NEWSLETTER OF THE

Volume 20, Issue 3 - May-June, 2002

®

At the SUITE • JIM BRENAN QUARTET • BOB TILDESLEY’S INDIGENOUS ALIENS • : JACKIE PAYNE/STEVE EDMONSON AND EDDIE BO • BENNY GREEN • NOJO • QUANTUM FEATURING PRASANNA, ALPHONSO JOHNSON & • GMCC BIG-BANDS • CHARLIE AUSTIN QUINTET • WHO TRIO • RENEE ROSNES QUARTET • FRANCOIS CARRIER WITH BOBO STENSON • PAUL CRAM ORCHESTRA

BENNY GREEN

QUANTUM - featuring Prasanna, Alphonso Johnson & Airto Moreira

EJS 11 TOMMY BANKS WAY (Corner of 102 St & 86 Ave) EDMONTON AB T6E 2M2 membership Your Edmonton Society Membership supports a variety of activities and ensures that the best of live jazz will continue to have a home in our city.

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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, Frank Peterson, Phone: (780) 432-0428 Jasiek Poznanski, Bruce Stovel Fax: (780) 433-3773 Production: Jasiek Poznanski House Managers co-ordinator: Calvin Wong Board of Directors for 2001-2002: Office: Fred Elgert, Calvin Wong President: Tara Benoit Transportation: Dwayne Hrynkiw, Thom Golub Vice-President: Adrian Albert Press Releases: Paul Wilde Treasurer: Norma Davis Jam Sessions: Calvin Wong Secretary: Calvin Wong Monique Bielech, Shelley Chebry, Yardbird Suite Newsletter is published five times Eric Filpula, Dwayne Hrynkiw, per year by the Edmonton Jazz Society (1973) Frank Peterson, Jasiek Poznanski, Kent Sangster, David Trump Newsletter Editor: Jasiek Poznanski Memberships: Ken Knight Contributing Writers: Adrian Albert, Bruce Stovel Littlebirds Directors: Advertising: Shelley Chebry Craig Brenan, Mike Yuzwenko Graphic Design: Kim Deley, Critical Path Yardbird Suite Jazz is a registered Marketing Communications trademark of the Edmonton Jazz Distribution: Monique Bielech, Society (1973). Shelley Chebry, Bill Harper Printed by: Nisku Printers (1980) Ltd. Canadian Publication Mail Product Sales Yardbird Suite on the Net: Agreement www.yardbirdsuite.com # 1516698 Jim Brenan Quartet

Saxophonist Jim Brenan is a describes Jim graduate of the jazz studies Brenan as “a thoroughly modern programs at both Grant MacEwan tenor saxophonist with a deep Community College in Edmonton, understanding of jazz tradition. He and Nova Scotia’s St. Francis Xavier plays with an intense maturity rare University. Graduate studies at in musicians of his age.” With Rutgers University in New Jersey musical influences in Steve led to a Masters Degree of Jazz Grossman, Ralph Bowen, John Studies, after which Jim returned Coltrane, Joe Henderson, and to Alberta to assume the Sonny Stitt, Jim’s role as performer, responsibilities of Professor of educator, and clinician is a busy Woodwinds at Keyano College in Ft. and exciting one. McMurray, as well as maintaining a busy performing schedule across Alberta and Canada. During the time spent in the tri-state area, , and New Jersey, Jim had occasion to play with Michael Mossman, Ralph Bowen, Kenny Barron, Slide Jim Brenan Quartet Jim Brenan - sax Hampton, Kenny Wheeler, Ravi Chris Andrew - Coltrane and Kenny Drew jr. among Rubim de Toledo - bass others. Ron Samsom – drums

FRIDAY • MAY 3 DOORS 8PM • SHOW 9PM MEMBERS $5/GUESTS $9

Bob Tildesley’s Indigenous Aliens

Spring has sprung and the Aliens have landed (again). But not the reptilians or the grays, they are warm blooded and friendly, and want to take the listener on a celestial journey! But there is no need of a spaceship, just ride the beautiful sound current earthlings call music...

Bob Tildesley - trumpet & keyboard Bryan Sim - keyboards Mo Lefever - guitar Brett Miles - sax & percussion Bill Jamieson - sax & flute Cliff Minchau - bass Dwayne Hrynkiw - percussion John Logan - drums & percussion

SATURDAY • MAY 4 DOORS 8PM • SHOW 9PM MEMBERS $5/GUESTS $9

MAY.JUNE Page 3 ardbird Suite BLUES The Jackie Payne Steve Edmonson Band

Vocalist Jackie Payne and guitarist songs. And so at the Yardbird Suite, Steve Edmonson have become one of Jackie, Steve, and the band will be the hottest blues acts in California, and performing blues standards by artists they make their first appearance in such as Little Willie John, Albert King, Canada at the Yardbird Suite in May. and . Jackie Payne is an extraordinary Jackie Payne has had a long career singer who has been the vocalist for the the blues and made his first Johnny Otis Band for some fifteen years record in Houston at the age of 17 as and performs on three Johnny Otis CDs, Little Jackie Payne. He sang in the including Spirit of the Black Territory bands of many of the biggest names on Bands, which was nominated for a the Texas blues scene, guitarists such as Grammy in 1993. Jackie and guitarist Johnny Copeland, Gatemouth Brown, Little Johnny Taylor, not so much Josh White. In the 1980s he toured the Steve Edmonson performed for some and Freddy King. He also served more because he has imitated them, but with his father as a guitar years together in San Francisco's hard- than a year as the singer in the band of because he is one of them." duo, performing blues, jazz, folk, and rocking, nationally touring band The the late Albert Collins. By 1986, he had Steve Edmonson has performed and mariachi music. Dynatones. They joined forces on the joined the Johnny Otis Orchestra and recorded with a variety of musicians, widely acclaimed 2001 CD Soulful Blues, has made three world tours with the including James Cotton, Luther Tucker, Jackie Payne – vocals which features Jackie on vocals, Kenny band. He put out his own CD, Day in the Van Morrison, and Maria Muldaur. He is "Blue" Ray on lead guitar, and Steve on Life (of a Bluesman) in 1998 and a live Steve Edmonson - guitar the son of Travis Edmonson of the Bob Tildesley - trumpet rhythm guitar. CD Ain't Nothin' But a Party on his own famous folk duo Bud and Travis and In the past two years, Jackie and Shades of Blues label in 2000. In the Kent Sangster - saxophone recalls seeing his father perform with Graham Guest - piano Steve been performing regularly at liner notes for Soulful Blues, Steve blues legends such as Lightnin' Hopkins, Dave Bridges - bass many of the leading blues venues in Edmonson explains why this is a must- Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee, and California. They have also recorded a see show for blues fans: "In Jackie's Grant Stovel - drums new CD, Ballads & Blues, which is due voice, you can hear echoes of O. V. to be released later this year and which, Wright, James Brown, Otis Redding, and like Soulful Blues, mainly consists of Wilson Pickett, as well as Muddy Waters, FRI & SAT • MAY 10 & 11 soul-stirring covers of classic blues Junior Parker, Bobby Blue Bland, and DOORS 8PM • SHOW 9PM MEMBERS $11/GUESTS $15

bandleader, session player, and talent ability to perform any request - and so River of Song. He showed a whole new scout for Joe Ruffino's Ric Records -and well that most days his show ended side of his talent when in 2000 he Eddie Bo as if that wasn't enough, he taught with members of the audience coming joined with two Baton Rouge swamp- himself carpentry and built the onstage to sing along with him. blues veterans, guitarist Tabby Thomas Eddie Bo is one of the most company's recording studio. And when Eddie Bo, whose real name is Edwin and harmonica player Raful Neal, to colourful musicians to come out of New an electrical fire in 1998 destroyed the J. Bocage, was born and raised in the form a downhome band, The Hoodoo Orleans, a city noted for flamboyant recording studio that he had built over Ninth Ward, the musical heart of New Kings. This band, put together to performers such as , nine years, Eddie rebuilt the studio Orleans. His mother, Iona Bocage, was a perform at one blues festival, has since , and Dr. John. single-handedly in twelve months and gospel singer and self-taught blues become a favourite act on the Ever since he started performing then in 2001 recorded in it his pianist who taught him to play. When international blues circuit and recorded and recording in the 1950s, Eddie has comeback CD, We Come To Party. For he began making records in 1955, he a self-titled CD in 2001. worn his trademark fez and billed five years in the nineties, Eddie changed his name to Eddie Bo ("The Eddie is 71, but as busy making himself as "The Maharajah." He became presided over a happy-hour show four thinking was that this would make music as he has ever been. And now, very prominent on the days a week at Jimmy Buffett's things easier for deejays," he says). after delighting audiences every year at music scene in 1958-62, when he was a Margaritaville on Bourbon Street, where During his heyday, Eddie recorded more the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage recording artist, songwriter, arranger, he astonished the tourists with his singles than any New Orleans artist Festival, and after performing to huge apart from ; he recorded for audiences in a series of stadium shows over a dozen record companies. As well in Europe, he will bring his highly as making his own records, he wrote infectious brand of music to the small songs and arrangements for New and intimate Yardbird Suite. Come down Orleans artists such as , and check out The Maharajah; find out , and Tommy Ridgley. He why he proclaims, "We Come To Party." did have one national hit, "Hook and Sling," in 1969, but by the end of the Eddie Bo – piano, vocals 1970s he had left the music business Bob Tildesley - trumpet and found work as a carpenter. In the Dave Babcock - sax 1990s, his comeback to the music scene Greg Smith - guitar gained momentum when he was Derek Stremel - bass featured in the1998 PBS documentary Bill Hobson - drums FRI & SAT • JUNE 7 & 8 DOORS 8PM • SHOW 9PM MEMBERS $11/GUESTS $15

Page 4 MAY.JUNE Benny Green Solo Piano

Benny Green last graced the stride piano style. But he has the stage of the Yardbird Suite in a ability to take a tune and make it double bill with Diana Krall at the his own. He rises above his 1995 Jazz City International Music influences to make a unique Festival. statement of individual artistry. His return to Edmonton is in As his producer, fellow Ray support of his 2001 Telarc release Brown alumn John Clayton, says, “Green’s Blues”, a recording in “His arrangements are strong and which Benny takes on the clever - his improvisation both challenge to swing on his own in poignant and dazzling.” the pure medium of solo piano - Don’t miss this appearance by without the safety net of a one of the new young masters of powerful rhythm section to propel the phrase. the music. A graduate of the Berkeley, California, public school’s jazz “... this rollicking pianist is also a master of education program, Green worked touch, dynamics, harmonic subtlety and on the west coast before heading surprising melodic turns.” to New York in 1982. There, he - Doug Ramsey, Jazz Times joined Betty Carter’s group in 1983 for a four year stint. He followed “Green’s first-ever unaccompanied outing is that gig with a turn as the pianist a knockout ... a stylistic triumph and in Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. In all-around good time.” 1989, he worked with the Freddie - David R. Adler, Hubbard Quintet for a year. His first two recordings as a All Music Guide Expert Review leader were on the Criss Cross label in the late 1980s. Several discs FRIDAY • MAY 17 were released on Blue Note DOORS 8PM • SHOW 9PM MEMBERS $12/GUESTS $16 throughout the 90s. In 2000, Telarc issued “Naturally” followed by “Green’s Blues” in 2001. “Green’s Blues” consists of eleven standards and one original - the title track. Benny says that “the standards which comprise this program are songs I love.” For rock • country providing the basis on which to folk • jazz electronica base his solos for this recording, he classical gives credit to the grounding and world beat stimulation he received from his mentors, Betty Carter, Art Blakey, special orders mail orders Freddie Hubbard, Ray Brown and . buy, sell & In addition to the inspiration trade new and provided by his mentors, Benny’s used confidence and poise comes from years of studying the masters like Fats Waller, , Erroll Garner 439.1273 and Bud Powell. In fact, he often blackbyrd employs an impressively swinging 10442.82ave MYOOZIKfax 439.1765

LYONS ALBERT & COOK Barristers and Solicitors

Adrian L. Albert, B.A., LL.B*

#306, 10328 - 81 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T6E 1X2 Telephone: (780) 437-0743 • Facsimilie: (780) 438-6695 e-mail: [email protected] *Trade Mark Agent

MAY.JUNE Page 5 NOJO Quantum Nuefeld-Occhipinti Jazz Orchestra featuring Prasanna, Founded in 1994 by Paul African music as well as the entire Neufeld and Michael Occhipinti, history of jazz. Alphonso Johnson & NOJO has earned a JUNO Initially NOJO’s music could nomination for each of its first have been compared to the large three recordings and, in fact, won group compositions of Charles Airto Moreira a JUNO in 1996 for their self-titled Mingus, Henry Threadgill and debut disc. Kenny Wheeler. Now, they have a Prasanna is a graduate in Johnson, Cedar Walton and bassist Their fourth CD “Highwire” will style all their own, covering a western classical composition and Walter Booker. It was through Booker be released in late April just prior broad range with an intensity that from the that Airto began playing with the to their Yardbird Suite gig. A nine few groups can match. They prestigious Berklee College of Music greats Cannonball Adderley, Lee member version of NOJO will be perform with a friendly spirit and a in Boston, MA. As one of Berklee's Morgan, Paul Desmond and Joe touring Canada in support of the high level of musicianship that most illustrious students, he was Zawinul to name a few. In 1970 Joe new recording and we are puts them on par with the best awarded the coveted 'Berklee College Zawinul recommended Airto to Miles fortunate to be able to present large ensembles anywhere. of Music Composition Achievement Davis for a recording session for the them in Edmonton. Many will Since 1997, NOJO has engaged Award' for outstanding work as a "Bitches Brew" album. Davis then recall their appearance at the Jazz notable American soloists in its western classical and 'The invited Airto to join his group, which City International Music Festival a projects and recordings - Berklee College of Music Guitar included such jazz icons as Wayne couple of years ago. clarinetist Don Byron, saxophonist Achievement Award' for outstanding Shorter, Dave Holland, Jack Most of the material performed Joe Lovano, trumpeter Kenny work as a jazz guitarist. DeJohnette, Chick Corea and later by NOJO is written by the leaders. Wheeler, trombonist Ray Anderson Rather than the conservative style and saxophonist Sam Rivers. Firmly grounded in tradition and John McLaughlin and Keith Jarrett. typical of most big bands, they Be among the first to hear the yet extending its scope, Prasanna He remained with Miles for two employ a more post-modern newest music from the Neufeld- has gained worldwide acceptance years, and appeared on such releases approach to contemporary jazz, Occhipinti Jazz Orchestra. and fame for his expertise in as Live/Evil, Live at the Fillmore, On drawing on a diversity of styles performing the ancient and the Corner, The Isle of Wight, Bitches such as , blues and west demanding art of carnatic music on a Brew and later releases including the contemporary western instrument Fillmore Sessions. Airto was then like the electric guitar. He is also the invited to form the original Weather only classical musician from India Report with , Joe who has world-class credentials as a Zawignul, and guitarist/composer in jazz, blues and . Soon after, he rock. His completely original style of joined Chick Corea's original Return composition and guitar playing, to Forever group wich featured Flora which marries his intensely personal Purim, Joe Farrell and Stanley Clarke. Indian classical vocabulary with jazz Other artists Airto has performed and and other western music, has earned recorded with includes: Carlos praise from critics, musicians and Santana, Gil Evans, Gato Barbieri, audiences alike. Michael Brecker, The Crusaders, A lot could be said about Airto Chicago, Paul Simon, and many Moreira and Alphonso Johnson, as others. In 1974 Airto formed his first both of them have been performing band in the U.S., "Fingers" with Flora with the top North American Purim. Since then they have musicians for the past 30 years, and performed constantly all over the their credits read like a “Who’s Who” world and recorded their own albums of jazz and fusion. for major record companies in Europe Airto Moreira was born in Brazil, and America. SATURDAY • MAY 18 and by the time he was six years old His impact was so powerful that DOORS 8PM • SHOW 9PM MEMBERS $12/GUESTS $16 he had won many music contests by Downbeat magazine added the singing and playing percussion. At category of percussion to its readers thirteen he became a professional and critic's polls, which he has won musician, playing percussion, drums, over twenty times since 1973. In the and singing in local dance bands. In past few years he was voted number Jazz it up with 1965 he moved to Rio de Janeiro one percussionist by Jazz Times, where he later met his future wife, Modern Drummer and Jazz Izz singer . Flora moved out magazine, as well as in many Ernest &Julio Gallo ® to Los Angeles in 1968, and Airto European, Latin American and Asian followed her shortly thereafter. The publications. T URNING L EAF couple soon moved to New York Airto's latest album entitled where Flora was singing with South "Homeless", which was released in African singer Miriam Makeba, and the year 2000 by the British label Airto began playing with musicians Electric Melt is a high-energy album Vineyards such as Reggie Workman, JJ with "tribal" rhythms that is shaking

Page 6 MAY.JUNE the dance floors around the world. His song "Celebration Suite" was re-mixed by the DJ group "Bellini Brothers" last year and hit #1 in the dance music charts over 26 countries around Europe, Asia and Latin America and at the moment had sold over 800,000 copies. At present, Airto is a professor at the Ethnomusicology department of UCLA and is breaking new grounds in musical concepts and creative energy. He divides his time between recording studios, creating new projects, researching new materials for future releases, and live performances in the US, Europe, Asia and Latin America. Bassist and Chapman Stick artist Alphonso Johnson has accumulated numerous performing, recording, the Yardbird Suite stage. (which draw heavily from Indian teaching, producing, composing and Prasanna has always been Classical Carnatic music), Alphonso “It’s a great pleasure and publishing credits during his illustrious fascinated with the idea of playing in and Airto will contribute originals of honor for me to have seasoned career. co-funder a trio setting because of the space their own to Quantum performance. veterans like Alphonso and Airto Wayne Shorter heard Alphonso with and interactive potential that the trio This trio will feature the music playing with me and we thank the Chuck Mangione group and asked format offers harmonically, written by each of the members everyone at Edmonton Jazz him to record the album “Mysterious melodically and rhythmically. This separately and also music written by Society and Yardbird Suite for Traveler”. Alphonso co-wrote two songs particular trio ‘Quantum’ is special to the three of them together. providing us a great platform. The for the album, appeared on two more him because of the various cultural fact that this would be our maiden WR releases (Tale Spinnin’ and Black and musical backgrounds that each of performance as a trio makes it all Market) and toured with the band from the band members comes from. While the more exciting for all of us. We Prasanna’s roots lie very clearly in Prasanna – guitar 1975 to 1976, during which time he Alphonso Johnson – bass hope you enjoy the concerts!” South Indian Classical Carnatic music, recorded his first solo album Airto Moreira - drums, percussion - Prasana "Moonshadows." Alphonso comes from a In 1976, Alphonso became soul/jazz/funk perspective and Airto fascinated with the Chapman Stick, a is a repository of the beautiful ten-stringed electric touchboard rhythms of Brazil and other Latin instrument. He recorded a second American cultures. Together jazz album “Yesterdays Dreams”. A year remains a common language of later, he recorded his third album, musical communication for them and "Spellbound," featuring the Chapman they hope to bring a diverse, but Stick. In 1979 Alphonso received a unified and contemporary musical Grammy Nomination for Best R&B focus for this band. Instrumental for the album "Street Prasanna had the pleasure of Life" with the group The Crusaders. inviting Alphonso Johnson and the A summary of his many touring great drummer Kenwood Dennard to and performing credits includes: play with him in a similar trio setting Santana, Weather Report, The for the first time in Chennai, India in Crusaders, , Chuck Mangione, January 2000. Ever since, Alphonso George Duke, En Vogue, Wayne Shorter, and Prasanna have shared a special Sergio Mendes, Tony Williams, Joe bond. They are currently working on a Williams, and Gregory Hines. recording project called “Bombay Discography credits include albums Chill” (Alphonso’s brainchild) and and CD’s with Woody Herman, Weather when they got together in Los Angeles Report, Eddie Henderson, Flora Purim, to work on the material, Airto joined Quincy Jones, Lee Ritenour, Phil them and they instantly felt a great Collins, The Whispers, John chemistry among the three of them. McLaughlin, Jeffrey Osborne, Sarah They were excited about this and felt Vaughan, Dori Caymmi, Carl Anderson, they should go out and tour as a trio and The Meeting. and explore some interesting musical It is a great pleasure for us to be grounds together. able to host those three world class Although many of the and very gifted artists, and present compositions that Quantum will bring them in the small club setting on to Edmonton are Prasanna’s originals FRI & SAT • MAY 24 & 25 DOORS 8PM • SHOW 9PM MEMBERS $21/GUESTS $25

MAY.JUNE Page 7 GMCC Outreach Big Bands

Celebrating its twentieth year, band with the longest name” music in the City of musicians come from all walks of life the BIG BANDS of Grant MacEwan (Stroup coined this term) grew to Champions is made up of a large (students, law enforcement, Community College Arts Outreach have a large following of loyal fans family of musicians – many of the physicians, psychologists, chemists, program have given amateur and supporters. With Bob’s musicians in the other big bands of engineers, programmers, school musicians of all ages an opportunity connections to the top musicians in Edmonton have been regulars with teachers, restauranteers, sales to play and learn the music they the city, the Outreach Big Bands the GMCC Outreach Bands at one clerks, accountants), and share one love, alongside some of the most have had the opportunity to time or another. thing in common – they all love a accomplished performers in Canada. perform with many familiar names Leading the groups in 2002 are great tune! Around 1981, acclaimed over the years (such as drummers veteran musicians and educators The enthusiasm and trumpeter GARY GUTHMAN started Tommy Dorin and Tilo Paiz, KEN HOFFMAN and LARRY SCHRUM. commitment of these performers is an adult rehearsal band at the Charlie Austin and Wayne Feschuk, Music for the two groups range infectious – make sure to catch the college – they rehearsed every and saxophonists PJ Perry and Kent from traditional 1940’s dance Grant MacEwan Community College Saturday morning that year. The Sangster). Up-and-coming stars, classics (such as Miller and Dorsey), Arts Outreach Tuesday and following year, rehearsals were like pop/jazz vocalist Shelley Jones, standards by Basie and Kenton, to Wednesday Night Big Bands! moved to Tuesday night. The late, trombonist JC Jones, and Yardbird modern-day jazz compositions. The great, Woody Herman favourite Lina Allemano were alumni/trombonist BOB STROUP regular performers with the band. A took the helm that year, and highlight for the Tuesday Night continued the growth and Band was the opportunity to popularity of the band. The Tuesday perform at the Yardbird with evening group became so popular, internationally renowned trumpeter auditions were required to fill some Bobby Shew. of the seats -- it was obvious that In later years, the Tuesday and there was room for a second band, Wednesday bands have been so by the mid-eighties, the college directed by some of the best could boast of a strong daytime big musicians in Edmonton, including band, and TWO solid evening (non- Craig Brennan, Alan Gilliland, and for-credit) big bands! Jerrold Dubyk. The bands are During his tenure, Bob regulars at Edmonton’s JAZZ CITY, developed a strong core of and the Tuesday band was one of the musicians (some who remain in the highlighted big bands in the CKUA bands to this day), and “the big Big Band Benefit (Jazz City 1997). GMCC Outreach Big Bands Director: Ken Hoffman Director: Larry Schrum Trumpet: Jamie Boyd, Taina Dagg, Trumpet: George Carmichael, Don Charlie Austin Quintet Keith Rea, Robert Stewart Carmichael, Cam Wild, John Trombone: Doug Ringrose, Hugh Williams, Dave Gerlinsky Charlie Austin is somewhat of a Semple, Hal Thiessen, Ben Trombone: Lorne Dmitruk, Dan Leskiw, veteran jazz musician. He has played Tupling, Troy Turner Kelly Jerrott, Betty Thomson many professional gigs over the years Saxophone: Lisa Bray, Ron Middleton, Saxophone: Tricia Machon, Darwin that include work with singers such Mark Edwards, Rick Werner, Paul Shewchuk, as Trudy Desmond and Judy Singh. Harvey, Stan Fox Vanessa Wilson, Ted Croll Through the ITV concert series in the Piano: Terry Jorden Piano: Jan-Marie Chrzanowski 70's he played with the likes of Mel Guitar: Leonard Swanson Guitar: Ross Brown Torme, Julius Larosa, Connie Stevens Bass: Laurie Dunnigan Bass: Stu Millman and others. As an music instructor at Drums: Cody Osborne Drums: Mark Segger the Grant MacEwan College music program he has written SUNDAY • MAY 26 instruction material that is now sold across Canada. DOORS 7PM • SHOW 7:30PM • MEMBERS $6/GUESTS $10 Charlie recently performed with his own quintet at the Beatniq in Calgary, and was subsequently featured at a CD release party for tenor saxophonist Gib Monk. This yardbird performance will feature Charlie's arrangements for a quintet. The repertoire will consists of Charlie Austin - piano arrangements of original tunes and Jim Brenan - tenor sax jazz standards. Dean McNeill - trumpet Don Bradshaw - bass Dan Skakun - drums FRIDAY • MAY 31 DOORS 8PM • SHOW 9PM • MEMBERS $5/GUESTS $9 Page 8 MAY.JUNE 2001 MAY.JUNE 2001 Page 9 YARDBIRD SUITE EVENTS DURING JAZZ CITY

SATURDAY • JUNE 22 WHO Trio - Wintsch-Hemingway-Oester Michel Wintsch is a young pianist and and Mark Helias composer from Geneva, Switzerland, who has been together has done a considerable amount of work for for 24 years. television, radio, theatre and the cinema as Another ongoing well as a significant career in jazz in Europe. collab-oration is He has over a dozen recordings to his with pianist credit; he has been involved with at least Marilyn Crispell. fifteen theatre productions; and over ten His discography movies during the past ten years. features over Bassist Banz Oester from Berne, three dozen Michel Wintsch and a couple by Gerry live provides much more. This will be a Switzerland, is another youthful musician recordings with his own groups or where his Hemingway. Comments by reviewers include performance well worth your attention. who has already amassed a significant list own compositions were recorded. He has “an important album that stretches the of credits as a leader and sideman. As a appeared as a sideman on an even greater piano trio tradition and richly deserves a Michel Wintsch - piano leader he has been involved with numerous number of discs during his stellar career. wide audience” and “a first class effort and - drums groups in Europe from the mid-1980's to Many will remember Gerry’s most thoroughly modernistic approach to the Banz Oester - bass the present. As a sideman, he has worked recent Yardbird Suite appearance in June, beloved piano trio format!” The music is not with such notables as Dewey Redman, 1999, as a member of 13 Ways with Fred completely mainstream nor is it Michael Brecker, Ray Anderson, Joey Baron, Hersch and Michael Moore. significantly outside the tradition. The Gary Bartz and Jacky Terrasson. The Wintsch/Hemingway/Oester Trio pieces are cleverly structured with a touch DOORS 8PM • SHOW 9PM Gerry Hemingway’s credits are (WHO) first worked together as a trio in of unpredictability and are played with MEMBERS $14/GUESTS $18 awesome. Since 1974, he has been a 1998 although they were acquainted with extraordinary subtlety and delicacy composer and performer of considerable each other for several years prior. balanced by scrupulously controlled power. note. He was a member of the Anthony In 1999, WHO released an album on Although the recording gives listeners Braxton Quartet from 1983 to 1995. His Leo Records entitled “Identity” which some idea of what to expect, the WHO Trio BassDrumBone group with Ray Anderson includes a number of compositions by

WEDNESDAY • JUNE 26 RENEE ROSNES QUARTET Born in Regina and raised in The tour which brings Renee’s and he is unquestionably in the upper “five most underrated players”. Mike Vancouver, Renee Rosnes was one of the quartet to Edmonton is in support of echelon of drummers on the scene today. McGuirk is just now making his name first Canadians of her generation to her most recent Blue Note release “Life Horace Silver, Sonny Rollins, Joe outside his native Portland, Oregon, have a significant career on Earth”, her most conceptually ambi- Henderson, J.J. Johnson, Toots having won the 1998 International internationally. Since her move to New tious disc to date. The various pieces on Thielemans, Chris Potter and many others Society of Bassists York in the mid-1980s, she has released the recording reflect an international grace his impressive resume. competition. eight recordings under her own name on palette of rhythms, melodies and Bill Milkowski in Jazz Times Blue Note as well as performing and textures. Rosnes has drawn from her describes Walt Weiskopf as one of his recording with many stellar jazz artists. inner well of experience in composing, In 1987, Renee joined Joe orchestrating and conceptualizing Henderson’s group, an association that music that reference India, Senegal, would last until 1998, shortly before Indonesia, Brazil, Native American and Henderson suffered a stroke that ended European classical music, all within a his performing career. She recorded and hardcore jazz framework. toured widely with J.J. Johnson Joining her on the Yardbird Suite through the late 1980s and the 1990s. stage will be her husband, drummer Other associations included work with Billy Drummond, saxophonist Walt Out of the Blue, Sonny Fortune, Greg Weiskopf and bassist Mike McGuirk. Osby, James Moody and Bobby Drummond is a first-call Hutcherson. percussionist for many of the top players Although she has made several appearances in Edmonton during her career, her last appearance at the Yardbird Suite was in 1994 as a member of Free Trade, an all-star Canadian Renee Rosnes - piano quintet featuring Ralph Bowen, Peter Walt Weiskopf - saxophones Leitch, Neil Swainson and Terry Clarke. Mike McGuirk - bass Her three JUNO awards demonstrate Billy Drummond - drums the high regard in which her piano style is held by her peers, a style characterized DOORS 8PM • SHOW 9PM by imagination, sensitivity, an MEMBERS $18/GUESTS $22 exhilarating sense of momentum and clarity of both thought and emotion.

Page 10 MAY.JUNE 2001 YARDBIRD SUITE EVENTS DURING JAZZ CITY

FRIDAY • JUNE 28 SATURDAY • JUNE 29 FRANCOIS CARRIER TRIO PAUL CRAM ORCHESTRA with guest Originally from the west coast, Paul musical journey is to make music riveting.” Bobo Stenson Cram’s interest in creative music began in In 2001, the Paul Cram Orchestra Since his last visit to the Yardbird For this tour, Francois Carrier is the early 1970s when he first heard the released a new recording on the Victo Suite in October, 2000, Montreal-based bringing a very special guest - Bobo Art Ensemble of Chicago, Cecil Taylor, Sam label “Campin Out”. Featuring five pieces saxophonist Francois Carrier has Stenson, a pianist who has defined the Rivers, Anthony Braxton and others. by Cram, the orchestra rocks its way across received a 2001 JUNO award for his meaning of modern piano in Sweden since During that time, he co-founded the New a landscape of intense beauty with “Compassion” CD on Naxos Jazz. That the late 1960s. Initially, he accompanied Orchestra Workshop in Vancouver. Moving ferocious solos and deadly ensemble work. disc featured his touring trio including visiting American players such as Sonny to Toronto in 1982, he co-led the Edmonton’s jazz fans will be able to rock Pierre Cote on bass and Michel Lambert Rollins, Stan Getz, Gary Burton and Don Hemispheres Ensemble and created the out the end of our 2001-2002 season in on drums as well as pianist Steve Cherry, but by the early 1970s, he began first Paul Cram Orchestra. Since 1988, he fine style. Amirault on several of the pieces. his long association with ECM Records. has made his home in Nova Scotia where By the time Francois makes his June Besides his own recordings for ECM, he he continues to work as a freelance 28th Yardbird Suite appearance, a new Trio recorded several discs with Jan Garbarek musician and composer. He now writes for Francois Carrier recording with Uri Caine will and with Charles Lloyd. He also theatre, film, television, dance and have been released on Justin Time. Of participated in ECM projects with Tomasz concerts as well as performing with a Paul Cram - leader, composer/ additional interest to Edmonton jazz fans is Stanko, Don Cherry and Terje Rypdal. variety of different groups. He is a two- arranger, tenor sax, clarinet that another new CD will be released in the Stenson monitored the mixture of time JUNO nominee. Don Palmer - saxophones and flutes fall which will include a track recorded at the lyricism and abstraction that fuelled the In 1997, he re-formed the Paul Cram Jeff Reilly - clarinets Yardbird Suite during the trio’s 2000 tour. early trios of Chick Corea and Keith Jarrett Orchestra utilizing the services of eight Christoph Both - electric cello Although Francois is an inexhaustible but he has been able to assimilate those Halifax-area musicians and two from Richard Simoneau - trumpet improvisor who enthrals his listeners with influences into a style which is clearly his elsewhere in Canada. The players include Tom Walsh - trombone his intense and original playing, if one own. He has always been both a forward- the finest Eastern Canada has to offer. The Steven Naylor - piano/keyboard/sampler was looking for a comparison or an looking player and a player very conscious range of experience of this ten member John Gzowski - guitar influence, the John Coltrane sound of the of jazz history. aggregation is impressive indeed. Jamie Gatti - electric bass early to mid-1960s would be a good Pierre Cote is an exceptionally- Regarding his influences, Cram says, Dave Burton - drums starting point. There is a sense of talented bassist with an infallible ear who “Everything influences me. As a composer, adventure and unpredictability balanced has worked with Francois Carrier since you’re basically a filter. I first got excited by colourful, vibrant melodies and lyrical 1990. Michel Lambert is probably better about doing this back in the ‘70s when I DOORS 8PM • SHOW 9PM was still in Vancouver and we had all those playing without denying the roots of the known to Western Canadian jazz MEMBERS $14/GUESTS $18 blues and swing. afficionados by reason of his numerous marvelous people coming through like the Beginning his jazz career in 1979 in collaborations with jazz musicians in Art Ensemble of Chicago and Mingus.” Vancouver, Carrier returned to the Europe, Canada and the United States. “Sam Rivers was a huge influence. I Province of Quebec where he has lived liked that idea of taking large groups and since 1982 honing his craft in various jazz making suites and structured forms, contexts in both Montreal and Quebec Francois Carrier - saxophones utilizing long forms for improvisation and City. He recently received a prestigious Bobo Stenson - piano composition. Textualized chaos, like Sun Ra Quebec grant to live, work and study in Pierre Cote - bass and Mingus.” He adds, “Improvisation is Rome for six months. Michel Lambert - drums exciting, it’s the greatest thing - it can be completely riveting when it’s working. My

“exceptional set of new music” - Mark Miller, The Globe and Mail

“as strong a large ensemble as this country possesses” - Alex Varty, Georgia Straight DOORS 8PM • SHOW 9PM MEMBERS $16/GUESTS $20

MAY.JUNE 2001 Page 11 ardbird AT A GLANCE ALL SHOWS BEGIN AT 9PM UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY

25JIM BRENAN BOB MAY QUARTET TILDESLEY FRI • MAY 3 SAT • MAY 4 689 12 TUESDAY THE JACKIE PAYNE STEVE EDMONSON JAM BAND SESSIONS FRI & SAT • MAY 10 & 11 13 15 16 19 BENNY GREEN NOJO

FRI • MAY 17 SAT • MAY 18 20 22 23 QUANTUM GMCC OUTREACH featuring BIG BANDS Prasanna, Alphonso Johnson & Airto Moreira FRI & SAT • MAY 24 & 25 SUN • MAY 26 27 29 30 CHARLIE AUSTIN QUINTET FRI • MAY 31

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY 2 VOLUNTEER JUNE PARTY SAT • JUNE 1 356 9 TUESDAY EDDIE BO JAM

SESSIONS FRI & SAT • JUNE 7 & 8 10 12 13 14 15 16

17 18 19 20 21 23

WHO TRIO SAT • JUNE 22 24 25 27FRANCOIS 30 RENEE CARRIER PAUL CRAM ROSNES TRIO WITH QUARTET BOBO ORCHESTRA STENSON WED • JUNE 26 FRI • JUNE 28 SAT • JUNE 29 THE YARDBIRD SUITE IS A NON-SMOKING VENUE For upcoming shows, check www. yardbirdsuite.com YARDBIRD SUITE IS A CONCERT VENUE. During the show, please turn off your cell phones and pagers.

WESTERN JAZZ PRESENTERS NETWORK