® Our 36th Year - Issue 4 – September/October 2008 • The Hadley Caliman Quintet featuring Thomas Marriott • Don Berner and the Brass Knuckles • Dino Dominelli Group • Audrey Ochoa Presents: The J-Team • Rachelle van Zanten • John Stetch Trio • Lina Allemano Four • Billy Bang Quartet • Don Thompson Quartet •  80th Birthday Celebration • goo! • Morgan Childs Quintet • Gravitas Quartet Publication Mail # 40047729

EDMONTON SOCIETY 11 TOMMY BANKS WAY (Corner of 102 St & 86 Ave) AB T6E 2M2 Edmonton Jazz Society’s Board of Directors YARDBIRD 2007•2008 Jasiek Poznanski • President SUITE Adrian Albert • Vice-President 11 Tommy Banks Way (corner of 102 St & 86 Ave) Shelley Chebry • Secretary Edmonton, T6E 2M2 Paul Wilde • Treasurer Phone: (780) 432-0428

Board Members Dave Babcock • Chris Brown Pam Josey • Craig Magill THEYARDBIRDCREW Yardbird Suite Our Volunteer House Managers Programming • Adrian Albert, Julie • Bill Hume • Judy Hume • Pam Josey King, Craig Magill, Jasiek Poznanski • Tracy Kolenchuk • Rhonda Netterfield Production • Lisi Sommer • Mary Richards • Marilyn Rude Jam Sessions • Dave Babcock • Rosalynn Ruptash • Suzanne Slade Raymond Baril • Collette Slevinsky • Karen Voller Littlebirds Director • Joel Gray • Gail Wozny Finance • Suzanne Morter Press Releases • Paul Wilde Transportation • Alan Spence Yardbird Suite House Manager & Volunteer Coordinator • Pam Josey Newsletter The Yardbird Newsletter is published five times per year by the Edmonton Jazz Society. Yardbird Suite Jazz is a registered eDitoRs • Adrian Albert, Jasiek Poznanski trademark of the Edmonton Jazz Society (1973). ADVeRtiSing • Shelley Chebry Newsletter DeSign • Vikki Wiercinski gRAPHic layout • Kim Deley, Critical Path Return undeliverable Canadian Marketing Communications addresses to: DiStRibution • Monique Bielech, EDMONTON JAZZ SOCIETY Shelley Chebry, Bill Harper 11 TOMMY BANKS WAY EDMONTON AB T6E 2M2 PRINTING • Nisku Printers (1980) Ltd.

www.yardbirdsuite.com

Canadian Publication Mail Product Sales Agreement # 40047729 YARDBIRDSUITE • EVENTS • YARDBIRDSUITE 3 Doors at 8pm, Show at 9pm unless otherwise stated

FRIDAY & SATURDAY • SEPTEMBER 19 & 20 The Hadley Caliman Quintet featuring Thomas Marriott From and Edmonton

MEMBERS $16 • GUESTS $20

Hadley Caliman - saxophone Thomas Marriott - trumpet Chris Andrew - piano Mike Lent - bass Sandro Dominelli - drums

www.hadleycaliman.com • www.thomasmarriott.net

FRIDAY • SEPT 26 SATURDAY • SEPT 27 Don Berner Dino and the Brass Dominelli Knuckles Group From Edmonton From Edmonton

MEMBERS $12 MEMBERS $12 GUESTS $16 GUESTS $16

Don Berner - alto saxophone Audrey Ochoa - trombone, Dino Dominelli - tenor saxophone Robbin J. Harris - drums Joel Gray - trumpets euphonium, tuba Jim Head - guitar Doug Berner - trumpets, bass Marc Beaudin - tuba, bass Andrew Glover - piano J.C. Jones- trombone Sandro Dominelli - drums Brendan Rothwell - bass

www.donberner.com www.dinodominelli.com

FRIDAY • OCT 3 SATURDAY • OCT 4 Audrey Ochoa Rachelle Presents: van Zanten The J-Team YARDBIRD From Edmonton SUITE BLUES

MEMBERS $12 MEMBERS $18 GUESTS $16 GUESTS $22

Audrey Ochoa - trombone Marc Beaudin - bass Rachelle van Zanten - acoustic Joby Baker - drums Don Berner - alto sax Jamie Cooper - drums guitar, piano, vocals Joel Gray - trumpet Graham Guest - piano Rob Thompson - piano Kit Johnson - bass

www.audreyochoa.com www.rachellevanzanten.com 4 YARDBIRDSUITE • EVENTS • YARDBIRDSUITE Doors at 8pm, Show at 9pm unless otherwise stated

FRIDAY • OCT 10 SATURDAY • OCT 11 John Stetch Lina Allemano Trio Four

From New York From

MEMBERS $18 MEMBERS $14 GUESTS $22 GUESTS $18

John Stetch - piano Lina Allemano - trumpet Doug Weiss - bass Brodie West - alto sax Rodney Green - drums Andrew Downing - bass Nick Fraser - drums

www.johnstetch.com www.linaallemano.com

FRIDAY • OCT 17 SATURDAY • OCT 18 Billy Bang Don Thompson Quartet Quartet From New York From Toronto

MEMBERS $22 MEMBERS $16 GUESTS $26 GUESTS $20

Billy Bang - violin Don Thompson - piano, vibes Andy Bemkey - piano - sax and piano Todd Nicholson - bass Jim Vivian - bass Newman Taylor Baker - drums - drums

www.myspace.com/billybangartist www.myspace.com/donthompsonjazz

FRIDAY & SATURDAY • OCTOBER 24 & 25 Sheila Jordan 80th Birthday Celebration From New York and Edmonton

MEMBERS $20 • GUESTS $24

Sheila Jordan - vocals Mike Lent - bass Kent Sangster - saxophone Sandro Dominelli - drums Andrew Glover - piano

www.sheilajordanjazz.com YARDBIRDSUITE • EVENTS • YARDBIRDSUITE 5 Doors at 8pm, Show at 9pm unless otherwise stated

FRIDAY • OCT 31 SATURDAY • NOV 1 goo! Morgan From / Childs Quintet

From Vancouver

MEMBERS $14 MEMBERS $14 GUESTS $18 GUESTS $18

Morgan Childs - drums Chris Davis - trumpet Brodie West - alto sax Amanda Tosoff - piano Simon Toldan - piano Kevin Brow - drums Evan Arntzen - sax Graig Earle - bass Sean Cronin - bass

www.myspace.com/gooband www.myspace.com/morganchildsjazz

FRIDAY • NOV 7 Gravitas Quartet From Seattle/Vancouver ADVANCETICKETS • TICKETMASTER.CA

780-451-8000 MEMBERS $20 GUESTS $24 • for more info • Yardbirdsuite.com Wayne Horvitz - piano Ron Miles - trumpet Peggy Lee - cello Sara Schoenbeck - bassoon

www.waynehorvitz.net

Annual General Meeting Notice is hereby given that the annual general meeting of members of the Edmonton Jazz Society (1973) will be held at the Yardbird Suite, 11 Tommy Banks Way, Edmonton, Alberta, on Tuesday, October 28, 2008 at 7:00 PM for the purpose of: 1. Receiving the report of the president; 2. Receiving and considering the report of the treasurer of the Society for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2008 including the appointment of the auditors for the coming year; 3. Election of the board of directors and officers of the Society; 4. The transition of such further business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof. Further information regarding the business to be discussed at the annual general meeting can be obtained by contacting the Yardbird Suite at telephone 780-432-0428. Dated at the city of Edmonton, in the Province of Alberta, this first day of September, 2008. 6 SHOWINFORMATION • PERFORMERBIOS

Lina Allemano Four Billy Bang Quartet Lina Allemano Four is a group known for Billy Bang’s hard-edged tone, soulful their forward motion and inventiveness, and sense of traditional swing and evocatively they are definitely not afraid to take musical expressive style has enhanced over two risks. These four creative musicians cross dozen albums by top names in a variety of over from improvised music to jazz in their genres, from the blistering funk of Bootsy musical lives, and hence lend a fresh and Collins and the harmolodic groove of Ronald free-spirited feel to their music, combined Shannon Jackson’s Decoding Society to the with a strong melodic concept and an intergalactic uproar of . inherent openness. A stimulating dynamic of With more than 15 albums under his own interaction and spontaneity assures that the leadership, nearly a dozen more in co-led group’s live performances are always light- endeavours, and five more with the String hearted and full of surprises. Trio of New York (which he co-founded in Lina Allemano Four’s newest CD, Pinkeye, 1977 with guitarist James Emery and bassist showcases the leader’s quirky yet deeply John Lindberg), Billy Bang is one of the lyrical songwriting style combined with the more prolific and original members of the band’s expressive flair and knack for the progressive scene. unexpected. Born William Vincent Walker, in junior Past highlights include feature high school he was nicknamed Billy Bang performances at jazz festivals across after a cartoon character, and over his initial Canada, major tours across Canada, and protests, it stuck. Around the same time, his recordings for CBC Radio and TVO. Lina primary interest turned to music, and he took Allemano Four has been nominated for up the violin, switching to percussion in the the Canadian Independent Music Awards’ early ‘60s when he became captivated by Favorite Jazz Group and the National Jazz Afro-Cuban rhythms. Awards Acoustic Group of the Year. While attending a Massachusetts prep Alto saxophonist Brodie West recently school under full scholarship, he met and spent a year living in Europe, and has toured began playing with fellow-student, folk-singer and recorded with Dutch master drummer Arlo Guthrie. Drafted into the army following Han Bennink. Bassist Andrew Downing won graduation, Bang was sent to Vietnam, an a Juno Award and the Grand Prix de Jazz for experience that profoundly affected his his group The Great Uncles of the Revolution. life, often quite painfully. Returning home Drummer Nick Fraser co-leads the group and radicalized, Billy became active in the Drumheller and is one of Toronto’s most in- anti-war movement, and by the late ‘60s had demand musicians. returned to music. Heavily inspired by the exploratory fire of “Lina Allemano Four revels in interactive , Eric Dolphy, Ornette Coleman challenges and sophisticated tension... and the liberating energy of the free-jazz adventurous”. – The Toronto Star movement, Bang returned to the violin as his principal means of expression. Attending “Lina Allemano Four balance the infinite New York’s Queens College, and studying possibilities of free improvisation with the privately with renowned violinist Leroy structure and discipline of playing over Jenkins, Bang became a key member of the changes; it’s a daring twist that works dynamic New York avant-garde scene of the brilliantly”. – The Globe and Mail ‘70s. Forming his own group, The Survival Ensemble, and working with artists like David SHOWINFORMATION • PERFORMERBIOS 7

Murray, Frank Lowe, William Parker and the Michigan, while on tour in April of 2003. legendary Sam Rivers, Billy began to reach These recordings document some of great an international audience in 1977 with the tenorman Frank Lowe’s last performances, String Trio, remaining with the cooperative as he would pass away the following ensemble for nine years. October, losing his battle with lung cancer. During these same years he continued Bang and Lowe were the best of friends and to tour and record with his own ensembles, specifically requested that these tracks be as well as genre-busting ensembles like The commercially released. The CD was released Decoding Society and Bill Laswell’s Material in his memory. (alongside guitar giant Sonny Sharrock). Andrew Bemkey was fortunate to have He continued to work and collaborate studied with three great musical mentors: with notables like Murray, Don Cherry and Jaki Byard, Makanda Ken McIntyre, and James ‘Blood ‘ Ulmer, and in 1982 began a Reggie Workman. He has performed with ten-year association with the incomparable Rashied Ali, Andrew Cyrille, Susie Ibarra, Sun Ra, concluding with a 1992 quartet Lawrence “Butch” Morris, and William recording for Soul Note, “A Tribute to Stuff Parker, among others. For the past several Smith,” dedicated to the father of the jazz years Andrew has been a regular member violin. of both Roy Campbell, Jr.’s band “Tazz” and Relocating to Berlin in 1996 where he the Billy Bang Quintet, playing concerts and lived until 2000, Bang criss-crossed the festivals in the U.S. and Europe. While still Atlantic frequently, performing all over emerging as a recording artist, Andrew will Europe and doing five tours through the be featured on two Billy Bang Quintet CDs to South and Midwest with percussionist Abbey be released in the coming months. Rader, three of which included tenorman Todd Nicholson has performed with Roy Frank Lowe. Campbell, Eddie Gale, Frank Lowe, William He also began a regular working Parker, James Spaulding, and Steve Swell, relationship with percussionist Kahil El’Zabar among others. He has appeared in a variety in 1996, performing in duet, and sometimes as of settings throughout the U.S., Europe and a trio with esteemed Art Ensemble of Chicago Japan. He has collaborated with numerous co-founder and bassist Malachi Favors dancers. He also leads his own group, the Maghostut. Otic Band/Ensemble. Recent recorded In 2000 began what can only be called appearances include “Long Hidden: The the next stage of his career, starting a band Olmec Series” by William Parker (AUM comprised primarily of Vietnam veterans Fidelity), “A Prayer For Peace” by the and recording “Vietnam: The Aftermath” Billy Bang Quintet (TUM Records, to be (Justin Time Records). This recording released this fall), and a live recording by evokes and confronts the memories of his the Billy Bang Quintet (Justin Time). He is Vietnam experiences and showcases the also Associate Director of Arts for Art, the fine compositional skills that have always non-profit arts presenter which organizes the marked his recordings. The project was the Vision Festival and all other Vision-related culmination of emotions regarding Bang’s activities. past experience as a participant in the Newman Taylor Baker (percussionist, Vietnam War. educator, composer, vocalist) grew up on The final release in his Vietnam series is the Virginia State University campus. He has “Above and Beyond,” a live recording of his performed with a multitude of renowned working quintet, capturing a performance performers including Billy Harper, Sam which took place in Grand Rapids, Rivers, Henry Threadgill, Henry Grimes, 8 SHOWINFORMATION • PERFORMERBIOS

Abdullah Ibrahim and Ekaya, Leroy Jenkins, Edmonton’s Jazz City Festival and Yardbird Reggie Workman, , McCoy Suite, Calgary’s “Beatniq”, Saskatoon’s “The Tyner, Kenny Barron, Kevin Eubanks, Ahmad Bassment”, and numerous other jazz clubs Jamal, James Moody, Lou Donaldson, and throughout Canada and the U.S. Berner Stanley Cowell. was co-producer of Edmonton’s Yardbird Jazz Festival in 2005/06 and can be heard on “More young jazz violinists appear every numerous CDs including his own debut CD, year, but none sounds like Billy Bang...After “Sextet”. He has performed at the Canadian 30 years, he’s reached a pinnacle where Embassy in Washington, D.C., and the Polish everything he does takes your breath away.” Embassy in Ottawa, as well as leading his – Tom Hull, Village Voice sextet to Mexico’s “Internacional Festival de Cervantino” and returning there to perform “The well-traveled violinist Billy Bang for the Canadian embassies “Canada Week”. favors astringency and formal tension, In addition, he has performed on CBC’s qualities that come naturally to his band “Hockey Night in Canada” and numerous mates: the pianist Andrew Bemkey, the radio and TV specials. bassist Todd Nicholson and the drummer A former Grant MacEwan Outreach Newman Taylor Baker.” – Nate Chinen, New instructor, he maintains a busy schedule York Times performing, lecturing, and teaching. In addition to appearances with the Edmonton “He is a violinist of the utmost virtuosity Symphony Orchestra, Berner has just in the truest sense of that word.” – Garth released his second album, the critically Fagan, Artistic Director, Garth Fagan Dance acclaimed “Fortress of Solitude”. Berner is also the announcer and producer of “A Time “Anyone who’s heard jazz violinist Billy For Jazz”, heard every Saturday on CKUA. Bang in a live performance will certainly The Brass Knuckles is Berner’s attempt have experienced the transporting powers of to create a new sound blending aspects music...he has created important innovations of American and British style brass bands, of style and technique that have influenced funk, classical brass quintets, and Dixie with a generation of string players.” |– Anthony the biggest influence being the sound of George, Tokyo Weekender contemporary jazz. Drawing on such diverse influences as Maceo Parker, the Canadian Don Berner and the Brass Knuckles Brass, Bonearama, Cannonball Adderley, Art Juno Award winner P.J. Perry has called Blakey, and the Dirty Dozen and Rebirth brass Don Berner “one of Canada’s fastest rising bands among others, the Brass Knuckles saxophone stars. Reads, doubles, solos, will be featuring Berner and drawing on he does it all.” Jazz icon Hugh Fraser has jazz standards, original compositions, Bach, stated,”Don’s talent as a great saxophonist is rock and more. This evening guarantees a supported by his compositional and band- memorable combination of artistic innovation leading talents.” and toe-tapping groove-based music sure to In addition to appearing alongside such have something for everyone. notable jazz luminaries as P.J. Perry, Bobby Shew, Hugh Fraser, Slide Hampton, Bob The Hadley Caliman Quintet Stroup, Chucho Valdez, Lew Tabackin, Guido featuring Thomas Marriott Basso, Tommy Banks, Hilario Duran and Tenor saxophonist Hadley Caliman is part commercial talents E.C. Scott, Frankie Valli, of the living history of jazz music in America. and the Temptations, Don has performed at He has performed, recorded and toured with SHOWINFORMATION • PERFORMERBIOS 9 musicians such as , Gerald jazz scene. He has traveled through Canada Wilson, , , and the US extensively as a leader, sideman , Mongo Santamaria, Joe Pass, and clinician. Morgan’s comprehensive The , Joe Henderson, Don knowledge of the jazz tradition, versatility, Ellis, , Phoebe Snow, Bobby and open attitude has allowed him to work Hutcherson and many others. with some of Canada’s finest musicians His influence on the sound of modern jazz including Brad Turner, Mike Murley, Campbell music can be heard on many of his albums Ryga, Phil Dwyer and Laila Biali. as a leader, including his newest release on Five of Vancouver’s hippest young Origin Records: Gratitude, featuring drummer musicians meet in this quintet. Drummer Joe LeBarbera, vibraphone master Joe Locke Morgan Childs powers it up with a swing feel and trumpeter Thomas Marriott. that just won’t quit. Evan Arntzen is one of At 77 years old and now making his home Canada’s most talented young saxophonists. in Seattle, Hadley Caliman is an active and Pianist Amanda Tosoff, trumpeter Chris Davis vibrant part of the busy Seattle music scene, and bassist Sean Cronin complete this A-list and continues to tour, teach and perform band. throughout the world. Morgan’s debut CD on Cellar Live “Time” Trumpeter Thomas Marriott is one of the was released earlier this year. It is a mix of most exciting musicians to emerge on the carefully chosen hard bop tunes by people national jazz scene in more than a decade. like Richie Powell, and Lee As a five-time winner of the “Golden Ear” Morgan as well as some brand new material award he is one of the busiest musicians in a 1950s/1960s Blue Note bag by Amanda in the Northwest, his native home. He has Tosoff and Morgan Childs. toured, recorded and performed with a diversity of musicians including Maynard Dino Dominelli Group Ferguson, Rosemary Clooney, The Tito Puente Producing some of Edmonton’s fresh new Orchestra, Eddie Palmieri, The Chico O’Farrill sounds, saxophonist Dino Dominelli is heavily Orchestra and many others. influenced by greats like Charlie Parker, In 1999 Thomas Marriott was the winner Cannonball Adderley, Sonny Rollins and of the Carmine Caruso International Jazz John Coltrane. Dominelli spent several years Trumpet Competition, sponsored by the playing and studying alongside Canadian International Trumpet Guild and The Herb jazz legends in Toronto. He has performed Alpert Foundation. throughout Canada, the and in His 2005 album “Individuation” on Origin Hong Kong, Japan, Thailand and Taiwan. A Records was named among the top 10 for regular on the Alberta music scene, Dominelli the year by WBEZ radio, Chicago. His 2007 is heard on numerous recordings and in release “Both Sides Of The Fence” spent clubs throughout Canada. He is currently three months on the national jazz radio charts recording his debut album scheduled for peaking in the top ten. His latest album on release this fall. Origin Records “Crazy: The Music Of Willie Nelson” was released to wide critical Gravitas Quartet acclaim in early 2008. Bringing together four uniquely defined voices of new music, jazz and improvised Morgan Childs Quintet composition, Gravitas Quartet explores At the ripe old age of 26, Morgan Childs the depths of texture, sonority, rhythm and has gained a reputation as one of the most ensemble fluidity available to masters with exciting young drummers on the Canadian a broad palette. Wayne Horvitz, Peggy Lee, 10 SHOWINFORMATION • PERFORMERBIOS

Sarah Schoenbeck and Ron Miles have Eyvind Kang and Peggy Lee. been hailed as forerunners of modern The Gravitas Quartet splits the difference music – each journeying from their vast between this work and jazzier writing for musical backgrounds to redefine the sonic groups such as Sweeter Than the Day: “This landscape. group really came out of my desire to find a The Gravitas Quartet is pianist Wayne context for the way I’ve been developing my Horvitz’s new improvising chamber ensemble. piano playing in the last five years.... When Its members are all highly distinctive voices I have a new project I often have a lot of on their instruments, the sound of the group ideas at once so I jot them down quickly and is unique, and the playing is both classically then go back and work them through. A lot poised and jazzily exuberant and inventive. of the structures are similar to ones I might What really makes the music shine though use with the Four plus One Ensemble or is Wayne’s gift as a composer, the way his even my group with Butch Morris and Bobby themes and harmonies insinuate themselves Previte from the late 80s. That being said, into the listener’s consciousness and the actual written material, at least in some often touch you in those vulnerable places cases, is really notated as if I was writing with their tart nostalgia and bittersweet for a classical ensemble, both in terms of melancholy. the content and compositional technique. You can hear the long history of jazz in They’re really miniatures with places for some of these pieces; others seem to break improvisation.” free from genre expectations altogether. The Gravitas Quartet is a long-term Since the late 1980s Wayne has been priority for Wayne. Given its members’ composing for various classical music deep experience of new music, jazz and ensembles - string orchestra, string quartet improvisation, and the ensemble fluidity of (heard on his new Tzadik CD “Whispers, their work together here, they are already at Hymns and a Murmur”), and various other the forefront of groups that are redrawing the chamber groups, sometimes with electronics landscape of contemporary music or improvising soloists such as Bill Frisell, The ensemble has two CDs, “Way Out SHOWINFORMATION • PERFORMERBIOS 11

East” (2006) and “One Dance Alone” (2008), Pianist Simon Toldam is one of both on the Songlines label. Scandinavia’s most exciting and acclaimed musicians. He was the winner of a Danish “Way Out East” is a beautiful and quietly Music Award in 2006 with the Swedish/ moving and poetic recording; one that will Danish collective “Sekten”, and in 2007 sound fresh and new decades from now. won two awards, for the orchestra Horvitz and his players have shown that “Prügelknabe”’s debut release. He “improvised” or “new” music can be utterly was named “official composer” of the lovely to listen to.” – Thom Jurek, allmusic. Copenhagen Jazz Festival 2007 and has com also performed with Han Bennink, Misha Megelberg, Peter Brotzmann, Evan Parker, goo! and many others. Simon has toured Canada goo! was formed in May, 2007, when twice with Graig Earle and Anders Provis. Canadian bassist Graig Earle, now living in He sits on the executive of ILK records, Copenhagen, invited Canadian saxophonist Scandinavia’s most acclaimed independent Brodie West to play five concerts and record music label. an EP in Denmark together with fellow In Canada, bassist Graig Earle is best Canadian Copenhagen resident Kevin Brow known for his work with Richard Underhill, (drums) and acclaimed Danish pianist Simon John Alcorn, Denzal Sinclaire, Bob Mover, Toldam Rosengren. Graig has long histories Jake Wilkinson and Kevin Turcotte. Since with all three musicians, having performed moving to Copenhagen in 2004, he has with Brodie and Kevin on and off over the quickly become an integral part of the music past 6 years and a 3-year performance scene there as well. His recent trio album, relationship with Simon. “Tide” won “Jazz Album of the Year” at the None of the other musicians had 2008 Danish Music Awards and he has also previously played music together before this recorded/toured with the Erling Kroner New initial 10-day meeting, but the chemistry of Music Orchestra, Thomas Fryland Sextet, the group was immediate. The band plays Cecilie Norby, and Doug Rainey. Graig has music composed exclusively by its members, toured Canada with his own groups from drawing from a wide range of influences Denmark three times in the last three years. from the jazz of the 1940’s to the classical In 2007, Graig was nominated for a Juno tradition of the 1840’s and from India to the award with the Richard Underhill Group for West Indies. “Moment in Time”, and won a Danish Music Alto saxophonist Brodie West currently Award for “Best Crossover Jazz Release” as resides in Toronto, Canada. He has been bassist for “Prügelknabe”. playing jazz and improvised music for nearly Kevin Brow has played in jazz festivals 20 years on 5 continents. His current projects throughout Europe and the United States, and include Drumheller, Deep Dark United, has toured extensively throughout Canada goo! (Denmark), Lina Allemano 4, Andrew including opening for the Herbie Hancock Downing Group, The Ex (Holland), Getachew Quartet and playing with the Bob Brough Mekuria (Ethiopia), a duet with bassist Brent Quartet. After living in Toronto for six years Tanemura, and solo performances. In recent and establishing himself as an in-demand years, Brodie has divided his time between drummer with a unique new voice, Kevin Canada and Amsterdam. Brodie appears on made the move to Copenhagen to pursue recordings with Han Bennink, The Ex, Lina further musical prospects. Kevin recently Allemano and Andrew Downing, among released his first album as a leader, “Koptor” others. on the “Fresh Sound/New Talent” label 12 SHOWINFORMATION • PERFORMERBIOS

(where Brad Mehldau, Kurt Rosenwinkel and changes of pitch, which still tend to confound The Bad Plus all released their first albums). an uninitiated audience. Her preference for the bass and voice led to another remarkable Sheila Jordan collaboration with bassist Cameron Brown, Raised in poverty in Pennsylvania’s whom she has been performing with all over coal-mining country, Jordan began singing the world for more than ten years and they as a child and by the time she was in her have released the live albums “I’ve Grown early teens was working semi-professionally Accustomed to the Bass” and “Celebration”. in Detroit clubs. Her first great influence Entirely non-derivative, Jordan is one of was Charlie Parker and, indeed, most of her only a tiny handful of jazz singers who fully influences have been instrumentalists rather deserve the appellation and for whom no than singers. Working chiefly with black other term will do. musicians, she met with disapproval from A frequent visitor to Edmonton over the the white community but persisted with her years, this event will celebrate Sheila’s 80th career. She was a member of a vocal trio, birthday in the company of several of her Skeeter, Mitch And Jean (she was Jean), favourite Edmonton musicians. performing versions of Parker’s solos in a Copyright 1989-2000 Muze UK Ltd manner akin to that of the later Lambert Hendricks And Ross. Audrey Ochoa Presents: The J-Team After moving to New York in the early 50s, In late July 2008 six Edmonton musicians she married Parker’s pianist, Duke Jordan, decided to form a sextet with the mission to and studied with Lennie Tristano, but it was explore together their original compositions, not until the early 60s that she made her first artistry and craft. This group is comprised of recordings. One of these was under her own some of Edmonton’s finest musicians known name, the other was “The Outer View” with collectively as the J-Team. The ensemble will George Russell, which featured a famous be playing a program of compositions written 10-minute version of “You Are My Sunshine”. or arranged by all six members in an attempt In the mid-60s her work encompassed to contribute to the extensive jazz tradition of jazz liturgies sung in churches and extensive the City of Edmonton. club work, but her appeal was narrow even Audrey Ochoa is one of Edmonton’s within the confines of jazz. By the late 70s fastest rising trombone players. Audrey is a jazz audiences had begun to understand full time trombonist, dividing her time among her uncompromising style a little more performance studies at the University of and her popularity increased - as did her Alberta, private and group teaching sessions appearances on record, which included and performing with numerous ensembles albums with pianist Steve Kuhn, whose including the Edmonton Jazz Orchestra, quartet she joined, and an album, “Home”, the Wedding Crashers, the Retrofitz, King comprising a selection of Robert Creeley’s Muskafa and her own jazz trio. Juno Award poems set to music and arranged by Steve Winner P.J. Perry has stated that Audrey Swallow. is “... a real talent and will accomplish any A 1983 duo set with bassist Harvie Swartz, area of music she wishes to pursue.” She “Old Time Feeling”, comprises several of the has performed with such notables as P.J. standards Jordan regularly features in her Perry, Mike Lent, Chris Andrew, Hugh Fraser, live repertoire, while 1990’s “Lost And Found” Chucho Valdez, Lew Tabackin, Hilario Duran, pays tribute to her bebop roots. Both sets Don Berner, Mike Herriot, Tom Cochrane, display her unique musical trademarks, such Tom Lavin and the Powder Blues Band, Colin as the frequent and unexpected sweeping James, the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, SHOWINFORMATION • PERFORMERBIOS 13

The Temptations, and has appeared on Jazz de Montreal, which in turn led to his several recordings. debut recording for Justin Time Records. In subsequent years, Stetch was featured on John Stetch Trio NPR’s “Piano Jazz” with Marian McPartland, A late bloomer by any stretch of the Branford Marsalis’ “Jazz Set” and “Weekend imagination, this native of Edmonton didn’t Edition” with Liane Hansen. begin playing piano until age eighteen. After several solo concerts, Stetch However, he did show an interest in music reached a pivotal moment in his career. at an early age, and as a result, his father Although he loved group playing, he realized handed down his own clarinet and taught that he now wanted to explore the challenge him the basics when John Stetch was nine. of building a solo piano oeuvre. To this end, in A few years later, Stetch switched to alto 2002 he recorded and released Ukrainianism. saxophone and eventually completed his This recording celebrated his heritage first year of university on classical tenor with a blend of jazz, classical and folkloric saxophone. “When I first broached the idea arrangements of melodies that were familiar of playing piano, several of my teachers to him from an early age. actually chuckled at the idea that I could Voluminous critical acclaim followed, suddenly take up piano so late in life. Come with superlative praise from the major jazz to think of it, they actually discouraged me. journals including Downbeat, who called But I knew it was something I had to do … I “Ukrainianism” “one of the best solo piano just felt that the piano was my higher calling. recordings in recent years.” Jazziz called I was inspired by the rhythmic and harmonic it “a very powerful and truly monumental potential, and it’s such an enjoyable recording.” His next release, “Standards”, instrument to work at alone.” featuring ‘derangements’ of some well- Stetch’s life as a professional musician trodden material, was released in 2003. This began when he moved to Montreal, gradually was met with equal enthusiasm: JazzTimes breaking into the ‘big city’ jazz scene there. praised Stetch for possessing “an unlimited After working for several years in that city, imagination, unique harmonic and rhythmic Stetch recorded his first album, “Rectangle conceptions and the digital dexterity to Man”, in 1992, which led to tours, additional execute any idea he hears.” recordings, and frequent airplay across The release of “Exponentially Monk” Canada, including CBC’s popular “Jazz Beat.” completed his solo trilogy and positioned Stetch moved to New York later that year Stetch among the highest ranks of and found himself participating regularly in contemporary pianist/composers. As the the legendary Park Slope jam sessions – an album’s title implies, the focus is solely on almost mandatory rite of passage in the New Thelonious Monk. This galvanizing and York jazz community. He continued to work brilliant recording bursts with momentum, with his own group as well as with many humour, textures and a personal approach to others as a sideman. this venerable material. Echoing the reaction In 1993, Stetch decided to enter the of live audiences, the Philadelphia Inquirer Thelonious Monk Composer’s Competition. said, “John Stetch makes a solo session Stetch not only took 2nd place, but, of 260 sound like a crowded bandstand,” and Utne international entries, two of his compositions Reader proclaimed Stetch’s music to be placed in the prestigious competition’s top “bold and vital jazz for the 21st century.” twelve. To support the recordings that comprise In 1998 he won Le Grand Prix du Jazz the solo trilogy, Stetch has performed du Maurier at the Festival International de solo concerts at some of the world’s most 14 SHOWINFORMATION • PERFORMERBIOS prestigious venues, including the Monterey, Francisco for a two year stay. During that Montreal, and Paris JVC Jazz Festivals. In time the Handy Quintet performed extensively recognition of his still-evolving career, the throughout the United States and recorded Canadian Government has awarded Stetch two albums for the Columbia label. One of numerous grants for touring, development these, “ Live at the Monterey and composition, and he’s also been Jazz Festival”, became one of the most commissioned by several private foundations. popular jazz albums of the 1960s. While in Although he still loves to perform solo, his San Francisco, Don also worked with Frank current focus and priority is the trio. Stetch Rosolino, Maynard Ferguson, Denny Zeitlin concludes, “After all that solo work, it’s a and George Duke. real thrill to add two more musicians to the He returned to Canada in 1967 and has mix – the energy and spontaneity now seem been a resident of Toronto since 1969. In that suddenly three-dimensional.” year he joined Rob McConnell’s Boss Brass Undeniably one of today’s most riveting as a percussionist, switching to bass in 1971 jazz pianists and composers, John Stetch and later to piano (1987–1993). He was also has returned to the trio format after an a member of ’s group from 1970 internationally acclaimed solo piano trilogy. to 1979 as pianist or bassist, contributing Consistently praised for his inventiveness, arrangements and compositions and working exquisite sound and technical brilliance, as co-producer with Koffman on two albums, Stetch rounds out his vision with his new trio “Museum Pieces” and “Looking Up”. He also recording, “Bruxin’”, comprised entirely of worked extensively with guitarists , his own unmistakable compositions. Lenny Breau and while keeping busy with his own various projects. Don Thompson Quartet As a member of the “house rhythm Don Thompson is a Canadian jazz section” at Toronto’s Bourbon Street Jazz musician who plays bass, piano, drums, and Club he worked (and recorded) with such vibes, and is a master at each. Don has been jazz celebrities as , , a fixture on the Toronto jazz scene since the , , James Moody, late 1960s when he moved there from his , , , Frank native . Rosolino, Slide Hampton, and Don formed part of the Toronto Quartet of Abbey Lincoln, and appeared at other venues Paul Desmond during the mid-seventies, and with , , Joe that effort produced two stellar albums. Other Henderson, Dewey Redman, , personnel on those dates, mostly at Bourbon Sheila Jordan and . Street in Toronto, were Toronto musicians Ed He became a member of guitarist Jim Bickert and Jerry Fuller. Hall’s trio in 1974 travelling to Europe and He lived in Vancouver from 1960 to 1965 Japan as well as touring the United States working as a freelance musician primarily and Canada. In 1982 he joined pianist George on bass. He appeared with groups led by Shearing and stayed for a five year period some of Vancouver’s finest musicians such during which he appeared at virtually every as Dave Robbins, Chris Gage and Fraser major jazz club and festival in the United MacPherson, as well as leading his own States. Their travels also included tours of groups. He also appeared regularly on CBC Great Britain and two trips to Brazil. radio and television as a featured artist and In 1996 he was artist in residence at the band leader. Royal Academy of Music, London, England, In 1965 he joined the now legendary and performed in a concert of all-Canadian John Handy Quintet and moved to San music with fellow Canadians Kenny Wheeler SHOWINFORMATION • PERFORMERBIOS 15 and Hugh Fraser. He has taught regularly creates songs that swing between heavy at the Banff Centre for the Arts along with blues riffs and fragile melodies with poetic other major international musicians. Don is lyrics and irresistible phrases.” – Anna currently working as a freelance musician, Simms, Groove Magazine teacher, member of the band JMOG and as leader of his own quartet. “Back to Francois”... is packed with funky blues riffs and stellar slide performances. Rachelle van Zanten Trio The surprise is that van Zanten juxtaposes Slide guitarist/singer songwriter Rachelle her gutsy guitar playing with very personal van Zanten grew up in the foothills of and introspective lyrics - a stylistic trait she northern British Columbia, playing bluegrass attributes to her diverse influences.” – Katie and old time country with her family. By the Garibaldi, Music Spectrum time she was 13 she was well-schooled in piano, drums and trumpet - but wanting to be “Her outstanding slide and finger picking modish with the 90’s rock movement, took up techniques are showcased throughout but guitar. never to the extent that her superb and In the fall of ‘95 van Zanten moved varied song writing is overshadowed. “Back to Edmonton and formed the renowned to Francois” is a fantastic debut that never Canadian rock quartet Painting Daisies. allows a sense of complacency, an album Simultaneously, she heard the inimitable that’s been a long time coming and hints slide guitar stylings of Lester Quitzau and of greater things to come.” – Nightshift immediately began to develop her own slide Magazine (UK) guitar technique. Painting Daisies recorded four rock albums, toured Europe, the USA, and Canada, and won “Entertainers of the Year” at the 2001 Prairie Music Awards. In 2003, van Zanten’s “Walking Home Lately” won top prize in CBC’s “Great Canadian Music Dream” competition. In 2005 van Zanten recorded her solo debut CD, “Back to Francois” with Island Music Awards Producer of the Year, Joby Baker. “Back to Francois” showcases Rachelle’s dazzling guitar playing, exquisite voice and lyrical songwriting. Rachelle van Zanten will be releasing her next recording this fall. She has been touring in Canada, the US, and Europe and has recently recorded her third CD in India. An active member of the music community, van Zanten is also the producer of Western Canada’s music camp for young women, Rocker Girl Camp.

“Burns like a bumblebee queen...Rachelle van Zanten plays with her instrument like it was an extension of her own body...She YARDBIRDSUITE • ATAGLANCE • YARDBIRDSUITE

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

The Hadley Caliman Quintet featuring Thomas Marriott

Members $16 • Guests $20 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 JAM Don Berner Dino session and the Brass Dominelli

SEPT Knuckles Group Members $12 • Guests $16 Members $12 • Guests $16 29 30

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY 1 2 3 4 5 Audrey Ochoa Rachelle Presents: van Zanten The J-Team YARDBIRD SUITE BLUES Members $12 • Guests $16 Members $18 • Guests $22 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 JAM John Stetch Lina Allemano session Trio Four

Members $18 • Guests $22 Members $14 • Guests $18 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 JAM Billy Bang Don Thompson session Quartet Quartet

Members $22 • Guests $26 Members $16 • Guests $20 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 JAM Sheila Jordon session 80th Birthday Celebration OCTOBER

Members $20 • Guests $24 27 28 29 30 31 JAM session goo!

Members $14 • Guests $18

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY 1 2

Morgan Childs Quintet

Members $14 • Guests $18 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 JAM Gravitas session

NOV Quartet

Members $20 • Guests $24

THE YARDBIRD SUITE is a concert venue. during the show, please turn off your cell phones and pagers. For upcoming shows visit www.yardbirdsuite.com