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A VERY SAD LOSS OF TORONTO BORN CANADIAN JAZZ LEGEND ARCHIE ALLEYNE January 7. 1933 – June 8. 2015

ISSUE #128 20th YEAR AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015 A VERY SAD LOSS OF TORONTO BORN CANADIAN JAZZ LEGEND ARCHIE ALLEYNE January 7. 1933 – June 8. 2015

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015

HALLWALLS – BUFFALO- NEW YORK – U.S.A. Photos by Barry Thomson

Larry Ochs Steve Baczkowski Virginia Genta

Norman Marshall Villeneuve Dave Rempis Darren Johnston @ THE DISILLERY

ARRAY SPACE

Ken Vandermark Daniel Carter Michael Snow Gunther Alexander Schuller Gunther Schuller Novemember 22. 1925 – June 21. 2015 Photo by Barry Thomson

The last time I had the plea- sure of seeing this eminent artist was when he received the NEA Jazz Masters Award for Jazz Advoca- cy in 2008. New York born Schuller was an com- poser, conductor, horn player, author, historian and jazz musician. After studying at the Saint Thomas Choir School he became an accomplished French horn and flute player. By age fifteen he was already playing horn professionally with the American Ballet Theatre, that was back in 1943. Then from 1943-45 principle hornist with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, shortly after the Metropolitan Opera Orchcestra in New York where he stayed until 1959. His career in jazz began in 1949-50 by recording as a horn player with . Next up Schuller and jazz pianist, John Lewis founded the Modern Jazz Society in 1955, which gave it's first concert at Town Hall , New York. Later that same year the group’s new name evolved, Jazz and Classical Music Society. Schuller was always exploring the fusion of jazz and classical music, and while lecturing at Brandeis University in 1957, he coined the term “” to describe music that combines classical and jazz techniques. He went on to compose many works attributed to these principles , these compositions involved inovative musicians such as, and, Ornette Coleman. Schuller wrote over 190 original compositions in many genres. He also recorded with numerous jazz musicians including and John Lewis. Gunther Schuller was a man of extraordinary talent he was the author of two major books on the history of jazz, Early Jazz (1968) and The Swing Era (1991). In 2011 he published the first volume of a two-volume autobiography, Gunther Schuller. A Life in Pursuit of Music and Beauty. Even more recently in 2012 Schuller premiered a new arrangement , the Treemonisha Suite from Joplin's Opera. It was performed as part of The Rest is Noise season at London's South Bank, England in 2013. He received numerous awards including two Grammy Awards and a Pulitzer Prize. This year 2015 , Gunther Schuller was awared a Lifetime Achievement Medal from the MacDowell Colony, this was in recognition that ”he has inspired generations of students, setting an example of discovery and experimentation”. This state- ment was made by composer , the chair- woman of the selection committee from the MacDowell Award. The family tradition of musicians will live on, Gunther has two sons, jazz percussionist, George Schuller and bassist, Ed Schuller. However what Gunther Schuller brought to the jazz world will live for ever. Brad Goode Photo by Dave Milbourne

Well it was good to see this choice trumpeter back in town, this time appearing at the Distillery. He was performing with a group led by veteran bebop drummer, Norman Marshall Villeneuve, this stellar sextet consisted of Ken Fornetran, alto sax, Shawn Nykwist, tenor sax, David Restivo, piano, Artie Roth, bass, Norman Marshall Villeneuve, drums and special guest, Brad Goode, trumpet. What a tasty bunch of musicians, and nice straight ahead stuff, couldn't ask for more. Now back to our featured player, Brad Goode, who earned a BM degree in trumpet at the University of Kentucky, and an MM degree in bass at DePaul University. During his apprenticeship he toured and recorded with the bands of Von Freeman, Red Rodney, Al Cohn, Eddie Harris, Ira Sullivan, Frank Morgan, Curis Fuller, Jack Dejohnette, Ernie Krivda, Rosemary Clooney, Barry Deems, and the Woody Herman Orchestra, just to name a few. Brad led his own combo in Chicago from 1985 until 1998 including a twelve year stint as leader of the house band at the renowned Green Mill. In 1980 he was named as one of the most influential Chicagoans of the 1980s by the Chicago Tribune. They credited him as a “major catalyst in the revitalization of the Chicago jazz scene”. Since 1998 , Brad has primarily performed as a freelance lead trumpet- er, currently touring with the bands of Canadian vocalist, Matt Dusk and West African drummer, Paa Kow. Brad also completed tours of North America, Asia and the Middle East, he has served on the faculties of The American Conservatory of Music, New Trier High School, Cuyahoga Community College, The University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music, The Colorado Coservatory for the Jazz Arts and The Univer- sity of Colorado, where he is currently Associate Professor of Jazz Studies. What impressed me about Brad's playing is that he could stretch the boundries in his creative solos without losing me. I have never been a fan of “free form” jazz, and Brad and myself had an interesting short debate on that subject. Regardless of our opinions, he is a trumpeter not to miss when you get the chance to see him. Mississauga’s ownJazzSinger/Songwriter 7:30 PM NOV 27

P A U L A G A R D I N Archibald Alexander Alleyne Archie Alleyne January 7. 1933 – June 8. 2015 Photos by Dave Milbourne

It's never very pleasant writing an obituary, especially when it happens to be someone you have known and respected for over 40 years. Although, Archie was one of the first drummers I heard when I came to Toronto in 1964. At that time I didn't know who he was, in fact I thought he was a U.S. drummer playing as a sideman for the legendary American jazz artists performing at the Towne Tavern, and Colonial Inn. Little did I know he was a Toronto born musician, I eventually met Archie around 1970. Over those past years I grew to like Archie and respect him, not just as a musician but as a person. We always managed to stay in contact either at gigs, functions and somtimes phone. In fact, I only spoke to him 3 or 4 days by phone before he died. I was planning to go down and see him at the convalescent home where he was residing. However, he said “please call me before you come Dave, I'm back and forth to the hospital where I'm being treated for prostate cancer. Archie then when on to say “ unfortunately I'm in the fourth stage of prostate cancer. I knew Archie had prostate cancer, but didn't know that it was at such an advanced stage. Even so , Archie was still in a positive frame of mind, which he usually was regardless of the circumstances. He said “ you know Dave my old dad lived with prostate cancer until he was 92 !” So I knew exactly what he was thinking, that he might survive for another ten years. That was the type of person Archie was, as they say “game to the end”. Archie was truly a Toronto born Canadian Jazz Legend, I could fill a page with the renowned jazz artists who he has performed with. His brush-work was second to none, and over 65 years on the jazz scene I have heard the best of drummers. He was also very tasty with the sticks, lets face it, you have to be the whole package to get the type of gigs he got. International tours took Archie to New York, Chicago, Detroit, England, Scotland, Ireland, Europe, Egypt, Antigua, Cuba, Nigeria and more. He Photo by Barry Thomson played in every major jazz club in Toronto and also most jazz festivals. Then there were many musical productions he was involved with ,The Evolution of Jazz, Lady Day, Madame Gertrude, and , Jack Gelber's -The Connection. Archie was also co-owner of one of my favourite “soul food” restaurants, The Underground Railroad, I'm sure many will remember that spot. Then in 1994 he co-founded the Toronto Jazz Quartet which featured, Bob Mover, , Jake Wilkinson, trumpet, Don Thompson, piano & bass, and of course Archie on drums. Later in 2000, Archie along with superb saxophonist & flautist , Doug Richardson formed Kollage which started off as a quintet. This turned out to be one of the finest straight-ahead groups on the Canadian jazz scene. One must not forget what Archie has done for jazz, not only in Toronto, but in Canada. He has reached out to aspiring young musicians of all colours with The Archie Alleyne Scholarship Bursary Fund. Needless to say over his exceptional career Archie has garnished numerous awards and received the Office of The Order of Canada. Archie Alleyne a very sad loss to Toronto and Canada, he will not be forgotten. Both jazz photographer, Barry Thomson and myself wish to express our condolences to his family.

Dave Milbourne. Archie Alleyne January 7. 1933 -- June 8 . 2015 Michael Occhipinti & The Sicilian Jazz Project HUGH'S ROOM Photos by Barry Thomson

Michael Occhipinti Don Byron Pillar

Domenic Mancuso Kevin Turcotte Ernie Toller

Mark Kelso Louis Simao Roberto Occhipinti ROY THOMSON HALL Photos by Barry Thomson

Chris Botti

Thomas Lauderdale – Pink Martini China Forbes- Pink Martini

Randolph Denard Ornette Coleman Ornette Coleman March 9. 1930 – June 11. 2015 Photo by Barry Thomson – 1984, Larry's Hideaway Club, Toronto.

Even though, Ornette Coleman's style of jazz wasn't my bag, one must recognize his contribution to the jazz world. Like all art forms music in general is in the ears of the beholder. How often have you heard someone looking at an abstract painting, and say, “what the hell is that!”. While another person is looking at this same painting with admiration. That's the way it was for Ornette Coleman's jazz, he had his staunch supporters and others like me, more of a detractor. Believe me I went more than once to see him both in London, England and the last time here in Toronto at the Colonial Jazz Room, I left early. I guess I'm just an “old bebop man from way back when”. Regardless of my sentiments, Coleman was an extremely gifted multi-instrumentalist , alto and tenor , trumpet, violin and composer. Over 60 years on the jazz scene, his first recording way back in 1958 with trumpeter, Don Cherry, drummer, Billy Higgins, bassist, Don Payne, and Walter Norris, piano. He also went on to perform with, Jerry Garcia, Pat Methany, Dewey Redman, Charlie Haden, Freddie Hubbard, Eric Dolphy, Scott LaFaro, Gunther Schuller, and the list goes on. In 1969 Coleman was inducted into the Down Beat Jazz Hall of Fame, in 1994 he was awarded a MacArthur Fellowship, and in 2007 his album Sound Grammer received the . In many ways Ornette Coleman was a controversial jazz musician, which is not a bad thing. The legacy he leaves is in his personal interpretation of jazz, which will always be debated. So in more ways than one, Ornette Coleman will not be forgotten. VISION 20 FESTIVAL - NEW YORK CITY- U.S.A. Photos by Barry Thomson

Joelle Leandre Charles Gayle Todd Nicholson

Tony Malaby Matt Maneri Wandada Leo Smith

D.D. Jackson Rob Brown, sax , Steve Swell, trombone Michael Bisio VISION 20 FESTIVAL - NEW YORK CITY- U.S.A. Photos by Barry Thomson

Ellen Christie Gerald Cleaver

Karl Berger David Murray Craig Taborn

Sylvia Bolognesi Matthew Shipp William Parker Publisher's View

Once again for the many emails I receive enquiring what is going on in Toronto and suburbs. Well what you see advertised in this publication, as far as I'm concerned, is it. Both myself and editor Rick Nixon spend days contacting entertainments establishments to see if they have anything worth promoting, and as you can see , most don't. Except of course the exceptional theatres you often see. While on that subject the R.B.C Theatre in The Living Arts Centre, Mississauga will be presenting an outstanding vocalist from that city. I refer to Paula Gardin who has been active on the club, theatre, plus jazz and blues festival scene. She is also a recording artist who continues to gain impressive reviews, mark her on your calender. As always Roy Thomson & Massey Hall continue to offer some of the world's finest performers, their theatres are second to none. I have paid credit to Charles S. Cutts, who is retiring as President and C.E.O. of Roy Thomson & Massey Hall, he has served them with dignity for 23 years. That's about it, nothing worth talking about on the jazz scene in Toronto. Fortunately there are some serious jazz festivals coming up, The Newport Jazz Festival and The 2015 DETROIT JAZZ FESTIVAL.

Best of bebop, Best of health. Dave Milbourne.

Charles S. Cutts President & CEO Corp of Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall.

On August 31. 2015 after an illustrious career of 23 years as President & CEO of Massey and Roy Thomson Hall, Charles S. Cutts will retire. He should be applauded for the courteous and professional manner which he has held this position. These two fine theatres have gained world wide recognition for the internationally acclaimed artists who have graced their stages. Not to forget the superb accoustics which these establishments offer. Over the past 20 years Toronto Jazz has had a splendid rapport, not just with, Charles S.Cutts but with all the staff at Massey and Roy Thomson Hall. We sincerely wish him the very best in his retirement, but most important good health. Publisher & Columnist, Dave Milbourne, Jazz Photographer, Barry Thomson, Editor., Rick Nixon.

Front Page Photo: Barry Thomson

Advertisers please note that identical hard copy can also be read online Published by Dave Milbourne www.torontojazz.ca 45 Dunfield Ave., Suite 2201 Click on ‘Current Issue’ Toronto ON M4S 2H4 Phone 416.487.0095 Cost Price Advertising Rates Email: [email protected] Pre-paid Illustrations by Grant C. Lounsbury (add 20% more for non pre-paid) Phone (416) 932-9838 Full Page...... $200 (all illustrations 1995) 1/2 Page...... $105 Edited by Rick Nixon 1/4 Page...... $75 Layout by Tina Bertrand Deadline date for October/November/December Issue is September 16th Website designed by TNP GROUP - THINK ‘N’ PIXELS