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Volume 24 Issue 7 - April 2019

  • Text
  • Choir
  • Performing
  • Musical
  • Quartet
  • Jazz
  • Symphony
  • Theatre
  • Arts
  • Toronto
  • April
Arraymusic, the Music Gallery and Native Women in the Arts join for a mini-festival celebrating the work of composer, performer and installation artist Raven Chacon; Music and Health looks at the role of Healing Arts Ontario in supporting concerts in care facilities; Kingston-based composer Marjan Mozetich's life and work are celebrated in film; "Forest Bathing" recontextualizes Schumann, Shostakovich and Hindemith; in Judy Loman's hands, the harp can sing; Mahler's Resurrection bursts the bounds of symphonic form; Ed Bickert, guitar master remembered. All this and more in our April issue, now online in flip-through here, and on stands commencing Friday March 29.

Beat by Beat | Mainly

Beat by Beat | Mainly Clubs, Mostly Jazz! And On Guitar...! COLIN STORY Over the past month, Toronto lost two of its most creative, sophisticated guitarists: Ed Bickert (1932-2019) and Justin Haynes (1973-2019). Though 40 years apart in age, both exemplified a dedication to the craft of jazz guitar, a broad knowledge of the ever-evolving history of improvisational music, and a deep commitment to expanding and reshaping the role of the guitar in a wide variety of conventional and unconventional settings. Growing up in Ottawa, Justin Haynes studied with Roddy Ellias before moving to Toronto in the late 1990s, where he quickly established himself as a creative, boundarypushing musician, collaborating regularly with Jean Martin, Nick Fraser, Christine Duncan and many other members of Toronto’s vital jazz/improvising music community. A prolific recording artist, he appeared on over 25 albums (currently available through his website), toured regularly, and performed consistently throughout Toronto. Haynes was the 2012 artist-inresidence at Calgary’s National Music Centre. For those who wish to attend, there will be a remembrance service at the TRANZAC on April 19; there is also a GoFundMe page, on which visitors may donate money to benefit Haynes’ son. Ed Bickert, an active member of the Toronto music community since his Justin Haynes move to the city in the mid-1950s, was a consummate musician, and a major influence on guitarists who came after him, both in Toronto and throughout the world. Recording and touring with a range of artists, including Moe Koffman, Phil Nimmons, Rob McConnell, Rosemary Clooney and Paul Desmond, Bickert was a tasteful, precise player, whose rhythmic and harmonic command of the guitar was such that even his simplest phrases could immediately capture a listener’s attention. His most memorable performances were often in small ensembles, including the seminal album At The Garden Party, with bassist Don Thompson, which endures as one of the most important (and frequently transcribed) guitar/bass duo albums in jazz, standing shoulder to shoulder with the likes of Jim Hall and Ron Carter’s Alone Together. He is also one of the reasons that it has become a relatively common sight to see a Toronto jazz guitarist playing a Telecaster (or other Fender-style guitar), in lieu of an archtop or semi-hollow body guitar; Bickert’s ability to get a warm, round, articulate sound out of an instrument that is associated, even today, with the trebly twang of country and bluegrass music, is a testament to his unique artistic vision. Lorne Lofsky It is fitting, though likely not intentionally so, that April should be particularly rich in guitar performances, many of which will be happening at The Rex, a venue whose stage position, ceiling height, and relaxed atmosphere make it particularly amplifier-friendly. For two consecutive evenings on April 4 and 5, Lorne Lofsky leads a quartet featuring saxophonist Alex Dean, bassist Kieran Overs, and drummer Barry Romberg. A York University faculty member, Lofsky is, in many ways, the direct heir to Bickert: the two played in a quartet together from 1983 to 1991, releasing two albums together with the group. In addition to collaborations with leading saxophonists Pat LaBarbera and Kirk MacDonald, Lofsky spent 1994 to 1996 as a fulltime member of the Oscar Peterson Quartet, touring worldwide and playing on three of Peterson’s albums. Though he performs regularly, 120 Diner 120 Church St. 416-792-7725 120diner.com (full schedule) Most shows - Apr 3 6pm Glen Hornblast & Friends, 8pm Blues Night w/ Heather Luckhart, 11pm Late Night Live w/ Mandy Goodhandy. Apr 4 6pm Rita di Ghent. Apr 5 6pm Fifth Element Quintet. Apr 6 6pm Mike and Jill Daley. Apr 7 6pm John Alcorn, 8:30pm Heather Christine. Apr 10 6pm Fuat Tuaç, 7pm Lisa Particelli’s GNO Jazz Jam, 11pm Late Night Live w/ Mandy Goodhandy. Apr 11 6pm Julian Fauth w/ Faith Amour & Russell Sleaper. Apr 12 6pm Reg Schwager & Jeanette Lambert. Apr 13 6pm Pat Murray & Ryler Murray. Apr 14 6pm Kevin Morris, Jennifer Walls. Apr 15 9pm Singular Sensation open mic w/ Jennifer Walls. Apr 17 6pm KarenR, 7pm Lisa Particelli’s GNO Jazz Jam, 11pm Late Night Live w/ Mandy Goodhandy. Apr 18 6pm Gerri Trimble. Apr 19 6pm Richard Whiteman Sings. Apr 20 6pm Joel Sheridan. Apr 24 6pm GNO Opener, 7pm Lisa Particelli’s GNO Jazz Jam, 11pm Late Night Live w/ Mandy Goodhandy. Apr 25 6pm Sue and Dwight. Apr 26 6pm Jessica Lalonde and John MacMurchy Trio. Apr 27 6pm Alex Bird. Apr 28 6pm, 8:30pm (two shows) Derrick Chua Presents. Alleycatz 2409 Yonge St. 416-481-6865 alleycatz.ca All shows: Call for cover charge info. Lorne Lofsky it is not always common to see Lofsky leading his own ensemble, so his two-night stint at The Rex represents a valuable opportunity to hear him in his element. The Rex will also host a number of other notable guitarists, including both the established and the new. First, the new: Alex Goodman – a graduate of both the University of Toronto and Manhattan School of Music’s jazz programs, and now a New York resident – brings his quartet to town on April 6. Accompanying Goodman are three of New York’s top young jazz musicians: saxophonist Ben van Gelder, bassist Martin Nevin, and drummer Jimmy MacBride. Nir Felder, another young guitarist (and Fender-style guitar proponent) based in the United States, joins Toronto’s Tetrahedron for two nights of music on April 9 and 10. Tetrahedron – typically a chordless trio, made up of saxophonist Luis Deniz, electric bassist Rich Brown, and drummer Ernesto Cervini – is a natural pairing D. In the Clubs (Mostly Jazz) Mon 8:30pm Salsa Night with DJ Romantico with free lessons. Tues 8:30pm Bachata Night with Weekly Guest DJ with free lessons. Wed 7pm Midtown Blues Jam hosted by Andrew “Voodoo” Walters. Thurs 7pm Spotlight Thursdays. Fri & Sat 9:30pm Funk, Soul, R&B Top 40 cover after 9pm. Sat 3pm-6pm Matinee Jazz. Sun 4pm Blues in The Alley w/ Big Groove. Apr 5 URequest Band. Apr 6 Red Velvet. Apr 12 Blonde Ambition. Apr 13 Vision Blue (matinee), Disco Party w/ Escapade (eve). Apr 18 Riff Raff. Apr 19 Lady Kane. Apr 20 URequest Band. Apr 26 North of 7. Apr 27 York Jazz Ensemble (matinee), Sound Parade (eve). Artword Artbar 15 Colbourne St., Hamilton. 905-543-8512 artword.net (full schedule) The Blue Goose Tavern 1 Blue Goose St. 416-255-2442 thebluegoosetavern.com (full schedule) Bloom 2315 Bloor St. W. 416-767-1315 bloomrestaurant.com (full schedule) All shows 7pm 19+. Call for reservations. Burdock 1184 Bloor St. W. 416-546-4033 60 | April 1 – May 7, 2019 thewholenote.com

for Felder, who shares their penchant for groove, melodicism, and a decidedly electric aesthetic that touches on jazz, rock and R&B. Second, the established: on April 14, bassist Dave Young, who performed and recorded, at various points, with Bickert, Lofsky and Peterson, amongst myriad other jazz luminaries, brings his quartet to The Rex. He is joined by trumpeter Kevin Turcotte, drummer Terry Clarke and guitarist Reg Schwager. Schwager, a first-call player for many of Canada’s top jazz singers, has an incredible command of the idiomatic language of classic jazz, and plays with a warm, round tone. Performing later in the month with the Barry Romberg Group, guitarist Geoff Young – who, as a faculty member at the University of Toronto’s jazz program, has taught many of Toronto’s most exciting young guitarists – is a dynamic, multifaceted guitarist, a thrilling improviser, and, like Bickert, a dedicated Fender player, whose biting, rock-tinged tone works to complement the sweeping lyricism of his phrasing. Elsewhere April will also see some other notable guitar performances at venues outside of The Rex. On April 17, the Virginia and Kirk MacDonald Quartet plays at the Old Mill’s Home Smith Bar. Virginia – an increasingly busy clarinettist, band leader, and the daughter of Toronto jazz scene mainstay Kirk – has collaborated with her father before, on the recent album Generations, featuring pianist Harold Mabern. The MacDonalds are joined at the Home Smith Bar by bassist Neil Swainson and guitarist Lucian Gray. Gray is a burgeoning master of the guitar stylings of Wes Montgomery, amongst other foundational figures, but his unique gift is his ability to make the classic sound new, vital and immediately exciting. In another part of town, and at a different end of the guitar-style spectrum, Luan Phung can be found on most Sunday afternoons playing trio at Poetry Jazz Café in Kensington Market. Aesthetically, Phung’s playing can be located in the school of modern jazz guitar, and is, at times, reminiscent of players such as Kurt Rosenwinkel and Ben Monder. But his deft touch, strong harmonic sensibility and searching improvisational tendencies mark a developing style all his own. Virginia and Kirk MacDonald at the Cape Breton Jazz Festival MAINLY CLUBS, MOSTLY JAZZ QUICKPICKS !! APR 4 AND 5, 9:30PM/9:45PM: Lorne Lofsky, The Rex. Lorne Lofsky appears with his stellar quartet for two nights of communicative jazz at The Rex. !! APR 9 AND 10, 9:30PM: Nir Felder and Tetrahedron, The Rex. American guitarist Nir Felder joins bassist Rich Brown, saxophonist Luis Deniz, and drummer Ernesto Cervini for two evenings of fusion-tinged jazz. !! APR 17: Virginia and Kirk MacDonald Quartet, Home Smith Bar. Father/daughter duo Virginia and Kirk MacDonald lead their quartet at The Home Smith Bar, with bassist Neil Swainson and exciting young guitarist Lucian Gray. !! MOST SUNDAYS, 4:30 TO 7:30: Luan Phung, Poetry Jazz Café. Hear burgeoning modern jazz guitarist Luan Phung at in an intimate, communicative trio setting in Kensington Market’s Poetry Jazz Café. Colin Story is a jazz guitarist, writer and teacher based in Toronto. He can be reached at www.colinstory.com, on Instagram and on Twitter. D. In the Clubs (Mostly Jazz) burdockto.com Ticket prices vary by show, but typically -; check website for individual show prices. Apr 1 6:30pm Suitcase Sam w/ Ada Dahli. Apr 2 9:30pm Typical Sisters & Future Machines. Apr 3 6:30pm Matt Epp & Bomgiizhik, 9:30pm Nicolette & The Nobodies. Apr 4 9:30pm Megan Bonnell. Apr 5 9:30pm pomes w/ Mingjia. Apr 6 6:30pm Jen Schaffer & The Shiners, 9:30pm Grizzly Coast w/ Brighter Green & Cassidy Mann. Apr 7 6:30pm Jeff Gunn. Apr 8 6:30pm Book Launch: The People’s Republic of Walmart. Apr 9 6:30pm Tim Moxam w/ Kelly Sloan. Apr 10 6:30pm Ian Bell & BanjoGo Boom!, 9:30pm Dante Matas, Zinnia & more. Apr 11 8:30pm Haus Musik: Strangers in Strange Lands. Apr 12 9:30pm Ian Daniel Kehoe & Steven Lambke w/ Joyful Joyful. Apr 13 6:30pm Richard Garvey w/ The Sun Harmonic. Apr 14 6:30pm Bruno Merz, 9:15pm Ellen Doty. Apr 16 8pm MAW: A Community Celebration of the Vocal Arts. Apr 17 6:30pm Quote The Raven. Apr 18 9:30pm Nadah El Shazly, ZOE & Qarafa. Apr 19 6:30pm Diar. Apr 20 9:30pm Hua Li & Crystal Light Collective. Apr 21 9:30pm Siggi. Apr 23 9:30pm Glands of External Secretion, Brian Ruryk, Agar Agar & 6 Heads. Apr 26 6:30pm Sherry Ryan, 9:30pm Saxsyndrum & Sorry Girls. Apr 27 9:30pm Friendly Rich. Cameron House 408 Queen St. W. 416-703-0811 thecameron.com Castro’s Lounge 2116 Queen St. E. 416-699-8272 castroslounge.com (full schedule) All shows: No cover/PWYC C’est What 67 Front St. E. (416) 867-9499 cestwhat.com (full schedule) All concerts are PWYC unless otherwise noted. Apr 5 9pm STEED! Apr 6 3pm Don Valley Stompers. Apr 7 7pm Women in Music: A Singer/Songwriter Showcase. Apr 12 9pm Big Rude Jake. Apr 13 3pm The Hot Five Jazzmakers, 9pm Julia Tynes Band. Apr 14 5pm Power Pop Goes The Weasel Vol. 3. Apr 19 9pm Felix’s Belt and Big Name Actors. Apr 20 3pm The Boxcar Boys. Apr 21 7pm Chris B.J. and Friends. Apr 25 9pm The Escapist Music, Jesse Daniel and Craig Alan. Apr 27 3pm The Hot Five Jazzmakers. Apr 28 7pm Matt Gabriel and Shanika Maria Live at C’est What. Emmet Ray, The 924 College St. 416-792-4497 theemmetray.com (full schedule) All shows: No cover/PWYC Grossman’s Tavern 379 Spadina Ave. 416-977-7000 grossmanstavern.com (full schedule) All shows: No cover (unless otherwise noted). Every Sat 4:30pm The Happy Pals Dixieland Jazz Jam. Every Sun 4:30pm New Orleans Connection All Star Band; 10pm Sunday Jam with Bill Hedefine. Every Wed 10pm Action Sound Band w/ Leo Valvassori. Hirut Cafe and Restaurant 2050 Danforth Ave. 416-551-7560 hirut.ca Every Sunday 3pm Hirut Sundays Open Mic. First and Third Tuesday 8pm Fingerstyle Guitar Association. Home Smith Bar – See Old Mill, The Hugh’s Room 2261 Dundas St. W 416 533 5483 hughsroom.com All shows at 8:30pm unless otherwise noted. See website for individual show prices. Apr 2 Diyet & The Love Soldiers. Apr 5 Alyth w/ Tony McManus & Friends. Apr 6 Benjamin Dakota Rogers. Apr 7 Oakland Stroke: A Tribute to Tower of Power. Apr 10 Lennie Gallant. Apr 11 Sweet Jane. Apr 12 Preston Reed. Apr 13 Jack de Keyzer. Apr 14 A Tribute to Levon Helm. Apr 15 10am Toronto Ravel Study, 8pm Eric Andersen & Scarlet Rivera w/ Cheryl Prashker. Apr 16 Lance & Jason Fowler. Apr 17 Joe Crookston. Apr 18 Byrds Byrds Byrds. Apr 20 Talent with special guest Alex Pangman Saturday April 20, 8:30pm hughsroomlive.com & Soul: 100 Years of Nat King Cole. Apr 24 Tim Booth’s Toronto Art Orchestra. Apr 25 A Tribute to Chess Records. Apr 26 David Newland CD Release. Apr 27 Còig. Apr 28 Cootes Paradise. Apr 29 The Simon and Garfunkel Story. Jazz Bistro, The 251 Victoria St. 416-363-5299 jazzbistro.ca (full schedule) thewholenote.com April 1 – May 7, 2019 | 61

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