Big Jazz Blog

AND ALL THAT BRASS

Written by Moreen Murray

Going to a concert and experiencing artistry is wonderful but having the bonus of great entertainment certainly kicks things up a notch. Witness Saturday night’s concert at Koerner Hall featuring stellar trumpeter Jens Lindemann, trombonist Wycliffe Gordon and as the icing on the cake – and what sartorial icing – the legendary Doc Severinsen.

I first got an inkling of Jens’ talent when I heard him with a pianist friend of mine many years ago in Edmonton – they were preparing for an international trumpet competition in Switzerland. Everyone knew that great career was in store for that young man. Aside from hearing him with the Canadian Brass eons ago I got to hear him perform at Carnegie Hall in New York in the spring – he was a guest of the Edmonton Symphony and I was reminded again of what an incredible performer and showman he remains.

The opening number was a delightfully funky take on  Bach’s “Toccata and Fugue” followed by the lovely “Air from Orchestral Suite Number 3”.  He was accompanied in the first few numbers by a great trio: Ted Warren on drums, Mike Downes on bass and pianist Kristian Alexandrov. A nice juicy, down and dirty version of Ellington’s “Echoes of Harlem”.

Channeling Louis Armstrong Wycliffe Gordon joined the group, growling his tribute to Satchmo “Hello Pops”, Fats Wallers “Black and Blue” and perennial favourite “Hello Dolly” – inviting the audience to sing along. Gordon had his own set of horns ( like Lindemann’s trumpet collection) including a tiny trombone – trumpet creation – readers help me out as to what that instrument is called – and of course is master of all of them.

I was speculating – as I ‘m sure many of the audience were as to what Doc would be sporting – if you’ve never seen the “Tonight Show” you may be forgiven for not knowing about his wardrobe “bling”. He didn’t disappoint – orange pants, printed shirt and black jacket with just enough sparkle. He joked that what he was wearing underneath was even better – his delicates. “I’ve got the galaxy in my pants”.  Don’t be fooled by the joking manner – this 85 year old – yes, I said 85 can really cook – as shown on the group number Dizzy Gillespie’s “Night in Tunisia” and a rollicking Dixieland number “High Society” which also featured renowned trombonist Alain Trudel.

You could tell they were all like kids in a candy store – with Lindemann saying he didn’t want the weekend to end and had been looking forward to it for months. To emphasize the importance of the moment  a wonderful tribute – an award from the Royal Conservatory to Doc – past recipients have included the likes of Oscar Peterson. Obviously touched and at a momentary loss for words he made his own Canadian connection through his maternal grandmother who homesteaded “in the province where Calgary is” – a helpful audience member shouted out “Alberta”.  Did you know he picked up trumpet as a youngster and was playing with the high school band shortly thereafter? His father wanted him to play violin and he wanted trombone – trumpet was a compromise and at $30 in the height of the depression quite a luxury. Money well spent.

The band was fleshed out with many of Toronto’s jazz community including Al Kay on trombone and John Johnson, Kelly Jefferson and Andy Ballantyne on saxes. More Louis with “West Side Blues” featuring a fun brass “talking”exchange between Doc and Wycliffe.  Yes, Doc did a costume change – this time in a red and black jacket and pants. In honour of the this living legend  Wycliffe did a superb solo piece called “Simply for Doc”.

Honouring the other trumpet great of the evening a great arrangement by Al Kay of Dizzy’s “Con Alma” and a tribute to Mr. Gillespie with the ensemble on “Dreaming of the Masters”. Dizzy’s trumpet – loaned to Jens by Arturo Sandoval, with its signature bent bell was a visible reminder of that man’s contribution not only to jazz but also to humanity – a trait he and Mr. Armstrong shared as pointed out earlier by Wycliffe Gordon. A rousing boogie woogie concluded things with a bang – you could almost see the jitterbuggers.

Many years ago in his high school yearbook Jens wrote that his ambition was to play with his idol Doc Severinsen. His wish not only came true this night but made our lives just a little bit more special.

BIG JAZZ BLOG - Halie Loren - Live to Air

Written by Moreen Murray

I have been a fan of this young chanteuse ever since I stumbled across her recordings on Amazon.com of all things, last spring.  I became an even bigger fan when her publicist read my blog and contacted me about an interview with her – I can tell you she is very delightful.  What better gift to celebrate a milestone birthday than to hear her live for the first time?

JAZZ.FM91 Youth Band

Written by Moreen Murray

I realized it’s been since fall of 2009 since I wrote about this wonderful group of young musicians. Given that the group has only been around since 2008 they have made remarkable progress – and a great deal of that progress can be attributed to their leader, trombonist Jules Estrin, who has been conducting the group since 2009. I got a chance to hear Jules and his own  great ensemble at Trane Studio a while back and of course, it gives me even more confidence in the Youth Band leader.

JPEC Gala - Jazz Goes to the Movies

Written by Moreen Murray

Last night provided the opportunity to combine two of my favourite passions – jazz and movies and also support a great cause – the Jazz Performance and Education Centre. The brainchild of the Ray and Rochelle Koskie (president and Gala Chair, respectively) and fuelled by numerous volunteer board and committee members, the organization showcases the best of established jazz musicians and of course my favourite topic – the next generation. Their mandate is described as “dedicated to the preservation and continued development of jazz in Canada…..through performances, education, workshops, recordings and a Hall of Fame and Archive of Canadian and International Jazz History”. Lofty and worthy goals.

Pat Metheny at the Blue Note

Written by Jock Clark

Guitarist Pat Metheny performed in a duo with bassist Larry Grenadier for six nights last week at New York's Blue Note. This club setting was a unique billing for Metheny who, as one of the world's most popular jazz artists, is known for his almost relentless touring (150 plus performances each year) of major concert halls. In his welcoming remarks to the Blue Note's patrons on Saturday evening he mentioned that this was his first club gig in over three decades!