonist Dewey Redman & co., Fontella Bass's "Travellin'", the compilations splendid Gospel tune "I Don't Feel No Ways Tired" by the Montreal Jubilation Gospel Choir, & the sets 2 Blues tracks, guitarist Bryan Lee's "Beautician Blues" & Beau Kavanagh & The Broken Hearted's rousing, straight-ahead "Vibra King Blues". A splendid (& very ) addition to my music collection!

The two shows I was so eagerly looking forward to, were indeed worth waiting for! As I mentioned to (recent National Jazz Award winner as best guitarist) Jake Langley when I spoke to him after the show "...you guys delivered 110%!" Friday night's crowd was approaching capacity, & while I didn't inquire as to attendance, Saturday's was "standing room only".

At The Suite's recently acquired Hammond A-100 (a slightly upgraded model of the B3) Doug Riley proved himself a worthy recipient of an upcoming Order Of Canada - for his musical contributions to the nation's recent musical tapestry. Longtime friend/associate & musical peer P.J. Perry assisted eloquently on alto saxophone, a musical testament to their previous work together & obvious chemistry. Demonstrating their considerable skills, Edmonton's own Sandro Dominelli - nominated for a Juno Award - , & the aforementioned Jake Langley rounded things out very nicely indeed!

Saturday's show began with a wonderfully executed cover of Cannonball Adderly's "Wabash", & highlghts included; an absolutely cookin' rendering of Jimmy McGriff's "All About My Girl" , a splendid version of Riley's own "Pastorel" (written for late musical alumnus Moe Koffman), the majestic latin-flavoured ballad "Sunset" from Riley's Prince Edward Island Suite - which I'll definitely be looking for - , & the group's encore, Thelonius Monk's "Round Midnight" .

Glad to hear that you are enjoying youself

Izzybelle

Ah, good to have you pop in Izzybelle! How are things going in Gothenburg Sweden? And what is new and/or interesting musically? Over the past year or so there has been some talk about a film Neil Young has been working on called Greendale. Last I heard it should be shown here next month...something to look forward to.

I read it!!!

Hi, hallo Jazz!
Most things are good over here, we are slowly moving towards spring, we actually see the sun from time to time, and the other day I saw the first spring flowers we call them "snowdrops".
Musically I am afraid to tell you that I am not a very active listener, an in active listener though -through my kids. They are listening to a lot of stuff, not very much Neil Young though. I have not heard about his film, thats news to me.

Izzybelle

As the month of March (pardon the pun) 'marches' towards April, & what seems like the arrival of spring keeps being periodically nudged back slightly by yet another snowfall *sigh*...I thought I should mention the superb show I was fortunate enough to catch last night! I'm sure I've mentioned talented multi-instrumentalist Mike Herriot here before. On this occasion (tonight as well) he led/is leading a sextet, featuring four prominent local musicians.

Senator Tommy Banks http://www.lieutenantgovernor.ab.ca/aoe/bio/banks.htm contributed his prominent keyboard skills to the rich mix, while Kent Sangster added his skilfully played sax. Fellow Edmontonian & bass-playing stalwart Mike Lent very ably complimented (another Mike)up & coming drummer Mike Gillespie. Two adventurous,well-paced sets culminated in an excellent version of Sonny Rollins' "Oleo"!

I should also mention an upcoming event that puts the city in the (IMHO, long overdue)national spotlight. Edmonton has been chosen to host this year's Juno Awards, Canada's equivalent of America's Grammy Awards, which take place in early April...more on that later.

As I listen to the Juno Nominated Cafe Varze Jazz (for Traditional Jazz Album Of The Year), I realized I had best post something about the Junos as I'd said I would. A bit more about the CD though.., unlike so many Jazz albums that are composed largely of (Jazz) standards such as; "Body & Soul", "In The Wee Small Hours (Of The Morning)", "Summertime", "Manteca", or what-have-you, Sandro Dominelli & his quintet offer beautiful treatments of original compositions. The compositions are the work of label co-owner Don Varze, who's been writing music since the early '80's. The album/CD's already won a Western Canadian Music Award for Outstanding Jazz Album, & IMHO is deserving of a Juno. Oh, http://www.juno-awards.ca or http://www.junos.ctv.ca

While a few performances have been going on throughout the past week, this weekend sees the bulk of the activity taking place, with the Awards themselves handed out on Sunday. Numerous performances are scheduled around the city, showcasing the talents of among others; (Edmonton's gift to the Canadian Ska scene) Mad Bomber Society http://www.madbombersociety.com , Edmonton's Latin/World music sensation !Bomba! - performing as a sextet Fri. night & as a trio Sat. - http://www.bombaweb.com , 8-time Juno Award nominee Bill Bourne http://www.billbourne.com , The Dustkickers http://www.thedustkickers.com , the city's female foursome Painting Daisies http://www.paintingdaisies.com , Nanaimo B.C.'s Blues-based David Gogo http://www.davidgogo.com , & Edmonton's dynamic Latino pop-rocker Christian Mena http://www.christianmena.com (& the previously mentioned Sandro Dominelli backing vocalists Jeri Brown@10:30pm Sat., & Ranee Lee@11:10 as well as leading his own sextet further into Sun. morning starting@12:30am.)

As I type this, I'm assuming David Bowie has wrapped up his show at Rexall Place...& it's now just barely Sat. morning. Which brings me closer to the first of 2 eagerly anticipated shows at The Yardbird Suite. Local saxophone veteran Dave Babcock celebrates the release of his new CD Happenstance. So the evening should prove worth the wait http://www.yardbirdsuite.com/PERFORMERS/2004-04-10.htm ...and I'm sure I'm not the only one who's been waiting!

Then next Sat. the aforementioned Chris Andrew releases a CD, also marked by what should be another great show! http://www.yardbirdsuite.com/PERFORMERS/2004-04-17.htm Somewhat oddly, not alot of details are available right now...although with Sandro & Mike joining him a great show is assured!

This past Fri. (April 30th) & Sat. (May 1st) Edmonton Jazz afficionados - or a portion thereof - had a chance to do likely the next best thing to time travel. Thanks largely to the efforts/planning of veteran local bassist Rubim de Toledo & baritone saxophonist Ken Hoffman, the music from Miles Davis' Birth Of The Cool sessions was recreated. The 2 assembled a 9-pc band (as Davis himself used) consisting of; P.J. Perry playing alto sax, Dean McNeill playing trumpet, Hoffman supplying the bari. sax component, Craig Brenan ably contributing trombone, classically-trained (Miss) Jordan Faulds & Leonard Swanson providing-respectively- french horn & tuba, Chris Andrew adding piano, de Toledo's bass as well as Lyle Molzan's drums.

Once presumed lost, the original arrangements were made available by Davis' estate some time after his death in '91. Months ago de Toledo & Hoffman began going over the music & putting together the group. A bonus composition was added to the show when trombonist & music instructor Brenan contacted the widow of original saxophonist (on the sessions) Gerry Mulligan. She expressed interest in the project & sent Brenan copies of a composition her late husband had written for the sessions (although it was never actually recorded.)

Obviously well-rehearsed, the nonet's Fri. evening performance was a smooth & polished one. For those either new to Jazz or perhaps not that familiar with the Davis recordings, it was as de Toledo said "a great introduction to contemporary Jazz".

Well,*sigh* another exemplary weekend, as The Yardbird Suite's (affectionately referred to as the Suite)'03-'04 season draws inexorably to a close. And I might add, yet another weekend I was eagerly anticipating. Of course the remainder of the season is-to varying degrees-equally deserving of anticipation.

Friday night brought us 2 well-attended shows by Canadian music icon Randy Bachman. Bachman's prolific career ( http://www.randybachman.com/ ) began as a casual adolescent friendship with the late Lenny Breau - a formidable figure in Jazz guitar. As Winnipeg teens Breau's easygoing tutelage of the young Bachman took the form of a simple although musically driven friendship. Bachman obviously learned well, as 2 sizeable & extremely appreciative audiences witnessed Fri. evening. Some highlights of the first show(aside from Randy's polished/flawless guitar) included; the Gershwin bro.'s "Summertime", "That Old Feeling", a reworking/rearrangement of the late Johnny Cash's "I Walk The Line", Bachman Turner Overdrive hits"Looking Out For Number One" & -a superb encore version of-"Taking Care Of Business", as well as originals such as "Sentimental Fool"(co-written with wife Denise McCann) & "Let's Call It A Night", which they performed as a duet.

Next night Vancouver "performing artist" Laura Crema ( http://www.lauracrema.com ) displayed her considerable vocal skills. The term "performing artist" appears on her business card & encompasses her multi-disciplinary background which includes participation in music, dance & choreography...not to mention a degree in Economics. Possessing a warm resonant voice, highlights of her 2 sets included (among others); Elvis Costello's "Almost Blue", Cole Porter's "All Of You", & a wonderful Jazz treatment of The Beatles' "Blackbird".