Festival - We've hit the Midway! June 29, 2011 (kp)

The festival is gathering some serious steam - and that momentum will carry us full tilt into the final weekend of the TD VIJF with a ton of incredible music still to come. Especially on Canada Day (Granville Island) and at David Lam Park and the Roundhouse on July 1st and 2nd.
We're still looking forward to July 3rd with the amazing flamenco guitarist, Paco de Lucia in a highly anticipated performance at the Orpheum and the incendiary Nordic jazz quintet - Atomic - at the Roundhouse on Sunday evening. There's lots to come before that - so have a look at the program, follow our twitter, facebook, blog and join in the fun.

(photo: Chris Cameron)

One of the most gratifying concerts to the midway point of the fest had to be the homecoming of NY's Darcy James Argue - at the Vogue Theatre on Sunday evening )with his 18 piece juggernaut, the Secret Society) just blowing the roof of the place to a full bottom floor at the venerable Granville St. theatre. Darcy was in essence unknown in his home town, primarily because he left after his high school years at Handsworth in North Van for points east (Montreal, Boston, NYC). The story is amazing and much of it was told in earlier blog space - but suffice it to say, the town was out in full force to celebrate the discovery that one of our home town boys had developed into a major artist on the jazz scene. He's already toured in Europe and this summer brings on his first Canadian jazz festival tour - taking in Vancouver, Ottawa, Toronto and Montreal - as Darcy mentioned in his scintillating and amusing on stage banter; this was his first professional hometown show and he was glad he held out for the Vogue. Great show!

(photo: Peter Gannushkin)

Another great show at the Roundhouse (2 shows in fact on Tuesday night) with: Eivind Aarset's Sonic Codex - one of the most innovative guitar explorers on the planet. Hailing from Oslo, Norway his wonderful quartet (2 drummers) was accompanied by visuals on the back screen and the music ranged from the abstract, atmospheric and textural (small percussion meets electro etc) to full blown Euro-funk underpinned by the fine bassist Audun Erlien. A tasty show.

(photo: Ken Pickering)

Jonas Kullhammar's Quartet back stage before their burning shows on Monday. Thanks guys! (Jonas, Torbjörn Zetterberg, Jonas Holgersson, Torbjörn Gulz)

submitted by: Ken Pickering

Festival Photography 2011 (#2 - selected by Ken Pickering)

June 28, 2011


A heart warming story from our long time photographer Chris Cameron:
I took my young friend Otis Fatona-Pinet and his Mom Andrea to meet Wynton after the show. 
Wynton threw his arms around Otis before I could introduce him and when I said that Otis is a drummer, Wynton said "You've got it, I can see that. Go see Ali, Ali was 12 when I first met him!" Ali gave him some sticks and his card and said, I want to reach out to you, I want to keep in touch...
What generosity of spirit! that's my story!

(photo: Chris Cameron - see story above!)

(photo: Peter Gannushkin)

Jonas Kullhammar Quartet (with Torbjorn Zetterberg back on bass after a lengthy hiatus, Torbjorn Gulz - piano, and Jonas Holgersson - drums) blew the roof off the Roundhouse on Monday night. A tenor saxophone tour de force - seriously a clinic - Jonas has stepped it up quite a few notches in the 6 years since his last visit. His standup routine is worth the price of admission - if you were there, then you know what I mean. Swedish sax at it's finest!

Jonas'

(photo: Chris Cameron)

(photo: Peter Gannushkin)

A wonderful two sets with the always creative Lisa Cay Miller - redefining and reworking the traditional jazz piano trio format with Steve Smith (bass) and Dylan van der Schyff (drums) at Performance Works on Monday afternoon.

(photo: Peter Gannushkin)

Joe Bjornson Trio (sans Joe) - Others of Invention with: Dave Say, Mike Simpson, Mitch Lazer at the Granville Island Market Stage on Monday.

(photo: Chris Cameron)

                   Brasstronaut got the crowd into it at Performance Works last night.

(photo: Chris Cameron)

Trombone Shorty had the crowd dancing and whooping it up big time! New Orleans dance party at the Vogue on Monday night.

(photo: Charles Campbell)

Rupa and the April Fishes at North Shore Jazz on Friday night @ West Van Memorial Library

Assembled by: Ken Pickering

Jazz Festival 2011 - A Selection of Photographs from the opening weekend

Gastown is rocking on the opening weekend.. a real street party ..

showing the real Vancouver LOVE! (photo: Chris Cameron)

Jazz Festival programmers: Ken Pickering and Rainbow Robert with Joe - the Jazz Traffic Constable. No riots here - this is what a street party is really all about - arts and culture -  a jazz love in during Gastown Jazz Weekend! (photo: Christine Fedina)

 Wynton Marsalis at the Orpheum - LJCO played Joe Henderson's Shade of Jade and Chick Corea's Matrix in their 90 minute show (photo: Chris Cameron)

Fire music with Peter Brötzmann & Michael Wertmüller at the Roundhouse on opening night 

(photo: Chris Cameron)

Swedish guitarist - Johan Lindstrom (with Dan Berglund's Tonbruket @ Performance Works) on opening night was a mind blower. Everyone loved this show! ( above photo: Chris Cameron / below: Peter Gannushkin)

Rich Halley Quartet featuring Clyde Reed on bass - Michael Vlatkovich trombone - Carsen Halley drums. Great shows at the Ironworks on opening night. Old school Ornette style free jazz. Great tenor man - Rich Halley (photo: Peter Gannushkin)

Jaga Jazzist (Norway) at the Venue tore it up on Saturday, June 25th (photo: Chris Cameron)

Blonde Redhead - a great show at the Vogue knocked everyone out (Photo: Chris Cameron)

Lars Hornveth of Jaga Jazzist (from Norway) Knips indeed - (photo: Peter Gannushkin)

Pugs and Crows light it up in Gastown - nice to see Cat Toren back in town (photo: Peter Gannushkin)

Danish / Canadian - Copenhagen based band "Koptor" (Kevin Brow, Graig Earle, Rob Mosher and Jacob Anderskov) at Performance Works on Sunday (photo: Peter Gannushkin)

Norwegian trio "In the Country" miraculously managed to perform at the festival on Saturday night -
at the Roundhouse - a really sweet and very beautiful concert (Morten Qvenild, Roger Arntzen, Paal Hausken) (photo: Peter Gannushkin)

Posted by: Ken Pickering

Artistic Director – Ken Pickering’s Festival picks: Part four

June 24, 2011

A great couple of days: nice catch up chat with NYC/Brooklyn based photographer extraordinaire – Peter Gannushkin – (an important documenter of the current NYC and beyond jazz/improv scenes) and his family along with Francois Houle at our favourite espresso hang – Milano Coffee on West 8^th Ave. We first met Peter on Facebook over a year ago and subsequently got better acquainted at the Nickelsdorff  Konfrontationen 2010 (in Austria) and in NYC last fall.  Check him out – his photography work is amazing.

http://metropolis.free-jazz.net/peter-gannushkin/photography/

Yesterday was busy, yet more espresso Thursday morning with DB Boyko (Western Front), Brian Nation (Vancouverjazz.com) rolled through, Gavin Walker (CITR) stopped by a couple of days back – it’s been really great to see so many familiar faces as the excitement and anticipation of the festival builds towards opening day. Thursday evening’s gala party to celebrate the beginning of the festival was awesome, with Mayor Gregor Robertson among the many luminaries in attendance. Sponsors, colleagues, board members, musicians, media - it was rockin’ – Ray Piper Trio supplied the music, The Lost Fingers knocked a couple of Michael Jackson tunes out of the park, with DJ: Hyaenas and French for Sled Dogs wrapping it up for the late set. Great to see so many musicians, especially out of towners (lots of Swedes); Dan Berglund’s Tonbruket, Rich Halley, Michael Vlatkovich, Jeanette Lindstrom and a strong Vancouver contingent.

The last few blog hits have focused in on some key programming gems and this one will be no different. There’s a ton of great music that I haven’t had managed to touch on – and it’s becoming clear that there’s no way I can get to everything.

I’ve been meaning to tell my Darcy James Argue / Colin Stetson story in this space for quite awhile now. Two years ago my friend and colleague Reiner Michalke (Moers Festival / Stadtgarden in Köln rolled through Vancouver en route to the BC wine country and Alberta (with his wife) for a camper van vacation. He stopped over at our place for dinner and we did the usual thing where we ask each other what we’ve heard lately that’s impressed. Two artists that he was extremely enthused about were Darcy and Colin. At that point I’d heard Darcy but was not yet aware of Colin Stetson. When Reiner told me that Darcy was from Vancouver originally I was incredulous – I thought he was from a southern confederate state (due to the cover imagery on his Secret Society disc), but sure enough when I went online, there it was – not only from Vancouver but he’d studied under the legendary band teacher Bob Rebigliatti at Handsworth High School in North Van (Bob also taught Renee Rosnes and many others) who is in fact an honourary board member of the festival. Darcy left Vancouver for Montreal and McGill and eventually ended up in Brooklyn. His Secret Society is an amazing big band – extending the historic tradition established by arrangers like Bob Brookmeyer, Gil Evans, Carla Bley and more recently Maria Schneider, by incorporating more contemporary elements of indie rock, steampunk, classical / new music and referencing important political / protest issues in the context of his art. This tour represents Darcy’s first foray across Canada (he’s already played important European festivals and has been lauded in the Village Voice, Downbeat, NY Times etc) with his Secret Society and I’m proud that we’ve been there by his side every step of the way and that his hometown debut is almost a reality! So exciting. This is a really important show – don’t miss it!

http://www.secretsocietymusic.org/darcy_james_argues_secret/bio.html

http://www.straight.com/article-400159/vancouver/argue-uses-his-big-band

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Q9ezXTYZUM

Same deal with Montreal based Colin Stetson – his charismatic solo bass saxophone forays are rapidly becoming the stuff of legend. Many of you have probably heard him without knowing it through his work with Bon Iver, Antibalas, Arcade Fire, Belle Orchestre etc.. and he’s also worked with Anthony Braxton, Laurie Anderson, Matana Roberts etc.. on the improv/contemporary music scene. I heard him at the Moers Fest and it was staggering. Don’t miss this guy – he’s probably going to be one of the main discoveries for many folks during this year’s festival. Three chances to hear him on July 1^st and 2^nd!

 http://colinstetson.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGWzEIjiCCY

I’m also psyched about Satoko Fujii’s Ma-Do Quartet (Tokyo) an excellent pianist; she’s built up an enviable catalogue of work, with many great projects from various small groups, duos to orchestras – and this jazz quartet is one of my favourites. Great to have her and Natsuki back at the festival.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrTYRU7ekuk

And Trevor! Trevor Watts and Veryan Weston are top-drawer senior British improvisers – Trevor in particular played a significant historical role in the development of British free improvisation. Check his work from the late 60’s: Spontaneous Music Ensemble, John Stevens, Derek Bailey, Evan Parker all first generation giants on the British scene and then Moire Music (more African influenced from the mid 80’s). These days Trevor is the newest member of Barry Guy’s New Orchestra. Veryan (not to be underestimated) is a vastly underrated pianist. I can’t stop listening to his solo “Allusions” disc on Emanem.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMSjXtrdRbY

The hard blowing Stockholm tenor man Jonas Kullhammar – Mr. Moserobie (just kidding – that’s the name of his great cd label  - Moserobie - one of the most important imprints for younger contemporary Swedish jazz musicians) should be heard by anyone who loves great saxophone playing in the post Rollins/Coltrane lineage. Jonas is always burning.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rqUzOI_I5g

I’ll wrap this up with three amazing ensembles:

The wonderful trio of Canadian pianist Kris Davis, German saxophonist Ingrid Laubrock and American drummer Tyshawn Sorey plays a detailed hybrid of jazz with contemporary new music influences (Feldman etc). Their Clean Feed disc has been on repeat for months. I’ve been lucky enough to hear them a couple of times in the past year – in Moers and at the Stone in NYC (even George Wein was at the Stone gig). This beautiful Brooklyn based trio has developed an original ensemble voice and there’s surely more to come.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Bcuz63aPZg

Rich Halley’s Quartet featuring Clyde Reed (with Michael Vlatkovich on trombone and Carson Halley on drums. Halley’s a giant of the tenor saxophone and is often mentioned by musicians and critics in the same breath as better known players like Joe Lovano, Dewey Redman and the like. Based in Portland (even after decades in the trenches) he hasn’t achieved the wider recognition that’s his due. The music is in the post Ornette spectrum and needs to be heard. Rich Halley is regional master – this one’s tonight at the Ironworks.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lawfww5iUb0

Finally – one of my favourite trios: Way Out Northwest (John Butcher, Torsten Muller and Dylan van der Schyff). John Butcher is a contemporary British saxophone master – simply amazing. His playing reveals new sound worlds and with extended listening there’s much to take in – between him and Evan Parker the Brits have made a major impact of pushing saxophone language beyond jazz orthodoxy. Torsten and Dylan are well known to Vancouverites as two of our more brilliant uncompromising improvisers and it’s always a joy to hear them play. (There was a great 1067 gig a few weeks ago with Alfred 23 Harth, Mei Han, TM and DvS). Way Out Northwest references Sonny Rollin’s landmark album (you know the one) - this is a group that seems to fall between the cracks - too jazzy for the new music people and too new music for some of the jazz cats. Me – I love it. Check out their disc on Drip Audio. This is a free Performance Works show on the 29^th – with the addition of Mei Han and Peggy Lee making it a quintet they’re also at PWorks on Canada Day.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4gMlg-Ptjk

That still doesn’t cover it all – but that’s it for today. Have a great festival and I’ll be back at ya soon!

Artistic Director – Ken Pickering’s Festival picks: Part three

Artistic Director – Ken Pickering’s

Festival picks: Part three

June 22, 2011

Artistic Director – Ken Pickering’s

Festival picks: Part three

The count down’s on for the festival with (and this seems crazy) only two days to go until kick off. My last posting ended with The Thing and Peter Brötzmann at the Roundhouse. I was going to include this swell (very young) Brötz photo that I’ve had for years – it was originally a part of German jazz calendar from the 70’s that included Mingus, Earl Hines, Duke etc! It’s followed me around for over 30 years so here it is.

The picks included here are by no means definitive – and there’s sure to be a few gigs that I’ve overlooked but really, the intention here is to provide a bit of a general survey that should whet the appetite and get the listening party started.

This year’s Innovation Series is stylistically diverse and there’s much to be excited about. The last three days will be killing. Among my faves – is anything surrounding the Atomic axis; this Norwegian / Swedish quintet is one of the great contemporary jazz bands performing today and they just keep growing. Every time I hear these guys I’m blown away and I was very lucky to hear both The Thing and Atomic in Lulea, Sweden a couple of months ago.

http://www.coastaljazz.ca/concert/atomic

(two shows at 7 and 9pm)

Don’t miss their daytime spinoffs on July 2^nd. Mercurial trumpeter Magnus Broo duets with Paal Nilssen-Love (see their disc Game on PNL), pianist Havard Wik and Vancouver clarinet master Francois Houle (they’ll be in the studio recording the day before for Songlines) will reprise their duo that was founded at the festival in 2008.

http://www.coastaljazz.ca/concert/magnus_broo_paal_nilssen_love

http://www.coastaljazz.ca/concert/håvard_wiik_françois_houle

Gord Grdina – what to say? This guy has been globetrotting for months if not years and it’s no surprise that his reputation is growing in leaps and bounds. Touring with Mats at the moment – Gord will perform twice as a leader – with the specially assembled Nordic Sextet “The Listening” and his middle eastern flavoured “Haram”. Gord Grdina ROCKS!

http://www.coastaljazz.ca/concert/gordon_grdinas_nordic_sextet_listening

(two shows at 7 and 9pm)

http://www.coastaljazz.ca/artist/gordon_grdinas_haram

Two more great guitarists are Toronto’s Kevin Breit (Sisters Euclid) (a serious master – just love his Neil Young covers) and Oslo’s Evind Aarset. Both of these guys have serious cred. Kevin has worked with countless great artists – Cassandra Wilson, Cyro Baptista, Molly Johnson, Norah Jones and the list goes on and on. 

Eivind was with Nils Petter Molvaer for years – his atmospheric textures are grounded in Hendrix soundscapes and he can turn on the after burner when necessary. Heard him tear it up at the Northsea Festival in the Netherlands last July on the same night as the World Cup (Netherlands/Spain) was on. Good soundtrack.

http://www.coastaljazz.ca/concert/sisters_euclid_feat_kevin_breit

(two shows 8 and 10:30pm

http://www.coastaljazz.ca/concert/eivind_aarset_sonic_codex_4tet

(two shows 7 and 9pm)

Swedish bassist Dan Berglund formed Tonbruket in 2009 after the tragic passing of Esbjorn Svensson (E.S.T). Somewhat of a departure for Dan, after many years in the trio format Tonbruket was formed as a quartet with Johan Lindström (on pedal steel and guitars), Andreas Werlin on drums (Wild Birds and Peacedrums / Fire!) and Martin Hederos on keyboards. The textures and approach reference widely from Emerson Lake and Palmer (at least a couple of us heard that at our media listening session) to mambo, Beatles, Pink Floyd and Daniel Lanois. They’ve just released their 2^nd disc for the ACT label (Germany). This should be a great night.

http://www.coastaljazz.ca/concert/dan_berglund´s_tonbruket

(2 shows 8 and 10:30pm)

Norwegian trio “In the Country” replaces Mederic Collignon (cancelled for health reasons) at the RH on Saturday night; with pianist / keyboard maestro Morten Qvenild (here last year with Susanna and the Magical Orchestra and has been a member of the Shining, Jaga Jazzist and Solveig Slettahjell’s groups) at the helm and Roger Arntzen (bass), Pal Hausken (drums). We’re very lucky that they were in Seattle the previous evening, so to have these guys on our doorstep kind of saved the day (and that's a whole story in and of itself). They’ve released 3 albums on Rune Grammofon to critical acclaim and their live concerts mesmerize; melodic and sensitive explorations that combine contemporary jazz and prog rock. We’ve heard them live on numerous occasions in Norway; they’ve also been to the festival once previously – to our ears their shows are gorgeous (not too twee) magical events.

http://www.coastaljazz.ca/concert/country

(2 shows 7 and 9pm)

More to come! (Satoko Fujii, Jonas Kullhammar, John Butcher, Kris Davis / Ingrid Laubrock / Tyshawn Sorey, Darcy James Argue)

Artistic Director - Ken Pickering’s festival picks: Part Two

June 17, 2011

Music is the Healing Force of the Universe – Albert Ayler

I must say, a lot has happened in our fair city since my last posting a few days back. The Canucks lost game 7 (a great run by the best and most skilled magical team in the history of Vancouver) of the Stanley Cup final. Before the game even ended, a riot was perpetrated by a number of extreme agitators that were intent on lighting a powder keg that was actually 100’s of young drunk testosterone fueled dummy idiots all too willing to join in the “excitement” to “make history” – unfortunately that set the stage for a major riot that seemed destined to happen win or lose. It was a sad and shameful day for the city of Vancouver – and the reality was that the City, after inviting 100,000 people to the live sites downtown had not gathered any intelligence (that would indicate a potential public disturbance) and was not at all prepared for this horrific outcome that made headlines around the world from Sweden to New Zealand and beyond. The positive outcome in this BS is that a spontaneous clean up crew of 100’s of folks was organized through social media that served to show the true spirit of the city of Vancouver (one of the world’s most livable cities, so they say) – but of course this will be local and not international news. Enough with the violence already, that’s not the way Vancouver rolls.

So – let’s talk music - we’re on the short run up to the jazz festival (with a week to go before we hit on June 24th) and we believe that culture / music is going to play a very important role in the healing process for all Vancouverites. It’s time to feel the love!

Our street closure for Gastown Jazz Weekend (25, 26) and the free programs at David Lam Park Jazz Weekend (July 2, 3) and at Granville Island on Canada Day are wonderfully diverse family friendly events that have always been among the most popular and well loved of the festival. Let’s feel good together and have a good old- fashioned jazz fest party that will bring people together and lift our collective spirits. Music is the healing force of the universe!

In Gastown you’ll hear two of Canada’s finest jazz pianists, Montreal’s Francois Bourassa and Vancouver’s Sharon Minemoto. I’m also really looking forward to the return of hometown hero, saxophonist Seamus Blake guesting with Jacek Kochan.

http://www.coastaljazz.ca/concerts/browse/series?tid=52

On Canada Day we’ve got some of my favourite musicians with the Peggy Lee Band, Cat Toren, Torsten Muller’s Distant Relatives (featuring John Butcher) and the first time meeting of fire breathing saxophonists Mats Gustafsson and Colin Stetson.

http://www.coastaljazz.ca/concerts/browse/series?tid=71

At David Lam Park don’t miss our High School Jazz Intensive – a wonderful big band that will be in training all week under the helm of Chicago’s (AACM co-president) Nicole Mitchell. Other highlights are sure to be Gordon Grdina’s middle-eastern juggernaut Haram, the Afro-Cuban sounds of festival fave Wil Campa, Japanese avant saxophonist Kazutoki Umezu’s Kiki Band and the modern gypsy jazz sounds of Gypsophilia from Halifax.

http://www.coastaljazz.ca/concerts/browse/series?tid=53

Now on to the Innovation Series:

http://www.coastaljazz.ca/concerts/browse/series?tid=53

I first became aware of the intense brash free jazz saxophonist Peter Brötzmann (during high school) in the late 60’s on the first Globe Unity album and subsequently on a groundbreaking album called “Nipples”. Then I was lucky enough to hear him at length in Berlin (Total Music Meeting) in 1972 with Han Bennink, Fred van Hove and Albert Mangelsdorff (and bought all the FMP albums). I actually do remember thinking, wow, Albert Ayler is one powerful musician, but this German guy is taking that idea and some of those concepts to another place. It was completely free and it was intense – “punk intense”. Hearing Brötz live was a revelation and one of the most important “free jazz” touchstones of that era for myself and for many others. He hasn’t stopped and continues to be a vital force with inspired playing that is as strong and intense as ever in more contexts that I care to count. I think it’s fair to say that the life’s work of Peter Brötzmann (and he’s a wonderful visual artist as well) laid the groundwork and was influential for many “out” saxophonists of younger generations including Mats Gustafsson and Ken Vandermark. It’s no coincidence that both of these players are included in his Chicago Tentet. Although I’ve been fortunate to hear him on many occasions with many projects around the world, it’s also fair to say that he hasn’t appeared in Vancouver anywhere near often enough (w. Bennink in duo, with Chicago Tentet, w. Marilyn Crispell and Hamid Drake, Die Like a Dog to name a few), so it is most certainly a special occasion – it’s a must - Peter Brötzmann Full Blast (with Marino Pliakis – electric bass and Michael Wertmüller – drums. Be aware that they will be very very loud! This one’s for fans that love loud intense music and Brötz will take no prisoners.

http://www.coastaljazz.ca/concert/peter_br%C3%B6tzmann_full_blast

(2 concerts – 7pm / 9pm)

The road from Brötz naturally leads to Mats Gustafsson and The Thing. Mr. Gustafsson has been a friend since our first introduction through John Corbett in the early 90’s. In the intervening 20 years MG has developed into one of the most notorious saxophonists on the planet – working with artists as diverse as Sonic Youth, the Ex, Barry Guy’s New Orchestra, Sonore, P.B. Chicago Tentet and special projects on a regular basis. In 2009 Mats and Francois Houle headed up our musical “Ice Hockey” project. As we’ve noted before, Mats is a major hockey fan and supporter (of the Canucks) and an important reason that our “Swedish” connection has blossomed over the past decade or more. He’s received accolades all over the world – including a cover story for Wire magazine and Mats is also the recent winner of the important and much coveted Nordic Music Prize. He’ll be touring with Gordon Grdina’s Trio leading up to his festival performances – culminating in a number of gigs in Vancouver with Grdina (Nordic Sextet), Colin Stetson (an important first meeting) and The Thing.

The Thing is a most powerful trio - had to keep them and Brötz a week apart (insurance doesn’t cover that kind of fire) – almost too much of a good thing! (sorry – bad pun). A Norwegian rhythm section that features heavyweights Ingebrigt Häker-Flaten and Paal Nilssen-Love (shared with Atomic) is tough and strong, one of the major kick ass tandems in today’s music.  The Thing is a quintessential bruising punk/jazz band  (with repertoire that takes in PJ Harvey, Joe McPhee, Don Cherry, White Stripes and more) that can cleanse your soul - everything I said about Full Blast also applies to The Thing. If the Canucks had taken Mats’ advice to listen to some old Brötzmann records and just play – they might have hoisted the Stanley Cup on Wednesday. Monster mash.

http://www.coastaljazz.ca/concert/thing

(2 concerts – 7pm / 9pm)

Check out the new site of PB, MG, PN-L and KV =

http://www.catalytic-sound.com/home.php?cat=

http://matsgus.com/archives/category/groups/the-thing

 More Innovation / more jazz / more of everything next week!

Ken Pickering - Festival Picks 2011 - Part One

June 13, 2011

Artistic Director - Ken Pickering’s festival picks: Part One

A question that always comes up at this time of the year goes something like, “so what are you excited about in this year’s festival lineup and what are your don’t miss picks”? Of course I have my faves and I’m always happy to talk about some of our key programming threads; yet at the same time it’s clearly very difficult to cover all of the worthy music that deserves recognition in a festival of the breadth and magnitude of the VIJF. What I’m going to do here is split my picks list into two parts – the first one will focus on artists that are in the more traditional jazz and world music styles and the second will key in on the Innovation Series and it’s offshoots.

Most music fans are aware of the obvious so called “household” or big names in the Marquee series so I won’t delve too much into that area and will instead focus on artists that might not be as widely known to the general public that need to be heard.

Of course there’s always an exception and in the case it’s Spain’s Paco de Lucia & Band (Paco is also featured on Wynton’s latest with Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra “Vitoria Sutie”). All I’ve got to say is that this one has been a long time coming; we’ve been hoping to get this masterful flamenco guitarist back to Vancouver (and Canada) for years now and this is finally the year of reckoning. The maestro is iconic in the flamenco world and a superstar in Europe having played at all of the important festivals on the continent. This truly presents a rare opportunity to hear a musical legend and I can’t emphasize enough that this very special concert (Orpheum – July 3) shouldn’t be missed particularly if you love the sounds of the acoustic guitar being played by a flamenco master. Once in a lifetime!

http://www.coastaljazz.ca/concert/paco_de_lucia_band

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=To09Km0y8ic&feature=related

http://www.pacodelucia.com/

Everyone loves a great singer. Among the top tier artists and most widely known fado stylists in Portugal is the fantastic Ana Moura. She’s got illustrious fans, having sung on stage with the Stones and hung out with Prince. Ana Moura’s impeccable vocal tone and melancholy fado style is stunning – truly one of the most beautiful singers in the world today (Vogue - June 29). She’s a wonderful new discovery that we’d like to share, so please don’t miss this knock out concert.

http://www.anamoura.net/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Djc3151ebcs

How about some jazz? In my opinion one of the top-drawer jazz ensembles in today’s jazz world has to be Christian McBride’s Inside Straight. The name tells the story, but I’ll tell another story anyway (though Christian’s bandstand stories are second to none and always worth the price of admission). This wonderful bassist has been around for 20 years and he’s played with many legends in his career to date (Sonny Rollins, Freddie Hubbard, McCoy Tyner, Chick Corea and even James Brown), and he’s still only in his 30’s! Amazing. Inside Straight takes him back to his straight ahead roots and let me tell you – it’s a great band. When I was in NYC last November I was lucky enough to hear the band (with my colleague Jan Ole Otnaes from the Molde Festival in Norway) at the wonderful “Jazz Standard” club (along with the legendary Village Vanguard, my two favourite clubs in the city). The band tore it up and I’ve got to say we were dumbfounded – it really was that good. As a reference, think Bobby Hutcherson’s great late 60’s quintet (the one with Harold Land) on Blue Note. The young vibes player (Warren Wolf) was fantastic and squarely in that tradition. Hard swinging rhythm section on great material with excellent soloists. That’s Inside Straight. This will undoubtedly be one of the best “traditional” jazz concerts of the festival. (Vogue – July 1^st)

http://www.coastaljazz.ca/concert/christian_mcbride_and_inside_straight

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpZramyYCOM

I’ve been listening to Richard Galliano’s unique and intoxicating accordion music for a few years now and have always hoped an opportunity would present itself to get him from France to Vancouver. Logistics always seemed to be difficult, but this year proved to be different. When the idea was presented (by Richard’s manager) to bring this magical duo comprised of superb Cuban pianist Gonzalo Rubalcaba and Richard Galliano we just had to say yes.  This was one of the last festival bookings before we closed out the program and it’s a gem. Gonzalo has performed at the festival on various occasions in past years (always stunning) but never in such an unusual or intimate context. This concert will be a gorgeous evening of intricate chamber jazz. (Vogue – July 2)

http://www.coastaljazz.ca/concert/gonzalo_rubalcaba_richard_galliano

http://www.g-rubalcaba.com/

http://www.g-rubalcaba.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRw9OihFqws&feature=related

Wrapping it up - a couple of piano trios that are definitely worthy of your attention are the virtuosic Jean- Michel Pilc’s Trio – Pilc Moutin Hoenig (2 shows at Performance Works- June 29) and Blue Note recording artist Robert Glasper (2 shows at Performance Works – June 25) a fine player that has been crossing over through his work with Mos Def. Two different styles for sure, but both of these trios swing hard and are emotionally direct in their presentation.

http://www.coastaljazz.ca/concert/pilc_moutin_hoenig

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjhHHHkN9vQ

http://www.coastaljazz.ca/concert/robert_glasper_trio

Hockey and Jazz

Hockey and Jazz – June 1st, 2011 (by Ken Pickering)

Above all, one thing that’s been on everyone’s mind out here on the rainy west coast is hockey (sorry fellow Canadians) and that’s because our beloved Canucks (Canuckleheads) have made it to the Stanley Cup final and they’ll be facing off against the dreaded Boston Bruins (an original six team) for game one tonight in Vancouver. Our boys had an amazing year, a season to be remembered for Vancouver’s fans (and there’s a lot of them in Vancouver, throughout BC and across Canada). Our fans have entered a special zone that we’ve had very little experience with – that’s winning and getting to the NHL final (for the 2^nd time in 40 years with the last time being 1994 against the Rangers only to lose by a goal in game 7). Many observers regard the Stanley Cup to be the toughest championship to win in sports.  To get there you’ve got to win 16 games over 4 best of 7 rounds. The playoffs are 2 months long! We beat the dreaded Chicago Black Hawks (home to Ken Vandermark), Nashville Predators and the San Jose Sharks.

The Canucks were amazing this year (#1 overall out of 30 teams) with great mgt, coaching, leadership in the room – creative and exciting hockey being played out at the highest level – in short the best Canucks team of all time.

So what’s this got to do with jazz? Good question. Well we’ve worked hard to make those connections over the past couple of years – with our Canada vs. Sweden “Ice Hockey” multi – media project in 2009, with commissions for Mats Gustafsson and Francois Houle to develop compositions that deal with the culture and rules of ice hockey in a musical context. That was one of the most fun events we’ve ever been involved with.

Maybe it’s a stretch, but many of our Nordic brethren in music are serious hockey fans. The cool thing about the Vancouver team is the international flavour of the team – with Swedes such as the unbelievably talented Sedin brothers (Daniel and Henrik winning back to back scoring championships in 2010 and 2011), D-man Alex Edler, the injured forward Mikael Samuelsson, the intense Danish forward Jannik Hansen, German D-man Christian Erhoff, Finland’s Sami Salo along with Canadians Roberto Luongo, Dan Hamhuis and American dragon slayer, Ryan Kesler.

So the deal is – our Nordic musician friends in particular follow NHL hockey! I’ve received more emails from Mats Gustafsson (The Thing) about the Canucks playoff run than I care to count. Check this out -

After the Canucks lose – Mats: “so, what the heck is goin on there.... luongo? sedins ?

wow...... don’t do this to me....tell em to shape up..... listen to some old recordings of brötzmann and just PLAY!!!!!!”

After the Canucks win - “sedins.... wow!!! I think I have to write a new piece dedicated to em.....twin music... hockey......  fast and w finesse.......man, oh man... this can be something.... ha ha.......”

Mats performs with: The Thing, Gordon Grdina and in duo with Colin Stetson – dates from July 1^st to 3^rd.

The Thing 

Gordon Grdina 

 

By the way, it was just announced that Mats won the very prestigious Nordic Council Music Prize (350K NOK). This year’s theme was "Individual musicians (instrumentalists or vocalists), who have achieved innovation in music with improvisation as a bearing element, and whose efforts are co-creative and important for the form, sound and context of the musical expression. The nominees must have been worthy of attention on the Nordic or international stage within the last year (2010)”. Congratulations on the win!

Nordisk Råds Musikpris

www.musikpris.org

Raymond Strid (percussionist extraordinaire) a long time colleague of Mats (“Last Seen Headed” with Joelle Leandre and Francois Houle ) used to be a goaltender and never runs out of things to say when hockey is concerned (in fact Francois was also a goaltender – what are the chances of finding an int’l improvising trio with 2 ex- hockey goalies?). (catch LSH at the Western Front – next week June 9^th). We’ll definitely be watching a couple of games together. Luckily their concert isn’t on a game night.

francoishoule.ca » LSH Trio Canadian Tour

www.francoishoule.ca

The Norwegian / Swedish juggernaut know as “Atomic” also includes a couple of Swedish hockey fans – saxophonist Fredrik Ljunkgvist and especially trumpeter Magnus Broo – in fact Broo is one of the most intense hockey fans I’ve ever come across – plays the video games, he’s a stats master, follows the entire league and knows his history as well as any Canadian hockey freak around.

Magnus – “Yes!! It's very cool Amazing season! Heard they've had many injuries also....I think Edler is about to come back though:) And the sedins....wow!

Well, hope they win the Stanley cup now also! Fire!”

Atomic closes out the festival on July 3^rd and members of the quintet will be performing in duo’s etc over the final 3 days. (ie. Havard Wik / Francois Houle, Magnus Broo / Paal Nilssen-Love)

Atomic

Atomic "Two Boxes Left" @ nu things JAJOUKA Osaka

www.youtube.com

Even Danish pianist, Soren Kjaergaard (at the Roundhouse July 3 with Ben Street and Andrew Cyrille) was following the series because of the gritty work of Danish forward Jannik Hansen.

Kjaergaard/Street/Cyrille

So yes it’s a stretch, but there is a connection between jazz and hockey, just ask Mats Gustafsson and Francois Houle. On to game one of the Stanley Cup final!