Innovation Series: Han Bennink 70th Anniversary by: Ken Pickering / Artistic Director

“Innovation Series” 

Han Bennink 70th Anniversary

at the Ironworks    (June 24th , 2012)

by: Ken Pickering / Artistic Director

Han Bennink / Brodie West / Terrie Ex

A very special collaboration will take place between 3 iconoclastic musicians; 2 Dutch and 1 Canadian. In Vancouver this trio performs at the Ironworks, June 24^th.

The Canadian and organizing element in this trio, Toronto saxophonist Brodie West has been particularly active on the Dutch improv scene; working extensively with Han as well as with The Ex over the past decade. In Canada Brodie’s credits are diverse, having worked with Drumheller and Lina Allemano on the jazz side and Broken Social Scene and Deep Dark United on the indie scene. I first heard him in a duet with Han Bennink at the Anza club back in 2004! Here's a sound clip of the trio.

Han’s long time friend guitarist Terrie Hessels (aka Ex) cofounded the Ex in 1979; known to be one of the most important punk bands of the era. The Ex continues to this day, expanding their original punk ethos outward to incorporate Ethiopian music and free improvisation into a vital mix that is unique in music. The Ex Brass Unbound (with Wolter Wierbos, Ken Vandermark etc) recently (May) recorded at Roy Paci’s studio in Italy and then went on a short tour. Terrie’s next stop - Canada! The Ex have performed in Canada, mostly on the east coast (rarely in YVR) and we’ve come close to enticing them to the fest, but alas with no success. Maybe this will be a stepping-stone to the jazz fest for The Ex. Here's a thorny clip of the duo with Han and Terrie.

New Acoustic Swing Duo (Han Bennink, Willem Breuker)

ICP (1967)

Han Bennink (drum master) turned 70 years old this year. This is a milestone! Born in 1942 Han has been in my consciousness almost since I discovered jazz in 1967. My first exposure to his music must have been from Eric Dolphy’s “Last Date” from 1964 (hear South Street Exit) and sometime within those next 3 years I encountered the mind altering “New Acoustic Swing Duo” (with Willem Breuker), “Topography of the Lungs” (with Evan Parker and Derek Bailey) and various albums with John Tchicai, Peter Broetzmann, Fred van Hove and most importantly his long time comrade, Misha Mengelberg. By 1972 I was in Berlin listening to his music for real! Never looked back (except to listen).

Topography of the Lungs (Evan Parker, Derek Bailey, Han Bennink)

The legendary 1st release of free improvisation on Incus (1970)

A regular visitor to Vancouver, Han's first appearance was probably with Peter Broetzmann in the 80’s and in subsequent years he became a musician and fan favourite in our town, collaborating with Paul Plimley, a first encounter with Dave Douglas, tours with Clusone Trio and the Tobias Delius Quartet, in trio with Ray Anderson and Christy Doran, Eric Boeren's Quartet and of course various YVR appearances with the fabulous ICP Orchestra from the mid 90’s onward.

Han Bennink, Wilbert de Joode, Eric Boeren - Vancouver Fest 2010

(photo: Chris Cameron)

“Improvisation is like daily life…like crossing a street” says Han Bennink. The ICP (Instant Composers Pool) has 45 years music performance and (if you haven’t yet heard) to commemorate this exceptional history, a 50 CD box set is planned, with DVD’s, bonus material and a photo book with each numbered box (300) hand painted by Han Bennink! Here’s the link: http://www.icporchestra.com/icpbox/

This concert celebrates in sound a great friendship, not only between these musicians but also with the Vancouver audience, an audience that never fails to heartily welcome Han to the bandstand each and every time he comes to town.  It’s our small way of saying happy birthday and contributing to Han Bennink’s 70^th birthday celebration. What better place to celebrate than the Ironworks!

 kp

Hopper Pass is the Bomb! 2012 (by Ken Pickering / Artistic Director)

Hopper Pass 2012

(by Ken Pickering / Artistic Director)

The Hopper Pass is back for 2012. With a limited number of passes available for the festival until June 15^th at $175 + S/C, (click here) this ticketing option still represents the best value for the hard core fan that absolutely needs to check out as much music as possible during the festival. Giving rabid listeners access to 6 venues including the Vogue, Performance Works, Venue, The Ironworks, Roundhouse Exhibition Hall and Electric Owl the pass is really the only way to go to get the full festival experience without spending a fortune. It's also a wonderful opportunity for more of the casual listeners to get a sampling of the festivals full breadth. To get a sense of the value, the total cost to individual shows at The Ironworks alone comes to $230 and that’s before you factor in all of the other venues. 

The diversity of programming throughout these venues perfectly encapsulates the festival ethos. With iconic jazz musicians such as guitarists Bill Frisell (with his amazing John Lennon project) or Norway’s longtime ECM recording artist Terje Rypdal’s Crime Scene with the Bergen Big Band, to legendary saxophonist Wayne Shorter or the star studded cast of the amazing hard bop band The Cookers (Billy Hart, George Cables, Billy Harper etc), the sacred steel of Robert Randolph and the fiery latin grooves of Venezuela’s Los Amigos Invisibles we’re just getting the festival party started.

 Bill Frisell

Some of the great voices in jazz, such as Dianne Reeves and singer / pianist Eliane Elias plus the awesome Canadian singer / songwriter Jill Barber are all in the Hopper mix. In another zone turntablist Kid Koala unveils his Space Cadet Headphone Experience over 3 shows at Performance Works. So you wanna get down - soulful rapper Kyprios & the Chaperones serve up a slammin’ party vibe.

Los Amigos Invisibles

If the outer reaches of jazz is your thing; there’s a wonderful cross section of musicians from Europe, plus a Late Night Series of Vancouver’s creative musicians: you can catch some of the world’s best. Mathias Eick (Norway), Angelika Niescier (Germany), Francois Houle 5 + 1, Hexen Trio (with Paul Plimley, Barry Guy and Lucas Niggli) or Torsten Muller’s Distant Relatives with Ab Baars and Xu Fengxia.

Hexen Trio (Paul Plimley, Barry Guy, Lucas Niggli)

There’s an awful lot to experience in this festival and with a Hopper Pass your only concern will be keeping the energy up so that you don’t miss the next amazing show. If you go for it, I can guarantee that you’ll be utterly transformed by the end of the festival run. And that’s a good thing. Please join us for 10 days of incredible music and fun filled times that many of us consider to be the highlight of our year!

Innovation Series @ Ironworks #1 by Ken Pickering

“Innovation Series” at the Ironworks #1 (June 5, 2012)

by: Ken Pickering / Artistic Director

As you’ve probably noticed, we’ve moved most of this year’s Innovation Series to a new home, the much loved multi-purpose venue “The Ironworks”, a funky space near Gastown that’s home to many creative music shows throughout the year. A great spot on Alexander, just east of Main, the Ironworks has become one of our favourite places to listen to music in recent years. The idea was to create an informal comfortable communal vibe by refocusing the series so the audience and musicians would have an opportunity to get to know one another. Black boxes have their place, but we felt it was really time to bring the music to a space that was more informal and in essence create a great hang!

We’re running 8 shows through the main Innovation Series 9pm and another 7 shows in the Late Night Innovation Series at 11:30pm.

In these ongoing blog pieces I plan to write snap shot profiles (with the occasional anecdote or reminiscence where appropriate) of some (probably not all) of the artists included in the Innovation Series. Look for updates every couple of days that’ll feature one or two more artists leading up to the festival.

I’ve already talked a bit about Hélène Labarièrre in my previous “Spotlight on French Jazz” blog piece. So check that out if you haven’t already – for this one I’ll just include another you tube video from Dec 2010 that’ll give you an idea of what to expect from this talented bassist’s quartet and of course encourage you to check out her show on opening night. She’s heavy!

Hélène Labarièrre

 IPA – a great name for a great band that we heard at the Molde Jazz Festival in July/2010. The band originally began as a Norwegian trio (Ingebrigt Håker-Flaten – bass, Håkon Mjåset-Johansen – drums and Atle Nymo – sax) to record the legendary Don Cherry’s iconic (listen) music “Complete Communion” (one of the great Blue Note albums of the 60’s) and became a quartet in 2007 with the addition of Sweden’s Magnus Broo – trumpet and they have 3 albums out (2 as a quartet plus the trio disc). With roots in the classic Ornette / Don Cherry innovations of the 60’s, these players expand upon that musical territory in fresh, exacting and exciting ways that literally seethe with energy. You’ll hear blistering free bop sections that take off like a rocket, contrasted with a lyrical bittersweet approach from the horns that might remind of Archie Shepp’s moody down tempo moments. Atle to my ears has a serious Shepp influence. Of course these guys always bring it on with their hard swinging rhythmic approach that not only propels the music but holds it all together. If you enjoy the amazing Scandinavian quintet Atomic, this is a band that’ll make you sit up and take serious notice; so whatever you do don’t miss this quartet!  Both Magnus and Ingebrigt are members of Atomic – Atle and Håkon are fantastic players as well and without a doubt these new discoveries will be worth the price of admission as we used to say back in the day. This is sure to be a memorable show! 

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

IPA

Spotlight on French Jazz 2012 by Ken Pickering

Spotlight on French Jazz 2012

By Ken Pickering / Artistic Director

This collaboration between the Vancouver and Ottawa Jazz Festivals, the French Cultural Services in Canada and Institut Français is a fabulous initiative that serves to focus our attention on the contemporary jazz scene in France. Debut Vancouver performances, special collaborations and more will take place in ticketed and free venues during our opening and closing weekend programs.

The work ensued last year with a dialogue initiated between the French Services in Canada; Julie Gallo (French Embassy in Ottawa) and Raynald Belay (French Consulate in Vancouver) with festival directors Catherine O’Grady in Ottawa and myself on the home front here in YVR. There was a thought that this project would be well suited for our events in 2013 (giving us plenty of time to develop a great program), but then it was fast tracked for 2012!

In order to put together a program of the most interesting and diverse music on the French scene on a short time line, we had to quickly establish a strong list of bands and artists that would be a good fit with our festivals. Catherine and myself have similar taste and aesthetic perspectives, so it wasn’t difficult to come up with a strong list, however the challenge can be convincing the artists to undertake international flights without a major tour.

Both of us are big time fans of bassist Hélène Labarriére, so she was close to the top of our list! I first heard her music around twenty years ago in Paris and have been following her music since those days. It’s strange that it can take so darn long to get someone that you really dig to the festival, but such are the realities of programming. Extreme patience can be a prerequisite when dealing with what are ultimately long- term projects! Hélène finally appeared at our festival in 2009 with Sylvain Kassap and at that point we understood that the next logical move would be to invite her own band. Over the years her credits including Marc Ducret, Michel Portal, Robert Wyatt and in her younger days she backed up jazz greats Lee Konitz, Johnny Griffin and Slide Hampton. Her music is intense, yet relaxed, seemingly an accessible and infectious sort of free jazz. Her album Les Temps Changent features her quartet with the fantastic Danish guitarist Hasse Poulsen, François Corneloup (bari sax) and Christophe Marguet (drums). Innovation Series at Ironworks – June 22^nd Here’s a live video.

Hélène Labarriére Quartet

Médéric Collignon’s  Jus de Bocse was invited last year, but he bowed out with a serious back issue that unfortunately prevented him from traveling. (With back issues of my own I can relate!) So it was obvious that we had to extend Médèric’s invitation to this year’s festival, which he of course was happy to accept.  Collignon was last in Vancouver (the only time) in 2005 with Collectif Slang. A highly energetic performer on trumpet and vocals (a kind of speaking in tongues) his recent music has focused on re-imaginings of Miles’ electric period with Zawinul, Hermeto and Led Zeppelin thrown in for good measure.  Check out Médèric's version of Miles Davis' – Gone (video). Here's a review of Shangri-Takashi-La by John Kelman "All About Jazz"

Saxophonist Pierrick Pédron was a new discovery for us – although not a band either of us (Catherine or myself) had heard live, they do come highly recommended by colleagues that we trust. Recording for the prestigious German label “Act Music” (EST, Youn Sun Nah, Vijay Iyer etc) his most recent disc “Cheerleaders” is a mix of prog rock, lyrical saxophone and world grooves that can be spellbinding. His band (along with Médèric’s) performs on the open air “Downtown Jazz” stages opening weekend.  Check out this happening you tube video.

Marc Ducret has been on the scene for decades and is well established on the French and European scenes, though not as well known in North America. His highly original and idiosyncratic approach to guitar attracted Tim Berne – (a key figure on the downtown and Brooklyn scenes for decades) to his sound, the result, he’s been working with various Berne led groups (Big Satan, Science Friction etc) for over 20 years! To be truthful, we’ve been trying to get Marc’s trio here for a few years now, but there’s always a scheduling conflict and this year is no different. So rather than miss the opportunity to invite Marc we worked out a couple of interesting musical scenarios and went for it.

Marc Ducret

Benoit Delbecq and Marc have an ongoing duo  and of course we know that Benoit and Francois Houle also have their long time duo (from the 90’s) with three albums on the Songlines imprint; the latest release is “Because She Hoped” a triumphant piece of work. Have at look at this captivating film documentary. There's also a couple of good reviews - Misterioso / Laurence Svirchev review and another by NPR's Kevin Whitehead here.

There’s also a lovely trio disc "La Lumière de Pierres" from 2007 that Benoit and Francois (review by Misterioso) recorded with Evan Parker on his psi imprint. Since the late Steve Lacy first hipped me (in the early 90’s) to the great talent of Benoit Delbecq, this wonderful pianist has become a regular visitor to the festival with various projects (Recyclers, Kartet etc) but most often to collaborate with his musical brother Francois Houle. So the idea here is to revisit the trio constellation with component parts that are made up of these two very different duos. We’ll hear various formations; solos, duos and trios and can expect the unexpected. 

Innovation Series Roundhouse – June 30^th

 Benoit Delbecq

The other duo project with Marc Ducret involves Swiss born, Berlin based trombonist Samuel Blaser, a young musician who is rapidly establishing his credentials on the international scene and is one of the most important new voices on the instrument. With great taste in drummers, Samuel has recorded with legends; a beautiful duo with the Swiss percussionist Pierre Favre (Intakt) and also with the late great Paul Motian (his last recorded date was Blaser’s beautiful “Consort in Motion”).  Gerald Cleaver (along with Ducret and Banz Oester) is in Blaser’s recording and touring quartet (video) and he’s also touring with Gerry Hemingway. Samuel Blaser will be a real discovery for fans of creative improvised music. Innovation Series Roundhouse - July 1st

Samuel Blaser

Although not officially part of our Spotlight program, there is a connection to our final project – Francois Houle 5 + 1 because of Parisian pianist Benoit Delbecq. A couple of years ago Francois came to me with a simple idea - to develop a new international jazz ensemble with American trumpeter Taylor Ho Bynum (Sonic Genome 2010, Anthony Braxton etc). We jammed up ideas at Milano Coffee over numerous espressos in an attempt to come up with the perfect rhythm section. I suggested a couple of Canadian expats in Brooklyn: Michael Bates (bass) and Harris Eisenstadt (drums). From the basic quartet Bates brought Swiss born, Berlin based trombonist Samuel Blaser on board and finally Parisian pianist Benoit Delbecq (how could he not be when they will be touring the duo and ensemble in tandem) was invited by FH and it’s now a sextet. Francois has told me that he can’t hear this music without the piano now – and clearly Delbecq’s playing has the magic (I can hear the Mal Waldron) and is the glue that fuses and lights up this band. Each of these guys is a close personal friend, plus they’re all leaders in their own right, so it’s been a thrill to be part of their process. Long story short – major Canadian tour, Songlines recording “Genera” will be available any minute now and voila – one of the best new jazz ensembles on the scene! Check this earlier quartet - first meeting demo recorded/filmed in NYC with Taylor Ho Bynum, Michael Bates and Harris Eisenstadt. Innovation Series at Ironworks – July 1^st 

 Francois Houle

Thanks to: Institut Français & the French Cultural Services in Canada (the French Consulate in Vancouver and the French Embassy in Ottawa)

For supporting "Spotlight on French Jazz"

Downtown Jazz 2012

Downtown Jazz (May 28, 2012)

By Ken Pickering

Without a doubt, the biggest Jazz Fest news over the past couple of weeks has been about the impending move to the Vancouver Art Gallery and Robson Square (Downtown Jazz!) for our new opening weekend street party! The city is buzzing and the excitement is building. With mixed emotions I can say that we’re just a little bit thankful this year not to have the Canucks dominating the city’s media outlets, as was the case last year at this time! As much as I love my hockey team, June is for Jazz Fest, not for hockey.

Although we have a great many wonderful memories of our twenty plus years in Gastown, it was quite clear that there wasn’t a moment to waste if we (and the city) hoped to truly build on the gains made by opening the downtown core to the people during the 2010 Olympics and Cultural Olympiad. That’s the real legacy of the Olympics. We'll host an incredible street party that's safe and fun, enjoy unbelievable music and plenty more without incident. The Festival will become an “arts and music village” on the downtown site with three live performance stages, a family zone, a community fair, art installations, an artisan and food market, two outdoor licensed bistros, busker entertainment and free dance classes.  This has been a long-term dream for those of us that have been around for years at the fest and we believe that Vancouver is more than ready – it’s about time that major large-scale cultural events take center stage in downtown Vancouver. We’re very proud that the Jazz Festival will be the first major event (post Olympics) to reclaim our city center for arts and culture and we’re overjoyed that it’s the amazing Dal Richards (who is this city’s link to multiple generations of music fans) who will usher in a new era when his band hits the Georgia Stage on June 23^rd!

You might ask, that’s all cool, but how about the rest of the music? Well to me, I think the "Downtown Jazz" music program is going to really be kickin'. The two main stages include five bands a day (20 bands in total over the weekend) beginning at 12:30pm. We’ve put together a roster of talent that covers a lot of stylistic territory. Bands from as far afield as France, NYC and Toronto and as close to home as down the street or across town will come to play for us – overall we’ve bringing a little bit more of an international flavor and a much deeper program this year than we had in Gastown last year. I’ll point out a few highlights here with some links, but please make sure that you have a look through the program and do a little “research” on your own – there’s no doubt that you'll find some great surprises. 

Included in our “Spotlight on French Jazz” series are two amazing bands that you won’t want to miss. Known as the l’enfant terrible of the French Jazz scene, Médéric Collignon (check this video) is a major young trumpet voice (who had to cancel for health reasons last year so we’re happy he’s finally going to make it to YVR) -  and Pierrick Pédron – Cheerleaders (Act) a new discovery for us who fuses choral, brass band, bebop and prog rock into a distinctive orchestral sounding mash up. Check Pierrick's video.

Médéric Collignon

Three great Canadian jazz projects: Phil Dwyer: A Canadian Songbook featuring Laila Biali – last year Phil’s CBC/Radio Canada Studio One gig knocked everyone out. Video

Shine On: The Universe of John Lennon (one of two JL projects at the fest this year, the other being Bill Frisell’s instrumental reimaginings) is the brainchild of Toronto guitarist Michael Occhipinti with vocal renditions of classic Lennon material sung by Yvette Tollar, Elizabeth Shepherd and Dominic Mancuso. The story is on page 52. http://www.canadianmusician.com/online/

It’s been years since Toronto's Barry Elmes, one of Canada’s best drummers and band leaders has been to the fest, so we’re looking forward to the return of his long time working band. They’re in the soulful modern mainstream mold; great tunes and a stellar lineup including Mike Murley and company. Check out their downtempo Grooveyard (Carl Perkins) video recorded at the Katie Malloch tribute concert by CBC at the Rex.  

NYC’s José James is garnering a ton of attention these days with his recent signing to Blue Note. Originally known for his straight up jazz vocals, Jose James is now moving into more of a soul jazz / hip-hop fused direction that reflects his admiration of the great D’Angelo. His deep knowledge of jazz history informs his take on today’s scene – so don’t miss this illuminating in depth interview segment. It's a fantastic conversation.

José James

Another neo soul band that’s got a lot of people excited is Van Hunt; he grabbed a Grammy for his participation in a Sly Stone tribute honouring Family Affair with John Legend and Joss Stone! His new album “What Were You Hoping For?” has dropped and he’s now touring to support it. Van Hunt closes out the Georgia Stage with his potent brand of psychedelic soul on Sunday, June 23^rd. http://www.vanhunt.com/news/

Van Hunt

Locarno is the Latin project formed by Paperboys front man Tom Landa. Traditional Latin music this is not, but infectious, edgy and exciting it is in spades. A band that won over a room full of folk, world music and jazz festival presenters from all over Canada at Mundial Montreal last November, Locarno delivered a real kick ass knockout punch and was easily one of the best showcases at the conference.  If you haven’t heard them yet you’re in for a real treat.

Locarno

With a wickedly intense blues/rock vibe and strong vocals (think Janis Joplin, Etta James), No Sinner has quickly become one of BC’s top buzz bands. Great things are in store for this group who are playing Sled Island and the Knitting Factory/NYC in the months to come. Check this video out. 

No Sinner

Perennial festival favourites Rumba Calzada, The Nightcrawlers, Headwater and Miami Device are joined by Serpentine Funk, Jen Hodge, Company B Jazz Band, The Unsupervised and Maria in the Shower to round out the complete main stage(s) program. It’s going to be a monster mash of an opening weekend. Come on down and help us celebrate!

Thanks to the City of Vancouver, the Province of British Columbia, the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association, the Vancouver Art Gallery and the University of British Columbia for supporting our move downtown.