RAY BRYANT December 24. 1931 – June 2. 2011

DAVE McMURDO March 4.1944 – June 13.2011

ISSUE #107 16th YEAR JULY/AUGUST 2011 Barry’s Choice Photos by Barry Thomson

MICHAEL KAESHAMMER BRYON STRIPLING JILL BARBER @ @ ROY THOMSON HALL @ MASSEY HALL

EMILIE-CLAIRE BARLOW DAVE FRISHBERG SHARON JONES @ QUEEN ELIZABETH THEATRE @ HUGH'S ROOM @ SOUND ACADEMY

GARY VERSACE MATT GUSATFSSON SHARRON MACLEOD @ AL GREEN THEATRE @ LEE'S PALACE @ TRANE STUDIO Dave McMurdo March 4, 1944 – June 13, 2011 Photos by Barry Thomson Born in, Isleworth, Hounslow, Middlesex which is an area of Greater London U.K. in fact this little town dates back to the Anglo-Saxon period of 695. Anyhow, Dave came to Canada at an early age and first settled in Vancouver, B.C. where he began music studies at the University of British Columbia. One of his first big band gigs was with well known leader, Bob Hale. Shortly after moving to in 1969 Dave joined, Rob McConnell's Boss Brass as one of his lead trombonists. He also worked as lead trombonist for acclaimed Canadian clarinetist, Phil Nimmons , Nimmon “n” Nine Plus Six. From 1987-88 , Dave studied with legendary jazz trombonist, Bob Brookmeyer in New York City, and later in 1988 he formed the Dave McMurdo Jazz Orchestra. It was almost like some friendly rivalry began between him and the Boss Brass. Dave often used to say “ well , Rob (McConnell) doesn't really play a real trombone”(valve) . Of course, Dave played the more common “slide trombone”. Regardless of those quips, they both played their instruments of choice superbly, and they were also excellent composers, arrangers , and leaders. Not to forget, Dave's ability as a jazz educator, he had been a full- time faculty member in the Music Department at Mohawk College since 1984. Over the past 40 years this talented musician had received numerous awards, completed international tours, has choice recordings to his name, and most of all has left his mark on the Canadian jazz scene.

WITH ROB MCCONNELL'S BOSS BRASS 1987 @ THE FORUM, PLACE. FROM LEFT, (VISIBLE) TERRY CLARKE, DRUMS; STEVE WALLACE,BASS; DAVE MCMURDO -2008 DAVE MCMURDO, TROMBONE; EUGENE AMARO, SAX; JOHN MCLEOD, TRUMPET.. @ OLD MILL

DAVE @ MONTREAL BISTRO -2000 DAVE MCMURDO JAZZ ORCHESTRA -2008 VISIBLE PLAYERS, PAT COLLIN, BASS; DAVE, TROMBONE; @ TORONTO JAZZ FEST 2007 REG SCHWAGER, GUITAR; MIKE MALONE, TRUMPET. Photos by Dave Milbourne Royal York Road United Church JazzJazz atat R.Y.R.Y. Net proceeds from all concerts continue to support Outreach local organizations including LAMP; Youth without Shelter; S.C.E.M.; Etobicoke Girls Residence; Women’s Habitant; Amnesty International; Out of the Cold; KAIROS

Featuring, P.J. Perry, Alto sax, John Sumner, drums, Neil Swainson, bass, Mark Eisenman, piano.

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4646 Dufferin Street, Suite 6. Toronto, Ontario, M3H 5S4 [email protected] Fred J. Brass B.A. B.Comm.,C.A. Tel:(416) 489-5711 Cell:(416)-417-4582 UG Sundar Viswanathan 23 Photos by Dave Milbourne

‘11 First had the pleasure of hearing this choice player in a sextet format at Trane Studio.We had Sundar featured on saxophones, flute and vocals, with, Felicity Williams , vocals; Todd Pentiney, keyboards; Justin Grey, bass; July 15-17 Giamalo Scatozza, drums; and, Ravi Naimpally, tabla. They presented a delightful fusion of East Indian music and jazz plus some nice Latin and jazz fusion. It was also quite clear that Sundar was a competent straight ahead player and July 21-23 could swing with ease. Not only has he performed with top notch player such as, the Charles Tolliver Big Band, Avataar and Ensemble Uniqua, Billy Hart, Jim McNeely, Jeanne Lee, Joe Lovano, Clark Terry, Al July 23-24 Martino, and, Kenny Wheeler to name just a few. Sundar has also established himself in the teaching field as Associate Professor in Jazz Studies at York University, also taught at New England Conservatory of Music, Boston, Brooklyn College and Manna House Workshops, New York, and, Toronto's Humber College of Music before joining York's Music Department in 2001. Sundar has toured Europe, South Africa, Japan , and has performed in major jazz festivals and clubs in both the U.S.A. and Canada. Catch, Sundar Viswanathan when you get the chance, you won't be disappointed. P.J. Perry Photos by Dave Milbourne

For over 50 years, “P.J.” as he is mostly known, has been regarded as one of the finest alto players this country has seen. This coming, December he will hit the ripe age of 70, he first started playing alto at age 14. That was in Calgary, Alberta the city he was born in, although most of his early gigs were in Vancouver, B.C. Of interest his father was a professional tenor sax player, and P.J .'s first job was with his band , back in 1955. Since those early days he has gone on to complete numerous international tours, played with best, recorded , and has often been referred to as Canada's answer to, Phil Woods. Without a doubt he is a superb bebop player and swings without effort. I have lost track of the times I have had the pleasure of seeing P.J. perform, he never fails to impress me. I do wish he would get his hair cut, I'm surprised he can see through those curly locks.

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Cheque or Money Order to; Dave Milbourne Suite 2201 - 45 Dunfield Avenue, Toronto, ON M4S 2H4 RAY BRYANT December 24. 1931 – June 2. 2011. Photos by Barry Thomson Well they say “a photo is worth a thousand words” or something like that, so I have kept the writing to a minimum. I doubt whether there is anyone in the jazz world who hasn't heard of this renowned pianist and his remarkable career.. Sadly we are losing so many who for decades have been the giants who have epitomized the playing of jazz. Born in Philadelphia, U.S.A. , Ray first started playing piano at age six. Since those early days he has gone on to perform with the cream in the jazz world, Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins, Coleman Hawkins, Carmen McRae, Dizzy Gillespie, I could fill this page up. Plus over 30 recordings to his name. I can't remember the first time I saw him , he came to Toronto on many occasions. It could have been back in the late 60s or early 70s at, Bourbon St, The Town Tavern or The Colonial Inn. Later at Café Des Copains ,and, Montreal Bistro, where he loved to play. No doubt about it, Ray Bryant could swing ,especially the Blues where I felt he was at his best. These great shots from photographer, Barry Thomson's archives says it all.

1998 @ TORONTO JAZZ FEST: FROM LEFT : RAY BRYANT, JUNIOR MANCE, DAVE YOUNG, ARCHIE ALLEYNE, & JAY MCSHANN

1984 @ BOURBON ST FROM LEFT : BUDDY TATE, SAX; NEIL SWAINSON, BASS; & RAY BRYANT, PIANO.

1987 @ RIVOLI FROM LEFT: STEVE LACY, RAY BRYAN, & MAL WALDRON

1994 @ THE TOP O' SENATOR FROM LEFT: RAY BRYAN & GEORGE COLEMAN.

1986 @ CAFė DES COPAINS **The World Famous** GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA @ Roy Thomson Hall Photos by Barry Thomson When this band comes to town I never miss them, they are superb, perfection personified. For me the music of the late great, Glenn Miller is a walk down memory lane, and filled with nostalgia. As a child being raised in England during the war, how can one forget the morale boosting band of Glenn Miller. I well remember my late dear mother singing along with many of those wonderful Glen Miller tunes, being played in the late 30s and 40s. Although she (my mother) really didn't have much to sing about, bombs falling, my father in the Royal Marines, and died fighting in Sicily, Italy. Anyhow, great swinging music like, Glenn Miller being played in war-time Britain certainly lifted peoples spirits and morale. Fortunately the legacy of this band has continued to this very day, perpetuated by dedicated first-class musicians. This most recent Glenn Miller Orchestra is now lead by their new director of music, trombonist, Gary Tole. Although , Gary first joined the band in 1975 as lead trombonist ,and made his first appearance with them here in Toronto. Out of respect to all the fine musicians in this inimitable band, here are their names. Musical Director & Trombonist, Gary Tole, Vocalists, Valerie Duke & Brian Hemstock; Saxophones; Kevin Sheehan, Walter Kross, Scott Van Domeland, Damian Sanchez, Ian O' Beirne; Trumpets; Ashley Hall, David Herron, Steve Walters, Gary Lamb; Trombones; George Reinert III, Jaime Parker, Gabriel Osborne, Jason Bennett; Piano; Theron Brown; Drums; Holbrook Riles III; Bass ; Brad Willis. Needless to say, and as usual, well deserved standing ovations for their stellar performance.

MUSICAL DIRECTOR GARY TOLE GARY TOLE Barry’s Choice Photos by Barry Thomson

ELLIS MARSALIS QUARTET MURRAY MCLAUCHLAN @ KOERNER HALL @ KOERNER HALL

SEAMUS BLAKE AB BAARS JUDY COLLINS SUSIE ARIOLI @ GLENN GOULD THEATRE @ GALLERY 345 @ HUGH'S ROOM @ ROY THOMSON HALL

STEVE EARL KINKY FRIEDMAN LARRY CARLTON @ HMV RECORDS @ JANE MALLETT THEATRE @ LIVING ARTS CENTRE HOLGUIN -- CUBA “Hot Bands” @ HOTEL CLUB AMIGO ATLÁNTICO – GUARDALAVACA General Manager – Carlos Zambrano Cancañόn Photos by Dave Milbourne. Guardalavaca - Banes - Holguin - Cuba Jaime M. Aguilera Peña Artist with speciality in portraits, cartoons, & animation. Photos by Dave Milbourne

Musicians and other artists interested in participating in this forthcoming culture event, please contact: [email protected] Attention: Carmen Luisa Ariaz Pėrez, Coordinator of international Relationships Toronto Jazz May / June 2011

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