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Toronto Jazz

Toronto Jazz

ISSUE #139 22nd YEAR OCTOBER/NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

2017- NEWPORT FESTIVAL – U.S.A . Photos by Barry Thomson

Cecilé McLorin Salvant Wadada Leo Smith Maria Schneider

Maceo Parker Bela Fleck Branford Marsalis

Vijay Iyer Victor Wooten Tim Berne 2017 – NEWPORT JAZZ FESTIVAL – U.S.A . Photos by Barry Thomson

Buster Williams Joey DeFrancesco Christian McBride

Benny Golson Seamus Blake John Medeski

Amir Elsaffar Rhiannon Giddens Avishai Cohen 2017 – NEWPORT JAZZ FESTIVAL – U.S.A . Photos by Barry Thomson

Cyrille Aimée Cyrus Chestnut Esperanza Spalding

Jason Moran Sean Jones John Scofield

Dominick Farinacci Jack DeJohnette Henry Threadgill REMEMBERING Tony “Oulabula” Bazley September 10. 1934 – December 16. 2015

I was first introduced to Tony back in 2004, by another fine drummer, our own, Norman Marshall Villeneuve. Tony always considered himself as a bebop drummer and indeed he was. This New Orleans born multi-talented musician grew up in the city of jazz, which inspired him to move in that direction. One of his early mentors was saxophonist, Eric Dolphy who he worked with for one year. Over that period time he had the pleasure of meeting, , John Col- trane and, . During the late 50s and 60s he recorded with, , Roy Ayres, , Les McCann, , , and eight years with,William Green's organ combo.. Tony also spent time in the U.S. Air Force performing with the Special Services Band, and for a short period led his own band. In the late 80s his drum- ming skills attracted the attention of Ellis, and Delfeayo Marsalis who he had several gigs with. In 2008 at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival Tony was in his element, he was leading a group consisting of trumpeter, Nicholas Payton, saxophonist, Roderick Paulin, bassist, Chris Severin and pianist, Richard Knox. The “icing on the cake” they were playing straight ahead hard bebop, Tony's bag.

This choice drummer was also a talented artist, really fine sketches, four of which were given to me by him. I am proud to have them on my website www.torontojazz.ca under “Credits”. Over the years we stayed in contact sometimes on the phone from New Orleans or when he was in Toronto. Although ,Tony had three homes, New Orleans, the island of St Lucia in the Caribbean and here in Toronto where he often played with our top-notch talent. Tony “Oulabula” Bazley will be sadly missed by those who knew him, certainly by me, we had some great chats. His jazz stories were a treasure, coming from New Orleans how could they not be.

Dave Milbourne. John MacLeod Photo by Dave Milbourne Lightwork Hypnosis Let Your Light Shine! LIGHTWORK HYPNOSIS announces their new HYPNOSIS FOR PERFORMING AND CREATIVE ARTISTS, which addresses issues such as on-stage/on-set and audition anxiety, competition stress, creative blocks, ego- strengthening, memory/line-learning enhancement, positive self-image Follow Us On: enhancement and health and wellness. Let hypnosis be your powerful tool of transformation!

Special ½ Price Initial Consultation and Hypnosis Session! No doubt about it this Toronto born composer,arranger, band leader, For further information, or to schedule an trumpeter and flugelhornist has appointment, please e-mail: made his mark on the Canadian jazz [email protected] or call scene. From his early studies at 1-416-486-6742. Humber College of Music 1974 – Please visit www.LightworkHypnosis.com 1977 with Don Johnson, trumpet, LIGHTWORK HYPNOSIS is a Toronto-based hypnosis clinic Ron Collier, arranging and, Allen S. dedicated to the physical, emotional and spiritual evolution of the individual through the skilled use of hypnosis techniques Michalek , improvisation, he sure got by Lesley Mitchell-Clarke, a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, member in good standing of The National Guild of Hypnotists off to a good start. In fact MacLeod and The National Federation of NeuroLinguistic Programming, was soon performing and recording graduate of The Ontario Hypnosis Centre and holder of NGH Certifications in Pediatric Hypnosis, Pain Control and with the Humber “A” Band. Not long Management and also Metaphysical Therapies – Past Life/ Inter-life Regression/Energy Release. after that he was working in studios, theatres, and nightclubs around the city of Toronto. He was a founding member of the Spitfire Band and in 1982 joined the famous Boss Brass. In 1986 he formed his own band and toured across Canada with it. MacLeod is a strong and innova- tive player, he often reminds me of the late, very creative, mainly flugelhornist, Kenny Wheeler. He has played with the best on the Canadian jazz scene including, Bernie Sen- ensky, Tommy Ambrose, Norman Amadio, Pat LaBarbera, Kirk MacDonald, Alex Dean, Mike Murley, Michael Stuart, Brian Dickinson, and the late renowned pianist, Bobby Fenton with his unique group The Forth Inversion. As far as I know MacLeod still has his own big band, although now days in this city one never knows. Anyhow, he does have numerous recordings to his name as leader, and many, many more as supporting player. Certainly a musician not to miss if you get the chance, and he, like many others can find a place to play. No doubt about it this Toronto born composer,arranger, band leader, trumpeter and flugelhornist has made his mark on the Canadian jazz scene. From his early studies at Humber College of Music 1974 – 1977 with Don Johnson, trumpet, Ron Collier, arranging and, Allen S. Michalek , improvisation, he sure got off to a good start. In fact MacLeod was soon performing and recording with the Humber “A” Band. Not long after that he was working in studios, theatres, and nightclubs around the city of Toronto. He was a founding member of the Spitfire Band and in 1982 joined the famous Boss Brass. In 1986 he formed his own band and toured across Canada with it. MacLeod is a strong and innova- tive player, he often reminds me of the late, very creative, mainly flugelhornist, Kenny Wheeler. He has played with the best on the Canadian jazz scene including, Bernie Sen- ensky, Tommy Ambrose, Norman Amadio, Pat LaBarbera, Kirk MacDonald, Alex Dean, Mike Murley, Michael Stuart, Brian Dickinson, and the late renowned pianist, Bobby Fenton with his unique group The Forth Inversion. As far as I know MacLeod still has his own big band, although now days in this city one never knows. Anyhow, he does have numerous recordings to his name as leader, and many, many more as supporting player. Certainly a musician not to miss if you get the chance, and he, like many others can find a place to play.

Harry All en After hearing and seeing, , Zoot Sims and, Scott Hamilton on many occasions I would have to say tenor saxophonist, Harry Allen plays in a similar style. At age 51 he has already received outstanding praise from the jazz world. This Washington, D.C. U.S.A. born musician who is now based in has appeared in numerous jazz festivals and clubs world- wide. He has performed and recorded with stellar artists such as , Rosemary Clooney , Ray Brown, , Tony Bennett, Johnny Mandel, Tommy Flanagan, Kenny Barron, Sheryl Crow, John Pizzarelli, and the list goes on. Allen has received awards from the Swing Journal Magazine, New York Nightlife Award, Jazz Journalists Association and Japan's Swing Journal Magazine. His CD. Tenors Anyone?. won both the Gold Disc Award and the New Star Award. On October 21st 2017 you will be able to see Harry Allen with an all star septet at the Studio Theatre, Toronto Centre for the Arts, presented by J.P.E.C. Jazz Performance and Education Centre. Sure to be an exciting evening. SEASON 2017-2018 Celebrating 20 Years! AMANDA MARTINEZ IN CONCERT

Her songs have appeared on three Putumayo world music collections: Bossa- nova Around the World, Latin Dreamland and most recently, Cafe Latino.

November 25, 2017 I 8 PM Hammerson Hall

www.livingartscentre.ca X 905.306.6000 SEASON 2017-2018 Celebrating 20 Years! Oscar Peterson & Oliver Jones A Celebration December 9, 2017 I 7:30 PM Hammerson Hall

Monty Alexander Kahil El’Zabar Brandi Disterheft

Join us at the Jazz Event of the Year to celebrate Canada 150 and the 20th anniversary of the Living Arts Centre.

An unforgettable evening featuring an incredible lineup of the Marc Cary Robi Botos best in jazz, honouring Canada’s greatest Jazz legends, Mr. Oscar PERFORMANCE SPONSOR RADIO SPONSOR Peterson, and Mr. Oliver Jones, who will receive the inaugural Living Arts Centre Achievement of Excellence Award.

www.livingartscentre.ca X 905.306.6000 Artists Around Town Photos by Barry Thomson

Mike Murley Michael Shand Nick Fraser

Kelly – Lee Evans Laila Biali Patrica O'Callhan

Amy Sky Derek Andrews Ruthie Foster Monty Alexander Photo by Barry Thomson - Newport Jazz Festival 2016

This acclaimed Jamaican born pianist began playing jazz piano at age 14. Now at age 73 he is still going strong and never fails to pack festivals and clubs around the world. Alexander and his family moved from his native Jamaica to Miami , Florida in 1961. Although he has never forgot the the wonderful sound of Reggae which he often includes in his style of playing. Saying that this musician knows how to swing would be an understatement, just give him a good blues or bebop number and there is no holding him. Since those early days after arriving in the U.S.A. Alexander has performed with the best , including, Frank Sinatra, , Ray Brown, Ernest Ranglin, Dizzy Gillespie, Benny Golson, Jimmy Griffin, , Herb Ellis, to mention just a few. He was married to veteran jazz guitarist, Emily Remler, since divorced, and currently married to Italian jazz vocalist, Caterina Zapponi.

Our choice pianist has at least 30 recordings to his name also numerous awards and honors, he was Grammy- nominated in 2011 for the recording Harlem - Kingston Express – Live. Montgomery Bernard Alexander continues to be one of the most sought after pianist on the jazz scene. Catch him live at the beautiful Hammerson Hall, Living Arts Centre, Mississauga on December 9th. 2017, you won't be disappointed. OUT and ABOUT with BARRY Photos by Barry Thomson

Marilyn Lerner Tanya Tagaq Joanna Majoko

Russ Little Neil Cowley Bill McBirnie

Andrew Scott Brian Brown Bernie Senensky 2017 - JAZZ FESTIVAL – U .S.A. Photos by Barry Thomson

Wayne Shorter Joe Lovano Benny Golson

Donny McCaslin Kamasi Washington Akihiro Nishiguchi

Eddie Henderson T. K. Blue Sean Jones 2017 – DETROIT JAZZ FESTIVAL – U .S.A. Photos by Barry Thomson

Dee Dee Bridgewater Regina Carter Sheila Landis

John Patitucci Rodney Whitaker Jason Marsalis

Esperanza Spalding Kyle Eastwood Theo Croker 2017 – DETROIT JAZZ FESTIVAL – U .S.A. Photos by Barry Thomson

Chuco Valdés Herbie Hancock Bill Childs

Karriem Riggins Johnny O'Neal Brian Blade

Cameron Graves John Scofield Danilo Peréz Publisher's View

So here we are the last issue for the year and time to express my gratitude to some special people. As always photographer , Barry Thomson always prompt with his excellent photos. Not surprising he has gained wide recognition for his high standards. At the top two jazz festivals in North America, Newport Jazz Festival and Detroit Jazz Festival he is always welcomed when he arrives to shoot. I am certainly pleased to have him photo for my publica- tion, when he has time. Bearing in mind Barry is a self employed free-lance photographer. Like all professional photographers expects to get paid for anything he does. So often does he get requests for “free” photos, which is an audacity, enough said. Next my editor, Rick Nixon who is always there when needed, which is on a part-time basis. Then there is lay-out artist, Tina Bertrand at T.P.H., she is very conscientious, creative and on time with the publication. What more can you ask for, it's nice to know your deadline date is going to be met. Once again we are a free, non-profit jazz publication probably the last in Canada. Over the past twenty two years we have never received any support from anyone, no generous sponsors like some are fortunate to have. Like all free, non profit publications we survive on advertising.

Unfortunately as our readers have noticed, not many have had anything worth promot- ing. Only the the exceptional advertisers you see in this issue, who do have something to publicize. They maybe few but are very special and much appreciated. Toronto is not the great city it used to be for jazz and blues, that was a past era. Gone are the days when there was so much variety you had a job to keep up with it all. Now it's “ where do I find something decent to hear? ”. We get so many emails asking “ where do we go when in your city to listen jazz or blues?”. My answer is “if you don't see it advertised in our publication, then I have no idea”. Bearing in mind we often get as many as 80,000. hits a month and each hard copy issue can be read on line.

When lamenting the entertainment scene of days gone by in Toronto, we can hope for a revival. However, one cannot help feeling depressed about the situation in general in our city. We seem to be slipping into an abysses of pollution and crime. First pollution, due to the unabated construction of high rise office and condominiums we have become a concrete jungle. Trees have been chopped down in their hundreds, maybe thousands, green space is disappearing. Fresh air is hard to find, respiratory and allergy problems have shown a significant increase. The attitude is, if there's a spare spot, build on it “screw the environment” . As usual money talks, and nothing happens. Regarding crime, there is hardly a day goes by when someone isn't shot, stabbed, robbed, assaulted, home-invasions and car- jacking. Unfortunately all we hear from our sanctimonious politicians is “what a nice clean, safe city Toronto is”, what hypocrisy!. They even have the nerve to quote statistics, well if they and polls were correct, Donald Trump shouldn't be president of the U.S.A.!. As the old saying goes “you can fool some of the people some of the time, but you can't fool all of the people, all of the time”. For those who echo the same sentiments I have expressed, let your voice be heard. Please contact the bureaucrats concerned with the aforementioned matters.

To end on a positive note, Three Cheers for Toronto F.C. the best soccer team in North America!.

Best of health , take care. Dave Milbourne.

Front Page Photo: Dave Milbourne

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...... $210 (all illustrations 1995) 1/2 Page...... $110 Edited by Rick Nixon 1/4 Page...... $90 Layout by Tina Bertrand Deadline date for February 2018 Issue is January 14th Website designed by TNP GROUP - THINK ‘N’ PIXELS

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