Results for "Toronto"

Holly Cole: Kiss Me Quick

by John Chacona
February 4, 2025

Hands up everyone who thinks there should be more vibes solos on Elvis Presley covers. Though press materials don't credit the player, they identify Kevin Breit as the guitarist (was there any question?) on this Western Swing-flavored chart of the 1961 Doc Pomus / Mort Shuman song. Holly Cole sings it with just the right proportion ...

Patrick Darwin Smith

Born: September 6, 1995

Patrick Smith is a saxophonist based in Toronto (originally from Ottawa).

He has established himself as a gifted and in demand saxophonist in the Canadian music scene. In recent years he has extensively toured Canada, the US, and Europe with Legends of Motown (featuring Michael Dunston and Gary Beals), My Son The Hurricane, Chelsea Mcbride’s Socialist Night School, and Forever Seger. 

He keeps an active freelance schedule in Toronto and around North America appearing with artists such as Order of Canada Recipient Dave Young, Juini Booth (bassist for Mccoy Tyner and Tony Williams), Yemen Blues, Erez Zobary, Heavyweights Brass Band, Dee Dee and the Dirty Martinis, Eighth Street Orchestra, Dan Pitt Quintet, King Cardiac, Queen Pepper, Kazdoura, and Shout The Band., An active bandleader, he currently leads three projects. His quintet which plays hard hitting original modern jazz. His chord-less trio called “3-Oh” which draws from the spirit of Sonny Rollins and plays music from the standard jazz canon, originals, as well as unique interpretations of more contemporary material. 

Tenshi

Tenshi is a dynamic jazz fusion quartet based in Toronto, delivering a captivating blend of improvisation, groove, and artistry. The band features:

• May Akanuma on saxophone and flute, whose expressive melodies and intricate phrasing bring vibrant textures to the ensemble.
• Spencer Bridgwater, bassist and composer, whose intricate compositions and driving rhythms anchor Tenshi's sound.
• Ben Graffam on drums, whose rhythmic precision and creative energy propel the group’s performances.
• Alex Purcell on guitar, adding a lush harmonic palette and intricate solos that elevate the band's unique voice.

Paul Marangoni

Born: January 28

Paul Marangoni began drumming at the age of 13. Primarily self-taught, he was lucky enough to study privately with some very talented musicians: David Kent (Toronto Symphony Orchestra), Paul DeLong (Domenic Troiano, David Bendeth, Kim Mitchell), Mark Craney (Jean Luc Ponty, Gino Vannelli, Jethro Tull), and Chad Wackerman (Frank Zappa, Allan Holdsworth). Paul has performed and/or recorded with: Jazz Martyrs, Jazz Because, The Trio of Stridence, The Brothers Dimm, Janeen Leah, Freddy Curci, Alex Masi, Phil Naro, The Works, Adrian Davison, Coney Hatch, FM, Zappacosta, Eugene Smith, and David Gibson.

Dan Fortin

Born: January 26, 1985

Dan Fortin was born and raised in Peterborough, Ontario. His eclectic tastes have led to work with a wide variety of artists in the jazz, rock and pop worlds, including Bernice, The Allison Au Quartet, Queer Songbook Orchestra, Emilie-Claire Barlow, Aline’s étoile magique, John Southworth, Serena Ryder, July Talk, Devon Sproule, Mike O’Neill, Laila Biali, Ethan Iverson, Bryn Roberts, Mike Murley, Will Bonness, Jon Gordon, Andy Milne, David Occhipinti, Tara Davidson, Harley Card, Michael Davidson, Alex Goodman, Zoon, and many others.

Dan is a co-leader of the Juno nominated trio MYRIAD3, along with pianist Chris Donnelly and drummer Ernesto Cervini. Together, they’ve released five albums for Alma Records, and have undertaken several tours of Canada, the USA, Europe, and Japan, including performances at the Tokyo Jazz Festival and Ronnie Scott’s International Piano Trio Festival (London, UK.)

Dan Fortin Built 'Cannon' From the Bass Up

by Lawrence Peryer
November 16, 2024

Bassist Dan Fortin recorded much of his album Cannon (Elastic Recordings, 2024) in a Calgary condo during the early months of the pandemic, armed with just an electric bass guitar. What started as sketches for a solo record evolved into a series of remote collaborations with musicians across Canada, including saxophonist Karen Ng, vibraphonist Michael Davidson, ...

Shraddha Pai

Shraddha Pai is a musician and vocalist whose repertoire spans cross-cultural genres including classic jazz and swing, Bollywood, and Paris Café, among others. Growing up in the Middle East, India, and Canada exposed her to a mix of musical and cultural influences and languages, which shapes her international style and repertoire. 

Shraddha’s voice has been described as being versatile, ranging from silken smooth to brassy, with a classic quality belonging to the Jazz Era. She brings an authenticity to interpreting song, which creates a strong connection with audiences.

Christopher Parnis

Born: December 8, 1999

Christopher Parnis is a multi-award-winning Canadian double bassist with a deep-rooted and broad connection to the jazz tradition. He has performed in clubs and festivals across the country, and has worked and recorded with a who’s-who of Canadian musicians such as Brian Dickinson, Terry Clarke, Robi Botos, Reg Schwager, Jocelyn Gould, and Allison Au.

In addition to enjoying a busy schedule of sideman work, Christopher is also an accomplished bandleader. In early 2024 he established a multi-generational 9-piece band of Toronto mainstay musicians and rising talents performing the horn arranging of Don Thompson, and since 2019 he has led a quintet in developing iterations performing and developing his own original music which was recently recorded and will be releasing as his debut full-length album.

Lorne Lofsky: Steward of the Canadian Guitar Tradition

by John Chacona
April 17, 2024

Guitarist Lorne Lofsky rocketed to fame when It Could Happen To You (Pablo Records, 1981), his debut release as a leader, was produced by fellow Canadian Oscar Peterson. Lofsky has since toured and recorded with a wide range of musicians from all around the world, including Peterson, but his hometown of Toronto has been his base ...

Flutist Bill McBirnie Releases 'Reflections (for Paul Horn)'

April 9, 2024

In his most recent digital release, Reflections, flutist Bill McBirnie performs a series of entirely improvised solo vignettes on both flute and alto flute in what is a beautiful and heartfelt tribute to the strongest of his influences on the instrument, Paul Horn. Bill is arguably the ideal candidate for such a tribute, not only because ...