Spring 2014

Jerrold Dubyk Organ Trio Laura Crema Quintet Reis/Demuth/Wiltgen Trio Donny McCaslin Trio Holly Hofmann/Mike Wofford Quartet Florian Hoefner Group P.J. Perry/Renee Rosnes Quartet Eliana Cuevas Omer Klein Dave Peck Trio Double Bill - Joanna Borromeo and Nuela Charles Champian Fulton/Cory Weeds Quartet Doug Organ Trio Braveheart Azar Lawrence Quintet Curtis Nowosad Quartet Johanna Sillanpaa Yardbird Suite Blues - Joe Piccolo and Swing the Cat The Writers’ Guild Donny McCaslinTrio Edmonton Jazz Society’s Our Volunteer House Managers Board of Directors • Sue Cameron • Jan Doll • Bill Hume • Judy Hume 2013•2014 • Pam Josey • Gail Kelly • Tracy Kolenchuk • Trevor Moyer • Lori Mullen • Marilyn Rude Adrian Albert • President • Collette Slevinsky • Rhonda Smith • Karen Voller Francis Remedios • Vice President Stuart Crosley • Treasurer Yardbird Suite Newsletter Wendy Magill • Secretary The Yardbird Newsletter is published five times per year by the Edmonton Jazz Society. Board Members eDitoR • Adrian Albert Dave Babcock • Monique Bielech • Dwayne Hrynkiw gRAPHic DESIGN • Kim Deley, Critical Path Marketing David MacFarlane • Pam Josey • Jasiek Poznanski Communications Dominique Roy • Reg Wilkes DiStRibution • Monique Bielech, Bill Harper Yardbird Suite PRINTING • ION Print Solutions Inc. Programming • Adrian Albert, Julie King, Jasiek Poznanski Tickets Production • Lisi Sommer Tickets for Yardbird Suite shows are available TUESDAY NIGHT Sessions • Dan Davis at Ticketmaster and at the door on the night Littlebirds Director • Joel Gray of the performance. Jazz For Kids Director: Audrey Ochoa Finance • Suzanne Morter Press Releases • Trevor Moyer www.ticketmaster.ca Transportation • Alan Spence House Manager & Volunteer Coordinator • Pam Josey

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CANADIAN PUBLICATION MAIL PRODUCT SALES AGREEMENT #40047729 CANADIAN JAZZ SERIES Jerrold Dubyk Organ Trio

Jerrold Dubyk is thrilled to be presenting in the arts and youth of Edmonton, Dubyk was his music once again at the Yardbird Suite. included into Edmonton’s Avenue Magazine Focused on a desire to be expressive onstage “Top 40 under 40”. and working with top musicians, he brings an Joining Jerrold for this evening of music are inspired ability towards the melodic line and his bandmates Chris Andrew (organ) and Jesse harmonic gestures in the saxophone tradition. Cahill (drums). Together, they share a collective In the organ trio format, Jerrold will be ambition to express the journey of friendships performing music from his three albums as a that develop when great and humble people leader -‘The Way You See It’ (2005), ‘The Maverick’ put the needs of others first. In essence, it’s (2009 WCMA Jazz Recording of the Year) and about musical family and what they all bring to from his third album, ‘/In.v?’te?.sh?ns/’ (January the gig. 2014 release - featuring his core Vancouver band mates multiple Juno Award winner Brad Turner - piano, WCMA award winner Jesse Cahill - drums, and new band members, National Jazz Award Winner/Juno nominated Jodi Proznick - bass and Grammy nominated jazz musician Terell Stafford - trumpet). Look for this group to hit the Yardbird stage next February 2015! In between his dizzying array of projects, Dubyk still finds time to best express his love of music with others. An educator as well as a performer, Dubyk is the Director of Music at Strathcona High School, on faculty at MacEwan University where he teaches jazz saxophone and also on faculty at the University of Alberta. In November 2012, to celebrate his contributions

when...From Edmonton/Vancouver FRIDAY, March 28, 2014 MEMBERS $18, GUESTS $22 DOORS 8 PM - SHOW 9 PM

Jerrold Dubyk – tenor saxophone Chris Andrew – organ Jesse Cahill – drums

Artist website: www.jerrolddubyk.com www. yardbirdsuite.com 3 CANADIAN JAZZ SERIES Laura Crema Quintet

A native of Vancouver, vocalist Laura Crema “Vancouver jazz vocalist Laura Crema and possesses a lush, unique instrument with great trumpeter/producer Brad Turner make for depth and resonance. Her influences are broad and diverse as she blends jazz with popular a powerful combination. Hers is a wonder- music, bossa nova, original compositions and fully deep, expressive voice and Turner has improvisation. surrounded her with some great players She has studied with great vocalists like Sheila and sounds. This is quite the inspired treat!” Jordan, Jay Clayton, Nancy King and Kurt ~ The Vancouver Province Elling. Laura is also an accomplished dancer, choreographer and interdisciplinary performer.

She has released three albums to date, “Almost Blue”, “Spring is Here”, and, most recently, “Fotografia” in 2013 which was produced by one of Canada’s extraordinary talents, Brad Turner.

when... From Vancouver/Calgary SATURDAY, March 29, 2014 MEMBERS $18, GUESTS $22 DOORS 8 PM - SHOW 9 PM

Laura Crema – vocals Bill Coon – guitar Kodi Hutchinson – bass Karl Schwonik – drums Sharon Minemoto – piano

Artist website: lauracrema.com 4 Spring 2014 INTERNATIONAL JAZZ SERIES Reis/Demuth/Wiltgen Trio

Luxembourg jazz trio Reis/Demuth/Wiltgen is in 2013. Reis/Demuth/Wiltgen has strong ties making their Canadian debut with a series of to their home country, and are among these concerts at prominent jazz venues as well as emerging talents who through experience, marking the official Canadian launch of their self- learning and reflection, have acquired a worldly titled album. open-mindedness and eagerness to bring their music to audiences worldwide. With their Pianist Michel Reis, bassist Marc Demuth and European style of melodic composition, set to an drummer Paul Wiltgen are three of Luxembourg’s almost American sounding rhythm section that is most up and coming jazz musicians. They formed exciting and dynamic, yet grounding and settled, the trio in 1998 while still in high school and they share the diversity of current jazz and a laid- performed on a regular basis in and around back Europe. Luxembourg for a couple of years. The trio reunited in 2011 eager to share their experiences and new compositions. Each band member composes music for the trio, with the aim to when... From Luxembourg create a fresh and forward-thinking overall sound, one that is strongly influenced by popular music SUNDAY, March 30, 2014 and the singer/songwriter genre, but with a core MEMBERS $18, GUESTS $22 DOORS 7:30 PM - SHOW 8 PM sound that remains in modern jazz.

They are a part of a fast-growing jazz scene Michel Reis – piano in Luxembourg. The Luxembourg jazz scene Marc Demuth – bass continues to push its frontiers, bringing forth Paul Wiltgen – drums captivating young artists such as Pascal Schumacher who appeared at the Yardbird Suite Artist website: reisdemuthwiltgen.com

From Vancouver/Calgary SATURDAY, March 29, 2014 MEMBERS $18, GUESTS $22 DOORS 8 PM - SHOW 9 PM

Laura Crema – vocals Bill Coon – guitar Kodi Hutchinson – bass Karl Schwonik – drums Sharon Minemoto – piano

Artist website: lauracrema.com www. yardbirdsuite.com 5 INTERNATIONAL JAZZ SERIES Donny McCaslin Trio

Grammy nominated tenor saxophonist, Donny McCaslin, is one of the most striking voices in jazz. He moves comfortably between mainstream modern, funky fusion, laid-back balladry, and his own experimental style and has enjoyed long-running collaborations with innovators like Dave Douglas, David Binney, Gary Burton, Danilo Perez and Maria Schneider. He received a Grammy nomination for “Best Jazz Instrumental Solo” on Schneider’s 2004 album “Concert In The Garden” and was recently nominated for a 2014 Grammy for the same award. McCaslin has also performed with Tom Harrell, Brian Blade, John Pattitucci, The Mingus Band, Luciana Souza and Pat Metheny, among others.

He has released ten albums, the most recent of which “Casting For Gravity” “finds an ideal setting for his gargantuan tenor sound to rampage through in the ferocious grooves and electronic textures of keyboardist Jason Lindner, bassist Tim Lefebvre, and drummer Mark Guiliana.” The CD has been called a “game-changer of an album, fusing a wealth of forward-looking influences into one wholly new modern jazz sound.” The “Casting for Gravity” group appeared at the Yardbird Suite in 2013 to an extremely enthusiastic response. when... From New York THURSDAY, April 3, 2014 MEMBERS $24, GUESTS $28 DOORS 7:30 PM - SHOW 8 PM

Donny McCaslin – saxophone Scott Colley – bass Johnathan Blake – drums

Artist Website: donnymccaslin.com 6 Spring 2014 CROSS-BORDER JAZZ SERIES Holly Hofmann/ Mike Wofford Quartet Holly Hofmann has earned the praise and respect of Despite leading a number of recording dates under musicians and jazz aficionados for her bluesy, bebop- his own name, pianist, composer, and arranger based improvisations, lyrical depth and technical Mike Wofford is better known as a consummate prowess on an instrument that many once regarded accompanist, lending his skills to the music of such as definitely not a jazz horn. As an authoritative, giants as , and Benny swinging flutist, she has enjoyed satisfying Carter. His resume also includes James Moody, Shelly partnerships with such renowned jazzmen as Frank Manne, , , , Harry Wess, James Moody, Kenny Barron and hundreds of “Sweets” Edison, Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson and Bud other top names in the music. She also worked with Shank the legendary bassist Ray Brown from the mid-1990s Holly and Mike, married since 2000, released until his death. “Turn Signal” in 2012 which also features the great She has recorded over a dozen discs as a leader, trumpeter Terell Stafford. The blend of flute and several of them with pianist Bill Cunliffe, the most trumpet creates a warm harmony throughout much recent of which was “Three’s Company” in 2012. In of the album, which is a compelling mix of strong fact, Holly and Bill performed at the Yardbird Suite originals and overlooked gems. back in the late 1990s. She now returns to Edmonton with her husband, pianist Mike Wofford, to perform in a quartet setting with Mike Lent on bass and Karl Schwonik on drums. when... From San Diego/Edmonton/Calgary FRIDAY, April 4, 2014 MEMBERS MEMBERS $22, GUESTS $26 DOORS 8 PM - SHOW 9 PM

Holly Hofmann – flute Mike Wofford – piano Mike Lent – bass Karl Schwonik – drums

Artist Website: hollyhofmann.com www. yardbirdsuite.com 7 CROSS-BORDER JAZZ SERIES Florian Hoefner Group

New York-based pianist Florian Hoefner Matt Marantz is a graduate of the famous introduces his unique brand of modern jazz Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz and has with the Florian Hoefner Group. Alongside his performed with Herbie Hancock and Jack contemporaries on the New York jazz scene, DeJohnette. Bassist Sam Anning is the winner the two-time winner of the ASCAP Young Jazz of the Bell Award as Young Jazz Musician of the Composer Award presents a set of original Year in Australia and has performed with artists compositions with appeal to a wide span of including Kenny Werner, George Garzone and music fans and jazz lovers alike. Jim Black. Drummer Peter Kronreif has played on more than 30 CD releases and is a sought- “Songs Without Words”, their debut record, after tour drummer all over the world. was released in 2012. The record was reviewed in publications including All About Jazz, Jazz Weekly and Jazzthing, received airplay on radio stations across the United States, Canada and Germany and was featured on the Lufthansa when... inflight entertainment program. The group’s From New York/Toronto follow-up album “Falling Up” includes seven SATURDAY, April 5, 2014 brand new originals and arrangements of the MEMBERS $20, GUESTS $24 Beatles classic “Eleanor Rigby” and the folk DOORS 8 PM - SHOW 9 PM song “Black is the Color”. The players’ individual track records are as impressive. Florian Hoefner was part of Florian Hoefner – piano nine commercial CD releases on labels like Matt Marantz – tenor & soprano saxophone ENJA Records and Fresh Sound including a Sam Anning – bass collaboration with guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel. Peter Kronreif – drums He is a two-time winner of the ASCAP Young Jazz Composer Award. Tenor saxophonist Artist website: florian-hoefner.com

8 Spring 2014 CROSS-BORDER JAZZ SERIES P.J. Perry/Renee Rosnes Quartet

Renee Rosnes has emerged as one of the premier jazz pianists and composers of her generation. She began classical piano studies at age three and became interested in jazz music in high school. Shortly after relocating from Vancouver to New York in 1986, Rosnes quickly established a reputation as a formidable talent. P.J. Perry is recognized as Canada’s greatest alto saxophonist. His father, band leader Paul Perry, began featuring his son playing saxophone in his band when P.J. was just 14 years old. In the ensuing years, P.J. has shared stages with countless jazz greats including Dizzy Gillespie, Woody Shaw, Rob McConnell, Slide Hampton, and Ellis Marsalis. He was the lead alto player on The Tommy Banks Show for fifteen years. He has had a long relationship performing and recording with The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. Jazz Report Magazine named him “Best Alto Saxophonist” in seven consecutive years. Drummer Terry Clarke won the 2010 Juno for Best Traditional Jazz Album of the year. His illustrious career includes work with pop group The Fifth Dimension and with Oscar Peterson. An adjunct professor at the University of Toronto, he is a Member of the Order of Canada. Bassist Neil Swainson began playing professionally in Victoria before moving to Toronto in 1977. He worked with George Shearing from 1986 to 2011, and he plays on five Juno Award-winning CDs (including one each with Renee Rosnes and P.J. Perry). It would probably be difficult, if not impossible, to assemble a greater group of Canadian jazz musicians on one stage. when... From Edmonton/New York/Toronto FRIDAY-SATURDAY, April 11-12, 2014 MEMBERS $26, GUESTS $30 DOORS 8 PM - SHOW 9 PM

P.J. Perry – alto saxophone Renee Rosnes – piano Neil Swainson – bass Terry Clarke – drums

Artist website: pjperry.com reneerosnes.com

www. yardbirdsuite.com 9 CANADIAN JAZZ SERIES Eliana Cuevas

After a decade of intensive performing, writing Ledbetter played a key role in encouraging and composing, Eliana Cuevas now ranks as Cuevas to push her creative boundaries on the one of Canada’s finest world and jazz music album, resulting in an eclectic and captivating performers and creators. Eliana came to Toronto musical journey. from her native Venezuela to attend the Eliana Cuevas is now both an artist University of Toronto. A student of music in her who has built a national and homeland, it was in Toronto that Eliana began to international career and an perform in public. artist to anticipate much By the late nineties she was working as a vocalist more from. in some of Toronto’s top Latin jazz, salsa and Brazilian ensembles. Eliana enjoys singing the songs of composers she admires but she feels most fulfilled when she is able to express her own thoughts and feelings in her music. In 2002 she recorded her first CD of five original songs “Cohesion”. In 2004, she released “Ventura”, her first full length CD. Since then, Eliana has been busy creating and performing. She has toured the country from east to west to north as well as her native Venezuela and Europe. She won the Toronto Independent Music Awards World Music Artist of the Year in 2007 and released her next album “Vidas”, a collection of songs she describes as “gifts I’ve received from lives that have crossed my path.” It features original compositions about lives that have touched hers and covers of songs that were brought to her by important people in her life. when...From Toronto She has also been nominated for a Canadian Folk FRIDAY, April 18, 2014 Music Award in the ‘Best World Music Solo Artist’ MEMBERS $20, GUESTS $24 category and received an award for ‘Best Latin DOORS 8 PM - SHOW 9 PM Performer’ at the National Jazz Awards. Eliana has appeared at the Yardbird Suite on a couple Eliana Cuevas - vocals of occasions with trombonist Darren Sigesmund Jeremy Ledbetter – piano and made her first appearance here as a leader in George Koller – bass 2012. Her most recent CD “Espejo Frente a Espejo” Daniel Barnes – drums seamlessly blends genres from blues to pop with Cuevas’ signature soaring vocals and Latin jazz Artist website: elianacuevas.com sound. Ingenious producer and composer Jeremy

10 Spring 2014 INTERNATIONAL JAZZ SERIES Omer Klein

when... From New York/Israel SATURDAY, April 19, 2014 MEMBERS $20, GUESTS $24 DOORS 8 PM - SHOW 9 PM

Omer Klein – piano Haggai Cohen Milo – bass

Artist website: omerklein.com

A virtuoso pianist, authoritative bandleader Omer Avital, and Johnathan Blake. He is the winner and prolific composer, Omer Klein is one of the of numerous awards, including the 1st prize at most exciting and original musicians on the the Jazz Hoeilaart International Competition in international scene. Belgium. Omer was born in 1982 in Israel, began playing The trio, with bassist Haggai Cohen Milo and and composing music at the age of seven, and drummer Ziv Ravitz, released the album “Rockets studied jazz at the famous Thelma Yellin High on the Balcony” in 2010 on John Zorn’s prestigious School of the Arts, before moving to the United Tzadik label”. The CD was chosen as an Editors’ States where he studied at the New England Pick for December 2010 in Downbeat Magazine. Conservatory with the Grammy-winning pianist A second trio album “To the Unknown” on Naxos/ Danilo Perez. He has released five albums that Plus Loin followed. have received highly-praised reviews in the Chalk up another winner for the Israeli Invasion American and European press. that’s brought so many new talents into the jazz Klein has collaborated with renowned artists such world in recent years. as John Zorn, , Jeff Ballard, Joel Frahm, www. yardbirdsuite.com 11 INTERNATIONAL JAZZ SERIES Dave Peck Trio

A native of the Pacific Northwest, Dave Peck Christleib, Freddie Hubbard, and Claudio Roditi. is recognized as an outstanding composer, From 1978 to 1996, he had an especially fruitful arranger and pianist. He is known for his relationship with , who recorded introspective style and rich harmonic coloring “Tales of the Pilot”, an album devoted entirely and has been described as “…a formidable to Peck’s compositions. In 1998 “Trio”, his debut musical voice, lyrical and insightful” and “… release as leader was voted Earshot Magazine’s an absolute artist with a unique command Jazz Northwest Recording of the Year. His “3 of his instrument and the language of music”. and 1” was in the Gavin Jazz Top Ten and again Downbeat magazine says Peck’s playing is was voted Earshot Jazz Northwest Recording “lyrical and pastel, swinging and bluesy, with of the Year in 2000. a ringing crystalline touch.” and Cadence His style, chord voicings, and approach to Magazine says he “…can hang with the playing in a trio are very reminiscent of Bill currently feted crop of young lions”. Evans, and not only because one of Evans’ Dave has appeared on Piano Jazz with Marian drummers, Joe LaBarbera, is a part of the McPartland. Ms McPartland said “Dave Peck is group. The interplay of the trio is tight yet a pianist and composer who possesses great spontaneous. Other influences include Keith musicality, a sensitive touch and a lively sense Jarrett and Wynton Kelly. He has blended these of swing.” influences into a unique approach to the piano. His ability to improvise and play variations on Peck’s professional career began in 1970. the theme without disassociating from the Over the years he has performed with many music he’s interpreting is truly illuminating and first-rank jazz artists including Chet Baker, special. , Lee Konitz, Art Farmer, Clifford Jordan, Harry “Sweets” Edison, Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis, Ernestine Anderson, Gary Peacock, Pete when... From Seattle/Los Angeles FRIDAY, April 25 2014 MEMBERS $22, GUESTS $26 DOORS 8 PM - SHOW 9 PM

Dave Peck - piano Jeff Johnson - bass Joe LaBarbera – drums

Artist website: davepeckmusic.com

12 Spring 2014 THE BEST OF ALBERTA JAZZ SERIES Double Bill: Joanna Borromeo and Nuela Charles Joanna Borromeo is an independent soul/R&B/ and had producer Andrea Warner call Charles jazz singer and pianist from Calgary. She “the future queen of Canadian soul.” “Aware” is a 2014 Juno Award nominee and a 2013 later went on to be nominated for a 2013 Western Canadian Music Award nominee. Western Canadian Music Award for Urban Growing up, she played classical piano and Recording. listened to R&B, hip hop, and soul. In college, She ended 2013 by winning the first ever she studied jazz piano and went on to become Edmonton Music Prize, which highlights a versatile freelance musician for a number of a recording that has “made a unique years in Toronto before becoming a solo artist, contribution or outstanding accomplishment playing R&B, soul, funk, hip hop, gospel, indie in music within the last 18 months,” and was rock/country, pop, folk, and jazz fusion. She hailed by SoulTrain as “one to watch in 2014.” has two records out “Through the Dark” and “Kaleidoscope” and is currently working on a new recording project called “Letters to the Muse”. The first single “Wanna Love You” can be when... downloaded on Bandcamp. From Calgary/Edmonton

Nuela Charles is a Canadian, Swiss and SATURDAY, April 26, 2014 MEMBERS $18, GUESTS $22 Kenyan singer-songwriter currently based in DOORS 8 PM - SHOW 9 PM Edmonton, but much like her music, she has lived an extremely diverse lifestyle.†”Aware” was released in 2012 and was called a “smooth, Joanna Borromeo - vocals, keys triumphant, star-in-the-making album of Chad Holtzman – electric guitar retro soul and R&B with moody trip-hop and Steve Shepard – bass electronica,” by Sandra Sperounes of the Dan Barton - drums Edmonton Journal. Nuela Charles – vocals and acoustic guitar The album flew under the radar for the Patrick Hughes – electric guitar beginning of 2013 until it was highlighted Vicky Berg – keyboards and piano Reid Thiel – bass during the CBC National Searchlight Contest Andrew Miller – drums

Artist website: joannaborromeo.com nuelacharles.com

www. yardbirdsuite.com 13 CROSS-BORDER JAZZ SERIES

Champian Fulton/ Cory Weeds Quartet Born in Oklahoma in 1985, Champian Fulton manifests itself in the occasional edge to her started playing piano at the age of three. In very personal vocal approach. She is the result addition to her father, she received trumpet of a tremendous natural talent immersed instruction from her father’s close friend, Clark from an early age in the lessons of bebop and Terry, who lived with the Fulton family in 1997 Basie-ite swing. It is thrilling to hear the most when his health began to fail. Despite Clark’s profound elements of jazz music still bearing well known bonhomie and sense of humour, such fresh, sweet fruit well into the twenty-first Champian recalls that “he was very serious century. Fulton is gifted with an expressive about the music, and he was tough on me when voice, clear diction, and a great sense of rhythm. he felt I wasn’t practicing enough.” Her music can’t help but uplift a jazz fan’s day.

Champian met other Basie-ites through Clark, Joining Champian for this weekend will be three including Red Holloway, Butch Miles, Marshall great musicians from Vancouver. Saxophonist Royal and Snooky Young. Red was a particular Cory Weeds has appeared at the Yardbird influence, instructing young Champian on the Suite on numerous occasions. His 2010 gig importance of stage presence and swing: “Red with organist Mike LeDonne at the Suite was was very adamant that I learn how to swing and recorded for Cory’s Cellar Live label and received be rhythmic.” a Juno nomination. The other two members of the rhythm section, bassist Jodi Proznick and Concentrating now on piano and vocals, you drummer Julian MacDonough, are also two of can still hear a bit of the Oklahoma twang finest players that Vancouver has to offer. in Champian’s diction, and her childhood “near obsession” with Dinah Washington still

when...From New York/Vancouver FRIDAY-SATURDAY, May 2-3, 2014 MEMBERS $22, GUESTS $26 DOORS 8 PM - SHOW 9 PM

Champian Fulton – piano, vocals Cory Weeds – saxophones Jodi Proznick – bass Julian MacDonough – drums

Artist Websites: champian.net coryweeds.com

14 Spring 2014 THE BEST OF ALBERTA JAZZ SERIES

Doug Organ Trio

Doug Organ plays the organ! You might have was the recipient of the 2013 St. Albert Mayor’s seen him play Hammond B-3 with Amos Garrett Established Artist Award. & The Edmonton Folk Music Festival House Band, The Doug Organ Trio plays inclusive, fun, and Jake Langley, P.J. Perry, or heard his production greasy jazz in the vein of Jimmy Smith, Larry and engineering work on recordings by Dave Goldings, or Jimmy McGriff. Along with Organ’s Babcock’s Jump Orchestra or Christian Hansen. originals, they mix in ‘70s AM gems from Joni Originally from a small town in Labrador, Jamie Mitchell, The Association, John Lennon, and even Cooper moved to Edmonton in 1999 to play TV game show themes. percussion for The Royal Canadian Artillery Band. A highly sought-after drummer, Jamie has played with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra with the Canadian Brass, and at Carnegie Hall with Kent Sangster’s Obsessions Octet. when... From Edmonton Peter Belec is an in-demand Edmonton guitarist, FRIDAY, May 9, 2014 composer, and music teacher. In November of MEMBERS $14, GUESTS $18 2010, Peter released his debut album as leader DOORS 8 PM - SHOW 9 PM “Melodic Miner”. It hit #4 on CKUA Radio’s chart, was nominated for a Western Canadian Music Award in the Jazz Recording of the Year category, Doug Organ – piano, organ, keyboards and landed at #84 on CKUA’s top 100 of 2011. Peter Peter Belec – guitar Jamie Cooper – drums

www. yardbirdsuite.com 15 CANADIAN JAZZ SERIES

Braveheart Braveheart is a jazz saxophone trio that explores group improvisation and composition with an obstinate sense of honesty and integrity. Since their beginnings in Montreal when... From Vancouver four years ago, the group has developed a SATURDAY, May 10, 2014 raw, acoustic sound, brimming with uplifting MEMBERS $16, GUESTS $20 emotional honesty and a deep, soulful DOORS 8 PM - SHOW 9 PM rhythmic feel. Their searching improvisations have no boundaries, and can at times be dark and reflective and other times playful and Ted Crosby – tenor saxophone, clarinets energetic. The band’s original repertoire is an James Meger – bass eclectic mix of songs, influenced by everything Omar Amlani – drums from singer-songwriters to contemporary Artist website: classical music to modern jazz. braveheartmusic.wordpress.com youtube.com Since its inception, Braveheart toured across facebook.com/braveheartmusic Canada twice playing everywhere from braveheartmusic.bandcamp.com established jazz clubs and venues to intimate loft and house shows. In 2011, the group self-released their first album of original music “Acoustic Music” and in 2013 the follow-up “Motions”.

16 Spring 2014 INTERNATIONAL JAZZ SERIES Azar Lawrence Quintet

Saxophonist Azar Lawrence is known for his After many decades being off the recording contributions as sideman to McCoy Tyner, Miles scene, Lawrence returned to the jazz scene in Davis, Freddie Hubbard and Woody Shaw. the mid-2000s. His 2010 release “Mystic Journey” Lawrence was the tenor saxophonist Tyner used placed him amongst jazz’s elder statesmen. His following John Coltrane’s death. bold style reminds the listener of the energy, spirituality and emotion that John Coltrane, Born in Los Angeles in 1952, Lawrence’s musical Pharaoh Sanders and others brought to jazz in studies began at age five. He resided on his the 1960s and 1970s. He rekindles the memory hometown’s famed Central Avenue which of one of the most explosive eras in jazz history, was Southern California’s jazz Mecca. The vibe channeling the fiery spirit of Coltrane’s legacy. of that scene clearly seeped into his musical He never discards the solid musical values consciousness. While in high-school he met the in his sinewy hands since halcyon days as a late Reggie Golson and become an extended sideman with McCoy Tyner. Unlike most Coltrane member of Benny Golson’s family. Thanks to wannabes, he lived and breathed the music Reggie, Azar’s professional music life began in his of the turbulent 60s, playing with Coltrane’s late teens when he was asked to join Elvin Jones’ contemporaries and peers. band, The Jazz Machine. Joining Azar for this weekend will be Marvin During his years performing with Elvin Jones “Smitty” Smith. He was the drummer on The and later with McCoy Tyner, he was also a music Tonight Show with Jay Leno for almost fifteen executive and songwriter including three songs years. He has recorded 200 albums with various for Earth Wind & Fire’s “Powerlight” album and artists including Dave Holland and Steve Coleman performing on keys on that disc. as well as touring with Sting and Sonny Rollins. As a leader his seminal work “Bridge into the Those who were in attendance at Lawrence’s New Age” in 1974 was lauded as a classic. His 2012 performance at the Yardbird Suite well discography is diverse with names like Frank remember the 1960s style intensity and joy of the Zappa, Busta Rhymes, Woody Shaw’s “Moontrane”, music. His return visit will no doubt bring more of and “Dark Magus” by Miles Davis. the same musical brilliance. when... From Los Angeles FRIDAY-SATURDAY, May 16-17, 2014 MEMBERS $24, GUESTS $28 DOORS 8 PM - SHOW 9 PM

Azar Lawrence - tenor & soprano saxophone Gilbert Castellanos - trumpet Benito Gonzalez - piano Jeff Littleton - bass Marvin “Smitty” Smith - drums

Artist website: azarlawrence.com www. yardbirdsuite.com 17 CANADIAN JAZZ SERIES

Curtis Nowosad Quartet

New York-based drummer, composer, and Michael Jackson, 2pac, and Black Star. The bandleader, Curtis Nowosad, has developed powerhouse band features Jimmy Greene on a reputation as a highly-skilled, versatile, and tenor saxophone, Derrick Gardner on trumpet, forward-thinking musician. A native of Winnipeg, and Steve Kirby on bass, along with special guest Curtis became recognized as the face of the new and two-time Grammy nominee Taylor Eigsti on generation of jazz players in Winnipeg, playing piano. in a variety of situations, as well as lending his A recipient of several awards and scholarships, talents to other genres. He has performed with Curtis recently performed at the Bimhuis in such world-class jazz musicians as Stefon Harris, Amsterdam as a finalist in the Keep an Eye Miguel Zenón, George Colligan, Anthony Wonsey, Jazz Competition. He has twice been selected Dave Douglas, and Steve Wilson. He also recently to participate in the Betty Carter’s Jazz Ahead recorded with NEA Jazz Master, pianist Kenny residency at the Kennedy Center in Washington, Barron. D.C. He is currently a graduate student at the Jazz His debut album “The Skeptic & the Cynic” was Institute at Manhattan School of Music. released in 2012. The album showcases original Joining Curtis will be three members of the jazz compositions alongside Curtis’ arrangements of faculty at the University of Manitoba, Derrick songs by Bob Marley, Pink Floyd, Joni Mitchell, Gardner on trumpet, Will Bonness on piano, and faculty head and bassist Steve Kirby.

when...From Winnipeg FRIDAY, May 23, 2014 MEMBERS $20, GUESTS $24 DOORS 8 PM - SHOW 9 PM

Curtis Nowosad – drums Derrick Gardner – trumpet Will Bonness – piano Steve Kirby – bass

Artist website: curtisnowosad.com

18 Spring 2014 THE BEST OF ALBERTA JAZZ SERIES

Johanna Sillanpaa

It’s smart, it’s soulful, it’s jazz meets groove. For every style of music that Johanna Sillanpaa explores there’s a vibrant colour in her voice to match. Sillanpaa’s vocals are expertly clear, gently raw, and intensely bold. She performs slick soul, funk and jazz to dig your heels into and her ensemble have played everywhere from the intimate jazz joints in their small-but- tight musical community of Calgary to the Montreal Jazz Festival’s 60,000-plus crowds.

Beyond filling venues in Canada and abroad, Sillanpaa’s sound has also drawn its fair share of accolades and award nominations, including 2007 and 2012 Western Canadian Music Award nods in the Urban music category. At the 2010 Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards, she was nominated for Best Female Vocalist and Group/ Duo of the Year with Sillan & Young. Please visit Johanna’s website for more information and audio samples.

when...From Calgary SATURDAY, May 24, 2014 MEMBERS $16, GUESTS $20 DOORS 8 PM - SHOW 9 PM

Johanna Sillanpaa - vocals Steve Fletcher – piano Jason Valleau – bass Tyler Hornby – drums

Artist website: johannamusic.com

www. yardbirdsuite.com 19 Yardbird Suite Blues Joe Piccolo and Swing the Cat

Vocalist and tenor saxophonist Joe Piccolo is originally from the Windsor-Detroit area. His sound is deeply influenced by the Detroit blues and R&B tradition. He has performed with blues when...From Edmonton legends Sir Mack Rice, Chicago Pete, Alberta FRIDAY-SATURDAY, May 30-31, 2014 Adams, R.J. Spangler, Johnnie Bassett and Joe Weaver. MEMBERS $16, GUESTS $20 DOORS 8 PM - SHOW 9 PM Swing the Cat is a talented big band with a sound that is firmly planted in the traditions of the swing era, jump blues, and the earliest rock and roll. They Joe Piccolo - vocals, saxophone are a nine piece horn-driven swing, soul, blues, Dean Pierno - drums, vocals Ralph Pretz - guitar, vocals funk, and R&B dance band covering classics like Kim Lesaca - bass and vocals Otis Redding, Stevie Wonder, Tower of Power, Big Jan Janovsky - keyboards Bad Voodoo Daddy, Brian Setzer, Joe Cocker and John Dymianiw - trumpet Motown. Robin Taylor - baritone saxophone Brad Shigeta - trombone Joe Piccolo and Swing the Cats’ mission is to Bill Jamieson - tenor saxophone return dancers and lovers of live music back to a time when live music was king! Everybody will Artist website: find their groove! Good times guaranteed. swingthecat.net

20 Spring 2014 THE BEST OF ALBERTA JAZZ SERIES

The Writers’ Guild

The Writers’ Guild is a jazz composers’ The Yardbird Suite plays host to the release collective featuring five of Edmonton’s finest of their debut album “True Story”. As one of young creative minds. The band tinkers with Canada’s most dynamic new jazz collectives, the traditional jazz quintet, using vintage the Writers’ Guild makes ink on paper fly. compositional tools to workshop new tunes and ideas, alchemizing jazz and funk, classical, R&B, and traditional folk music.

The three primary composers in the band when...From Edmonton are Marty Majorowicz, Dan Davis, and Tyson Kerr. Each has a unique writing style. Marty’s FRIDAY, June 6, 2014 liquid melodies are heavily influenced by the MEMBERS $14, GUESTS $18 DOORS 8 PM - SHOW 9 PM “ECM” sound - artists such as Kenny Wheeler, Dave Holland and Tomasz Stanko. Dan Davis’ compositions show a blend of traditional and Dan Davis – saxophone modern jazz sounds, with catchy melodies over Marty Majorowicz – trombone a backdrop of chords which would be right Tyson Kerr – piano at home in Chris Potter’s latest release. Tyson Josh McHan – bass Kerr’s music, influenced by such Canadian Efa Etoroma Jr. – drums artists as Andrew Downing and David Braid, is impishly quirky.

Rounding out the band are two of the strongest young rhythm players in Canada - Josh McHan of the Tommy Banks Trio is by turns brash and lyrical, sawing and sultry, and Efa Etoroma Jr., with four albums to his credit already at the age of 23, is one of Canada’s brightest rising stars.

www. yardbirdsuite.com 21 jammin’

Tuesday Night Sessions...

Every Tuesday night during our season, Edmonton’s best jazz players and up-and-coming musicians arrive to play together on our stage. The evening begins with a one hour set from the featured band, followed by a jam session with selected musicians from the audience sitting in or taking the place of a member of the feature band.

Our Tuesday Sessions are a weekly event for local jazz musicians to play together and network, and provide an opportunity to mentor the younger musicians wanting to gain experience as they grow their own careers.

Join us for our Tuesday Sessions - a terrific opportunity to hear some live jazz in a relaxed concert environment.

March 25 April 15

God Save the Trio A/B trio with special guest Dan Davis - saxophone Murray Wood Keith Rempel - bass Leonard Patterson - drums Thom Bennett - drums Brett Hansen - guitar Oliver Westall - piano April 22 Murray Wood - bass Tyson Kerr/Paul Richey April 1 Tyson Kerr - piano Paul Richey - piano Mike Morriseau Quartet Mike Lent - bass Mike Morrisseau - guitar Thom Golub - bass April 29 Bill George - drums Jerrold Dubyk - saxophone Dave Babcock Quartet Dave Babcock - saxophone april 8 Jim Head - guitar Doug Organ - Hammond B3 Chris Andrew Sandro Dominelli - drums Chris Andrew - organ Jerrold Dubyk - saxophone Sandro Dominelli - drums

22 Spring 2014 Tuesday Night Sessions...

MAY 6 TICKETS AT May 27 THE DOOR Dino Dominelli Dino Dominelli - saxophone Lindsay Woolgar MEMBERS & Quartet GUESTS $5 May 13 Lindsay Woolgar - bass Stefan Kijek - piano DOORS 7:30 PM Celcius Quartet Efa Etoroma - drums SHOW 8 PM Pierre Paul Bugeaud - bass TBA - saxophone Bill Richards - piano Gord Graber - drums June 3 Jamie Philp - guitar Charlie Austin Trio May 20 Charlie Austin - piano Mike Gillespie - drums Marty Majorowicz Josh McCan - bass Quartet Marty Majorowicz - trombone, Chris Andrew - piano, Josh McCan - bass Thom Bennett†- drums

www. yardbirdsuite.com 23 FridayAt & Saturday Shows:a DoorsGlance... at 8pm • Show 9pm unless otherwise stated. Visit www. yardbirdsuite.com

April 18 May 23 Eliana Cuevas Curtis Nowosad Quartet March... MEMBERS $20, GUESTS $24 MEMBERS $20, GUESTS $24 March 28 Jerrold Dubyk Organ Trio April 19 May 24 MEMBERS $18, GUESTS $22 Omer Klein Johanna Sillanpaa MEMBERS $20, GUESTS $24 MEMBERS $16, GUESTS $20 March 29 Laura Crema Quintet April 25 May 30-31 MEMBERS $18, GUESTS $22 Dave Peck Trio YARDBIRD SUITE BLUES MEMBERS $22, GUESTS $26 Joe Piccolo and Swing the Cat March 30 MEMBERS $16, GUESTS $20 Reis/Demuth/Wiltgen Trio April 26 MEMBERS $18, GUESTS $22 Joanna Borromeo and DOORS 7:30 PM - SHOW 8 PM Nuela Charles June... MEMBERS $18, GUESTS $22 June 6 The Writers’ Guild April... MEMBERS $14, GUESTS $18 April 3 May... May 2 - 3 Donny McCaslin Trio Champian Fulton/ MEMBERS $24, GUESTS $28 Cory Weeds Quartet DOORS 7:30 PM - SHOW 8 PM MEMBERS $22, GUESTS $26 April 4 May 9 Holly Hofmann/ Doug Organ Trio Mike Wofford Quartet MEMBERS $14, GUESTS $18 MEMBERS $22, GUESTS $26 May 10 April 5 Braveheart Florian Hoefner Group MEMBERS $16, GUESTS $20 MEMBERS $20, GUESTS $24 May 16-17 April 11-12 Azar Lawrence Quintet P.J. Perry/Renee Rosnes Quartet MEMBERS $24, GUESTS $28 MEMBERS $26, GUESTS $30

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

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