Tribute to Art Blakey [who is...?] Sunday, November 29, 2009 at 4:30 pm-

• Steve McDade (trumpet) - website »
• Perry White (tenor saxophone) - website »
• Brian Barlow (drums) - website »
• David Restivo (piano) - website »
• Scott Alexander (bass)

RON DAVIS DUO: Ron (piano), Mike Downes (bass) November 15, 2009 -

Ron Davis website » hear his YouTube rendition of "Whirlycurl" here »

RON DAVIS is a pianist in the great virtuoso tradition.- "One of Canada's A-list pianists" - CFRB Radio His music is rooted in the swing and post-bop idioms. Active and popular on the jazz scene, Ron has played across the world. In Canada, Ron's home base, he is known as both a dazzling musician, and an entertaining performer. Ron's 6th recording, 2008's The Bestseller (Minerva Road / Davinor Records 233377), has been generating lots of buzz. "Splendid new recording... killer playing!" - The Toronto Sun. Best of 2008: JAZZ.FM, Soundproofmagazine.com. read more here »

MIKE DOWNES Bassist, composer, author and educator, has earned a reputation as one of Canada's finest jazz artists. In addition to leading his own group, Mike has performed with virtually all of Canada's top jazz musicians ... His bass playing has delighted audiences worldwide. Mike has performed in England, France, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Hungary ... His numerous recordings include Juno nominations ... He has been called "…one of Canada's immensely talented young giants" (Jazz Report), "…as strong a player as he is a composer" (Calgary Herald), "…wonderfully resourceful… a huge tone and a prodigious technique" (Winnipeg Free Press), and that "…his time playing is delightfully inventive and his intonation is absolutely impeccable…his lines are clear, hip, and agile." (Jazz Player). Read more here »

Sunday, November 8, 2009 at 4:30 pm - Bill McBirnie & Bernie Senensky Duo: Bill (flute), Bernie (piano)

Bill McBirnie is a jazz and Latin flute specialist based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He has studied with renowned American flutist, Samuel Baron, distinguished Canadian flutist and composer, Robert Aitken, as well as Cuban charanga legend, Richard Egues. Bill is well known for his superior technique but he is also recognized as an exceptional improviser (notably in the bebop, swing and Latin idioms) as demonstrated by his recordings as a sideman with Junior Mance, Irakere, Memo Acevedo, Emile-Claire Barlow and Cache. He has performed extensively with Toronto's finest musicians including Bernie Senensky's Moe Koffman Tribute Band.Visit Bill's MySpace site here » and listen to him play a tune or 2

Bernie Senensky has earned the reputation of being one of Canada's premier jazz artists. His playing has been featured internationally in many jazz festivals, clubs, concerts & recordings, and he is recognized and respected as one of the foremost jazz pianists anywhere. He was the only Canadian guest on "Oscar Peterson Presents", a CTV National TV series. He has also been a guest on Marian McPartland's renowned public radio show "PIANO JAZZ". In addition, Senensky has been featured on CBC radio and TV, and many of his concerts have been recorded by CBC (Jazz Beat), JAZZFM91.1 (The Jazz Scene, Sound Of Toronto Jazz), Global-TV (Sounds Impressive) & Cool TV. He was featured on the BRAVO TV production “In The Key Of EH!-Canadian Jazz Piano” ... He was twice voted "Best Acoustic Pianist" in the Jazz Report Awards, and he won the SOCAN award for "Best Jazz Composition" for his “BLUES FOR CLIFFORD”. He has quietly compiled a track record of 12 albums as a leader (three of which have received Juno nominations), and a long list of performances alongside jazz's biggest names, including: Art Blakey, Dizzy Gillespie, Joe Williams, Zoot Sims, Chet Baker, Art Pepper, George Coleman, Randy Brecker, Pepper Adams, Phil Woods, Donald Byrd, Sonny Stitt, Ernestine Anderson and Elvin Jones(who called Bernie "one of the finest pianists I have worked with in my career"). ... He has recorded with Pharoh Sanders, Rashied Ali, Moe Koffman, Dizzy Gillespie, Eugene Amaro, Salome Bey, Herbie Spanier, Peter Appleyard, Tisziji Munoz, Gary Bartz, Akira Tana, Harvie Swartz, Ray Drummond, Marvin 'Smitty' Smith, ... read more at his MySpace website Listen to a few tunes. here »

Tara Davidson & Mike Murley: Tara (saxophone) website, Mike (saxophone) website, David Occhipinti (guitar) Jon Maharah (bass)

Dixie Demons: Sunday, October 18, 2009 - Dan Douglas (trombone), Ross Wooldridge (clarinet), Phil Disera (banjo), Steve Crowe (trumpet), Doug Burrell (tuba), Chris Lamont (drums) .

Read about the musicians here » / the Dixie Demons website here: www.dixiedemons.com

Joe Sealy & Paul Novotny Duo Sunday, October 11, 2009 Joe and Paul have created a unique sounding jazz duo. Together they have released four CD’s, achieved two Juno nominations and shared the concert stage in Montreal & Toronto jazz festivals with Michel Petruciani, Brad Mehldau / Charlie Haden, Red Mitchell / Herb Ellis and the Bobo Stenson Trio.

• Joe Sealy has enjoyed a highly successful career as a musician, composer, recording artist and radio broadcaster. His 1997 Juno Award winning Africville Suite inspired Ron Foley MacDonald of The Halifax Daily News to write; “This may be the most important jazz album released in Canada this year”.
  
  As a pianist, hehas toured with “Blood Sweat and Tears” and performed with such artists as Joe Williams, Milt Jackson, Veronica Tennant, and Timothy Findlay. Read more: www.joesealy.com
  
  
• Paul Novotny bassist, producer, composer has been a familiar figure on bandstands and concert stages throughout Toronto and at jazz festivals for a number of years as a member of The Brian Browne Trio and bassist for the Dave McMurdo Jazz Orchestra. As a sideman, he has worked with many other great jazz artists including Cedar Walton, Geoff Keezer, Jo Anne Brakeen, Junior Mance, Darrell Grant, Don Thompson, Joe Sealy, Tommy Banks, Moncef Genoud, Phil Nimmons, Kenny Wheeler, Norma Winstone, and Reg Schwager. Read more: Canadian Jazz Archive Online. See also www.tripletrecords.com

Canadian Jazz Quartet: Sunday, October 4, 2009

• Gary Benson, (guitar)
• Frank Wright (vibes)
• Duncan Hopkins (bass)
• Don Vickery (drums)
• www.canadianjazzquartet.com

Rob Piltch & Lorne Lofsky Sunday, September 27, 2009

Guido Basso Quartet Sunday, September 13, 2009

• Guido Basso - trumpet & flugelhorn
• Robi Botos - piano
• Steve Wallace - bass
• Brian Barlow - drums
• A sample Guido on YouTube here »
• Guido Basso at Wikipedia here » / The Canadian Encyclopedia here » / Canadian Jazz Online here »

Brian Barlow Quartet: Sunday, June 28, 2009 (Toronto Downtown Jazz Festival): Brian Barlow (drums) Alex Dean (saxophone)
Mark Eisenman (piano) Scott Alexander (bass)

Colleen Allen Quartet: Sunday, June 14, 2009 - Colleen Allen (saxophone), George Koller (bass), Rob Piltch (guitar), Gord Sheard (piano)

Jazz Vespers 10th Anniversary Sunday, Russ Little Quartet: May 31, 2009 - Russ Little (trombone), Tom Szczesniak (piano), Scott Alexander (bass), Brian Barlow (drums)

Ten years ago, Tim Elliott and Brian Barlow created Jazz Vespers, a unique service of worship with jazz at its heart. The service has grown in popularity and evolved to become a thoughtful and spiritual conversation, highlighted by some of Canada's top jazz musicians. Please come and enjoy the music, performed by the Russ Little Quartet, say "Hello" to Tim Elliott, who will be returning to preside at the anniversary service. Have some birthday cake! Brian will be performing with the Russ Little Quartet, which includes Scott Alexander (another original).

Chase Sanborn (trumpet) Mark Eisenman (piano) Sunday, May 10, 2009

Brian Barlow Orchestra Tribute to Duke Ellington Sunday, April 26, 2009 Robi Botos (piano) Scott Alexander (bass)
Michele Gagnon (French horn) Brian Barlow (drums) Dave Dunlop, Chase Sanborn, Blair Yarranton (trumpets)
Russ Little, Terry Promane, Doug Gibson (trombones)
John Johnson, Alex Dean, Bob Leonard (saxophones) website »

Davis & O'Connor: Sunday, April 19, 2009 - Ron Davis (piano), Jordan O'Connor (bass)

• Ron Davis a pianist in the great virtuoso tradition. His music is rooted in the swing and post-bop idioms. Active and popular on the jazz scene, Ron has played across the world. In Canada, Ron's home base, he is known as both a dazzling musician, and an entertaining performer. website »
  
  
• Jordan O'Connor. Bassist/ Composer and Co-Founder of The Breath.com, Jordan O’Connor, has performed with a wide array of musicians over the years. He is currently working on his fourth CD, this with his group Cash Cow, which should be released this spring/summer. This is the follow-up to the groups first CD “When We Were Little Girls ” (2000) Jordan has also released “Fragments Vol.one” (2001) and “Falling Forward” (2003).
  
  Jordan O'Connor grew up in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, but for the past 13 years has been living and performing out of Toronto. website »

Mark Eisenman Quartet: Sunday, April 5, 2009 with the combined choirs of Christ Church Deer Park; Mark Eisenman - piano; Steve Wallace - bass; Mike Murley - sax; Brian Barlow - drums. Mark's website here »

In addition to being a pianist of great clarity and discipline, Mark has been developing his compositional skills. His efforts in this area have resulted in a majority of his tunes to this date enjoying exposure on recordings with a variety of groups.In this capacity, his works have been described as "....showing a flair for wide-ranging form and expression".

"His professional status is based largely on his skill and versatility as an ensemble player, but what marks him most is an ability to produce, no matter what the musical company, distinctive well-structured solos".- (Toronto Star).

In Mark's own words, what is most rewarding to him as a performer is the sense that "...everyone is having a good time because that means the music is good". With an outlook such as this, it should come as no surprise that he frequently works Toronto's major jazz spots. He is a skillful soloist, a versatile ensemble player and, a thoughtful and sensitive accompanist. Those familiar with his range of abilities as a musician recognize that his efforts inevitably represent a genuine complement to whatever context he finds himself placed in.

This fact has been recognized with Mark receiving The Jazz Report's 1999 Acoustic Pianist of the Year Award for musical excellence.

Robi Botos: (solo piano) Sunday, March 22, 2009 - This award-winning jazz musician is known for "combining formidible chops with great sensitivity and palpable passion" (NOW Magazine) whose work drew praise from the master musician Oscar Peterson. Botos won the 2008 National Jazz Award Nomination for Keyboardist Of The Year, the 2008 First prize Winner at the Great American Jazz Piano Competition in Jacksonville Florida, 2007 National Jazz Award for Keyboardist Of the Year, 2007 Finalist at the Great American Jazz Piano Competition in Jacksonville Florid, the 2007 NOW award for Best Jazz Artist, 2006 Runner up at the Great American Jazz Piano Competition, 2006 Nomination for keyboardist of the year at the National jazz awards, 2006 3rd prize at the Martial Solal Piano Competition in Paris France, 2006 JUNO Nomination for contemporary jazz album of the year (One Take). 2006 National Jazz Award nomination for "Keyboardist Of The Year" the list goes on! See Robi's website here »

Daniel Jamieson Quartet - Sunday, March 8, 2009: Daniel (saxophone) website » Daniel Jamieson is the 2008 winner of the Prince Edward County Jazz Festival Rising Young Star Award. This talented saxophonist was recently accepted at the Manhattan School of Music in NY. Listen to DanJam online here » or visit DanJam YouTube channel here »


George Marton (piano) and Jack Zorawski (bass). Sunday, February 8, 2009: George is the talented pianist who has been entertaining us while we have coffee after Jazz Vespers services for a number of years now. We are pleased and delighted to feature him at one of our services.

Murley & Occhipinti - Sunday, February 1, 2009: Mike Murley (saxophone) & David Occhipinti (guitar) website »

Nancy Walker Trio - Sunday, January 18, 2009: Nancy Walker (piano), Kieran Overs (bass), Brian Barlow (drums) website »

Ted Quinlan Quartet - Sunday, January 4, 2009: Ted (guitar) Brian Dickinson (piano), Kieran Overs (bass), Brian Barlow (drums) website »

Sealy & Novotny Sunday November 16, 2008: Joe Sealy - piano; Paul Novotny - bass

Mark Eisenman Trio Sunday November 2, 2008: Mark Eisenman - piano; John Sumner - drums; Steve Wallace - bass

Alex Dean Trio Sunday October 19, 2008

Lofsky & Piltch September 21, 2008: Lorne Lofsky & Rob Piltch - guitars

Barlow Brass & Drums September 7, 2008: Chase Sanborn, Brian O'Kane - trumpets; Russ Little, Terry Promane - trombones; Doug Burrell - tuba; Brian Barlow - drums

The Robi Botos Trio June 29, 2008

Jim Galloway (saxophone), Ian Bargh (piano) - June 8, 2008

Mark Eisenman Trio - May 25, 2008: Mark Eisenman (piano); Steve Wallace (bass); John Sumner (drums)

Colleen Allen Trio - May 11, 2008: Colleen (saxophone)

Brian Barlow Orchestra - April 27, 2008: Tribute to Duke Ellington - John Johnson, Andy Ballantyne, Perry White, Alex Dean (saxes); Steve McDade, Brian O’Kane, Blair Yarranton (trumpets); Russ Little, Terry Promane, Doug Gibson (trombones); Michele Gagnon (French horn); Robi Botos (piano); Scott Alexander (bass); Brian Barlow (drums)

Kelly Jefferson Trio - April 13, 2008: Kelly Jefferson (saxophone); Brian Dickinson (piano); Pat Collins (bass)

Tara Davidson Trio - March 30, 2008: Tara Davidson (saxophone), David Occhipinti (guitar), Jim Vivian (bass)

Mike Murley & David Occhipinti - March 16, 2008: Mike Murley (saxophone), David Occhipinti (guitar)

Joe Sealy & Paul Novotny - March 2, 2008: Joe Sealy (piano), Paul Novotny (bass)

Dixie Demons February - 17, 2008: Ross Wooldridge (clarinet); Dan Douglas (trombone); Steve Crowe (trumpet); Phil Disera (banjo); Doug Burrell (tuba)

Nancy Walker Trio - February 3, 2008: Nancy Walker (piano), Kieran Overs (bass), Brian Barlow (drums)

Gord Sheard - January 20, 2008: solo piano

Canadian Jazz Quartet - January 6, 2008: Tribute to Milt Jackson - Frank Wright (vibraphone); Gary Benson (guitar); Don Vickery (drums); Duncan Hopkins (bass)

Barlow Brass & Drums Christmas Vespers - December 16, 2007: Brian O’Kane (trumpet); Chase Sanborn (trumpet); Russ Little (trombone); Doug Gibson (trombone); Doug Burrell (tuba); Brian Barlow (drums)

Fred Duligal Quartet - November 18, 2007: Tribute to Colman Hawkins: Fred Duligal (tenor sax); Ian Barge (piano); Duncan Hopkins (bass); Don Vickery (drums)

Kevin Turcotte Quartet - Tribute to Clifford BrownNovember 4, 2007: Kevin Turcotte (trumpet); Mark Eisenman (piano); Brandy Disterheft (bass); Frank Botos (drums)

Brian O’Kane Quartet - Tribute to Dizzie Gillespie October 21, 2007: Brian O’Kane (trumpet); Gary Williamson (piano); Pat Collins (bass); Barry Elms (drums)

The Robi Botos Trio - October 7, 2007: celebrating the music of Thelonious Monk

Pat LaBarbera Quartet with Kirk McDonald September 23, 2007: - celebrating the music of John Coltrane

The John Johnson Quartet - September 9, 2007

Brian Barlow Trio - June 24, 2007: Brian Barlow, drums; Robi Botos, piano; Scott Alexander, bass

Canadian Jazz Quartet - June 10, 2007: Frank Wright – vibes; Gary Benson – guitar; Don Vickery – drums; Duncan Hopkins - bass

Brandi Disterheft Quartet - May 27, 2007: Chris Gale, tenor sax; Darryl Orr, alto sax; Sly Junas, drums; Brandi Disterheft, bass

Gord Sheard Trio - May 13, 2007: Gord Sheard, piano; Scott Alexander, bass; Brian Barlow, drums

Russ Little Quartet - April 22, 2007: Russ Little - trombone: website »; Scott Alexander - bass; Tom Szczesniak - piano; Brian Barlow - drums: website »

Don Thompson Quartet 1 April 2007- : Don Thompson - vibes: website »; Reg Schwager - guitar: website »; Jim Vivian - bass: website »; Terry Clarke - drums

Nancy Walker Trio - 18 March 2007: Nancy Walker - piano: website »; Kieran Overs - bass: website »; Brian Barlow - drums: website »

Dixie Demons - 18 February 2007: Dan Douglas – trombone; Ross Wooldridge - clarinet; Steve Crowe – trumpet; Phil DiSera – banjo: website »; Doug Burrell – tuba: website »

Duet - 4 February 2007: Joe Sealy – piano: website »; Paul Novotny - bass: website »

Colleen Allen Quartet - 21 January 2007: Colleen Allen – saxophone: website »; Rob Piltch – guitar; George Koller – bass: website »; Dave Restivo – piano: website »

Perry White Quartet - 7 January 2007: Perry White - saxophone: website »

Barlow Brass & Drums - 17 December 2006: Alex Kundakcioglu - trumpet; Brian Okane - trumpet; Terry Promane - trombone ; Russ Little - trombone: website »; Doug Burrell - tuba: website »; Brian Barlow - drums: website »

Lenny Solomon Trio - 26 November 2006: Lenny Solomon – violin: website »; Bill Bridges - guitar ; Lou Mele - bass

Tara Davidson Quintet - 19 November 2006: Tara Davidson - saxophone: website »; William Carn - trombone: website »; Jon Maharaj - brass: website » ; David Braid - piano: website »; Ernesto Surdini - drums