May/June 2012

Pascal Niggenkemper Trio – Upcoming Hurricane Azar Lawrence Quintet Bert Johnson Quartet Jon McCaslin Quintet – Sunalta CD Release The Complete Rebirth of the Cool Dean McNeill and Jeff Presslaff Peter Belec Ralf Buschmeyer – Jazzspeak CD Release Johnny Brown with the Graham Guest Band Andrew Glover – Impressions of Europe, Volume 2

Azar Lawrence Edmonton Jazz Society’s Our Volunteer House Managers Board of Directors • Luc Bouchard • Sue Cameron • Jan Doll 2011•2012 • Bill Hume • Judy Hume • Pam Josey • Gail Kelly • Tracy Kolenchuk • Trevor Moyer • Lori Mullen Adrian Albert • President • Marilyn Rude • Collette Slevinsky • Rhonda Smith Dave Babcock • Vice President • Karen Voller • Gail Wozny Stuart Crosley • Treasurer Garry Spotowski • Secretary Yardbird Suite Newsletter The Yardbird Newsletter is published five Board Members times per year by the Edmonton Jazz Society. Monique Bielech • Shelley Chebry • Dwayne Hrynkiw eDitoRs • Adrian Albert, Jasiek Poznanski Pam Josey • Wendy Magill • Jasiek Poznanski CONTRIBUTING WRITERS • Adrian Albert, Francis Remedios • Dominique Roy Julie King Yardbird Suite ADVeRtiSing • Shelley Chebry Programming • Adrian Albert, gRAPHic DESIGN • Kim Deley, Critical Path Marketing Julie King, Jasiek Poznanski Communications Production • Lisi Sommer DiStRibution • Monique Bielech, TUESDAY NIGHT Sessions • Lindsay Woolgar Shelley Chebry, Bill Harper Littlebirds Director • Joel Gray Jazz For Kids Director: Audrey Ochoa PRINTING • ION Print Solutions Inc. Finance • Suzanne Morter Press Releases • Trevor Moyer Tickets Transportation • Alan Spence Tickets for Yardbird Suite shows are available House Manager & Volunteer at Ticketmaster and at the door on the night Coordinator • Pam Josey of the performance. www.ticketmaster.ca

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CANADIAN PUBLICATION MAIL PRODUCT SALES AGREEMENT #40047729 INTERNATIONAL JAZZ SERIES Pascal Niggenkemper Trio – Upcoming Hurricane Upcoming Hurricane is a new group in the in jazz. He has performed at the Yardbird Suite traditional piano trio form. The CD of the on several occasions including memorable same name was listed among the “Albums of concerts with Erik Friedlander’s Topaz, Rez the Year” for 2011 in the New York City Jazz Abbasi, Myra Melford and Cuong Vu. Record and features French-German bassist Pascal Niggenkemper (who performed at the Yardbird Suite in January with guitarist Ori Dakari), pianist Simon Nabatov from Germany, and drummer Gerald Cleaver. For their Yardbird Suite gig, drummer/percussionist Satoshi Takeishi replaces Cleaver. Although the instrumentation is piano, bass and drums, do not expect to hear mainstream jazz. The group has a layered dynamism that comes directly from the tradition but it also has the exploding, unfettered energy of free improvisation. The music reflects a special sense of movement, finding in the idea of wind a force and spirit that demonstrates the trio’s intensity and muscularity. A New York resident since 2005, Niggenkemper performs with an interlocking network of musicians including Tyshawn Sorey, Jeff Davis, Kris Davis, Gunther Schuller, Lionel Loueke and more traditional players such as Phil Woods, Billy Higgins and Maria Schneider. He has recorded about 20 discs in his young career including several where he is the leader or co- when... leader of the group. Pascal Niggenkemper Trio – Upcoming Hurricane Pianist Simon Nabatov was born in Russia, From New York/Germany moved to New York in 1979 where he lived for a number of years and relocated to Germany in FRIDAY, MAY 4, 2012 1989 although he also maintains a presence in TICKETS - MEMBERS $20, GUESTS $24 New York. He has performed or recorded with DOORS 8 PM - SHOW 9 PM a “Who’s Who” of the improvised music scenes of the and Europe most of whom are familiar to jazz fans and many of whom have Pascal Niggenkemper - bass performed at the Yardbird Suite. Simon Nabatov - piano Satoshi Takeishi - drums Replacing Gerald Cleaver in Upcoming Hurricane for this event is Stomu Takeishi, one of Artist website: the most interesting drummer/percussionists www.pascalniggenkemper.com

www. yardbirdsuite.com 3 INTERNATIONAL JAZZ SERIES

4 May/June 2012 Azar Lawrence Quintet

Saxophonist Azar Lawrence is known for his Within the past few years, he has performed, contributions as sideman to McCoy Tyner, Miles written, and produced several CDs including Davis, and . “Speak The Word” and “Prayer For My Ancestors” Lawrence was the tenor saxophonist Tyner used which received an honourable mention for Best following ’s death. of 2009 by All About Jazz/New York. He also lead and co-produced a live tribute album “Legacy and Born in Los Angeles in 1952, Lawrence’s musical Music of John Coltrane” in 2006. studies began at age five. He received direction from his mother, a music educator, starting as Azar Lawrence’s latest release “Mystic Journey” will a classically trained violinist and pianist before without a doubt again place him amongst jazz’s switching to saxophone at age twelve. He resided elder statesmen. His bold style reminds the listener on his hometown’s famed Central Avenue which of the energy, spirituality and emotion that John was Southern California’s jazz Mecca. The vibe Coltrane, Pharaoh Sanders and others brought of that scene clearly seeped into his musical to jazz in the 1960s and 1970s. He rekindles the consciousness. memory of one of the most explosive eras in jazz history, channeling the fiery spirit of Coltrane’s While in high-school he met the late Reggie legacy. Unlike most Coltrane wannabes, he lived Golson and become an extended member of and breathed the music of the turbulent 60s, Benny Golson’s family. Thanks to Reggie, Azar’s playing with Coltrane’s contemporaries and peers. professional music life began in his late teens when he was asked to join ’ band, The Jazz Machine.

During his years performing with Elvin Jones and later with McCoy Tyner, he was also a music when... Azar Lawrence Quintet executive with Fantasy/Prestige Records, worked From Los Angeles as a songwriter at Capitol Records and also at SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2012 Orion Pictures which was involved with the long- TICKETS - MEMBERS $24, GUESTS $28 standing Hollywood Squares television show. DOORS 8 PM - SHOW 9 PM He wrote three songs for Earth Wind & Fire’s “Powerlight” album and performing on keys on that disc. Azar Lawrence - saxophone As a leader his seminal work “Bridge into the Gilbert Castellanos - trumpet New Age” in 1974 was lauded as a classic and has Benito Gonzalez - piano recently been reissued. His discography is diverse - bass Lorca Hart – drums with names like Frank Zappa, Busta Rhymes, Woody Shaw’s “Moontrane”, and “Dark Magus” by Artist website: . www.azarlawrence.com

www. yardbirdsuite.com 5 CANADIAN JAZZ SERIES Bert Johnson Quartet

Since graduating in 2009 with a Masters degree Joining Bert on his debut at the Yardbird Suite in jazz piano from the University of Manitoba, is vocalist Grace Hrabi. Grace is a regular face on Bert Johnson has become a familiar face on the stages throughout Winnipeg and is a graduate Winnipeg music scene. Having recorded and of the University of Manitoba jazz program. Since performed in numerous musical settings, Bert’s her days studying with Anna-Lisa Kirby (a former debut album “Calm and Collected” showcases New York jazz vocalist) at the U of M, she has his love for the jazz style. Having garnered sung in a wide variety of styles. Her recent album interest in the album as far away as Luxembourg, release “Collection Get!” with Montreal’s Elliot Bert is excited to share the music live with an Britton, is a treasure trove of pop style originals. Edmonton audience. While Bert is currently Though Grace has shown her ability to adjust to based in Winnipeg, he is no stranger to Alberta any musical genre, she is excited to show her love having studied with one of Edmonton’s most of jazz whenever possible. respected pianists, Chris Andrew, before moving to Winnipeg.

when... Bert Johnson Quartet From Winnipeg/Edmonton FRIDAY, MAY 11, 2012 TICKETS - MEMBERS $16, GUESTS $20 DOORS 8 PM - SHOW 9 PM

Grace Hrabi - vocals Bert Johnson - piano Josh McHan - bass Jamie Cooper – drums

Artist website: www.bertjohnsonmusic.com

6 May/June 2012 THE BEST OF ALBERTA Jon McCaslin Quintet Sunalta CD Release

“Sunalta” represents McCaslin’s second release as the Banff Centre for the Arts in 1997. In the spring a leader and is a follow-up to his debut release of 2002, McCaslin completed his Master’s in Jazz “McCallum’s Island” (2003). Supported by an Studies at McGill University where he studied all-star cast of Canadian jazz artists including Brad jazz drumming, improvisation and composition. Turner, Phil Dwyer, Steve Kaldestad, Tilden Webb He is currently a Doctoral Candidate through the and Jodi Proznick, this album features a program University of Toronto. of diverse and dynamic original compositions Jon has also been fortunate to have performed and arrangements all penned by the drummer/ with many of Canada’s jazz elite as well as composer. international jazz stars such as , Drummer, vibraphonist, performer and educator Greg Clayton, Ralph Bowen, and Chucho Valdes. Jon McCaslin was born in Winnipeg and raised In 2003, he was the recipient of a fellowship from in Regina. He began playing the drums at the the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and age of nine. He progressed through the award attended the “Betty Carter Jazz Ahead” residency winning Regina Lions Junior Band and Campbell in Washington, D.C., where he was featured with Collegiate music programs, soon developing a other distinguished young jazz artists and had the passion for playing the drums and jazz. Ultimately, opportunity to perform with such jazz icons as Jon’s interest in music led him to enroll in the Jazz Terence Blanchard, Carmen Lundy, Winard Harper, Studies program at McGill University, graduating Curtis Fuller and John Clayton. with distinction in 1999. He also attended the Concurrent with the release of his first recording, prestigious summer jazz workshop presented by McCaslin’s quintet performed at the 2003 edition of the Montreal International Jazz Festival and was nominated for the General Motors Grand Prix when... du Festival (awarded to the most outstanding Jon McCaslin Quintet Canadian group). Sunalta CD Release From Calgary/Edmonton SATURDAY, MAY 12, 2012 TICKETS - MEMBERS $16, GUESTS $20 DOORS 8 PM - SHOW 9 PM

Jim Head - guitar Jim Brenan - tenor saxophone Tom van Seters - piano Stefano Valdo – bass Jon McCaslin – drums

Artist website: www.jonmccaslinjazzdrummer.blogspot.com

www. yardbirdsuite.com 7 when... The Complete Rebirth of the Cool Dean McNeill and Jeff Presslaff From Winnipeg/Brandon/Saskatoon/Edmonton FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 18-19, 2012 TICKETS - MEMBERS $18, GUESTS $22 DOORS 8 PM - SHOW 9 PM

Dean McNeill - trumpet Jeff Presslaff - trombone Greg Gatien - alto saxophone Ken Gold - baritone saxophone Scott Whetham - tuba Allene Hackleman - French horn Will Bonness - piano Gilles Fournier - bass Eric Platz – drums

Artist website: www.deanmcneill.com www.jeffpresslaff.com

8 May/June 2012 CANADIAN JAZZ SERIES The Complete Rebirth of the Cool Dean McNeill and Jeff Presslaff

Between January 1949 and March 1950, prevailed through the 1950’s known as the Cool several young musicians recorded an album School. of music composed for an unusual ensemble In spite of the vast influence of this recording, of trumpet, alto sax, baritone sax, trombone, the ensemble itself, with its marvelous colours French horn, tuba, piano, bass and drums. The and possibilities, was extremely short-lived (aside compositions were strikingly original, blending from the recording sessions, only one two-night jazz harmonies and rhythms with classically stand at a club in New York) and rarely duplicated. inspired counterpoint. Several of the player/ This tragic neglect has now been rectified by The composers went on to become household names Complete Rebirth of the Cool project. among jazz followers, including Miles Davis, Gerry Mulligan, Gil Evans and several others. The Under the direction of trombonist and composer, album called “The Complete Birth of the Cool” Jeff Presslaff, The Complete Rebirth of the Cool was released in 1957, and the title reflects the recreates many of the conditions of that original consensus that these recordings marked the burst of creativity - a team of probing musical beginning of the post-bebop trend in jazz that thinkers and the means to compose and perform their new ideas. The music reflects to a large degree the sensibilities of the original recording, but the goal is emphatically to make new pieces that reflect the performers’ personal experiences, as well as the changes in the musical landscape over the past sixty years. There is a greater variety of grooves and much influence from modern composition techniques and the music of other cultures. Presslaff has a strong track record of successfully coordinating collaborative composition projects, including the Jazz Composers Ensemble, All Winds, Papa Mambo and much notable work with the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra. He is joined by some of the leading lights of Western Canada’s creative jazz community, including the already eminent Dean McNeill (a past director of the EJS’ Littlebirds Big Band and Jazz Works music festival). Many of the musicians presenting The Complete Rebirth of the Cool are highly-regarded music educators and composers from across the Prairie Provinces and all of the musicians involved are first-rate, formidable instrumentalists.

www. yardbirdsuite.com 9 THE BEST OF EDMONTON

Peter Belec Born in 1979, Peter Belec can recall loving music for the very first time at a very early age. If his memory serves him correctly, he can pinpoint the exact moment when he fell in love with music at a Chi Chi’s Restaurant in Ontario where he heard Lionel Richie’s ‘All Night Long’ for the first time.

For this concert he will be exploring some of the pop hits of the 80’s and arranging them for a jazz quintet. Among the music featured will be songs by Tears for Fears, Cyndi Lauper, New Order, Gary Numan and U2. Expect another entertaining and musical evening from Edmonton’s own Peter Belec! when... Peter Belec From Edmonton FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012 TICKETS - MEMBERS $14, GUESTS $18 DOORS 8 PM - SHOW 9 PM

Peter Belec - guitar Dave Morgan - trumpet Doug Organ - piano, keyboards Josh McHan - bass Jamie Cooper - drums

Artist website: www.peterbelec.com

10 May/June 2012 THE BEST OF ALBERTA Ralf Buschmeyer Jazzspeak CD Release

Ralf Buschmeyer’s new CD “Jazzspeak” features Ralf with three bands from various regions. The first band is a B3 trio, featuring John Riley (drums) from New York and Michelle Gregoire (B3) from Winnipeg (but now living in Calgary). The next is a Vancouver quartet with Bill Coon (2009 Jazz guitarist of the year National Jazz Awards), Jodi Proznick (bass), and Jesse Cahill (drums). And finally a Toronto group known as Folkalarm with Kevin Breit (Norah Jones & Cassandra Wilson’s guitarist), Russ Boswell (bass) and Jorn Anderson (drums). This CD Release Event at the Yardbird Suite will feature Edmonton’s own Doug Organ on the B3, Jim Brenan on saxophone & Jon MacCaslin on drums. when... Ralf Buschmeyer Jazzspeak CD Release From Calgary/Edmonton SATURDAY, MAY 26, 2012 TICKETS - MEMBERS $16, GUESTS $20 DOORS 8 PM - SHOW 9 PM

Ralf Buschmeyer - guitar Jim Brenan - saxophone Doug Organ - piano, keyboards Jon McCaslin - drums

Artist website: www.ralfmusic.com

www. yardbirdsuite.com 11 YARDBIRD SUITE Texas Johnny Brown with the Graham Guest Band

Texas Johnny Brown is returning to the records) to glowing reviews. Texas Johnny Yardbird Suite! Composer of the beautiful Brown is a favourite at many of the top blues blues classic Two Steps from the Blues, Brown festivals around the world. has been defending the blues since the 1940s. Texas Johnny Brown will be backed by a five- He is one of the finest guitarists from the piece band led by Graham Guest on piano, golden age of rhythm and blues. organ and vocals. Don’t miss an opportunity Born in Ackerman, , he lived in New to see one of the few remaining masters of Orleans, Natchez, Mississippi and Los Angeles Texas blues. before moving to , Texas as a young man. He learned guitar by playing on the street in towns all over the South with his father, a blind guitar player.

After moving to Houston, Johnny joined ’s band and toured extensively. He when... played on many of Milburn’s Aladdin Records Texas Johnny Brown sessions as well as on ’s early with the Graham Guest Band Atlantic recordings. When Johnny made his From Houston/Edmonton own Atlantic recordings in 1949, Milburn and FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JUNE 1-2, 2012 his band were there to back him up. In the TICKETS - MEMBERS $20, GUESTS $24 1950s and 1960s, Johnny toured as the lead DOORS 8 PM - SHOW 9 PM guitarist and band leader for and and was a studio musician at Houston’s Duke/. Johnny’s Texas Johnny Brown - guitar, vocals distinctive guitar style graces the recordings Graham Guest - piano, organ, vocals Dave Babcock - saxophone of many Duke/Peacock artists including Bland, Joel Grey - trumpet Parker and Joe Hinton. Along the way, Johnny Chris Brzezicki - bass worked with many blues greats including Jeff Lisk - drums T-Bone Walker, Johnny Otis and Pee Wee Crayton. Artist website: www.txjohnnybrown.com His clean guitar sound ranges from jazzy to rhythm and blues, with a Texas flavored groove, never more than a step or two from the blues. His clear, soulful voice perfectly complements his fine original material. Johnny has released two excellent CDs, “Nothin’ But the Truth” and “Blues Defender”, both on Choctaw Creek

12 May/June 2012 “The guitar soloing throughout is brilliantly spare and melodic, avoiding frivolous six-string pyrotechnics and focusing instead on clean tones and cool sounds... Brown delivers precise guitar leads that communicate like the voice of a disciplined singer...On Blues Defender, Brown’s singing is his most effective on record to date, conveying passion and depth of insight.” - Roger Wood, Living Blues

www. yardbirdsuite.com 13 THE BEST OF EDMONTON Andrew Glover Impressions of Europe, Volume 2

Andrew Glover is an accomplished pianist and composer. He is credited with a huge body of work which has been performed by artists from Edmonton, the rest of Canada, Europe and the United States.

Andrew graduated from Grant MacEwan Community College, and studied solo piano with Adrian Chornowol and Charlie Austin. He has worked with Mike Rud, Jack Semple, Kennedy Jensen, Dianne Donovan, the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, Scott Hamilton and Sheena Easton among others. For over ten years he toured extensively with the Big Miller Band.

In addition, many artists have performed and recorded Andrew’s compositions. Six of the eleven compositions on Jack Semple’s “Grey and Yellow” CD were written by Andrew, as well as four songs for Dianne Donovan’s release “Yes or No”. He was also a principal writer for Edmonton’s ‘Pazzport’. Andrew’s when... Andrew Glover compositions and arrangements have been Impressions of Europe, Volume 2 performed or recorded by John Abercrombie, From Edmonton Anna Beaumont, Caroline Mae Johnson, Jacek Kochan, Pat LaBarbera, Theresa Lightfoot, FRIDAY, JUNE 8 , 2012 TICKETS - MEMBERS $14, GUESTS $18 George McFetridge, Don Thompson, Jean- DOORS 8 PM - SHOW 9 PM Pierre Zanella, and Alfie Zappacosta.

Jim Head - guitar Joel Gray - trumpet Bruce Mohascy - keyboards, bass, percussion Andrew Glover - piano, keyboards Wes Caswell - bass Sandro Dominelli – drums

Artist website: www.andrewglover.ca

14 May/June 2012 jammin’ tuesday night sessions TICKETS AT THE DOOR - MEMBERS & GUESTS $5 DOORS 7:30 PM - SHOW 8 PM

May 1 May 22 Dave Babcock Quartet Charlie Austin Trio Dave Babcock - saxophone w/ Dino Dominelli Jim Head - guitar Dino Dominelli - saxophone Chris Andrew - organ Charlie Austin - piano Sandro Dominelli - drums Cliff Minchau - bass Paul Biggelaar - drums May 8 Celsius Quartet May 29 Jamie Philp - guitar Brad Shigeta Quartet Bill Richards - piano Brad Shigeta - trombone Pierre Paul Bugeaud - bass Dean McNeill - trumpet Gord Graber - drums Doug Organ - organ Dan Skakun - drums May 15 Bryan Qu Quartet June 5 Bryan Qu - saxophone Eva van Gunsteren Quartet Tim Lemke - guitar Eva van Gunsteren - vocals Lindsay Woolgar - bass Chris Andrew - piano Sandro Dominelli - drums Lindsay Woolgar - bass Thom Bennett - drums

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Friday & Saturday Shows: Doors at 8pm • Show 9pm unless otherwise stated.

May 4 May 18-19 June 1-2 Pascal Niggenkemper Trio – The Complete Rebirth Texas Johnny Brown with the Upcoming Hurricane of the Cool Graham Guest Band Members $20, Guests $24 Dean McNeill and Jeff Presslaff Members $20, Guests $24 Members $18, Guests $22 May 5 June 8 Azar Lawrence Quintet May 25 Andrew Glover Members $24, Guests $28 Peter Belec Impressions of Europe, Volume 2 Members $14 Guests $18 Members $14 Guests $18 May 11 Bert Johnson Quartet May 26 Members $16, Guests $20 Ralf Buschmeyer Jazzspeak CD Release May 12 Members $16, Guests $20 Jon McCaslin Quintet Sunalta CD Release Members $16, Guests $20

EDMONTON JAZZ SOCIETY 11 TOMMY BANKS WAY (Corner of 102 St & 86 Ave) EDMONTON AB T6E 2M2

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