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® EDMONTON JAZZ SOCIETY 11 TOMMY BANKS WAY (Corner of 102 St & 86 Ave) EDMONTON AB T6E 2M2 Our 35th Year, Issue 4 – September /October 2007 Publication Mail # 40047729 William Carn Quintet Simon Fisk Trio Tom King Quintet Jackson Green Project with special guest Al Foster • Nova Quartet Johnny Summers - Tribute to Chet Baker Steve Swell - Slammin’ the Infinite George McFetridge Trio Amada Tosoff Quartet Morgan Childs Quintet David Occhipinti Quartet The Rubim de Toledo Jazz Quintet • Hebcubus Trio • Andy Milne Jack de Keyzer Group Jackson Green Project with special guest Al Foster appear at the Yardbird on September 29

Jackson Green Project with special guest Al Foster appear ... · PDF filemusicians in this country. ... solo piano TICKETS. ... Inspired by the trios led by Keith Jarrett, Paul Bley,

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EDMONTON JAZZ SOCIETY11 TOMMY BANKS WAY(Corner of 102 St & 86 Ave)EDMONTON AB T6E 2M2

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• William Carn Quintet• Simon Fisk Trio• Tom King Quintet• Jackson Green Project with

special guest Al Foster• Nova Quartet• Johnny Summers -

Tribute to Chet Baker• Steve Swell - Slammin’ the Infinite• George McFetridge Trio• Amada Tosoff Quartet• Morgan Childs Quintet• David Occhipinti Quartet• The Rubim de Toledo Jazz Quintet• Hebcubus Trio• Andy Milne• Jack de Keyzer Group

Jackson Green Project with

special guest Al Foster

appear at the Yardbird on

September 29

THEYARDBIRDCREW

Edmonton Jazz Society’sBoard of Directors

2006•2007Jasiek Poznanski • President

Adrian Albert • Vice-PresidentShelley Chebry • Secretary

Barry Hull • Treasurer

Board MembersDave Babcock • Chris Brown

Norma Davis • Pam JoseyCraig Magill

Yardbird SuitePROGRAMMING • Adrian Albert, Julie

King, Craig Magill, Jasiek PoznanskiPRODUCTION • Jasiek Poznanski,

Alan SpenceJAM SESSIONS • Don Berner,

Raymond BarilLITTLEBIRDS DIRECTOR • Joel Gray

FINANCE • Suzanne MorterPRESS RELEASES • Paul Wilde

TRANSPORTATION • Lonnie HansonHOUSE MANAGER & VOLUNTEER

COORDINATOR • Pam Josey

Yardbird Suite Jazz is a registered trademark of the Edmonton Jazz

Society (1973).

Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to:

EDMONTON JAZZ SOCIETY11 TOMMY BANKS WAY

EDMONTON AB T6E 2M2

Our Volunteer House ManagersBill Hume • Judy Hume • Pam Josey • Tracy Kolenchuk • Rhonda Netterfi eld • Mary Richards • Rosalynn Ruptash • Suzanne Slade • Collette Slevinsky • Karen Voller • Gail Wozny

Yardbird SuiteNewsletterThe Yardbird Newsletter is published fi vetimes per year by the EdmontonJazz Society.

EDITOR • Jasiek Poznanski

ADVERTISING • Shelley Chebry

GRAPHIC DESIGN • Kim Deley, Critical Path Marketing Communications

DISTRIBUTION • Monique Bielech,Shelley Chebry, Bill Harper

PRINTING • Nisku Printers (1980) Ltd.

www.yardbirdsuite.com

Canadian Publication Mail Product Sales Agreement# 40047729

YARDBIRDSUITE11 Tommy Banks Way (corner of 102 St & 86 Ave)Edmonton, Alberta T6E 2M2Phone: (780) 432-0428 Fax: (780) 433-3773

FRIDAY • SEPT 21

William Carn QuintetFrom Toronto

William Carn - tromboneKelly Jefferson - saxophoneDavid Braid - pianoJon Maharaj - bassAnthony Michelli - drums

“music of beauty, depth and deep feel.”Budd Kopman, Jazz Improv Magazine

MEMBERS $14 • GUESTS $18

SATURDAY • OCT 6

Johnny Summers - Tribute to Chet Baker From Calgary

Johnny Summers - vocals, trumpetEgor Ukoloff - pianoKodi Hutchinson - bassJon May - drums

MEMBERS $14 • GUESTS $18

YARDBIRDSUITE • EVENTS • YARDBIRDSUITEDoors at 8pm, Show at 9pm unless otherwise stated

SATURDAY • SEPT 22

Simon Fisk Trio From Calgary/vancouver/Halifax

Chris Gestrin - pianoSimon Fisk - bassJerry Granelli - drums

MEMBERS $12 • GUESTS $16

FRIDAY • SEPT 28

Tom King QuintetFrom Edmonton

Tom King - pianoAndy King - trumpetJerrold Dubyk - tenor saxJeff Johnson - bassJamie Cooper - drums

MEMBERS $10 • GUESTS $14

FRIDAY • OCT 5

Nova QuartetFrom Montreal

Jeff Richardi - saxophoneDavid Goulet - guitarNicholas Bedard - bassAndrew Miller - drums

MEMBERS $12 • GUESTS $16

3

SATURDAY • SEPT 29

Jackson Green Project with special guest Al FosterFrom New York

Benny Green - pianoJavon Jackson - saxophoneCorcoran Holt - bassAl Foster - drums

MEMBERS $26 • GUESTS $30

FRIDAY • OCT 12

Steve Swell - Slammin’ the Infi niteFrom New York

Steve Swell - tromboneSabir Mateen - reedsMatt Heyner - bassMichael Wimberly - drums

MEMBERS $20 • GUESTS $24

SATURDAY • OCT 20

David Occhipinti Quartet From Toronto

David Occhipinti - guitarKevin Turcotte - trumpetAndrew Downing - bassTerry Clarke - drums

“David Occhipinti probably couldn’t ask for a bet-ter showcase than his eponymously titled debut ...a postmodern acoustic date that thrives on the guitarist’s memorable, contemporary-sounding tunes...while recalling the impressionistic, delicate beauty of Occhipinti’s hero, Jim Hall.”JazzIz magazine

MEMBERS $14 • GUESTS $18

YARDBIRDSUITE • EVENTS • YARDBIRDSUITEDoors at 8pm, Show at 9pm unless otherwise stated

SATURDAY • OCT 13

George McFetridge TrioFrom Vancouver/Calgary

George McFetridge - pianoJohn Gray - bassJonathan May - drums

MEMBERS $12 • GUESTS $16

FRIDAY • OCT 19

Amanda Tosoff QuartetFrom Vancouver

Evan Arntzen - saxophoneAmanda Tosoff - pianoSean Cronin - bassMorgan Childs - drums

MEMBERS $14 • GUESTS $18

FRIDAY • OCT 26

the Rubim de Toledo Jazz QuintetFrom Calgary/Edmonton

Rubim de Toledo - bassBob Tildesley - trumpetJim Brenan - saxophoneChris Andrew - pianoTyler Hornby - drums

MEMBERS $12 • GUESTS $16

4

Morgan Childs Quintet Plays Max RoachFrom Vancouver

Evan Arntzen - saxophoneChris Davis - trumpetAmanda Tosoff - pianoSean Cronin - bassMorgan Childs - drums

SATURDAY • OCT 27

Hecubus TrioFrom Edmonton

Mo Lefever - guitarMike Lent - bassJohn Newton - drums

MEMBERS $14 • GUESTS $18

FRI/SAT • NOV 2/3

Jack de Keyzer Group YARDBIRD SUITE BLUES - From Toronto

Jack de Keyzer - guitar, vocalsDave Babcock - tenor saxophoneDoug Organ - Hammond B3 organ, pianoSandro Dominelli - drums

“De Keyzer displays the mastery of straight-ahead blues, funk and soul that has earned him a reputation as one of the best musicians in this country.”Cam Hayden, Vue Weekly

“One of the premiere guitarists in Canada”Nick Krewen, Hamilton Spectator

MEMBERS $18 • GUESTS $22

YARDBIRDSUITE • EVENTS • YARDBIRDSUITEDoors at 8pm, Show at 9pm unless otherwise stated

ADVANCETICKETS • TICKETMASTER.CA

• FOR MORE INFO •YARDBIRDSUITE.COM

5

Andy Milne From Pennsylvania

Andy Milne - solo piano

TICKETS

William Carn Quintetwww.williamcarn.com

Led by Juno-nominated trombonist/composer William Carn, the quintet includes some of the most creative musicians in Canada. This quintet was formed to play the leader’s original material. From the swinging and swaggering to the lyrical and introspective, the WCQ always brings sensitivity to their performances. In 2007 their debut CD, Other Stories, was nominated for a Juno Award as Traditional Jazz Album of the Year. The group is poised to release their follow up disc, Lessons Learned. This new album continues the indicative modern sound that has become a hallmark of the William Carn Quintet. Individually, each band member brings years of experience and knowledge to this ensemble. The leader William Carn is one of Canada’s leading young jazz trombonists. He has performed with renowned musicians such as Mike Murley, Rob McConnell, Guido Basso, Kenny Wheeler, Randy Brecker, and David Binney. Saxophonist Kelly Jefferson has quickly risen to the top ranks among Canada’s jazz elite. His performing and recording credits include Maria Schneider, Brian Blade, and Renee Rosnes. David Braid is known for his unique voice on the piano. A bandleader himself, he has performed with some of the very best including Randy Brecker, Pat LaBarbera, and Neil Swainson. Anthony Michelli is one of the busiest sidemen around and is in demand not only in Canada but also plays frequently around the world. His credits include Tim Ries, Ingrid Jensen, and Martin Speake.

Morgan Childs Quintet

Morgan, at the ripe old age of 24, has gained a reputation as one of the most exciting young drummers on the Canadian jazz scene. In recent years he has traveled throughout Canada and the US extensively as a leader, sideman and clinician. Morgan’s comprehensive knowledge of the jazz tradition, versatility, and open attitude has allowed him to work with some of Canada’s fi nest musicians, including Brad Turner, Mike Murley, Campbell Ryga, Phil Dwyer and Laila Biali.

Jack de Keyzer www.jackdekeyzer.com

Jack de Keyzer is a Juno and multiple Maple Blues award winning blues guitarist, singer-songwriter and producer. Born in London, England, de Keyzer’s professional career has spanned 32 years. He has led his own band since 1985 and has released 6 CDs as a leader, and one DVD, Silver Blues (Blue Star, 2005). He has worked as a session guitarist for many artists including Etta James, Otis Rush, John Hammond Jr., Robert Gordon, Bo Diddley, Willy “Big Eyes” Smith and Blue Rodeo. An exciting entertainer, soulful singer and electrifying guitarist, Jack de Keyzer delights music lovers wherever he performs. He has a brand new CD just out on a major label entitled Blues Thing (Fontana/Universal, 2007). It features 14 new tunes performed in several styles: blues (Chicago and west coast styles), R&B (Motown and Stax), funk and soul jazz. He has been an avid jazz fan his entire life and has been studying the music of guitarists Grant Green, in particular, and Kenny Burrell, as well as that of blues guitarists such as Albert King, B.B. King and Jimi Hendrix. Jack de Keyzer will be performing in a quartet with Doug Organ on Hammond B3 and piano, Dave Babcock

6 SHOWINFORMATION • PERFORMERBIOS

SHOWINFORMATION • PERFORMERBIOS

on tenor saxophone and Sandro Dominelli on drums. The Edmonton combo is very well schooled in the soul jazz idiom and the Yardbird shows will lean to that style.

the Rubim de Toledo Jazz Quintetwww.rubim.com

Rubim de Toledo is best known as bassist for the Latin-Jazz group Bomba and as founder of the Jazz Improv collective reClaim.

Rubim began his professional career at 17 playing in Clarence ‘Big’ Miller’s group until Miller’s death in 1992. Afterwards, Rubim performed with other Albertan bandleaders such as Tommy Banks and PJ Perry. Rubim is now leading his own groups and is an in-demand sideman. In the past 3 years Rubim has released 4 recordings as leader and has appeared on more than 20 others.

In 2006 he traveled to Seoul, Korea to perform at their internationally renowned Tancheon festival, recorded in Sao Paulo, Brazil and was privileged to headline the Seattle Brazilfest with his Brazilian-Jazz Quintet.

Rubim has worked with Calgary’s Decidedly Jazz Danceworks (DJD) extensively since 2004. His involvement with DJD began as bassist for their Bulla production with which he performed at the Havana International Jazz Festival. In 2006 he went on to be musical director for their ‘In Charcoal and Crimson’ production and also worked as composer and audio producer for root 7 and bassist for Magnetic Consequences. He is now preparing for another term as composer and musical director of their upcoming spring production entitled Tinge and Tone.

With his new Quintet, Rubim takes a modern approach to the traditions

of Jazz music. This ‘All-Star’ Albertan group features the top Jazz musicians in Alberta performing an evening of Rubim’s original music touching on Post-Bop Swing, New Orleans styles, Jazz-Samba and Afro-Cuban Jazz. With his new music, Rubim has composed and arranged material tailored for this group of talented musicians. With dense group arrangements based around solo improvisation, this music features Rubim and his band mates at their best and with the freedom to explore in true Jazz fashion.

Simon Fisk Triowww.simonfi sk.comwww.jerrygranelli.com

Inspired by the trios led by Keith Jarrett, Paul Bley, and early Bill Evans, this bass led group released two CD’s to great acclaim. ‘Trainwrecks’ was released in 2002, featuring largely original material except for the classic standard ‘I fall in love too easily’, and a Paul Bley track, ‘Bigfoot’. The CD garnered a lot of attention with media and radio, sitting on the top ten jazz charts in Canada, and was nominated for a Western Canadian Music Award for outstanding Jazz recording in 2003. The second disc released in 2005 continued along a growing path with all original material and with a strong song writing sensibility in the compositions. ‘Intent’ once again caught the attention radio programmers and the press, the single ‘A better Day’ was released with a video airing on BRAVO, and the Video was nominated for two Leo awards, Best video, and Best Director. The Simon Fisk Trio has recorded for CBC radio numerous times, and their music can be heard on Jazz radio throughout the world.

7

SHOWINFORMATION • PERFORMERBIOS

Hecubus Triowww.molefever.com

Hecubus formed in 2005 in order to explore improvised music with a focus on modern reinterpretations of standard jazz repertoire. Group infuses tunes old and new with elements of electronica, funk, dub, and any other styles as the spirit moves.

Guitarist Mo was originally inspired to explore the jazz genre when the venerable Tommy Banks paid a visit to her high school in Medicine Hat, Alberta. Once pointed in this direction there was no turning back. Mo’s early infl uences ranged from Jimi Hendrix to Chet Atkins. After high school Mo continued her musical training at Grant MacEwan College, where she studied jazz and gained technical competence. She was particularly inspired by some of the great musical pioneers of the seventies including Joe Zawinul, Weather Report, Roland Kirk, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Pat Metheny and Stevie Wonder. Current favourites include the likes of Prince, David Fiuczynski, and always evolving Medeski, Martin and Wood.

Her primary focus of late however is refi ning her own take on the jazz/funk fusion. Her newly released CD includes everything from tasty arrangements of classics that Mo has truly made her own, to some fresh and saucy original tunes. The common thread on this CD is Mo’s understated improvisations that fl ow seamlessly between genres and moods. John Newton is an Edmonton based player, clinician and teacher. He has played with Creative Opportunity Orchestra North (CO2 North), Melba Apartment Quartet, Cone of Silence, King Muskafa, Mike MacDonald, Bob Kemmis, Don Berner, Wafer Thin Mint, Shucker, and many others. His current interests include blending acoustic and electronic drum

sounds, as well as Arabic and East Indian drum studies. Mike Lent will be fi lling in for Hecubus’ regular bass player Thom Golub.

Jackson Green Projectwith special guest Al Foster

www.bennygreenmusic.comwww.javonjackson.com

Born in New York in 1963, Benny Green grew up in Berkeley, California, and began classical piano studies at the age of seven. Infl uenced by his father, a tenor saxophonist, his attention soon turned into jazz.

As a teenager he worked with Eddie Henderson, and got some big band experience with a 12-piece group led by Chuck Israels. After his graduation, Benny freelanced around the Bay area for a year, and then moved to New York in the spring of 1982. After a short stint with Bobby Watson, Green worked with Betty Carter between 1983 and 1987, the year he joined Art Blakey’s band. He remained a Jazz Messenger through late 1989, at which point he began working with Freddie Hubbard’s quintet.

In 1993 Oscar Peterson chose Benny as the fi rst recipient of the City of Toronto’s Glenn Gould International Protégé Prize in Music. That year, Green replaced Gene Harris in Ray Brown’s Trio, working with the veteran bass player until 1997. From 1997 on, Benny resumed his freelance career, led his own trios, and concentrated on his solo piano performances.

His recording career, which includes over one hundred sessions, is very impressive: amongst many others, he has recorded as a sideman with Betty Carter, Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers, Freddie Hubbard, Bobby Watson, Milt Jackson, Diana Krall and Ray Brown.

8

SHOWINFORMATION • PERFORMERBIOS

As a leader of his own groups, Benny’s recording career began with two albums for the Dutch label Criss Cross: Prelude (1988) and In This Direction (1989). In 1990 Green started recording for Blue Note: Lineage (1990), Greens (1991), Testifi yin’ (1992), That’s Right! (1993), The Place To Be (1994), Kaleidoscope (1997) and These Are Soulful Days (1999). He has also recorded for Toshiba- Funky (1997) - and for Telarc with Oscar Peterson- Oscar & Benny (1997).

In 2000, his debut recording on Telarc Jazz entitled Naturally was released, which featured bassist Christian McBride and guitarist Russell Malone, musicians who have both inspired and challenged him to explore new territory. With the 2002 release of Green’s Blues, Benny returned to his roots and updated the tradition with an exciting solo collection of jazz standards by Fats Waller, Duke Ellington, Erroll Garner and George Gershwin, among others, with his highly personal style.

A perpetual student of the history of Jazz piano, Benny Green mentions Art Tatum, Erroll Garner, Hank Jones, Ahmad Jamal, Phineas Newborn, Bud Powell and Oscar Peterson as some of his main infl uences. His approach to Jazz can be resumed in his own words: ‘... for myself and a lot of musicians I admire, the main focus is to just swing and have fun, and share those feelings with the audience ... and, if I’m able to convey that, then I feel like I’m doing something positive’.

Javon Jackson was born in Carthage, Missouri and raised in Denver, Colorado. Music captivated the young Javon who was exposed to some of the greatest musicians in jazz through his parents’ record collection.

As he matured, Javon soon became captivated by the work of Sonny Stitt. Like so many other horn players today, Stitt’s

music inspired Javon to pick up his fi rst saxophone, an alto, at a young age. More musical discoveries followed: Rollins, Henderson, Coltrane. The work of these legends eventually led Javon to favor the tenor. Honing his craft, Jackson began working professionally in local jazz clubs at age 16, playing with former Max Roach Quintet pianist Billy Wallace. After sitting in one night at a New York City club with the legendary Blakey’s Messengers, Javon’s skill on the tenor earned him an invitation to join the group. Those years under the tutelage of Blakey involved intensive study of both interplay and improvisation. Performing alongside Terence Blanchard, Kenny Garrett, Wallace Roney and Benny Green, Javon appeared on several recordings with Blakey, including Not Yet (Soul Note), One For All (A&M) and Chippin’ In (Timeless).

Javon remained with the Messengers for over three years until Blakey’s death in 1990.

Javon earned his degree from Berklee while continuing to tour with Hubbard, Elvin Jones, Charlie Haden and Cedar Walton. His debut as a leader came quickly, in 1991, when he released Burnin’ and Me and Mr. Jones on the Criss Cross Label.

Javon spent several years touring with a host of jazz greats, as well as his own groups, concentrating on technique and composition. He earned his master’s degree in music and a position as Assistant Professor of Jazz Education at SUNY Purchase College. Javon returned to the studio in 2003 with drummer Lenny White, guitarist Mark Whitfi eld, trombonist Fred Wesley (best known for his work with James Brown) and the master of the groove, organist Lonnie Smith. The resulting sessions became known as the aptly named Easy Does It.

Javon continues to tour extensively

9

SHOWINFORMATION • PERFORMERBIOS

with his group, the Javon Jackson Band (featuring Benny Green on piano, bassist Jeff Chambers and Carl Allen on drums) or sometimes the Javon Jackson Superband (which also features Jimmy Cobb), and performs as a special guest with various artists, including Curtis Fuller and Donald Byrd.

Al Foster, master drummer, has been a major innovator in the world of jazz for several decades. As a member of the Miles Davis band for thirteen years, Foster’s contribution to Davis’ music is articulated by Davis himself in his 1989 autobiography, Miles: The Autobiography, where Davis describes the fi rst time he heard Foster play live in 1972 at the Cellar Club on 95th Street in Manhattan: ‘He [Foster] knocked me out because he had such a groove and he would just lay it right in there. That was the kind of thing I was looking for. I could set it up for everybody else to play off and just keep the groove going forever.”

Other artists Foster has performed and recorded with include Joe Henderson, Freddie Hubbard, McCoy Tyner, Wayne Shorter, Bobby Hutcherson, John Scofi eld, Pat Metheny, Charlie Haden, Randy & Michael Brecker, Bill Evans (the pianoplayer), George Benson, Kenny Drew, Carmen McRae, Stan Getz, Toots Thielemans, Dexter Gordon and Chick Corea. Over the years, Foster has toured extensively with Herbie Hancock, Sonny Rollins, and Joe Henderson, becoming a major attraction in all three bands as well as an integral part of them.

Respected and admired for his keen sensitivity, Foster is known for his unique ability to listen to and play off others in an almost telepathic way, responding to them with a style that is at once both charismatic and understated. Foster, is a great believer in the purity of the music, a genuine artist who continues to push the

boundaries of creativity again and again, devoted to preserving and perpetuating the highest standards in jazz today. He is a magnifi cent all-round drummer, and his rhythmic chops are renowned in musical styles ranging from bebop to free form to jazz/rock.

Tom King Quartet

Pianist Tom King is fast becoming one of the most sought-after and exciting new fi gures on the Edmonton jazz scene. Bringing with him an accomplished history in both the jazz and classical fi elds, Tom’s playing merges his fl uid virtuosic technique with unbridled energy and introspective poignancy. With infl uences ranging from the standard bebop jazz tradition, sonorous spaciousness of the European aesthetic and the multi-hued shading of world music, Tom King’s artistry is both fresh and imaginative.

Originally from Regina, Saskatchewan, Tom King received his Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from the University of Ottawa and spent time specializing in Scandinavian music with some of Norway’s fi nest pianists at the Grieg Academy in Bergen, Norway. During residency at the Banff Centre for Arts, Tom studied with Canadian classical piano greats Anton Kuerti, Angela Cheng, and worked with Canadian jazz musicians Dave Restivo and Mike Murley. Tom has performed with bassist Clarence Seay of the Wallace Roney Sextet and has been heard numerous times in recital on CBC Radio.

George McFetridge Triowww.vancouverjazz.com/home/mcfetridge/

A native Edmontonian and longtime mainstay of the Edmonton jazz scene, George went from the University of Alberta to Berklee School of Music in

10

SHOWINFORMATION • PERFORMERBIOS

Boston and then a stint with the Buddy Rich Big Band touring the USA. He settled in Toronto for a time with TV gigs and a teaching position at Humber College (1985-92). During his stay in Toronto he was a co - founder of Unity Records, a cooperative that enabled many Canadian Musicians such as Mike Murley, Barry Elmes, Bernie Senensky and others to reach a wider audience. He has performed with many well known artists such as Fraser MacPherson, Woody Herman, Benny Golson, Lee Konitz , Kenny Wheeler, Woody Shaw, Phil Woods and many more, and has toured Europe with Jacek Kochan and Mariusz Kwiatowski. Presently based out of Vancouver, George has been leading the quintet Strange Weather (with Dave Say on sax, Steve Holy, bass; and Bernie Arai on drums) and the quartet YT with Say, Arai, and Alan Penfold on trumpet.

Andy Milnewww.andymilne.com

Canadian pianist Andy Milne, whose teachers span from Oscar Peterson to Muhal Richard Abrams, has established himself as a distinctive voice at the heart of New York’s creative jazz scene. He has performed in numerous settings, including collaborations with: Dianne Reeves, Geri Allen, Robin Eubanks, Red Mitchell, and Sonny Greenwich. His innovative rhythmic approach, combined with his extensive harmonic lexicon place him at the forefront of young pianists poised to carry on the lineage of creative masters like Herbie Hancock and McCoy Tyner.Andy Milne’s musical concept draws inspiration from all music as well as from sociology, philosophy, and science fi ction. Some of his musical infl uences include: Thelonious Monk, Art Tatum, Herbie Nichols, Bela Bartok, Joni Mitchell and Stevie Wonder. Milne’s innovative rhythmic grooves resemble those of alto saxophonist

and M-BASE founder, Steve Coleman. The sparse harmonic surprises Milne delivers on piano, however distinguish his music from Coleman’s. In addition, Milne’s extensive use of vocals, samples and sound bites, set him apart from other pianists in his generation.

In 1990, after completing an Honors degree in music from York University (where he studied with Oscar Peterson, Pat LaBarbera, and Don Thompson), Milne received a Canada Council grant to study at the renowned Banff Center for Fine Arts. It was at Banff that he met and was inspired by the innovative concepts taught by then faculty-head, Steve Coleman. In 1991, after a year in Montreal picking up valuable sideman experience with Joe Lovano, Archie Shepp, and Ranee Lee, Coleman encouraged Milne to move to New York. Based on the enormous potential he demonstrated at Banff, Milne was invited to perform with Coleman’s core unit Five Elements, and to perform on the M-BASE Collective CD “Anatomy of a Groove,” to which Milne also contributed a composition. Coleman’s enthusiasm for the young pianist was shared by M-BASE associates Cassandra Wilson and Greg Osby, who also invited Milne to perform with their groups. In 1992, Milne offi cially joined Five Elements and became an integral member of Coleman’s various projects until 1997.

His long association with Coleman offered Milne the unique opportunity to develop a completely unprecedented harmonic and rhythmic approach to the piano. The experience of responding to and complimenting Coleman’s unique style night after night, played a major role in the development of Milne’s individual approach. Coleman’s impact can also be seen in Milne’s approach to the business of music. In 1995, inspired by grass-roots, cross-country tours with Five Elements, Milne independently booked, promoted

11

SHOWINFORMATION • PERFORMERBIOS

and lead two extensive North American tours with his own band. After the fi rst tour, he recorded the self-produced cassette release, “The ‘E’ is Silent,” (featuring Gene Lake, Matthew Garrison and Audrey Martells), which captured the same relaxed intensity of the band’s live performances. In 1997, Milne recorded his fi rst CD, “Forward to Get Back,” for d’Note Records, which featured performances by Coleman alumnus Reggie Washington, Ralph Alessi and Matthew Garrison, as well as two duo performances with Steve Coleman.

Realizing he wanted his music to go beyond notes and rhythms, Milne formed his current band Dapp Theory in 1998. “I wanted to use it to tell passionate stories, promote peace and inspire collective responsibility towards uplifting the human spiritual condition,” he explains. While M-BASE stood for creatively expressing one’s life experiences through music, Dapp Theory stands for respecting the laws of nature to create balance in love, compassion and good karma. The music seeks to explore the truths that exist in universal cosmic wisdom, while creatively expressing life’s great journeys. Milne recently explored these truths in an ambitious songwriting collaboration with Canadian folk-rock icon Bruce Cockburn.

Nova Quartet

Nova Quartet is an exciting group from Montreal that fuses original, challenging compositions with solid groove and ambiance. Prize winners at Effendi Record’s Jazz en Rafale, they have caught the attention from the likes of Christine Jensen and Chris McCann and have played alongside Montreal’s Remi Bolduc. They are quickly emerging as a fresh voice in the world of jazz. The Montreal-based group has drawn its members from all over North America and connected while attending the jazz program at McGill University.

David Occhipinti Quartetwww.davidocchipinti.com

Guitarist/composer David Occhipinti has three CD’s featuring his own compositions: David Occhipinti (1997) and Syzygy (1999) and Intersection (2003). David has two duo CDs with Mike Murley: Duologue (2002), which was nominated for a Juno Award, and Duologue Vol. 2 (2005). David studied in New York with the legendary guitarist Jim Hall off and on in the early 1990’s. David often tours Canada and regularly performs tours in Italy where he lived for a short time. He has also toured in the U.S., Europe and Japan. David has received numerous composition, recording and touring grants from the Canada Council for the Arts, the Toronto Arts Council, the Ontario Arts Council, FACTOR and the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. David Occhipinti was born in Toronto. He attended the Humber College Music Program in Toronto from 1984-87 where he now teaches guitar (David also teaches at the University of Toronto). In 1989 David’s career came to a turning point when he attended the Banff School of Fine Arts jazz workshop where Dave Holland was artistic director. In the early 1990’s David spent most of his time between studying in New York and performing in Italy. The Canada Council for the Arts funded his stays in New York where he studied privately with legendary guitarist Jim Hall. In 1994, David moved to Italy for nearly two years and performed extensively with his own groups and as a sideman. He also performed in other parts of Europe during his stay there. In 1996 David returned to his native Canada and was chosen as one of ten winners in the ‘Guitars on Fire’ contest held by the international trade publication

12

SHOWINFORMATION • PERFORMERBIOS

Jazziz magazine. The jury included Jim Hall, John Patitucci and Lee Ritenour. The following year David recorded his self-titled debut CD (UTY-153). The CD features ten original compositions and has been described by the press as: “exciting, original, intelligent, inventive...an excellent debut”. David recorded his second CD in 1998. He released Syzygy (UTY 170) the following year. The CD features 10 of his compositions in trio and solo settings. David toured Canada and Italy several times during the next few years. He began playing duo with Mike Murley in 1999 and in 2002 they released Duologue on Cornerstone records. Duologue was nominated for a Juno Award, a National Jazz Award and a Canadian Music “Indie”. David released his third CD, Intersection on November 10, 2003. The CD (released on his own label: occdav music; distributed by Festival Distribution in Canada) has 10 new original compositions and features David on guitar, Mike Murley on saxophone, Andrew Downing on bass and Terry Clarke on drums.

Johnny Summerswww.johnnysummers.com

Classically trained in trumpet and a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies from the University of Calgary Johnny Summers continues to expand his musical horizons through performing, composing and arranging. His fi rst CD, Volume 1 showcases six original songs as well as fi ve standards recorded with the Johnny Summers Quartet. His second album takes a relaxed, straight-ahead approach to originals composed in the style of Gershwin, Porter, Ellington and the like and features the exquisite guest vocals of

Tim Tamashiro and Johanna Silanpaa along with the Quartet. The music is intensely heartfelt, lyrical and fresh. Tackling a third album, the Groove Project, Summers is aiming for radio play.

Summers has traveled from Spain, and Britain to Hawaii, Los Angeles to New Orleans to play with outstanding musicians and drawing an ever growing following. Always on the lookout for the next musical venture Summers formed the Calgary Jazz Orchestra in 2004 with 17 of the best of the best jazz artists. Steve Swell - Slammin’ the Infi nitewww.steveswell.com

Born in Newark, New Jersey, Steve Swell has been living, working and performing in New York City for all of his adult life. In an effort to fi nd his own voice on his instrument and to learn to write and arrange in a style of his own, he has sought out, performed and recorded with many of the fi nest composers and improvisors in the city. He has recorded and toured with such diverse jazz personalities as mainstreamers Lionel Hampton and Buddy Rich, to so-called outsiders like Anthony Braxton and Jemeel Moondoc. Swell has 20 recordings as a leader or co-leader and is a featured artist on more than seventy other releases.

Swell fi rst came to public attention performing with Makanda Ken McIntyre in the multi-instrumentalist’s concert at Carnegie Recital Hall in 1985 of which Herb Boyd of The Amsterdam News wrote, “Swell possesses a foreceful, but mature sound...with a vibrant syncopation...” Later, Swell came to international attention while touring in Europe and recording with alto saxophonist Tim Berne and his group “Caos Totale.” There are two studio recordings of this band on the JMT label.

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SHOWINFORMATION • PERFORMERBIOS

During this time Steve also toured and recorded with Joey Baron’s “Barondown” which has three releases; one for JMT, one on New World and the most recent for the Avant label.

Even though he is strongly identifi ed with the “downtown scene”, Swell has been developing his style in the more so-called “traditional avant-garde” arena. Co-leading such projects as “Space, Time, Swing” with Perry Robinson, being a sideman in William Parker’s “Little Huey Creative Music Orchestra” and working with other similar people has kept him on this circuit. Dave McElfresh of Jazz Now wrote in a review of drummer Lou Grassi’s CD, PoGressions, “Swell’s powerful trombone zooms in and out of the music like a plane diving at a target. Players like himself - and music like this - are to be thanked for the revival of interest in the instrument.”

Swell’s latest CD, “Slammin’ the Infi nite” with Sabir Mateen, Matt Heyner and Klaus Kugel was released in November of 2004 on Cadence. CIMP also released a co-lead group with Gebhard Ullman called Desert Songs which has Barry Altschul and Hill Greene. Drimala Records will be releasing a duo recording with Dominic Duval. “Unifi ed Theory Of Sound, This Now!” featuring Jemeel Moondoc, Wilber Morris, Cooper-Moore, Kevin Norton and Matt LaVelle was released on Cadence in 2003. Swell was also a featured soloist with Anthony Braxton in his opera, “Shala Fears For The Poor” performed at John Jay College in New York and recently taught a master class at New England Conservatory in Boston and is an artist/mentor in the NYC public school system.

Steve’s “Suite For Players, Listeners and Other Dreamers” was

voted Number 2 in the 2004 Cadence Reader’s Poll.Sabir Mateen’s enduring presence which noone can ignore within the scene of improvisational music has made him protagonist of one chapter in Phil Freeman’s most recent book ‘New York Is Now! The New Wave of Free Jazz’.

Matthew Heyner is part of a community of musicians, artists and dancers that collaborate and juxtapose their sounds, images and movements in various spaces throughout in New York City. He plays intuitively, using the bull fi ddle as an analog synthesizer with potentially unlimited sound-making potential.

Amanda Tosoff Quartetwww.amandatosoff.com

At only 23 years of age Amanda is quickly emerging as one of Canada’s top new talents. She has performed with Chuck Israels, Ingrid Jensen, Jon Wilkon, Jodi Proznick and Campbell Ryga. Amanda’s new group, which features Evan Arntzen on saxophone, Sean Cronin on bass, and Morgan Childs on drums, has been featured on CBC Radio programs ‘Hot Air’ and ‘Jazzbeat’. Their debut recording ‘Still Life’ continues to be played regularly on CBC and other radio stations. At the 2006 Vancouver International Jazz Festival, they opened for the legendary vibist Bobby Huthcherson.

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YARDBIRDSUITE • JAMSESSIONS • YARDBIRDSUITE

Hosted by a different professional band every week. Host set from 9-10 p.m. with amateurs & professionals sitting in after 10 p.m. Only $3 admission (applies to all members, guests and musicians)

The Tuesday night jams, a longstanding tradition at the Yardbird Suite, are an opportunity to see some of Edmonton’s finest players and bands in a one hour house set before several of the city’s best take the stage together in an open jam.

Player or fan, be sure to come down and not miss an exciting opportunity to hear the great ensembles!

SEPTEMBER 25 Jim Head

OCTOBER 2 NuSteps Trio

OCTOBER 9 Audrey Ochoa

OCTOBER 16 Charlie Austin

OCTOBER 23 Kent Sangster

OCTOBER 30 Rhonda Withnell

15

ALL THAT

JAZZFOR VOLUNTEERS

If you enjoy great Jazz and want free access to shows, consider volunteering at the Suite!

for more information, email [email protected] or call 432-0428 and leave a message

YARDBIRDSUITE • ATAGLANCE • YARDBIRDSUITE

THE YARDBIRD SUITE IS A CONCERT VENUE. DURING THE SHOW, PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CELL PHONES AND PAGERS.

For upcoming shows visit www.yardbirdsuite.com

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15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29 30 31 1 2 3

NovaQuartet

SteveSwell

Slammin’ the Infi nite

Amanda Tosoff Quartet/Morgan Childs Quintet

plays Max Roach

the Rubim de Toledo

Jazz Quintet

Hecubus Trio/Andy Milne

JAM WITH

AudreyOchoa

JAM WITH

NuStepsTrio

JAM WITH

CharlieAustin

JAMWITHKent

Sangster

Members $12 • Guests $16

Members $20 • Guests $24

Members $14 • Guests $18

Members $12 • Guests $16 Members $14 • Guests $18

JAMWITH

RhondaWithnell

Members $12 • Guests $16

George McFetridge

Trio

Members $18 • Guests $22

Jack de Keyzer GroupYardbird Suite Blues

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M O N D A Y T U E S D A Y W E D N E S D A Y T H U R S D A Y F R I D A Y S A T U R D A Y S U N D A Y17 18 19 20 21 22 23

24 25 26 27 28 29 30

William Carn

QuintetSimon

Fisk Trio

JAM WITHJim

Head

Members $14 • Guests $18 Members $12 • Guests $16

TomKing

Jackson Green Project

Members $10 • Guests $14 Members $26 • Guests $30

Johnny Summers

Tribute to Chet Baker

Members $14 • Guests $18

David Occhipinti

Quartet

Members $14 • Guests $18

Annual General MeetingNotice is hereby given that the annual general meeting of members of the Edmonton Jazz Society (1973) will be held at the Yardbird Suite, 11 Tommy Banks Way, Edmonton, Alberta, on Tuesday, October 30, 2007 at 7:00 PM for the purpose of:

1. Receiving the report of the president; 2. Receiving and considering the report of the treasurer of the Society for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2007 including the appointment of the auditors for the coming year; 3. Election of the board of directors and officers of the Society; 4. The transition of such further business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof.

Further information regarding the business to be discussed at the annual general meeting can be obtained by contacting the Yardbird Suite at telephone 432-0428, or fax 433-3773. Dated at the city of Edmonton, in the Province of Alberta, this first day of September, 2007.