The line-up for the Canada Trust Toronto Jazz Festival has been announced. There are some changes and some things remain the same. But it is to the credit of the festival that it has gone beyond the usual parameters to bring in a wider dimension.
First off the bat is the dropping of the word “Downtown" from the name. The festival now belongs to the whole city.
The second point of interest is the Euro Jazz Series. Coming in to profile that aspect are Joost Buis--Astronotes from Holland, Wibutee and Zanussi Five from Norway, singer Jeanette Lindstrm from Sweden and the Igor Butman Quartet from Russia.
The festival brings in hip-hop for the first time. Among those who will be on stage are De La soul and Kardinall Offishall who also adds dancehall reggae to the mix.
There will be a wealth of heavy hitters on the main stage at Nathan Phillips Square. The stage will see singer Molly Johnson, the Mingus Big Band< Marcus Miller, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Vijay Iyer, the McCoy Tyner Septet, Paquito D'rivera, the Roberto Occhipinti Quintet, Pharoah Sanders and Kenny Garrett. While the preceding are ticketed events, there is plenty of free music. Among those performing are Jim Galloway & His Wee Big Band, Hilario Duran>/B>, the Bernard Primeau Jazz ensemble, the Dave McMurdo Jazz Orchestra, th eJohn McLeod Big band, and Cruzao Grupo Monstruoso.
The Harbourfront Centre will once again be part of the festival and on the Centre Satge will be The Neville Brothers, the Richard Galliano Trio, ,B>Seu Jorge and The Original Superstars of Jazz Fusion.
The jazz clubs and the bars will have their share as well. Lew Tabackin, Cedar Walton, George Coleman, Ron Davis, Michael Bates Outside Sources, Metalwood and the Alex Dean Quintet heating up the night along with the beer and summer.
Finally, John Zorn's Acoustic Masada will be at The Music Hall. There's plenty more, just take a look at the festival web site.
Tickets are available at Ticketmaster 416 870 8000.
For more information contact All About Jazz.
