Articles by Kerilie McDowall
Jim West: 40 Years and Going Strong at Justin Time Records
by Kerilie McDowall
Owner of Canada's Justin Time Records, the multi-award-winning Jim West, has brought stellar top performers from the Canadian music scene and the USA to the global stage since 1983 for almost half a century, and that's some heavyweight “cred." To celebrate, the label has crafted a compilation, 40 Years of Justin Time Records (Justin Time, 2023), featuring forty essential listens from Justin Time Records Inc.'s tracks from the years of its diverse history and ...
read moreLilian Terry: Forever Sisters Of The Soul - Renaissance Jazzwomen
by Kerilie McDowall
I was warmly accepted by a giant such as Duke Ellington during his last seven years. He chose to be my friend, demanding my annual presence during his concert tours in Europe as his “good luck charm," and as his sounding board for all the phrases he would dictate to me, to be used later in his own writings. Our relationship was an unbelievable and precious experience."--Lilian Terry (1930-2023) Dizzy, Duke, Brother Ray, and Friends. Hearing from jazz ...
read moreAndrea Superstein’s Tribute to Motherhood with Love
by Kerilie McDowall
Canada's pop-jazz diva Andrea Superstein's new release, and theatre play, Oh Mother, enters center stage launching with video recordings of mothers reflecting candidly on motherhood. Pop rhythms pulse as jazzy acoustic bass weaves with Superstein's vocal in lush and intricate harmonies. “I think, just enjoy the moments because they are over so fast... You do not have to be perfect, you just have to be there," reflects an anonymous mother. Superstein sings soulfully, “This ...
read moreRyan Oliver: Zigging With A Jazz Maestro, His Secrets and Wisdom
by Kerilie McDowall
Tenor saxophonist Ryan Oliver of Canada's The Cookers Quintet, is no stranger to the art of touring the globe. For years he was an integral part of The Shuffle Demons, an adored Toronto jazz saxophone group known for their mid-'80s hit single, “Spadina Bus," written in humorous reference to the Toronto Transit Commission's Spadina Avenue bus that served a vibrant and unique neighbourhood in downtown jny: Toronto, and other treasures such as “Out of My House, Roach," ...
read moreFrançois Houle: Insider Listening that Makes You Clever
by Kerilie McDowall
Canadians and local Vancouverites have been in awe at BC, Canada's prestigious regular rising star clarinetist François Houle's international ranking status. Houle creates brilliantly fascinating compositions and such clever, innovative work. He has released seven albums as a leader from 2022-2023 and has four more plus on the way. Incredibly he will have released 11 albums as a leader within two years soon, with four additional albums as a sideplayer. Yes, a total of 15 albums or more.
read moreQuiet Knowing: The Music Of Gentiane MG
by Kerilie McDowall
My first impression upon hearing Gentiane MG's work for the first time was that her writing is phenomenally brilliant. She is a standout talent. Michaud-Gagnon's music flows masterfully with poise and grace. She commands the piano with elegance, subtlety, and a refined quiet knowing. Her music and artistry are mysteriously intriguing, with the enchanting deep influences of the great impressionistic French composers like Ravel and Debussy from cultural roots lying deep within Gentiane's sublime approach. Phenomenally arranged sound ...
read moreMedia and Industry Tips for the Accomplished Jazz Musician
by Kerilie McDowall
Are you releasing your next recording? Are you an independent artist? Is getting that crucial interview to further your music career on your bucket list?--A couple of key points: For reviews, interviews, or story coverage (generally speaking), print editors of magazines require a listen three months' notice BEFORE your release date. Newspapers need one month's notice (sometimes two months if it is a larger event) for story coverage. Major publications are able to jump online with publishing very ...
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