Fact!
28.6.05
More people believed that Orson Welles' "War of the Worlds" broadcast was for real, than believe that "Tom Kat" are for real.
Peter Appleyard Big Band Tribute to Lionel Hampton
27.6.05
An auspicious occasion, if only because this was the first and only time, after years of seeing him perform live, that I have seen Appleyard out of his omni present blue blazer with the brass buttons. I was beginning to think he was born in that thing!
My first impression was that the arrangements were too staid, too based in nostalgia to appeal to me. Lots of gentle medley's, hinting at Hampton's greatness, but not allowing Appleyard or any members of his band to really shine. Appleyard's affection for Hampton is obvious, but it all felt too safe.
Then Appleyard brought on his friend, Frank Wright, who still performs with the Canadian Jazz Quartet and has often said that his playing has been influenced by Appleyard (Wright's story is an interesting one...he worked at Canada Post by day to support his family and played jazz by night). Wright's rendition of "Embraceable You" was beautiful, holding all the emotion and inspiration that was, until this point, lacking.
They followed that with a duet on "Perdido" which, as they say, blew the roof off the dump! Watching them trade bars, try to one up each other and play to the crowd the way they did was a real treat! The thing really swung, and the two men, true entertainers, were at the top of their game. Appleyard really does know how to work a crowd.
The finale, "Flyin' Home" (what else?), was fun because it was "Flyin' Home", which is a tune that really can't help but be fun. It reminded me of seeing Hamp live at Roy Thompson Hall many years ago, and of that great dance scene in Malcolm X. It would have been nice if one of the sax players could have busted out on the famous Illinois Jacquet solo, but I guess you can't have everything...
My first impression was that the arrangements were too staid, too based in nostalgia to appeal to me. Lots of gentle medley's, hinting at Hampton's greatness, but not allowing Appleyard or any members of his band to really shine. Appleyard's affection for Hampton is obvious, but it all felt too safe.
Then Appleyard brought on his friend, Frank Wright, who still performs with the Canadian Jazz Quartet and has often said that his playing has been influenced by Appleyard (Wright's story is an interesting one...he worked at Canada Post by day to support his family and played jazz by night). Wright's rendition of "Embraceable You" was beautiful, holding all the emotion and inspiration that was, until this point, lacking.
They followed that with a duet on "Perdido" which, as they say, blew the roof off the dump! Watching them trade bars, try to one up each other and play to the crowd the way they did was a real treat! The thing really swung, and the two men, true entertainers, were at the top of their game. Appleyard really does know how to work a crowd.
The finale, "Flyin' Home" (what else?), was fun because it was "Flyin' Home", which is a tune that really can't help but be fun. It reminded me of seeing Hamp live at Roy Thompson Hall many years ago, and of that great dance scene in Malcolm X. It would have been nice if one of the sax players could have busted out on the famous Illinois Jacquet solo, but I guess you can't have everything...
Ed Thigpen's Scantet
27.6.05
After enjoying a truly splendid brunch at my wonderful friends Chelsea and Mark's swank condo (where I learned how to use a waffle maker and that there is life North of Bloor) the Robeau and I headed over to catch Ed Thigpen's Scantet at Nathan Phillips Square.
First off, the man (who is in his 70's) looks great. My guess is that it's a combination of the physical demands of playing the drums all these years and the mental exercise provided by his other vocation, teaching, that keeps him so young. If you're questioning your math skills trying to figure out just what a "scantet" is, don't fret. It's a clever devise employed because the four young musicians playing with Thigpen are Scandinavian (he moved to Copenhagen in 1972).
You don't need to hear me go on about what a great player Ed Thigpen is. Anyone who has ever listened to a recording by the Oscar Peterson Trio (of which he was a member from 1959-1965) knows that. What was surprising was the beauty of the songs that Thigpen penned himself. His writing is infused with his typically relaxed yet insistently swinging style, whether in the opening blues "Shake It Out," or his beautiful ballad "Wannabe," which was underscored by his signature brushwork.
The set also included non-Thigpen tunes, most notably a great up tempo Horace Silver number.
Thigpen closed the show and demonstrated more of his drum prowess on the aptly named "Fast Train," which opens with an unaccompanied burst of slick brushwork before the full band came in, blowing the mesmerized crowd away.
The Scantet's flight to Toronto was delayed, so things were running behind, leaving time for only one encore, the gorgeous song "Denise" named for Thigpen's eldest daughter.
Experiencing Ed Thigpen live, it's easy to see why he's been known all these years as "Mr. Taste".
Perfection.
The Maple Leaf Forever!
24.6.05
Today, I am extra proud to be a Canadian.
Woke up this morning and read the Toronto Star report that:
"The minority Liberals used some procedural flash and dazzle late last night to stun the opposition Conservatives and win a crucial budget vote that now paves the way for smooth passage of the controversial same-sex marriage legislation.
Sensing an opportunity to surprise the Conservatives — six of the party's 98 MPs were absent for the first of last night's votes — the Liberals deployed a seldom-used parliamentary tactic to force a vote on Bill C-48, the Liberal-NDP budget deal.
In the end, the Prime Minister Paul Martin's government survived, by a vote of 152 to 147, a budget vote that had threatened to topple its fragile minority.
The NDP-Liberal budget bill includes more money for affordable housing, post-secondary education, public transit and foreign aid.
Though the Liberals ensured passage of a pair of crucial bills and continued survival until at least the fall, the evening's other big winner was NDP Leader Jack Layton." (my MP!)
Huzzah for centrist government!
The Conservative leader won't stop whining about how he just isn't getting a fair shake. Harper, in my opinion, is poisonous. The man is a neo-fascist, big business toadie, who if given a chance will drag Canada into a nightmare future of Orwellian proportions. Harper is against separation of church and state, is anti choice, and is in favour of tax breaks for big business, while remaining strongly positioned against social programs...in short, a creep. Call me a drama queen if you must, but the truth remains, the man is a creep. With bad hair.
I chalk one up for the good guys today and plan on celebrating by attending Forte Men's Chorus PRIDE Concert "Steam Heat".
So there!
Woke up this morning and read the Toronto Star report that:
"The minority Liberals used some procedural flash and dazzle late last night to stun the opposition Conservatives and win a crucial budget vote that now paves the way for smooth passage of the controversial same-sex marriage legislation.
Sensing an opportunity to surprise the Conservatives — six of the party's 98 MPs were absent for the first of last night's votes — the Liberals deployed a seldom-used parliamentary tactic to force a vote on Bill C-48, the Liberal-NDP budget deal.
In the end, the Prime Minister Paul Martin's government survived, by a vote of 152 to 147, a budget vote that had threatened to topple its fragile minority.
The NDP-Liberal budget bill includes more money for affordable housing, post-secondary education, public transit and foreign aid.
Though the Liberals ensured passage of a pair of crucial bills and continued survival until at least the fall, the evening's other big winner was NDP Leader Jack Layton." (my MP!)
Huzzah for centrist government!
The Conservative leader won't stop whining about how he just isn't getting a fair shake. Harper, in my opinion, is poisonous. The man is a neo-fascist, big business toadie, who if given a chance will drag Canada into a nightmare future of Orwellian proportions. Harper is against separation of church and state, is anti choice, and is in favour of tax breaks for big business, while remaining strongly positioned against social programs...in short, a creep. Call me a drama queen if you must, but the truth remains, the man is a creep. With bad hair.
I chalk one up for the good guys today and plan on celebrating by attending Forte Men's Chorus PRIDE Concert "Steam Heat".
So there!
Downtown Jazz Fest Picks
24.6.05
What excites me most about the 2005 TD Canada Trust Downtown Jazz Fest is that they have begun programming workshops again. They used to run a workshop series at Harbourfront Centre back in the days when it was the DuMaurier Downtown Jazz Fest. The workshops aren't just for musicians - there will be talks from radio personalities and artists managers as well workshops for players.
I won't be making it to all of the shows that I've picked out myself, but I think that they'd all be worth checking out, especially if you are looking for a mixed bag of different kinds of jazz.
My top picks are Roy Hargrove, Ed Thigpen and Dick Hyman. Stay tuned for reviews of the shows I do get to see!
FREE SHOWS
Friday, June 24th
Hot Club Trio @ Alexander The Great Parkette @ Danforth & Logan @ 5:30pm
Traditional, swinging trio jazz from local musicians including Reg Schwager on guitar.
Saturday, June 25th
Tikisa @ Alexander The Great Parkette @ Danforth & Logan @ 4pm
Fun, world beat jazz.
Sunday, June 26th
Ed Thigpen’s Scantet @ Nathan Phillips Square @ 1pm
Thigpen is a LEGEND. He was the drummer with the renowned Oscar Peterson Trio – considered one of the best, if not the best, trios in the history of jazz.
Monday, June 27th
Jane Bunnett @ Nathan Phillips Square @ 4pm
Jane has been awarded the Order of Canada for the work she has done to help promote Cuban musicians. Her playing is warm and rhythmic and she’s a pretty lady who as I have discussed earlier, sometimes wears pigtails on stage!
Tuesday, June 28th
Meh.
Wednesday, June 29th
Everything Irie Jazz Ensemble @ Nathan Phillips Square @ 4pm
Reggae Jazz? Why not!
Thursday, June 30th
Tony Quarrington Trio @ Alexander The Great Parkette @ Danforth & Logan @ 5:30pm
Tony is a great, swinging guitarist (and if you like what you hear, he’s playing a gig on Canada Day with Jim “the robot” Clayton...not part of the fest...in Bloor West Village)
Friday, July 1st (Canada Day)
The Rob McConnell Tentet @ Nathan Phillips Square @ 12noon
Canadian Big Band! McConnell’s between tune banter is funny to boot!
Saturday, July 2nd
Sweet and Real Hot Swing Session @ Nathan Phillips Square @ 1pm
Trad, swinging, Dixieland style jazz. They don’t have the players listed, but my assumption is that Jim Galloway will be playing Soprano Sax, he’s the artistic director of the fest, and nobody in TO swings harder!
Sunday, July 3rd
Meh.
TICKETED SHOWS
Friday, June 24th
Sonny Rollins @ Massey Hall @ 8pm $49.50-89.50
Sonny is one of the greats of Bebop. Has played with the likes of Charlie Parker and Miles Davis. No need to say more.
Saturday, June 25th
Jimmy Bowskill @ Nathan Phillips Square Tent @ Midnight $10
Some kid who plays blues guitar. Seriously, he’s like 12 years old or something. The buzz on him is great.
Sunday, June 26th
Dr. Lonnie Smith Trio @ The Mod Club @ 9pm $25
One of the most influential Hammond B3 players ever. Funky, cool, organ jazz, he played with George Benson in the 60’s. Cool Little Italy location too...they are selling tickets for this through Ticketmaster, but there will be availability at the door, I think.
Monday, June 27th
Madeski, Martin & Wood @ Nathan Phillips Square Tent @ 8pm $30
Funky, danceable, modern jazz.
Tuesday, June 28th
Roy Hargrove’s RH Factor @ Nathan Phillips Square Tent @ 8pm $35
Hargrove came out of the “young lions" movement of the 90’s, and in my opinion, is one of the top three trumpet players playing straight ahead bebop today. This is his funkier, more modern band. This sound is classified as “neo soul”. It’s a KICK ASS band. I saw the CD launch a few years ago and listen to the CD at least once a week to this day.
Wednesday, June 29th
Meh.
Thursday, June 30th
Kenny Garrett Quartet and Joshua Redman’s Elastic Band @ Nathan Phillips Square Tent @ 8pm $35
Garrett is hard bop at it’s best, Redman’s another “young lion” who is experimenting with “electric groove based” jazz. Should be FAB! The price is a bargain for what you are getting.
Friday, July 1st (Canada Day)
“Real Divas” @ Nathan Phillips Square Tent @ 8pm $25
Ten local female singers share the stage. It’s a mixed bag...not everyone on the bill is great, but some of them are magnificent. If you are into female vocalists it’s a great show to check out.
Saturday, July 2nd
Meh.
Sunday, July 3rd
Meh.
CLUB DATES
There are two late night jams, every night of the fest. This is the first year that they've done more than one location for the jam, so it will be interesting to see what tone they each take on. My guess is that the one at the Rex (on Queen West) will have more young and more local musicians. It will probably be "hipper" than the jam they are having at Sage Restaurant, which is in the Sutton Place Hotel at the corner of Bay and Wellesley. The crowd at Sage might be interesting if any of the out of town musicians are staying at that hotel. This will be, I imagine, less "hip" but probably more "sophisticated". The cover is $10 and you can stay and drink from 1am - 4am. Usually lots of fun!
Friday, June 24th
Lorne Lofsky / Rob Pilch Guitar Duets @ Mezzetta (St. Claire and Christie)
Two Sets 9pm and 10:15pm - $9 cover
World class local musicians who have played with the likes of Oscar Peterson and Ed Bickert.
Saturday, June 25th
Happy Pals Dixieland Jazz Band @ Grossman’s Tavern (Spadina and College)
4:30pm – no cover
Fun, old school dixieland and cheap beer.
Sunday, June 26th
Melissa Stylianou Sextet @ The Rex (Queen West)
9:00pm – cover
Very good local singer, who has inventive interpretations of tunes.
Monday, June 27th
Dick Hyman, solo piano @ Montreal Bistro (Sherbourne and King)
9:00pm - $20 + tax cover
Dick Hyman is the music director on all of Woody Allen’s movies (and a great piano player)!
Tuesday, June 28th
Benny Green and Russell Malone @ Top O’ the Senator (Victoria Street, near Dundas)
8:30pm – cover
Great players from the States! Not everyday you get a chance to see players of this calibre.
Wednesday, June 29th
Club Django Sextet
Traders @ Sheraton Centre Hotel (Queen Street, across from City Hall)
8:00pm – cover
Old school “gypsy jazz”
Thursday, June 30th
Tabby Johnson and Friends
Traders @ Sheraton Centre Hotel (Queen Street, across from City Hall)
8:00pm – cover
Tabby is Molly Johnson and Clark Johnson’s older sister – talent runs in the family.
Friday, July 1st (Canada Day)
Hey, look it’s...
Terra Hazelton and Her Easy Answers! @ Grossman’s Tavern (Spadina and College)
10pm - no cover
Saturday, July 2nd
Oliver Jones @ The Montreal Bistro (Sherbourne and King)
9pm - $20 + tax cover
Jones is a master piano player (and another member of The Order of Canada)! His sound is VERY similar to Oscar Peterson’s, so if you like Oscar you’ll love Oliver. This is also worth seeing as he doesn’t come out of retirement very often...
Sunday, July 3rd
Sheila Jordon @ Top O’ the Senator (Victoria Street, near Dundas)
9:30pm – cover
Sheila’s first influence was Charlie Parker and she studied with the likes of Charles Mingus. She sings like an instrumentalist, with sweeping changes in pitch and unexpected improvisations. Her sound isn’t for everyone, but it is fascinating. This could also be your last chance to see jazz in this room as they will be under new management after the fest....
I won't be making it to all of the shows that I've picked out myself, but I think that they'd all be worth checking out, especially if you are looking for a mixed bag of different kinds of jazz.
My top picks are Roy Hargrove, Ed Thigpen and Dick Hyman. Stay tuned for reviews of the shows I do get to see!
FREE SHOWS
Friday, June 24th
Hot Club Trio @ Alexander The Great Parkette @ Danforth & Logan @ 5:30pm
Traditional, swinging trio jazz from local musicians including Reg Schwager on guitar.
Saturday, June 25th
Tikisa @ Alexander The Great Parkette @ Danforth & Logan @ 4pm
Fun, world beat jazz.
Sunday, June 26th
Ed Thigpen’s Scantet @ Nathan Phillips Square @ 1pm
Thigpen is a LEGEND. He was the drummer with the renowned Oscar Peterson Trio – considered one of the best, if not the best, trios in the history of jazz.
Monday, June 27th
Jane Bunnett @ Nathan Phillips Square @ 4pm
Jane has been awarded the Order of Canada for the work she has done to help promote Cuban musicians. Her playing is warm and rhythmic and she’s a pretty lady who as I have discussed earlier, sometimes wears pigtails on stage!
Tuesday, June 28th
Meh.
Wednesday, June 29th
Everything Irie Jazz Ensemble @ Nathan Phillips Square @ 4pm
Reggae Jazz? Why not!
Thursday, June 30th
Tony Quarrington Trio @ Alexander The Great Parkette @ Danforth & Logan @ 5:30pm
Tony is a great, swinging guitarist (and if you like what you hear, he’s playing a gig on Canada Day with Jim “the robot” Clayton...not part of the fest...in Bloor West Village)
Friday, July 1st (Canada Day)
The Rob McConnell Tentet @ Nathan Phillips Square @ 12noon
Canadian Big Band! McConnell’s between tune banter is funny to boot!
Saturday, July 2nd
Sweet and Real Hot Swing Session @ Nathan Phillips Square @ 1pm
Trad, swinging, Dixieland style jazz. They don’t have the players listed, but my assumption is that Jim Galloway will be playing Soprano Sax, he’s the artistic director of the fest, and nobody in TO swings harder!
Sunday, July 3rd
Meh.
TICKETED SHOWS
Friday, June 24th
Sonny Rollins @ Massey Hall @ 8pm $49.50-89.50
Sonny is one of the greats of Bebop. Has played with the likes of Charlie Parker and Miles Davis. No need to say more.
Saturday, June 25th
Jimmy Bowskill @ Nathan Phillips Square Tent @ Midnight $10
Some kid who plays blues guitar. Seriously, he’s like 12 years old or something. The buzz on him is great.
Sunday, June 26th
Dr. Lonnie Smith Trio @ The Mod Club @ 9pm $25
One of the most influential Hammond B3 players ever. Funky, cool, organ jazz, he played with George Benson in the 60’s. Cool Little Italy location too...they are selling tickets for this through Ticketmaster, but there will be availability at the door, I think.
Monday, June 27th
Madeski, Martin & Wood @ Nathan Phillips Square Tent @ 8pm $30
Funky, danceable, modern jazz.
Tuesday, June 28th
Roy Hargrove’s RH Factor @ Nathan Phillips Square Tent @ 8pm $35
Hargrove came out of the “young lions" movement of the 90’s, and in my opinion, is one of the top three trumpet players playing straight ahead bebop today. This is his funkier, more modern band. This sound is classified as “neo soul”. It’s a KICK ASS band. I saw the CD launch a few years ago and listen to the CD at least once a week to this day.
Wednesday, June 29th
Meh.
Thursday, June 30th
Kenny Garrett Quartet and Joshua Redman’s Elastic Band @ Nathan Phillips Square Tent @ 8pm $35
Garrett is hard bop at it’s best, Redman’s another “young lion” who is experimenting with “electric groove based” jazz. Should be FAB! The price is a bargain for what you are getting.
Friday, July 1st (Canada Day)
“Real Divas” @ Nathan Phillips Square Tent @ 8pm $25
Ten local female singers share the stage. It’s a mixed bag...not everyone on the bill is great, but some of them are magnificent. If you are into female vocalists it’s a great show to check out.
Saturday, July 2nd
Meh.
Sunday, July 3rd
Meh.
CLUB DATES
There are two late night jams, every night of the fest. This is the first year that they've done more than one location for the jam, so it will be interesting to see what tone they each take on. My guess is that the one at the Rex (on Queen West) will have more young and more local musicians. It will probably be "hipper" than the jam they are having at Sage Restaurant, which is in the Sutton Place Hotel at the corner of Bay and Wellesley. The crowd at Sage might be interesting if any of the out of town musicians are staying at that hotel. This will be, I imagine, less "hip" but probably more "sophisticated". The cover is $10 and you can stay and drink from 1am - 4am. Usually lots of fun!
Friday, June 24th
Lorne Lofsky / Rob Pilch Guitar Duets @ Mezzetta (St. Claire and Christie)
Two Sets 9pm and 10:15pm - $9 cover
World class local musicians who have played with the likes of Oscar Peterson and Ed Bickert.
Saturday, June 25th
Happy Pals Dixieland Jazz Band @ Grossman’s Tavern (Spadina and College)
4:30pm – no cover
Fun, old school dixieland and cheap beer.
Sunday, June 26th
Melissa Stylianou Sextet @ The Rex (Queen West)
9:00pm – cover
Very good local singer, who has inventive interpretations of tunes.
Monday, June 27th
Dick Hyman, solo piano @ Montreal Bistro (Sherbourne and King)
9:00pm - $20 + tax cover
Dick Hyman is the music director on all of Woody Allen’s movies (and a great piano player)!
Tuesday, June 28th
Benny Green and Russell Malone @ Top O’ the Senator (Victoria Street, near Dundas)
8:30pm – cover
Great players from the States! Not everyday you get a chance to see players of this calibre.
Wednesday, June 29th
Club Django Sextet
Traders @ Sheraton Centre Hotel (Queen Street, across from City Hall)
8:00pm – cover
Old school “gypsy jazz”
Thursday, June 30th
Tabby Johnson and Friends
Traders @ Sheraton Centre Hotel (Queen Street, across from City Hall)
8:00pm – cover
Tabby is Molly Johnson and Clark Johnson’s older sister – talent runs in the family.
Friday, July 1st (Canada Day)
Hey, look it’s...
Terra Hazelton and Her Easy Answers! @ Grossman’s Tavern (Spadina and College)
10pm - no cover
Saturday, July 2nd
Oliver Jones @ The Montreal Bistro (Sherbourne and King)
9pm - $20 + tax cover
Jones is a master piano player (and another member of The Order of Canada)! His sound is VERY similar to Oscar Peterson’s, so if you like Oscar you’ll love Oliver. This is also worth seeing as he doesn’t come out of retirement very often...
Sunday, July 3rd
Sheila Jordon @ Top O’ the Senator (Victoria Street, near Dundas)
9:30pm – cover
Sheila’s first influence was Charlie Parker and she studied with the likes of Charles Mingus. She sings like an instrumentalist, with sweeping changes in pitch and unexpected improvisations. Her sound isn’t for everyone, but it is fascinating. This could also be your last chance to see jazz in this room as they will be under new management after the fest....
Toronto's Best Kept Secret?
24.6.05
Had lunch yesterday at the Law Society of Upper Canada's restaurant at Osgoode Hall. What a pleasant surprise! The space was open concept done in dark woods, with stain glass windows and chandeliers. The tables, covered in white linens, were all set out, one next to the other. I felt as if I were lunching at Oxford or, well, Hart House, I guess...
Their chef, who trained in France, found a nice balance between traditional French fare and the lighter cuisine we are used to here (especially at lunch). I particularly enjoyed the Moroccan grilled chicken salad.
I was pleasantly surprised by the rosé that the cheerfully bombastic waiter suggested. It didn't taste like apple juice at all (!) and was a lovely compliment to the meal.
Don't be intimidated by those large cast iron gates that surround Osgoode Hall. The space is open to the public and the grounds are truly an oasis in the city. Do make a reservation first and also, be ready for the metal detector/frisking that accompanies your entry to the building.
This one goes down as the best meal I've ever been frisked prior to enjoying.
Their chef, who trained in France, found a nice balance between traditional French fare and the lighter cuisine we are used to here (especially at lunch). I particularly enjoyed the Moroccan grilled chicken salad.
I was pleasantly surprised by the rosé that the cheerfully bombastic waiter suggested. It didn't taste like apple juice at all (!) and was a lovely compliment to the meal.
Don't be intimidated by those large cast iron gates that surround Osgoode Hall. The space is open to the public and the grounds are truly an oasis in the city. Do make a reservation first and also, be ready for the metal detector/frisking that accompanies your entry to the building.
This one goes down as the best meal I've ever been frisked prior to enjoying.
National Jazz Awards
22.6.05
Attended The National Jazz Awards last night with The Clayton/Scott Group. While their nomination for Best Electric Group did not result in a win, you have to approve of the choice of Joey DeFranchesco and Jake Langley, fine musicians indeed.
Besides, after talking home The Canadian Urban Music Award for Best Jazz Recording and Group of the Year at the Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards, it's about time that The Clayton/Scott Group spread the wealth around a little bit!
The show, I'm sorry to report, was uneven at best. Someone needs to hire a professional producer to get in there and organize this event. The venue (the Phoenix Concert Theatre) was a bizarre choice. The sound was bad and the sightlines almost all obstructed - some by the helium balloons that sat on every table, making the event feel like a Mardi Gras themed high school prom. The hosts, Joe Sealy (who is very charming) and Heather Bambrick (who could have a comedy career if she gave up jazz singing) were unable to entertain the crowd with any kind of banter or "personality", saddled as they were with the task of reading the looooong bios prepared to introduce every presenter and performer. Hello! This is a relatively small genre in CANADIAN showbiz. Everyone in that room knew who everyone else was!
The lowlight of the evening:
Lido Chilelli, Executive Director and Producer of the Beaches Jazz Festival mispronouncing Mark Eisenmann's name. Mark Essman? Who the hell is Mark Essman? Suddenly I understand why I have NEVER heard any jazz music at the Beaches Festival. Sigh.
The highlights of the evening:
Wonderful performances by Oliver Jones and Ranee Lee, Jane Bunnett and P.J. Perry.
Girlie observation:
Jane Bunnett had the cutest outfit and can really pull off pig tails. Not too many people who have the Order of Canada can say that!
Besides, after talking home The Canadian Urban Music Award for Best Jazz Recording and Group of the Year at the Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards, it's about time that The Clayton/Scott Group spread the wealth around a little bit!
The show, I'm sorry to report, was uneven at best. Someone needs to hire a professional producer to get in there and organize this event. The venue (the Phoenix Concert Theatre) was a bizarre choice. The sound was bad and the sightlines almost all obstructed - some by the helium balloons that sat on every table, making the event feel like a Mardi Gras themed high school prom. The hosts, Joe Sealy (who is very charming) and Heather Bambrick (who could have a comedy career if she gave up jazz singing) were unable to entertain the crowd with any kind of banter or "personality", saddled as they were with the task of reading the looooong bios prepared to introduce every presenter and performer. Hello! This is a relatively small genre in CANADIAN showbiz. Everyone in that room knew who everyone else was!
The lowlight of the evening:
Lido Chilelli, Executive Director and Producer of the Beaches Jazz Festival mispronouncing Mark Eisenmann's name. Mark Essman? Who the hell is Mark Essman? Suddenly I understand why I have NEVER heard any jazz music at the Beaches Festival. Sigh.
The highlights of the evening:
Wonderful performances by Oliver Jones and Ranee Lee, Jane Bunnett and P.J. Perry.
Girlie observation:
Jane Bunnett had the cutest outfit and can really pull off pig tails. Not too many people who have the Order of Canada can say that!
Reimer Returns!
20.6.05
Welcome back to my buddy Kristian Reimer who was in Montreal performing the debut of his new one man show "Six Simple Steps to Starting Your Own Religion".
The Montreal Mirror says that "Kristian Reimer as Brian Teitleman à la Anthony Robbins is charming, with great energy."
We knew that already.
Will keep you posted on news of the Toronto remount of this exciting new show!
Richard Pryor and Me? We're like THIS!
20.6.05
Made a strange discovery this afternoon. While looking at the list of other bloggers who have some of the same interests as mine, I discovered one name kept popping up. And that name was Richard Pryor. We have comedy and jazz in common, which doesn't surprise me. What does surprise me is that Mr. Pryor is also a fan of "The Quiet Man", the brilliant John Ford movie starring John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara. Man, you think you know somebody.
His profile reads "I'm a comedian, who had some success, and then I got MS."
Har.
Check it out: My Buddy Richard.
And no, smart ass, I haven't set myself on fire.
Yet.
-----
UPDATE
Margaret Cho said it better than I could have:
12/12/05
R.I.P. Richard Pryor
When I was little all I ever wanted to be was Richard Pryor. I knew it was impossible to grow up and be him, since he was already him, and was doing very well as himself. Still, I did grow up, and bent and shaped my life according to his. As a performer, I always think of him when I am on stage, sweating like crazy under the hot lights. I will never be as good as he was, or as important, but I will always be a tribute, and I will always pay homage. I am struck dumb with sadness at the news of his death, and my sympathy goes out to his family and friends, and all the fans out there like me, who loved him like I do.
IS sunshine in the house a good laugh?
20.6.05
I helped my friends Jen and Emily with their kick ass yard sale this Saturday. I Inherited some wonderful and useful art books from their superb collection and while I was at it, I learned the truth about people who visit yard sales. There are a great number of them who are intense, sad, lonely and / or greedy. But The the truth is, the people that take pleasure in pointing out the intense, sad, lonely people are usually the most strange and intense of the lot. A sad little irony. Human nature is really something to behold. Especially when your beholding someone haggling over the price of used plastic magazine holders.
Sunday was Father's Day. This December will mark the 20th anniversary of my Father's death. It feels very, very strange to say that. And I'm a little ashamed to admit that I had to count backwards, using all my fingers and my toes, to figure that out.
Father's Day got me to thinking about him, and I like that, because the old man and I were friends, and in one quirky little way, I feel like he is still looking out for me today, hovering just over the Westbound Gardiner Expressway.
For the little over a decade that the old man lived in Toronto, he worked at the Inglis plant. Every payday (and some days that weren't paydays) he and his buddies would go to a place called "The Palace" (imagine just how glamorous this sounded to a little girl). He'd come home with a red and white striped candy for me in his pocket, a gesture that I always made me feel so special. Once I grew up and discovered the joy of the payday drink, I also recognized those candies for what they were. Free breath fresheners, from a watering hole. Somehow, that made the gesture even more special, knowing that he thought of me even after getting sauced with his buddies.
In the West end of downtown Toronto, there is a huge neon billboard with "Inglis" scrawled in big magenta letters across the front. It seems to me that it's been hovering over the Gardiner Expressway forever. It's a little out of place these days surrounded as it is by all the high tech, LCD, Blade Runner-esque video screens, but I find it strangely comforting.
You see, there is a pixel board that runs across the bottom of the billboard and instead of displaying the time, the temperature or advertising Inglis products, it delivers sage advice to commuters, one and all.
Driving down the highway, angry about something stupid that happened at work that day, the Inglis sign advices me that "the greatest remedy for anger is delay".
Another day it posed the theory that "the future holds promise for those who have faith in it".
Sometimes it will be a "spokes-billboard" for a charity. "March is kidney month - please give generously". Now, I like to think I'm a pretty giving person, but come on, I'm not THAT generous!
Yesterday it read "Is sunshine in the house a good laugh?"
Sounds to me like the old man was spending some time at a "Palace" somewhere....
Sunday was Father's Day. This December will mark the 20th anniversary of my Father's death. It feels very, very strange to say that. And I'm a little ashamed to admit that I had to count backwards, using all my fingers and my toes, to figure that out.
Father's Day got me to thinking about him, and I like that, because the old man and I were friends, and in one quirky little way, I feel like he is still looking out for me today, hovering just over the Westbound Gardiner Expressway.
For the little over a decade that the old man lived in Toronto, he worked at the Inglis plant. Every payday (and some days that weren't paydays) he and his buddies would go to a place called "The Palace" (imagine just how glamorous this sounded to a little girl). He'd come home with a red and white striped candy for me in his pocket, a gesture that I always made me feel so special. Once I grew up and discovered the joy of the payday drink, I also recognized those candies for what they were. Free breath fresheners, from a watering hole. Somehow, that made the gesture even more special, knowing that he thought of me even after getting sauced with his buddies.
In the West end of downtown Toronto, there is a huge neon billboard with "Inglis" scrawled in big magenta letters across the front. It seems to me that it's been hovering over the Gardiner Expressway forever. It's a little out of place these days surrounded as it is by all the high tech, LCD, Blade Runner-esque video screens, but I find it strangely comforting.
You see, there is a pixel board that runs across the bottom of the billboard and instead of displaying the time, the temperature or advertising Inglis products, it delivers sage advice to commuters, one and all.
Driving down the highway, angry about something stupid that happened at work that day, the Inglis sign advices me that "the greatest remedy for anger is delay".
Another day it posed the theory that "the future holds promise for those who have faith in it".
Sometimes it will be a "spokes-billboard" for a charity. "March is kidney month - please give generously". Now, I like to think I'm a pretty giving person, but come on, I'm not THAT generous!
Yesterday it read "Is sunshine in the house a good laugh?"
Sounds to me like the old man was spending some time at a "Palace" somewhere....
The Savoy
17.6.05
Was very happy to attend an opening night party at The Savoy (formerly The Senator) this week.
Happy as I was to be there and welcome the new ownership, I'm not eager to see the programming at The Senator change. It's one of the few great jazz rooms in the City and it holds a lot of memories for me. I've seen Terence Blanchard play there on four separate occasions and it's where, as a naïve 19 year old kid, I sat in the front row and had the absolute pleasure of of allowing notorious ladae's man Ray Brown flirt with me all night. Is it wrong that this is one of my proudest moments? Don’t answer that - I already know.
The changing of the guard at The Senator reminds me of other great rooms gone by, like George's, The Bermuda Onion and Judy Jazz. That, in turn, makes me feel like an old ladae, and nobody likes that.
If you're not an old ladae, you'll love what they've done with the top floor of The Savoy. The redesign is snazzy, hip and cool, cool. Just being there made me want to snap on a pair of strappy sandals and drink a cosmopolitan. Again, another thing that probably makes me old, wrinkled and haggish. Sigh.
The chef, Deron Engbers, whipped up some braised veal short ribs with caramelized walnuts for us to sample and I must tell you, my palate has been able to think of little else since. So succulent we could have drunk it down with a straw. So full of flavour my mouth, well, it rejoiced. I cannot wait to go back for dinner, hunker down in one of those romantic booths with the green curtains and slurp up some more of that goodness.
As for the entertainment at the The new Savoy, they promise not to disregard jazz completely, they are merely broadening the scope. Which could be a very, very good thing. Time will tell. And so will I, after another visit or two.
eeeeew.
17.6.05
Well, they are now reporting that "after weeks of speculation" Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes are engaged.
I'm so sorry, bu haven't they only been DATING for weeks?!
And besides, isn't pride week coming up?
I'm just sayin'...
I'm so sorry, bu haven't they only been DATING for weeks?!
And besides, isn't pride week coming up?
I'm just sayin'...
Me, The "New" Yankee Stadium and a certain river in EGYPT!
16.6.05
The Boss, The Mayor and The Govenor did not have a press conference yesterday to announce plans to build a new stadium, which will be privately funded, in the Bronx.
It never happened.
It never happened.
Vive le Curves!
15.6.05
It is the news that women around the world have been waiting for - voluptuous women are healthier than their waif-like counterparts.
The ideal female form for a long life and healthy heart is the hour-glass shape exemplified by actresses Jennifer Lopez and Sophia Loren.
A curvaceous, pear shape means a woman is more likely to have stores of adiponectin, a protein hormone which has anti-inflammatory effects and is associated with reduced risk of heart attacks.
Danish scientists found the ideal measurements for a woman are at least size 14 with hips of 40 inches or more.
Nyah, Nyah, Nyah, Nyah, Nyah.
The ideal female form for a long life and healthy heart is the hour-glass shape exemplified by actresses Jennifer Lopez and Sophia Loren.
A curvaceous, pear shape means a woman is more likely to have stores of adiponectin, a protein hormone which has anti-inflammatory effects and is associated with reduced risk of heart attacks.
Danish scientists found the ideal measurements for a woman are at least size 14 with hips of 40 inches or more.
Nyah, Nyah, Nyah, Nyah, Nyah.
Zee Noixy
15.6.05
Yes'm, I know it's been many months since I checked in. Long enough to do many things. Moved into wonderful new apartment with the Robot and started a truly wonderful new job (working for the best boss ever)! I would love to tell you more about this prime job posting, but I can't. I've been sworn to secrecy. And no, I'm not working for CSIS.
Or am I?
Also, in my spare time I have been working on the script for my second comedic one-woman show, entitled Letters to Liam. I have been workshopping material for the show (slowly) over the past several months at The Gladstone Hotel, The Rivoli and the now defunct Tim Sims Playhouse at The Second City. Not sure yet when the piece will make it's debut, but there is no rush. The market for "sweetly subversive" one-woman shows ain't what it used to be.
Or is it?
The main thing that has motivated me to check in on old Bloggy McBloggerson is the fact that I talked a gal pal (yes, I said "gal pal", get over it!) into starting her own blog and it made me miss mine. So, enjoy my snazzy new template and please check in on Zee Noixy! She is tres magnifique!
zeenoixy.blogspot.com/
Or am I?
Also, in my spare time I have been working on the script for my second comedic one-woman show, entitled Letters to Liam. I have been workshopping material for the show (slowly) over the past several months at The Gladstone Hotel, The Rivoli and the now defunct Tim Sims Playhouse at The Second City. Not sure yet when the piece will make it's debut, but there is no rush. The market for "sweetly subversive" one-woman shows ain't what it used to be.
Or is it?
The main thing that has motivated me to check in on old Bloggy McBloggerson is the fact that I talked a gal pal (yes, I said "gal pal", get over it!) into starting her own blog and it made me miss mine. So, enjoy my snazzy new template and please check in on Zee Noixy! She is tres magnifique!
zeenoixy.blogspot.com/
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