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Volume 8 Issue 7 - April 2003

  • Text
  • April
  • Toronto
  • Theatre
  • Jazz
  • Musical
  • Symphony
  • Arts
  • Orchestra
  • Glenn
  • Gould

when I would play

when I would play something Since the Wee Big Band was around women and had that by Ellington . or Billy .formed 25 years ago, guitarist particular talent of making anybody Strayhorn - and I always did. Martin Loomer has contributed in the room feel just a little bit Other chapters were almost 300 transcriptions, and, special. formed in New York, San guess what, a huge chunk of the That he could maintain his Francisco, England and, in book is from the world of The orchestra throughout his long addition, there is a nucleus of Duke and "Sw.eet Pea", the career and produce such a body of one in Stockholm, Sweden. affectionate nickname of Billy work is nothing short of astonish­ After Ellington's death in Strayhorn, Ellington's friend and ing.The world is a better place for 1974 a group of enthusiasts - collaborator for many years. There his having been among us. musicians, educators and· are a lot of the familiar themes in . At time of writing a few tickets presenters decided to take our library, but also a large number for the Ellington Society concert steps to ensure that his music of lesser known, seldom heard were still available by contacting would stay alive and vibrant. compositions, some of which will Alan and Judy Shiels at 416-239- A study group was formed be included in the programme for 2683. Alan is currently president which met at Rutgers the society. I only met him once, of the Ellington Society in Toronto. Duke University, New York, but for me, certainly, Duke Ifyougobysubway,itmeansyou . The moving forces here were Ron which is, incidentally, the home of Ellington was a man of immense can of course Take A Train, Eh? Anger, a lawyer and son of an . the Institute for Studies in Jazz, charm and charisma. He positively Happy listening. Ontario Supreme Court judge, and which had its humble beginnings in exuded magnetism, · especially his mother Rhea. In its early years, the apartment of writer/educator they held monthly meetings in the Marshall Stearns - but that is a homes of members, alternating whole other story! · Out of this history sessions with record study group grew the International presentations, featuring the band, Duke Ellington Conference which BANDSTAND or focussing on individual is held every year, moving from members ofµte group. city to city and indeed country to · by Merlin Williams The Angers were close personal country. friends of Ellington and passionate The first of these conferences April is shaping up to be a fun working on getting Trillium grants, lovers of his music. Both have was held in New York City and month for the members of the commissioning music and making passed on, but they were familiar since then it has been hosted in vari- Brampton Concert band. The plans to record. figures on the local jazz scene.for ous places including Chicago, · group is travelling to Halifax to play many years. Ron's other great Jove Pittsburgh, Washington DC, San at the Atlantic Band Festival The Markham Concert Band is was film and he was, from the Francisco, Stockholm, Ottawa and (www.bandfest.net). As well as celebrating its 25th Anniversary early fifties, a member of the Toronto. The Toronto Duke competing, the BCB will be the with a concert at the Markham Toronto Film Society. After the Ellington Society, in addition to featured performer for the Friday Theatre on Sunday, May 4th. Doug evening concert. Other groups Manning has recently taken charge death of Rhea, Ron, something of their regular activities, has an · performing for the evening of conducting duties for the band. a non-comformist character in his annual fundraising concert. This concerts include the University of The concert program will feature appearance and life style, year, the concert is on the 3rd of Maine Symphonic Band and The ,a mix of pops and classics remained a loyal supporter. I May at Walter Hall in the Edward True North Brass. (including the infamous "Godzilla always knew that he would show Johnson Building of the University Eats Las Vegas!), as well as up if I was playing in a club, and of Toronto and I am proud to say I guess at least a few people have "Here's To The Dreamers", a sit quietly at a table, usually at the that it will feature my own Big been reading this column. In the piece composed by Vern Kennedy back of the room, listening to the Bancl. · last month I've talked to several especially for the MCB. Tickets music and smiling appreciatively band contact people who are can be obtained from the Markham Featuring some of Toronto's best jazz musicians with ~ brief reflection by Jazz Vespers Clergy Sunday, April 13 - 4:30 p.m. Sunday, April 27 • 4:30 p.m. THE GORDON SHEARD QUARTET "Celebrating the Music of Duke Ellington" "'" GORDON SHEARD, piano THE MARK EISENMAN TRIO PAUL NOVOTNY, bass MARK EISENMAN, piano JOHN JOHNSON, sax STEVE WALLACE, bass BRIAN BARLOW, drums . JOHN SUMNER, drums Christ Church Deer Park, 1570 Yonge Street (north of St. Clair at Heath St.) 416-920-5211 Admission is free. An offering is received to support the work of the Church, including Jazz Vespers. · Restaurant s inc c I 9 7 :5 Award Winning Fine Dining! Featuring keyboard musician ....................... 9>/u..g t/Jtutdg __......... ........ on alternate Friday evenings • (see ad this page) ---- Now also featuring PETER NESS Thursday & Saturday evenings The Freshest Foods & Desserts The Best Quality Ingredients Take-out Available 416-762-1204 2849 Dundas St. W.(East of Keele) www.thewhol~note.com April 1 - May 7 2003

Northdale Concert Band Theatre box office (905-305-7469) and you can find more information on the band and its anniversary concert at the MCB website (www .mcb.on.ca). One of my favourite places to hang out on the het lately is the Sax On The Web Forum (http:// more. Sax On The Web also has downloadable lessons by several eminent players. If you're a saxophone player, you really owe it to yourself to check this p~ace out. · The first weekend of April has a great opportunity for band fans. Three great bands playing on three consecutive ··days. The Northdale Concert Band leads off with a benefit concert at Wilmar Heights United Church on Friday at 8 p.m. The U of T Concert Band follows on Saturday with a concert of the music of Henry Brant and John Barnes Chance at the MacMillan Theatre. The Mississauga Pops Concert Band rounds out the weekend with a Sunday matinee at the Meadowvale Theatre featuring soloists and ensembles from the band. f~rum .. saxontheweb.net/). Th.is On the following weekend, you d1scuss1on area has a membership can take in the Weston Silver Band of about a thousand saxophonists with guest artists the Brampton from all over the world. There are Festival Singers at Central United topic areas. covering saxes, Church in Weston ~ The concert is mouthpieces, accessories, reeds, on Apr. 12, and starts at 7:30. music of all genres, and much · Fans of all things Scottish, large and top brass band in the world. This is loud, will want to be at Massey Hall an afternoon concert (3:00 p.m.) on April 25. J'he Simon Fraser withapre-concertchatat2:15.p.m. University Pipe Band will be there, If you have a young woodwind or complete with a dance team and brass musician in your household Celtic musicians. This group is a who needs.some inspiration, take four-time World Championship them to this concert. They (and band. You can find out more about you!) won't be disappointed. them, and hear some samples at their site, www.sfupipeband.com. If you would like an upcoming band event to be featured in the The Hannaford Street Silver Band Bandstand column, feel free to rounds out the month '.s band contact Merlin at (416) 489-0275; offerings in style on April 27 with by e-mail, merlinw@attcanada.ca; their All That Jazz concert. Guest on the web, http://members. soloists are the two Al's ... Alex attcanada.cal-:merlinwl. Dean on reeds, and Alastair Kay on trombone. Both are phenomenal players, and they're playing with what is acclaimed by many as the 1~HARKNETT Musical Services Ltd·. MUSIC BOOKS BEST SELECTION OF POPULAR & EDUCATIONAL MUSIC Piano · Guitar· Instrumental Mid-Town Store Brass · Woodwind · String Instruments · Guitar Buy direct from the Distributor 416-423-9494 AlJTHORIZED DEALER FOR: 943 Eglinton Ave. E. (W. of Leslie) Armstrong, Artley, Besson, Benge (Next door to Robert Lowrey's Piano Experts) Boosey & Hawkes, Buffet, Conn Getzen. Jupiter, Keilworth, King Main Store Ibanez Guitars, Scher! & Ruth String Inst. www.harknettmusic.com 905-477-1141 2650 John Street Oust North of Steeles) MAK.ING SOUN D BETTER CL ASS IC A !:_9t{j;m, April 1 - May 7 2003 www.t hewholenote.com 27

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