NEWSLETTER OF THE

Peter Appleyard with Tommy Banks Trio

®

At the Suite Volume 21,Volume 2 – March/April, Issue 2003 • PJ Perry Quartet • Edmonton International Film Festival • Yardbird Suite Blues: D.C. Bellamy • DOUBLE BILL NIGHT: Lane Arndt Trio and Zebradonk ICP Orchestra • ICP Orchestra • Joe LaBarbera Quartet with Hadley Caliman • Steve Slagle/ Band • Peter Appleyard with Tommy Banks Trio • Kirk MacDonald Quintet

Dave Stryker/ Steve Slagle Joe LaBarbera Quartet with Hadley Caliman

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Bringing the best in live jazz to Edmonton since 1973

Yardbird Suite 11 Tommy Banks Way Edmonton Jazz Society (1973) (corner of 102 Street & 86 Avenue) 11 Tommy Banks Way Edmonton, Alberta T6E 2M2 (corner of 102 Street & 86 Avenue) Phone: (780) 432-0428 Fax: (780) 433-3773 Edmonton, Alberta T6E 2M2 Programming: Adrian Albert, Craig Magill, Phone: (780) 432-0428 Frank Peterson, Jasiek Poznanski, Bruce Stovel Fax: (780) 433-3773 Production: Jasiek Poznanski Yardbird Suite House Managers Co-ordinator: Danielle Burns Board of Directors for 2002-2003: Office: Fred Elgert President: Tara Benoit JAM SESSIONS Transportation: Dwayne Hrynkiw Vice-President: Adrian Albert Press Releases: Paul Wilde Treasurer: Murray Walford Every Tuesday! Members & Guests $3 • Doors: 8pm Show: 9pm Jam Sessions: Blake Kinley, Marcus Taylor Secretary: Leah Wilson Shelley Chebry, Norma Davis, March 4 April 1 Yardbird Suite Newsletter is published five times Dwayne Hrynkiw, Craig Magill, per year by the Edmonton Jazz Society (1973) Blues: Blues: Tara Benoit & Jasiek Poznanski, Kent Sangster, Dave Babcock The Blues Imposters David Trump, Doug Zimmerman Newsletter Editor: Jasiek Poznanski Memberships: Ken Knight Contributing Writers: Adrian Albert, March 11 April 8 Littlebirds Directors: Julie King, Craig Magill, Craig Brenan, Mike Yuzwenko Lane Arndt Dean Pierno Advertising: Shelley Chebry Yardbird Suite Jazz is a registered Graphic Design: Kim Deley, Critical Path March 18 April 15 trademark of the Edmonton Jazz Marketing Communications Rick Garn Blake Kinley Society (1973). Distribution: Monique Bielech, Shelley Chebry, Bill Harper March 25 April 22 Printed by: Nisku Printers (1980) Ltd. Canadian Publication Mail Bob Tildesley Torben Holm-Pederson Product Sales Agreement Yardbird Suite on the Net: April 29 # 1516698 www.yardbirdsuite.com Doug Zimmerman Yardbird Suite co-presentation with the Edmonton International Film Festival

'Strange Fruit', 2002 USA, 57 min. Directed by Joel Katz. Includes performance and/or interviews with: Billie Holiday, Abbey PJ Perry Lincoln, Pete Seeger, Don Byron, Cassandra Wilson, and others.

This captivating documentary The schoolteacher who penned Please join us after the movie Quartet traces the journey of the song Strange Fruit under the pseudonym for live music of Billie Holiday and Strange Fruit, written by a Bronx Lewis Allen was named Abel original songs performed by P.J. Perry, Edmonton’s premier schoolteacher, popularized by Billie Meeropol, the same Abe Meeropol Melody Diachun Quartet. alto saxophonist, has a Juno award Holliday, and immortalized by the who adopted the two sons of atom Melody is a vibrant and to his credit. He has also been civil rights struggle. bomb spies Julius and Ethel Rosenberg compelling vocalist. A Montreal honored by Jazz Report Magazine Strange Fruit is the first after their 1953 execution. The boys, native, she grew up in Annapolis Critics Choice, as the best documentary exploring the history now middle-aged, help relate the tale, Royal, Nova Scotia where she saxophonist in Canada. This award and legacy of the Billie Holiday illuminating the fevered world of art learned to play electric bass, piano was awarded to P.J. for several years classic. This history of the song's and politics in which they grew up. and French horn, and took her running. This January, P.J. was evolution tells a dramatic story of Folk singer Pete Seeger, premier professional singing gig at honoured as the Saxophonist of the America's racial past using one of playwright and critic Amiri Baraka, age fifteen. Later she was the first Year at the National Jazz Awards in the most influential protest songs veteran civil rights activist Rev. Dr. vocalist admitted to McGill Toronto. ever written. While many people C.T. Vivian, and Milt Gabler of University's Jazz Performance P.J. has shared the stage with assume Strange Fruit was written by Commodore Records, which first Program where she earned her such jazz greats as Dizzy Gillespie, Billie Holiday herself, it actually recorded Strange Fruit with Billie music degree. In the mid-90’s she Woody Shaw, and began as a poem by a Jewish Holiday in 1939, add their voices to moved to New York City where she many others. For this show, he will schoolteacher and union activist the story. worked on composition, studied have three musicians assisting him: from the Bronx, who later set it to with Sheila Jordan, and soaked up guitarist Bobby Cairns, bassist Mike music. It was first performed at a the music of the local scene. Lent and Vancouver based drummer New York teachers' union rally and Melody’s singing career has Blaine Wikjord. All of these What they’re saying... was brought to the attention of the taken her from Montreal and New musicians are considered some of manager of Cafe Society, a popular "It still amazes me how York to a three year house gig at the best that Canada has to offer. Greenwich Village nightclub, who twelve lines can change the the Banff Springs Hotel, and most P.J. was asked what words introduced Billy Holiday to the writer. world" recently to Vancouver, where she would describe his concert and he Holiday's record label refused to Joel Katz, has quickly established herself as replied “the place will be a-rocking.” record the song. Holiday persisted and the director of Strange Fruit. one of the area’s most in-demand This will no doubt be one exciting, recorded it on a specialty label instead. performers. Last year she released energetic and entertaining concert, The haunting lyric and melody made it "This film is an invaluable her first CD "Lullaby of the Leaves." so be sure you catch it! impossible for white Americans and illumination of how a singer She has worked with many of politicians to ignore any more the and a song helped to Canada’s top jazz artists including Southern campaign of racist terror. permanently awaken Oliver Gannon, Michel Donato, P.J.Perry – sax The documentary includes a Americans to a horrifying part Bob Murphy, P.J. Perry, Dave Bobby Cairns – guitar moving recitation of the lyric by Abbey of our past that still affects Restivo and many others. She has Mike Lent – bass Lincoln and a powerful musical the present. I knew Billie performed on CBC Radio and Blaine Wikjord –drums performance by Cassandra Wilson. But Holiday and how deeply starred in her own episode of the it's the footage of Lady Day herself Strange Fruit affected her -- television series “JAZZMAN”. The performing her bitter and heart- as this film vividly shows." show features her compositions wrenching signature song that stands Nat Hentoff, and airs regularly on BRAVO! TV FRI & SAT4 at the center of the film. Holiday sang Village Voice and the BET Network. MARCH 7&8 it until her death in 1959. MEMBERS $12/GUESTS $16 Melody Diachun – vocals SUNDAY4 MARCH 9 Doug Stephenson – bass, guitar MOVIE 8PM 4 LIVE MUSIC FOLLOWS 4 MEMBERS $11/GUESTS $15 Wayne Feschuk - piano Sandro Dominelli - drums

MARCH/APRIL 2003 Page 3 DC Bellamy with the Jim Guiboche Band

DC Bellamy has been a musician he had made the transition to blues, first Canadian appearance as a all his working life. He is a high- and was playing as a sideman for bandleader at the Yardbird Suite, energy guitar player who plays blues artists including Valerie accompanied by Jim Guiboche and straight ahead blues, and who has a Wellington, Artie "Blues Boy" White his band who are known for their talent for connecting with his and Abb Locke. solid performances at previous audience. After three decades as a DC Bellamy has moved around, Yardbird Suite blues engagements. sideman, he has emerged as a great but his home base is now Kansas Long valued as a sideman, Jim front man. City. He is frequently booked to play Guiboche is making his first Yardbird DC was born and raised in major blues festivals fronting his own appearance as a bandleader. Chicago. He came from a musical band. He released his first solo CD family, and heard all types of music "Water to Wine" (Rooster Blues from gospel to blues to R&B in his Records) in 2000 to consistently neighborhood. His half-brother, soul excellent reviews. legend Curtis Mayfield, practiced Bellamy is an accomplished DC Bellamy - guitar, vocals with his band the Impressions in the guitarist, playing a clean sparse style. Jim Guiboche - guitar family living room. Bellamy picked up His fresh approach to lyrics, powerful Dave "Crawdad" Cantera - harmonica the guitar as a youngster and his vocals, and his warm engaging stage Dave Bridges -bass talent soon became evident. He was presence come together to create his Grant Stovel - drums hired when he was just seventeen to unique blend of Chicago blues, R&B, play guitar behind Soul singer Betty and soul. Everett, and this gig lasted for a DC Bellamy will be making his ardbird Suite BLUES decade. Over the years, he worked with everyone from Jimmy Reed to 4 the ChiLites, but was mainly FRI&SAT MARCH 14&15 interested in R&B music. By the 80's DOORS 8PM 4 SHOW 9PM 4 MEMBERS $11/GUESTS $15

DOUBLE BILL NIGHT! Lane Zebradonk Since its inception in 1998, Toronto-based Zebradonk has performed locally, toured nation-wide, and throughout Europe. Their music is deeply Arndt’s rooted in the jazz tradition, however these roots are often obscured by explorations into other worldly forms of music. This musical stew proves to be very adventurous, allowing the band to continually re-invent itself. String Improvisation plays a key role in the performances of Zebradonk; this creates an environment of mystery and Trio encourages the audience to feel Edmonton guitarist Lane Arndt involved in the creative brings his current project to the process. Yardbird Suite stage with the music Zebradonk is that will be experimental and scheduled to stop in melodic with glitch and sounds from Edmonton as part of the laptop. He describes it himself their upcoming tour in as “very modern, very current, very support of their third forward.” release – a limited edition vinyl EP highlighting recent compositions from band leader Brodie West. The group features four of the most unique voices of Toronto’s creative music scene. Lane Arndt’s String Trio Zebradonk Recent recruits, guitarist Alex Lucashevsky, leader of Toronto punk/improv Lane Arndt – guitar, laptop; Brodie West – sax band Deep Dark United, founder of Kosher Rock Records, and Tania Gill on Robin Hunter – guitar, Shawn Abedin – drums piano, member of chamber/jazz quartet Runcible Spoon, join original members lapsteel; Alex Lucashevsky – guitar Brodie West on alto saxophone, and Shawn Abedin on drums. Thom Golub – bass Tania Gill - piano All four members of Zebradonk also play in Deep Dark United and perform regularly with Toronto artists collective The Woodchoppers Association. FRIDAY4 MARCH 21 Zebradonk continues to explore and develop its own unique blend of free DOORS 8PM 4 SHOW 9PM 4 MEMBERS $6/GUESTS $10 improvisation and formal composition, drawing from vast influences such as Ornette Coleman, Dimitri Schostakovich, The Ex, Charlie Parker, and Misha Mengelberg.

Page 4 MARCH/APRIL 2003 ICP Orchestra The Instant Composers Pool drawn from both familiar jazz Orchestra (“ICP”) fulfills the great sources such as Ellington, Monk, promise of jazz, a creative ferment Herbie Nichols and Mingus as well where anything and everything is as the rich harmonic sequences and possible, with some of the most frequently swinging gait of Misha exhilarating, surprising, beautiful Mengelberg’s compositions and and downright joyful music you’re those of other members of the ever likely to hear. They will never orchestra. rock the world of commercial music In addition to the same nine but they will bring the house down member contingent which appeared that tunes are there to be used as improvising as some people see it. every time they play. here in 2001, saxophonist Tobias material for improvising with, and That idea is built into our name. Everyone who saw the group Delius has been added to the extemporaneous invention is treated One moment they’re playing specific perform on November 17, 2001, at orchestra. This is a dream team of as a valid way of creating a structure notated parts and then I’m in my the Yardbird Suite will heartily agree Holland’s best jazz explorers or form. Their name - Instant corner composing instantly off of with the sentiment expressed above. anchored by Mengelberg and Composers Pool Orchestra - reflects that. Sometimes you have to listen We are thrilled to have them return Bennink. However, most of the the group’s spontaneous outlook closely to tell where it changes.” for what is guaranteed to be others are acknowledged leaders of and collective nature. This is another brilliant evening of their own groups and many of them exemplified in their most recent Misha Mengelberg - piano improvised music. have appeared in Edmonton over recording “Oh, My Dog!” which Ab Baars - clarinet/sax Founded by pianist Misha the years. They include stellar reed received 4-1/2 stars in a Downbeat Michael Moore - clarinet/sax Mengelberg and drummer Han men Michael Moore, Tobias Delius review last year. Tobias Delius - sax Bennink in 1967, they continue to and Ab Baars, trumpeter Thomas There is enough serious free Wolter Wierbos - trombone be ICP’s main catalysts as the Heberer, trombonist Wolter Wierbos improvisation to satisfy the Thomas Heberer - trumpet orchestra continues to excite a and a string section of cellist Tristan connoisseurs and enough anarchy Mary Oliver - viola/violin worldwide audience with the Honsinger, bassist Ernst Glerum and to continue the tradition. As Han Tristan Honsinger - cello creative music which one critic refers violist/violinist Mary Oliver. Bennink says, “There’s not such a Ernst Glerum - bass to as “New Dutch Swing.” ICP has arrived at a point of distance between composing and Han Bennink - drums Mengelberg and Bennink reconciliation between free emphasize a daring, risk-taking spirit improvisation and written pieces. often missing from the market- They do so not by making one SATURDAY 4 MARCH 22 driven North American jazz scene. subservient to the other but by DOORS 8PM 4 SHOW 9PM 4 MEMBERS $18/GUESTS $22 ICP’s evolving performances are rolling them together thoroughly so The Joe LaBarbera Quartet featuring Hadley Caliman

Once you have heard Joe thing at the right time.” He has Milburn and Floyd Dixon. LaBarbera at the helm of a jazz gone on to play with many of the Over the years, Hadley has group it is easy to understand why top musicians around the world played with Mongo Santamaria, he has been one of the Yardbird such as , , Art Willie Bobo and , as well as Suite’s favorite drummers and why Farmer, Art Pepper, John Scofield extended European tours with he is returning to the club for his and . and Freddie fourth appearance. This time he is What makes this particular Hubbard. He has recorded a heading up a quartet featuring concert so special is the return to number of albums under his own tenor great, Edmonton of Hadley Caliman, an name, as well as as a sideman with Hadley Caliman. extraordinary tenor player, whose literally hundreds of artists. He was Most of you last appearance here was back in most recently invited to play the now will be the mid seventies at the old Jazz Alley in with Elvin Jones familiar with Joe’s Captain’s Cabin. He had just and Pat LaBarbera. bio. Just let us say, finished a stint with Hadley is also an instructor at the Joe was the with whom he recorded. Cornish Institute of the Performing drummer of Born in Oklahoma, January 12, Arts in Seattle. We feel privileged to choice for the last 1932, he moved to Los Angeles in have him back with us again. great 1940. Having heard all the great Trio . Of Joe, Bill bands of the time with his father, said, “….He is a Hadley got his first tenor sax at age top soloist and he 16. Within a few years Hadley was the does the right youngest member in the seventeen Joe LaBarbera – drums piece band of Roy Porter that included Hadley Caliman – sax FRI&SAT 4 MARCH 28&29 the likes of and Eric Dolphy. Chris Andrew - piano 4 4 He also traveled with many southern Mike Lent – bass DOORS 8PM SHOW 9PM MEMBERS $16/GUESTS $20 bands such as Charles Brown, Amos

MARCH/APRIL 2003 Page 5 The Steve Slagle/Dave Striker Band

Saxophonist Steve Slagle , with whom he Panorama in 2002 is their most successful fall tour on the west appeared at the Yardbird Suite in participated in the Grammy-winning recent recording together and marks coast bode well for this Yardbird April, 2000, with Jim Head, John “52nd Street Themes” recording. the first time they have recorded in Suite event. Taylor and Sandro Dominelli. He He has released ten discs under his their own group format. All but one returns again for two nights but this own name and has recorded many of the tracks is written by Stryker or time, Jim Head is studying at McGill times as a sideman Slagle and it is one of those rare and Steve will be accompanied by For fifteen years Steve Slagle has CD’s where this isn’t a weak his longtime musical partner, also been the musical partner of moment to be found. The disc Dave Stryker - guitar guitarist Dave Stryker. guitarist Dave Stryker. A native of moves from strength to strength. Steve Slagle - saxophones A graduate of the Berklee Omaha, Stryker moved to New York Their sold out show at the 2002 - bass College of Music in Boston, Slagle in 1980. He spent 1984 and 1985 Monterey Jazz Festival and a very Sandro Dominelli - drums moved to New York in 1977 and with Jack McDuff followed by over has made his home there ever since. ten years with Stanley Turrentine. He has a stellar resume as a He has recently been working and professional musician. In the late recording with vocalist Kevin 1970's, he worked with Machito Mahogany. and the Afro-Cuban Orchestra and Dave has over fifteen recordings ; then came stints out as a leader, many of them on with and Brother Jack the Steeplechase label. In addition, McDuff. Through the 1980's his he has been featured as a sideman employers included , on many more. He was voted one Carla Bley, and Ray of the top ten guitarists in both the Barretto. From 1991 to 1997, he Critics and Readers Polls in was the lead altoist and chief Downbeat in 2001. arranger with the , Stryker and Slagle plan to make considered by many to be the finest their work together their main big band on the scene today. One focus. The self-titled “The of his most recent collaborators is Stryker/Slagle Band” released on

FRI & SAT 4 APRIL 4 & 5 DOORS 8PM 4 SHOW 9PM 4 MEMBERS $16/GUESTS $20

Page 6 MARCH/APRIL 2003 Peter Appleyard with the Tommy Banks Trio

On Friday and Saturday, April 11th and 12th, 2003, we will be able to witness two of Canada’s most talented musicians in concert. Peter Appleyard is now in his 56th year as a musician. His career includes 8 years with Benny Goodman, extensive studio recordings, club, concert hall and TV performances. He also starred with symphonies, led bands for more than four decades and was the most played Canadian artist on the radio in the 70's and 80's. In 1992 Peter was named ‘Officer of the Order of Canada.’ During that same year, a half-hour CBC documentary was produced about him entitled ‘My Music.’ In 1999 the Mississippi Rag poll rated him the top vibraphonist in North America. Accompanying Peter is ‘the Senator’ Tommy Banks and his Trio. We can anticipate a large attendance for this show, featuring these two icons of the Canadian jazz world, so don’t put off getting your tickets!

FRIDAY & SATURDAY 4 APRIL 11 & 12 Peter Appleyard - vibraphone DOORS 8PM 4 SHOW 9PM 4 MEMBERS $16/GUESTS $20 Tommy Banks - piano Kirk MacDonald Quintet Juno Award winning tenor saxophonist Kirk MacDonald will be returning to the Yardbird Suite to front a very exciting quintet. Kirk has worked with some of the finest musicians in jazz today. Upon moving to Toronto from Nova Scotia, he began playing with drummer Claude Ranger and bassist Dave Young. He has worked with Pat LaBarbera, Sonny Greenwich, Bob Mover, Harold Mabern and Walter Bishop Jr. Kirk is considered by many to be Canada's foremost tenor player and in 2002 was the first place winner in the 4 eme Concours International de Soliste de Jazz. We are looking forward to his engagement at the club. Happy This event will also witness the return to Edmonton of guitarist Jim Head from his studies in Montreal. As most of you know Jim is an extremely gifted player with great chops and an Easter! inventive use of harmonics. It will be interesting to see what a year away has added to his Just a reminder that repertoire. the Yardbird Suite Kirk MacDonald - sax will be closed for Jim Head - guitar Chris Andrew - piano the Easter Holiday Mike Lent - bass Sandro Dominelli - drums April 18-19, 2002 FRIDAY & SATURDAY 4 APRIL 25 & 26 DOORS 8PM 4 SHOW 9PM 4 MEMBERS $12/GUESTS $16

MARCH/APRIL 2003 Page 7 Yardbird Suite at Glance All shows begin at 9pm unless otherwise noted.

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY 4 9 Edmonton International JAM Blues PJ Perry Quartet Film Festival Dave Babcock March Friday & Saturday • March 7 & 8 Sunday • March 9 • 8pm!

10 11 12 13ardbird Suite BLUES 16 JAM with DC Bellamy Lane with the Jim Guiboche Band Arndt Friday & Saturday • March 14 & 15 17 18 19 20 23 ICP JAM with Lane Arndt Trio/ Orchestra Rick Garn Zebradonk Friday • March 21 Saturday • March 22 24/31 25 26 27 30 JAM with Joe LaBarbera Quartet Bob with Hadley Caliman

Tildesley Friday & Saturday • March 28 & 29

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY 123 6 JAM Bluest & a Benoi Steve Slagle/Dave Stryker Band Tar es The Blu osters Imp Friday & Saturday • April 4 & 5 78 9 10 13 Peter Appleyard JAM with Dean with Tommy Banks Trio Pierno Friday & Saturday • April 11 & 12 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 JAM with Blake Kinley Happy Easter! 21 22 23 24 27 JAM with Kirk MacDonald Quintet Torben rson olm-Pede H Friday & Saturday • April 25 & 26 28 29 30 JAM with Doug April Zimmerman

THE YARDBIRD SUITE IS A CONCERT VENUE. During the show, please turn off your cell phones and pagers. THE YARDBIRD SUITE IS A NON-SMOKING VENUE For upcoming shows visit www.yardbirdsuite.com