2024 PERFORMERS
BIG SMOKE BRASS
Big Smoke Brass is a musical powerhouse delivering heavy-hitting grooves with infectious energy. Since their beginnings on the streets of Toronto in 2017, the band has gone on to give hundreds of performances across Canada, all the while cultivating a unique, modern take on the brass band sound.
The band’s catalogue encapsulates a diverse array of musical hits from every era, as well as a substantial body of original material - featured on radio, television, & web alike. BSB performances are lauded for their overwhelming energy and tight musical showmanship; appearing at countless concerts, festivals & events, Big Smoke Brass thrills all manner of audiences and always leaves them wanting more.
Eager as ever to share their passion for music far & wide, Big Smoke Brass maintains a busy performance schedule throughout the year. Their commitment to fostering community and spreading positivity remains a driving force behind all that the band does - if you should find yourself at a Big Smoke show, a song in your step and a smile on your face won’t be far behind.
Denielle Bassels
JOY LAPPS
Eric St. Laurent
Eric got his start as a session guitarist with producers Rick Haworth and Marc Pérusse in Montreal, recording albums for Quebec pop and rock artists while playing jazz at night. Through a grant from the Canada Council for the Arts, he later studied improvisation in New York with Wayne Krantz and Adam Rogers for two years, following which he worked as a freelance musician and radio jingle writer in Berlin during a decade.
Since moving to Toronto, he has been paying the bills as a studio musician and sometimes producer while creating a series of obscure albums that you should really check out. Seriously, look this up on your phone right now and become a much hipper version of yourself.
Notable collaborations (i.e. 'name dropping'): Slide Hampton, Dave Liebman, Till Broenner, David Binney, Jojo Mayer, Carlos Del Junco, Larnell Lewis, David Clayton Thomas, Richard Underhill and many more.
Eric's current band features Chendy Leon, Magdelys Savigne on percussion and Calvin Beale on bass. Their first album, 'DARN, THAT BAND!' was released in June of 2023.
"Eric St-Laurent and his group have to be seen to be believed. One of the most unique, kickass bands in the country!" - Jazz FM 91
Since moving to Toronto, he has been paying the bills as a studio musician and sometimes producer while creating a series of obscure albums that you should really check out. Seriously, look this up on your phone right now and become a much hipper version of yourself.
Notable collaborations (i.e. 'name dropping'): Slide Hampton, Dave Liebman, Till Broenner, David Binney, Jojo Mayer, Carlos Del Junco, Larnell Lewis, David Clayton Thomas, Richard Underhill and many more.
Eric's current band features Chendy Leon, Magdelys Savigne on percussion and Calvin Beale on bass. Their first album, 'DARN, THAT BAND!' was released in June of 2023.
"Eric St-Laurent and his group have to be seen to be believed. One of the most unique, kickass bands in the country!" - Jazz FM 91
MOLLY JOHNSON QUARTET
Previously featured artists
Alison young quintet
Alison Young is a JUNO nominated saxophonist and composer, and two-time Maple Blues "Horn Player of the Year." She is a member of the Joe Sealy Quartet and has toured internationally with the Shuffle Demons, Big Rude Jake, Johnny Reid, Cory Hart, and Suzie McNeil. She has also appeared on over 40 recordings, including Juno nominated albums by Alysha Brilla, Shakura S'Aida and Digging Roots.
Alison has been recognized as one of the 'Best 35 Canadian Jazz Artists under 35' by the CBC. Young's 2018 release. "So Here We Are," her first album as a band leader, was nominated for a 2019 JUNO Award in the 'solo jazz' category, as well as a Julian Award of Excellence.
Alison has been recognized as one of the 'Best 35 Canadian Jazz Artists under 35' by the CBC. Young's 2018 release. "So Here We Are," her first album as a band leader, was nominated for a 2019 JUNO Award in the 'solo jazz' category, as well as a Julian Award of Excellence.
Virginia MacDonald / Todd Marcus Quintet
Todd Marcus (right) has been voted a Rising Young Star on clarinet in Downbeat Magazine’s Annual Critics Poll since 2013. His performances include national and international touring. He was a featured artist in the 2017 Jazz Tales Festival in Egypt, 2015 Cairo Jazz Festival, and in 2005 at the 1st World Bass Clarinet Convention in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
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Virginia MacDonald (left) is an award winning, powerful new voice in Canadian and International jazz scenes. Born and raised in Toronto, Virginia began playing clarinet at the age of seven. She has since established herself as an in-demand band leader, side woman, and composer.
Virginia tours internationally with her own group as well as with the venerable Canadian Jazz Collective which also features her father, saxophone phenom, Kirk MacDonald. She has toured extensively throughout Canada, the U.S., Europe, and India. Virginia has been featured at the Detroit Jazz Festival, the Rochester Jazz Festival, the Jaipur Jazz and Blues Festival, as well as the Montreal and Toronto Jazz Festivals. 
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Marc Jordan Quintet
Marc Jordan is one of our national treasures; he is a masterful storyteller who writes like a poet and sings like a horn player. His words, music and incomparable vocals take the listener on a cinematic journey of heart and mind.
Born in Brooklyn, NY, raised in Toronto, Marc's music career took off in 1978 when he was signed to Warner Music in Los Angeles. His songs have appeared in over 35 million CDs and have led to numerous ASCAP, Juno and Smooth Jazz awards. He has recorded 16 albums of his own material featuring outstanding jazz artists Guido Basso, Ernie Watts, Mike Murley and Don Byron, to name a few. Marc's most recent recordings feature luscious arrangements by Lou Pomanti and gorgeous solos by Randy Brecker.
Marc is joined by Colleen Allen (saxophones/bass clarinet), Scott Alexander (bass), Kevan McKenzie (drums), and Lou Pomanti (Music Director/piano).
Born in Brooklyn, NY, raised in Toronto, Marc's music career took off in 1978 when he was signed to Warner Music in Los Angeles. His songs have appeared in over 35 million CDs and have led to numerous ASCAP, Juno and Smooth Jazz awards. He has recorded 16 albums of his own material featuring outstanding jazz artists Guido Basso, Ernie Watts, Mike Murley and Don Byron, to name a few. Marc's most recent recordings feature luscious arrangements by Lou Pomanti and gorgeous solos by Randy Brecker.
Marc is joined by Colleen Allen (saxophones/bass clarinet), Scott Alexander (bass), Kevan McKenzie (drums), and Lou Pomanti (Music Director/piano).
Caity Gyorgy Quartet
Caity Gyorgy (pronounced George) is a two-time JUNO award winning Canadian Jazz vocalist who is known for singing bebop and swing music. She has performed at popular clubs and jazz festivals across Canada and the United States.
In addition to performing, Caity is also an avid writer and composes songs in the style of the Great American Songbook. Her compositions have been sung by other vocalists around the world. She was recently named the Grand Prize Winner of the 2021 John Lennon Song Writing Contest in the Jazz category for her song Secret Safe.
In addition to performing, Caity is also an avid writer and composes songs in the style of the Great American Songbook. Her compositions have been sung by other vocalists around the world. She was recently named the Grand Prize Winner of the 2021 John Lennon Song Writing Contest in the Jazz category for her song Secret Safe.
Big smoke brass
The streets of Toronto are home to this one-of-a-kind horn band whose influences range all the way from Lucky Chops and Too Many Zoos to Preservation Hall - superb musicianship that is funky, rollicking, welcoming and fun. And were he alive, there’d be a place for John Philip Sousa.
Hilario Duran Trio, with Adis Rodriguez
Hilario Durán (below) is a well-known Cuban/Canadian pianist and composer who immigrated to Canada 1998. Hilario has toured worldwide and performed with Dizzy Gillespie and Michel Legrand, among many others, as part of Arturo Sandoval’s band where he was pianist/keyboardist, arranger and musical director for 9 years. He is a fixture on the Toronto music scene and was named as one of the 10 Most Influential Hispanic Canadians in 2009. Hilario is a multi-Canadian Juno Award winner and nominee; an American Grammy nominee; a multi-Canadian National Jazz Award winner; nominee; and the proud recipient of the 2007 Chico O’Farrill Lifetime Achievement Award, from Latin Jazz USA, for his outstanding contributions to Afro-Cuban Jazz and Latin Jazz.
Hilario has been named Best Artist of the Year 2013 by the Toronto Musician’s Association and the 2014 Best Vision Award Winner (Premio a la Trayectoria) for his work as entrepreneur as a director of his musical company, ES MI MUSICA PRODUCTIONS. He is also an educator at Toronto’s Humber College, acting as a piano teacher and ensemble director. |
Adis Rodriguez (above) is a Cuban-born Canadian based singer. Adis started singing at the age of ten, and when she was just 12, was called to direct a 1,000-voice choir for a unique event in her hometown Cienfuegos. Adis has called Toronto her Canadian home since 2001. She has been immersed in the Canadian music scene, playing and sharing the stage with renowned bands and artists such as Hilario Durán, Chucho Valdés, Alain Perez, Yan Collazo, Bobby Carcassés, Jane Bunnett, Conjunto Lacalu and her very own "Adis Rodriguez Quintet."
Adis in now the band leader of the orchestra “Havana 1950.” |
jocelyn Gould
Jocelyn Gould has been called “a leader in the next generation of great mainstream jazz guitarists”. Her joyful energy has captivated audiences around the world and her passion for music is infectious. She has absorbed the influences of the jazz guitar greats and has woven them into an exciting personal sound. Her unique ability to connect with audiences always leaves them wanting more.
Jocelyn Gould has performed internationally in the groups of Grammy nominated vocalist Freddy Cole, trumpeter Etienne Charles, and DownBeat Rising Star trombonist Michael Dease. She can be heard on albums lead by Michael Dease, Jon Gordon, Diego Rivera, Randy Napoleon, and Will Bonness. She is the 1st place winner of the 2018 Wilson Center International Jazz Guitar competition.
Jocelyn's debut release as a leader, 'Elegant Traveler', was nominated for “Jazz Album of the Year” in the 2021 JUNO awards. Jocelyn is a professor and Head of Guitar Department at Humber College in Toronto.
Jocelyn Gould has been called “a leader in the next generation of great mainstream jazz guitarists”. Her joyful energy has captivated audiences around the world and her passion for music is infectious. She has absorbed the influences of the jazz guitar greats and has woven them into an exciting personal sound. Her unique ability to connect with audiences always leaves them wanting more.
Jocelyn Gould has performed internationally in the groups of Grammy nominated vocalist Freddy Cole, trumpeter Etienne Charles, and DownBeat Rising Star trombonist Michael Dease. She can be heard on albums lead by Michael Dease, Jon Gordon, Diego Rivera, Randy Napoleon, and Will Bonness. She is the 1st place winner of the 2018 Wilson Center International Jazz Guitar competition.
Jocelyn's debut release as a leader, 'Elegant Traveler', was nominated for “Jazz Album of the Year” in the 2021 JUNO awards. Jocelyn is a professor and Head of Guitar Department at Humber College in Toronto.
Alex Dean
Alex Dean, one of Canada’s foremost jazz saxophonists, has been a mainstay of the Canadian music scene for many years. He has played and recorded with Gil Evans, Kenny Wheeler, Aretha Franklin, Natalie Cole, Harry Connick Jr., Phil Nimmons, the Dave McMurdo Jazz Orchestra, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra. Alex held the tenor saxophone chair with Rob McConnell’s Grammy award winning Boss Brass and the JUNO award winning Rob McConnell Tentet. For 19 years he has played first tenor, and been a featured soloist, with the Brian Barlow Big Band.
Luanda Jones
With wide open arms, we welcome the return of Rio-born singer-songwriter Luanda Jones to the County for her third appearance at the Prince Edward County Jazz Festival. Nurtured by her Brazilian family in the traditions of Bossa Nova, samba and jazz, we expect you will find her captivating talent a delightful match in other genres as well. Much of her professional career has unfolded in Canada since emigrating in 2006 at festivals, showcases, and on CBC Radio and recordings.
Emilie-Claire Barlow
Many music-lovers consider Emilie-Claire Barlow the country’s pre-eminent female jazz vocalist. With two Junos and an impressive array of other awards and accolades, she is a multi-talented force in Canadian music as an arranger, producer, bandleader and voice actor. But it is her jazz singing, wrapped in an engaging stage presence, that is the lynchpin of a 24-year performing career that clearly defines “enduring appeal.”
Kelly Jefferson (saxophone)
Reg Schwager (guitar)
Amanda Tosoff (piano)
Jon Maharaj (bass)
Fabio Ragnelli (drums)
Sponsored by Royal LePage Pro Alliance
Brian Barlow Big Band with Laila Biali
'The Music of Joni Mitchell & More'
A fresh take on the music of a living legend is perfect for JUNO-winning vocalist Laila Biali’s genre-bending talents. And enjoy other original versions of selected pop tunes, as Canada’s best big band musicians blow up a storm in a show you can’t see anywhere else.
Sponsored by Huff Estates Winery
John Johnson, Colleen Allen, Alex Dean, Perry White,
Conrad Gluch (saxophones);
Jason Logue, Alexander Brown, Blair Yarranton, Brad Eaton (trumpets);
Russ Little, Kelsley Grant, Zach Smith (trombones);
Jessie Brooks (French horn);
Gord Sheard (piano), Scott Alexander (bass), Mike Francis (guitar),
Brian Barlow (drums)
A fresh take on the music of a living legend is perfect for JUNO-winning vocalist Laila Biali’s genre-bending talents. And enjoy other original versions of selected pop tunes, as Canada’s best big band musicians blow up a storm in a show you can’t see anywhere else.
Sponsored by Huff Estates Winery
John Johnson, Colleen Allen, Alex Dean, Perry White,
Conrad Gluch (saxophones);
Jason Logue, Alexander Brown, Blair Yarranton, Brad Eaton (trumpets);
Russ Little, Kelsley Grant, Zach Smith (trombones);
Jessie Brooks (French horn);
Gord Sheard (piano), Scott Alexander (bass), Mike Francis (guitar),
Brian Barlow (drums)
2021 PERFORMERS
Featured Artist: Emily Steinwall
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Since winning the Rising Young Star Award at the Prince Edward County Jazz Festival in 2018, Emily has toured as a backup singer with pop sensation Alessia Cara, performing on the Jimmy Fallon and Stephen Colbert Shows as well as at Madison Square Garden. Her recently-released and acclaimed debut album is Welcome to the Garden. Welcome Emily, for what we hope is the first of many return visits!
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John Sherwood
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An artist whose joy of playing is almost as much fun to watch as he is to listen to. An incredible career, from the first time Moe Koffman booked him to play at Toronto's George's Spaghetti House way back when to Peter Appleyard's decision to make him his piano player for a quarter of a century. Pure joy, all the way.
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Big Smoke Brass
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The streets of Toronto are home to this one-of-a-kind horn band whose influences range all the way from Lucky Chops and Too Many Zoos to Preservation Hall - superb musicianship that is funky, rollicking, welcoming and fun. And were he alive, they'd be a place for John Philip Sousa.
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Colleen ALLEN
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This multi-instrumentalist friend of the festival is deep-steeped in every facet of music, whether it's elite-level performing, band leading, arranging, producing, jazz, blues, theatre, or just about anything else. About her saxophone playing - "deeply soulful" jumps right out.
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2019 PERFORMERS
FEATURED ARTIST: JODI PROZNICK
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Juno-nominated bassist, composer, bandleader, and educator Jodi Proznick has earned a reputation as one of Canada’s finest jazz artists. She has won numerous National Jazz Awards, including Bassist of the Year in ’08 and ’09. Her group, the Jodi Proznick Quartet, was awarded the Acoustic Group of the Year and Album of the Year in ‘08 and the Galaxie Rising Star at the Vancouver International Jazz Festival in ‘04. In addition to leading her own group, Jodi has performed with many of Canada’s top jazz musicians, including PJ Perry, Don Thompson, Kirk MacDonald, Guido Basso, Oliver Gannon, Dee Daniels, Phil Dwyer, and Laila Biali. She is regularly in demand to perform and record with visiting jazz artists including Michael Bublé, Byron Stripling, Michael Feinstein, David “Fathead” Newman, Bucky Pizzarelli, Ed Thigpen, Jeff Hamilton, Peter Bernstein, Charles McPherson, Seamus Blake, George Coleman, Sheila Jordan, Mark Murphy, Harold Mabern, Eric Alexander, and Lewis Nash. In addition to recording her own Juno-nominated CD as a leader, Jodi has been featured on over 40 recordings as a side person.
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JOHN SHERWOOD
COLLEEN ALLEN |
Jazz Overture Dinner
As good overtures do, this one is designed to set the right tone and tempo for the week of music about to begin. So we figured a piano guy who spent twenty-five years working with Peter Appleyard is the way to go. John Sherwood is as good as they come; he got that way by working with musicians like Ed Bickert, Rob McConnell, Guido Basso, Rick Wilkins, Butch Miles, and Jake Hanna. John’s supporting cast is “off-the-charts.” (Good for jazz!) The featured artist for this year’s festival, Jodi Proznick, is on bass, and the Grammy-winning Brian Barlow is the drummer. Special guest is saxophonist Emily Steinwall, last year’s Rising Young Star Award winner. Consider the week’s tone and tempo beautifully set. |
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1959: Jazz Transformed
You could easily argue that 1959 was the most creative year in the history of jazz. Lester Young and Billie Holiday died, but Miles, Mingus, Brubeck, and Coltrane sprouted a regeneration that to this day, colours our conceptions of “modern” jazz. Sixty years ago they all released change-inducing albums - Kind of Blue, Mingus Ah Um, Time Out, and Giant Steps. For our stage, Toronto-based saxophonist/arranger/bandleader Colleen Allen has put together what jazz critic Mark Miller calls a “resourceful, imaginative, and compelling” 60th anniversary concert celebrating those recordings. Multi-instrument versatility feeds Colleen’s busy performance schedule with big names in big bands and small, blues, theatre, fusion, pop - you name it. She is both a graduate and now a teacher in the jazz program at Humber College. The band: Adrean Farrugia (piano), Ross MacIntyre (bass), Ethan Ardelli (drums), Kelly Jefferson (saxophone), Kevin Turcotte (trumpet), and Kelsley Grant (trombone). |
JANE BUNNETT & MAQUEQUE
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Jane Bunnett and Maqueque
Who else but Jane Bunnett to start something new and phenomenal? The five-time Juno winner, three-time Grammy nominee, Order of Canada member, you get the idea - brings Maqueque (pro: Mah-kay-kay) to the County. It means “the spirit of a young girl” in the ancient Afro-Cuban dialect. What began as a project to record and mentor brilliant young Cuban female musicians has become a top sextet in North American jazz. In the last couple of years, they’ve wowed audiences at Newport and Monterey, were nominated for a Grammy Award for their newest recording, Oddara, and were voted as one of the top ten jazz groups by DownBeat Magazine’s critics poll. One reviewer who couldn’t get enough: “If they ever come near your town, go see them. They’re explosive.” Well, they’re near our town now, and you’re coming to see them, and the full range of Jane Bunnett’s artistry and drive to showcase Cuba’s musical culture are now fully on display. The band: Jane Bunnett (soprano saxophone and flute), Joanna Majoko (vocals & percussion), Mary Paz (congas & vocals), Danae Olano (piano), Tailin Marrero (acoustic & electric bass), and Yissy García (drums). |
ROBI BOTOS
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Multi-Juno Award winner Robi Botos has solidified himself as one of the most original and sought-after pianists in Canada. Whether he's playing hard-bop, swing or funk, he always incorporates an element of the music of his homeland. Born of Romani descent in Hungary, Robi grew up surrounded by music. He taught himself to play drums as a young child, and had his first taste of being a professional musician working throughout Budapest. Robi was first introduced to the piano when he was 7 years old, and never looked back.
Robi has performed at the PEC Jazz Festival every year since 2005, and we consider him to be a very special member of the festival family. This year festival goers will have the opportunity to hear Robi at the After Hours Jam Session, at St. Mary Magdalene with Jodi Proznick, and at the Regent Theatre on Saturday and Sunday evenings. |
MIKE MURLEY
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Mike Murley is about as prominent a jazz artist as one can be in Canada, a lyrical and engaging saxophonist who has earned blue-ribbon respect from peers and fans alike. The "track" record is an eye-opener. He's played on fourteen JUNO-winning recordings since 1990, most recently for Metalwood's The North (2018), and Twenty (2017), and his trio's Test of Time (2013). Born in Nova Scotia, Mike's thirty-seven years in Toronto have been defined by versatility; recordings with Ed Bickert, Guido Basso, and Rob McConnell in the more standard sphere, but also with the younger generation of artists including David Braid, David Occhipinti, and the three-time JUNO Award winning electric jazz group Metalwood.
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Brian Barlow Big Band
Oscar Peterson's 'Canadiana Suite' & 'Ellington At Newport'
You’ll not see this show anywhere else.
Every note has been painstakingly prepared by Brian Barlow, the musician whose spirit-lifting ensemble has become the cornerstone of our festival’s programming by popular demand.
Oscar Peterson’s trio first performed The Canadiana Suite, his loving rail-journey portrait of Canada, in 1963. Two decades ago, Canadian aranger/bandleader and Ellington collaborator Ron Collier created a jazz orchestral arrangement that was performed publicly, but never recorded. For this night, Barlow dusted off the Collier charts and spent hours upon hours adapting the work for his own award-winning musicians. You are the first audience to judge the results.
After the break, think 1956, when changing tastes laid waste to big bands. Duke Ellington’s was barely surviving; it didn’t even have a record deal. Things went badly at the start of their Newport Jazz Festival appearance…some musicians didn’t even make it on stage for the start of the show. The audience could charitably be described as indifferent.
But then…from the ashes arose a phoenix. Ellington pulled out an old 1938 tune that changed everything. The response was of biblical proportion; electric and unprecedented, almost riotous at the end. And the Duke’s career, and subsequent status as perhaps the greatest jazz musician ever, was assured.
The band: Saxes: John Johnson, Vern Dorge, Alex Dean, Perry White, Conrad Gluch
Trombones: Russ Little, Kelsley Grant, Alexander Duncan French horn section: Michele Gagnon
Trumpets: Evan Calling, Alexander Brown, Blair Yarranton, Brad Eaton
Piano: Robi Botos Guitar: Rob Piltch Drums: Brian Barlow
You’ll not see this show anywhere else.
Every note has been painstakingly prepared by Brian Barlow, the musician whose spirit-lifting ensemble has become the cornerstone of our festival’s programming by popular demand.
Oscar Peterson’s trio first performed The Canadiana Suite, his loving rail-journey portrait of Canada, in 1963. Two decades ago, Canadian aranger/bandleader and Ellington collaborator Ron Collier created a jazz orchestral arrangement that was performed publicly, but never recorded. For this night, Barlow dusted off the Collier charts and spent hours upon hours adapting the work for his own award-winning musicians. You are the first audience to judge the results.
After the break, think 1956, when changing tastes laid waste to big bands. Duke Ellington’s was barely surviving; it didn’t even have a record deal. Things went badly at the start of their Newport Jazz Festival appearance…some musicians didn’t even make it on stage for the start of the show. The audience could charitably be described as indifferent.
But then…from the ashes arose a phoenix. Ellington pulled out an old 1938 tune that changed everything. The response was of biblical proportion; electric and unprecedented, almost riotous at the end. And the Duke’s career, and subsequent status as perhaps the greatest jazz musician ever, was assured.
The band: Saxes: John Johnson, Vern Dorge, Alex Dean, Perry White, Conrad Gluch
Trombones: Russ Little, Kelsley Grant, Alexander Duncan French horn section: Michele Gagnon
Trumpets: Evan Calling, Alexander Brown, Blair Yarranton, Brad Eaton
Piano: Robi Botos Guitar: Rob Piltch Drums: Brian Barlow
2018 Performers
Jazz Overture - Drew Jurecka Quartet
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A classically-trained violinist who admits to the early and profound influence of the great Stephane Grappelli, festival-goers may know Drew Jurecka's work for five years with Jeff Healey’s Jazz Wizards. Drew’s no stranger to clubs and theatres across Canada where he performs with his own trio, or as part of his bands The Hot Jazz String Quartet or the Hogtown Syncopators. He cuts across many genres, having played or recorded with Dave Brubeck, Stevie Wonder, Jim Cuddy, and many more.
Marika Galea is a bassist, composer and educator based in Montréal by way of New York, Boston and Toronto. Marika is currently pursuing an advanced degree in performance at McGill University. She first came to the PEC Jazz Festival as a high school student in our Jazz Education Program, then won the Rising Young Star Award, and later performed on our stage with her own groups. She will be playing at the Festival every day this year. Adrean Farrugia is a Toronto-based pianist and composer who has toured extensively throughout Canada, the United States, Europe, and Japan. He has performed and recorded with a wide range of Canadian and international artists including, Bob Brookmeyer, Randy Brecker, Kenny Wheeler, Don Thompson, Lorne Lofsky, and Pat Labarbera. |
Mike Murley & Reg Schwager with Guido Basso
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Mike Murley is about as prominent a jazz artist as one can be in Canada, a lyrical and engaging saxophonist who has earned blue-ribbon respect from peers and fans alike. The "track" record is an eye-opener. He's played on fourteen JUNO-winning recordings since 1990, most recently for Metalwood's The North (2018), and Twenty (2017), and his trio's Test of Time (2013). Born in Nova Scotia, Mike's thirty-seven years in Toronto have been defined by versatility; recordings with Ed Bickert, Guido Basso, and Rob McConnell in the more standard sphere, but also with the younger generation of artists including David Braid, David Occhipinti, and the three-time JUNO Award winning electric jazz group Metalwood.
At the pinnacle of Canadian jazz guitarist, Reg Schwager was only in his mid-teens when he was already playing with Peter Appleyard. Incredibly, he went on to be a long-time member of the George shearing Quintet, and perform with Zoot Sims, George Benson, Chet Baker, Rob McConnell, Oliver Jones and Dave Young. For many years he has maintained a popular blog devoted to news about Brazilian music at bmth.blogspot.com. He has attended workshops and classes with such Brazilian masters as Guinga, Dori Caymmi, Marcos Silva, Jovino Santos Neto, Paulo Sergio Santos and Hamilton de Holanda. Reg is also a prolific composer and arranger. A long-time resident of the County, Guido is no stranger to PEC Jazz Festival audiences, and we are privileged to claim him as the festival’s artist-in-residence. Mastery of the flugelhorn makes his name synonymous with that instrument across the jazz world, as multiple Junos, Grammys, and the Order of Canada will attest. Thirty years a member of Rob McConnell & the Boss Brass - the greatest big band of its time - a small sample of artists with whom he’s shared a stage includes Diana Krall, Ella Fitzgerald, Woody Herman, Benny Goodman, Ellington, Basie and Sinatra. |
The Allison Au Quartet
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Juno Award-winning jazz saxophonist, composer and arranger Allison Au refuses to be defined. Born to a Chinese father and Jewish mother, and raised in the multicultural metropolis of Toronto, Allison found music as a young child. Exposed to a wide array of musical styles, she was captivated by the freedom of Jazz.
Formed in 2009, the Allison Au Quartet has toured extensively in Canada and the US. The group was awarded the TD Jazz Fellowship Scholarship (2011), The Alfred and Phyllis Balm Scholarship (2012), and The Margareta and Benno Nigg Scholarship (2013) for three consecutive artist residencies at the Banff Centre.
Au earned her first Juno nomination for her debut album, “The Sky Was Pale Blue, Then Grey” in 2013, and in 2016 seized the Juno for "Best Jazz Album of The Year: Group" for “Forest Grove.”
Most recently the Allison Au Quartet has won the 2017 Montreal Jazz Festival TD Grand Prix de Jazz, received the 2017 Halifax Jazz Festival Sting Ray Rising Star Award, and was named a 2017 Finalist for Toronto Arts Foundation Emerging Jazz Artist Award.
Formed in 2009, the Allison Au Quartet has toured extensively in Canada and the US. The group was awarded the TD Jazz Fellowship Scholarship (2011), The Alfred and Phyllis Balm Scholarship (2012), and The Margareta and Benno Nigg Scholarship (2013) for three consecutive artist residencies at the Banff Centre.
Au earned her first Juno nomination for her debut album, “The Sky Was Pale Blue, Then Grey” in 2013, and in 2016 seized the Juno for "Best Jazz Album of The Year: Group" for “Forest Grove.”
Most recently the Allison Au Quartet has won the 2017 Montreal Jazz Festival TD Grand Prix de Jazz, received the 2017 Halifax Jazz Festival Sting Ray Rising Star Award, and was named a 2017 Finalist for Toronto Arts Foundation Emerging Jazz Artist Award.
Carol Welsman
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Carol Welsman is an internationally acclaimed singer and pianist whose expressive vocal styling and dynamic stage presence have captivated audiences around the world. She has sold over 60,000 CDs in Canada alone, something few jazz/pop artists in Canada have experienced.
Fluent in French, Italian and Spanish in addition to her native English, Carol blends languages (including Portuguese) and rhythms with a versatile repertoire including swing, samba, R & B, pop and jazz. She delivers a mix of American Songbook classics and original compositions in a style that ranges from sensuous and warm to infectiously energetic. She has released 12 CDs to date, and 6 have received Juno Award nominations Joining Carol will be Reg Schwager (guitar), Marc Rogers (bass) and Ethan Ardelli (drums). |
Alex Dean & Mark Eisenman
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He is Grammy-and-Juno winning Canadian reed royalty. Saxophonist Alex Dean has shared stages with legends across the musical spectrum from the Boss Brass, Mel Torme, Gil Evans and Kenny Wheeler to Aretha Franklin, Natalie Cole, Ray Charles and the Toronto Symphony…and that barely scratches the surface. His unique contributions to jazz as a recording artist, educator, clinician, and artistic director are as significant as they come. And if you are lucky enough to see it…when Alex Dean, in the middle of a ripping tenor solo removes his glasses, wipes his brow, and lets fly with yet another chorus…you could be forgiven for exhaling slowly and staring in wonderment at what you have just witnessed.
Born in New York City, Mark Eisenman has made Toronto his home since 1972 and has become one of Canada’s most sought-after pianists. The long list of top international and Canadian jazz artists he has performed with includes Ed Bickert, Nat Adderley, Sam Noto, Rob McConnell, Ruby Braff and Mark Murphy. He currently conducts jazz workshops at York University as a part-time faculty member. He is a skillful soloist, a versatile ensemble player and, a thoughtful and sensitive accompanist. In addition to being a pianist of great clarity and discipline, Mark has been developing his compositional skills, and his works have been described as "...showing a flair for wide-ranging form and expression." |
Robi Botos & Friends
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Robi Botos has been hailed as one of the most diverse multi-instrumentalists of this generation. From the hard-bop style of Bill Evans and Herbie Hancock to the swing of Oscar Peterson, Robi has managed to master the technique of his idols, all while showcasing his musical expressions in a voice that is purely his own. While Robi is known for being a strong player in the traditional jazz and funk fields, he always incorporates an element of the music he grew up listening to into his playing.
Born of Romani descent in Hungary, Robi taught himself first to play drums as a young child, and got his first taste of being a professional musician working throughout Budapest. Robi was first introduced to the piano when he was 7 years old, and never looked back. Robi has solidified himself as one of the most sought-after pianists in the country. |
The Brian Barlow Big Band: 'Miles, Monk & More'
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It’s a sure thing. You can bet on it.
Big Band Sundays at the Prince Edward County Jazz Festival with the Brian Barlow Big Band. Annually, the festival’s best draw, hands-down. Could be because most of the performers in this amazing ensemble are nominees or winners of every major jazz award there is - from Junos to National Jazz Awards and even Grammys. Could be because if you made a list of all of the world’s entertainment mega-stars these musicians have played with at one time or another, there’d be nobody left off the list. Could be because recent shows saluting the Boss Brass and Benny and Basie and Buddy and the Duke have always left jazz lovers wondering how they could be be topped. Find out for yourself. This year, the Brian Barlow Big Band, led by Canada’s top drummer-arranger, explores the music of jazz legends Miles Davis and Thelonius Monk in a new show entitled Miles, Monk, and More. It’s a sure thing. |
The Brian Barlow Big Band
John Johnson, Vern Dorge, Alex Dean, Perry White, Bob Leonard (saxophones)
Jason Logue, Steve McDade, Blair Yarranton, Brad Eaton (trumpets)
Kelsley Grant, Paul Tarrusov, Alexander Duncan (trombones)
Michele Gagnon (French horn)
Robi Botos (piano)
Scott Alexander (bass)
Brian Barlow (drums)
special guest vocalist Alex Samaras
John Johnson, Vern Dorge, Alex Dean, Perry White, Bob Leonard (saxophones)
Jason Logue, Steve McDade, Blair Yarranton, Brad Eaton (trumpets)
Kelsley Grant, Paul Tarrusov, Alexander Duncan (trombones)
Michele Gagnon (French horn)
Robi Botos (piano)
Scott Alexander (bass)
Brian Barlow (drums)
special guest vocalist Alex Samaras
Featured Artist: Tara Davidson
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Tara Davidson is a nine-time Juno Award-nominated alto and soprano saxophonist who has performed around the world at such prestigious venues as New York City’s Carnegie Hall, the acclaimed North Sea Jazz Festival in the Netherlands, the International Jazz Festival in Lima, Peru, the JZ Jazz Club in Shanghai, China, and The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
As a bandleader, Davidson has produced six recordings since 2004 and performed on approximately thirty recordings as a side person. Four of her six recordings as a leader or co-leader have been nominated by the JUNO Awards for “Album of the Year” in the “Traditional”, “Solo” and “Group” jazz categories. Some of Davidson’s other honours include being selected as the lead alto saxophonist for the European Broadcasting Union’s “European Youth Jazz Orchestra”, being selected as one of five finalists in the Mary Lou Williams “Women In Jazz” saxophone competition, and being selected as one of three finalists for the Toronto Arts Foundation’s “Emerging Jazz Artist Award” in 2015. In 2013, Davidson was awarded the Ontario Arts Council’s “Chalmers Professional Development Grant” to study with saxophone legend, Dick Oatts, in New York City. |
2017 Performers
Jazz Overture - Alex Dean Quartet
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He is Grammy-and-Juno winning Canadian reed royalty. Saxophonist Alex Dean has shared stages with legends across the musical spectrum from the Boss Brass, Mel Torme, Gil Evans and Kenny Wheeler to Aretha Franklin, Natalie Cole, Ray Charles and the Toronto Symphony…and that barely scratches the surface. His unique contributions to jazz as a recording artist, educator, clinician, and artistic director are as significant as they come. And if you are lucky enough to see it…when Alex Dean, in the middle of a ripping tenor solo removes his glasses, wipes his brow, and lets fly with yet another chorus…you could be forgiven for exhaling slowly and staring in wonderment at what you have just witnessed.
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Laila Biali
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Awards and international attention are the “new” normal for this uniquely-talented, Juno-nominated pianist and vocalist. Awards include SOCAN’s Composer of the Year, and the National Jazz Awards’ Keyboardist of the Year. Outside Canada, where she’s firmly established herself as one of the country’s favourite performers, she’s been a hit on elite stages like Carnegie Hall, Tokyo’s Cotton Club, and the North Sea Jazz Festival. She has toured with Grammy winners Chris Botti, Paula Cole, and Suzanne Vega, and recorded with Sting. DownBeat called her 2013 recording “Live in Concert” one of the best albums of 2013.
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Jobim's World - Gord Sheard & Luanda Jones
“I am a Brazilian music freak.” So says Gord Sheard himself about what he calls his musical obsession. And that’s precisely why we’ve engaged one of Canada’s greatest pianists to feature the music of Jobim. But his career has been decidedly multidimensional. Not just a performer, he is a composer, a producer, a studio musician; his wide-ranging musical collaborations and associations go from Manteca to Rita MacNeil, from Liona Boyd to John Macleod’s Rex Hotel Orchestra to touring with superstar flugelhornist Chuck Mangione back in the 80s.
The return of Rio-born Luanda Jones (much too late for many) to our festival was a foregone conclusion after her last appearance in 2010 with Guido Basso. Steeped in the traditions of Bossa Nova, samba, and jazz in addition to a wide range of other genres in a Brazilian musical family, much of her professional career has unfolded since emigrating to Canada in 2006. The world, increasingly, is the stage for what’s been described as her sweet, suave, and captivating voice.
One ecstatic fan poetically described Reg Schwager’s guitar-playing as “dripping with richness and gold” during his last performance at our festival in 2015. He’s a four-time National Jazz Award guitarist-of-the-year who has toured Canada and the world with the very best - George Shearing, Diana Krall, Peter Appleyard and Rob McConnell. An artist of wide-ranging ability, he has appeared on more than 80 recordings, and is an accomplished composer and arranger for string orchestras and big bands.
The return of Rio-born Luanda Jones (much too late for many) to our festival was a foregone conclusion after her last appearance in 2010 with Guido Basso. Steeped in the traditions of Bossa Nova, samba, and jazz in addition to a wide range of other genres in a Brazilian musical family, much of her professional career has unfolded since emigrating to Canada in 2006. The world, increasingly, is the stage for what’s been described as her sweet, suave, and captivating voice.
One ecstatic fan poetically described Reg Schwager’s guitar-playing as “dripping with richness and gold” during his last performance at our festival in 2015. He’s a four-time National Jazz Award guitarist-of-the-year who has toured Canada and the world with the very best - George Shearing, Diana Krall, Peter Appleyard and Rob McConnell. An artist of wide-ranging ability, he has appeared on more than 80 recordings, and is an accomplished composer and arranger for string orchestras and big bands.
Jazz Masters of the Highest Order
When we say jazz masters of the highest order, that is precisely what we mean.
Guido Basso - flugelhorn
Order of Canada, Grammys, Junos, a resume that stretches credulity. Flugelhorn Master. “Minister of Romance.” Long-time part of our Festival family. Period.
Phil Dwyer - tenor saxophone
Order of Canada, Junos, Royal Conservatory of Music Honorary Fellow, composer, arranger, producer, clinician, and…freshly-minted lawyer! Produced Canadian Songbook show on our main stage in 2013, and was a featured performer at our kickoff Jazz Overture in 2016.
Dave Young - bass
Order of Canada, multiple Junos and National Jazz Awards, and five years a member of Lenny Breau’s quartet. Performance partner and friend of Oscar Peterson, who said: “Dave Young is one of the most talented bassists on the jazz scene…”
Terry Clarke - drums
Order of Canada, Juno winner, six-time National Jazz Awards drummer-of-the-year. Versatile? A long and varied resume includes the Boss Brass, Rob McConnell’s Tentet, and a lengthy association with Don Thompson and Phil Dwyer…AND…five years with the huge pop act The Fifth Dimension in the 70s.
Robi Botos - piano
We consider Robi part of the Festival family for his many incredible performances on our stage over the years. Botos fans and fans-in-waiting will be able to catch this exciting JUNO winner on two occasions this year. With the 'Jazz Masters' on Saturday, Aug. 19 and on Sunday, Aug. 20 with the Brian Barlow Big Band.
Guido Basso - flugelhorn
Order of Canada, Grammys, Junos, a resume that stretches credulity. Flugelhorn Master. “Minister of Romance.” Long-time part of our Festival family. Period.
Phil Dwyer - tenor saxophone
Order of Canada, Junos, Royal Conservatory of Music Honorary Fellow, composer, arranger, producer, clinician, and…freshly-minted lawyer! Produced Canadian Songbook show on our main stage in 2013, and was a featured performer at our kickoff Jazz Overture in 2016.
Dave Young - bass
Order of Canada, multiple Junos and National Jazz Awards, and five years a member of Lenny Breau’s quartet. Performance partner and friend of Oscar Peterson, who said: “Dave Young is one of the most talented bassists on the jazz scene…”
Terry Clarke - drums
Order of Canada, Juno winner, six-time National Jazz Awards drummer-of-the-year. Versatile? A long and varied resume includes the Boss Brass, Rob McConnell’s Tentet, and a lengthy association with Don Thompson and Phil Dwyer…AND…five years with the huge pop act The Fifth Dimension in the 70s.
Robi Botos - piano
We consider Robi part of the Festival family for his many incredible performances on our stage over the years. Botos fans and fans-in-waiting will be able to catch this exciting JUNO winner on two occasions this year. With the 'Jazz Masters' on Saturday, Aug. 19 and on Sunday, Aug. 20 with the Brian Barlow Big Band.
The Brian Barlow Big Band with Heather Bambrick
Ticket-buyers tell us that Big Band Sunday nights are now the cornerstone of our week-long programming. We’ve shone bright light on the music of Benny and Basie, the Boss Brass and the Duke, and many others for audiences who can’t seem to get enough. So in 2017…not only is Canada 150 years old, but it’s a big year in jazz for 100th birthdays. Brash Buddy Rich, John “Dizzy” Gillespie, “Lady” Ella Fitzgerald and Thelonious Monk were all born 100 years ago this year…and all of them left a big band legacy that still resonates richly. So if you’re throwing a “Birthday Bash” that tips the hat to bold and brazen drummer Buddy, then the magnificent 17-piece ensemble led by Canada’s number one drummer/arranger is the only way to fly. The music of Ella Fitzgerald? The immensely-talented Heather Bambrick is your singer. Thelonius Monk? Robi Botos will do it like no other.
We also guarantee the safety of patrons and band members, who may be familiar with the Rich legacy of flagrant firings and cussing out colleagues, or Dizzy Gillespie’s 1939 spitball-and-knife fight with Cab Calloway. While Calloway had to finish that show with a little blood on his white suit, the Barlow band - its leader, and the musicians - promise to stick to the music.
The Brian Barlow Big Band
John Johnson, Vern Dorge, Alex Dean, Perry White, Bob Leonard (saxophones)
Jason Logue, Steve Crow, Blair Yarranton, Brad Eaton (trumpets)
Russ Little, Kelsley Grant, Zachary Smith (trombones)
Michele Gagnon (French horn)
Robi Botos (piano)
Scott Alexander (bass)
Brian Barlow (drums)
We also guarantee the safety of patrons and band members, who may be familiar with the Rich legacy of flagrant firings and cussing out colleagues, or Dizzy Gillespie’s 1939 spitball-and-knife fight with Cab Calloway. While Calloway had to finish that show with a little blood on his white suit, the Barlow band - its leader, and the musicians - promise to stick to the music.
The Brian Barlow Big Band
John Johnson, Vern Dorge, Alex Dean, Perry White, Bob Leonard (saxophones)
Jason Logue, Steve Crow, Blair Yarranton, Brad Eaton (trumpets)
Russ Little, Kelsley Grant, Zachary Smith (trombones)
Michele Gagnon (French horn)
Robi Botos (piano)
Scott Alexander (bass)
Brian Barlow (drums)
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Heather Bambrick
Talent, creative energy, and an engaging stage presence have propelled this award-winning singer to the forefront of vocal jazz in Canada and beyond. Also a respected educator and broadcaster, Heather is a favourite of listeners as a long-time host on Toronto’s JAZZ-FM. The Festival is especially proud to present Heather with Brian Barlow and his band, a nuanced collaboration honed very recently by half-a-dozen appearances at this year’s Toronto Jazz Festival. |
A Dance In The Garden: Elemental
Conceived and directed by choreographer Carol Anderson, performed by Arwyn Carpenter, Cristina Gonzales, Terrill Maguire, Claudia Moore, Michelle Silagy, community dancers, and accompanied by renowned multi-instrumentalist and composer Kirk Elliott.
Partnership support by Baxter Arts Centre.
Lead sponsor Oeno Gallery
Partnership support by Baxter Arts Centre.
Lead sponsor Oeno Gallery
Featured Artist: Drew Jurecka
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We know our audiences enjoy getting to know incredible artists who they know less about than others who appear on our stage more often. And we like it when great performers “discover” our festival and spend some time getting to know the “County.” Invariably, they love it and say yes when we ask them to come back! So, we’ve invited Drew Jurecka to be our first “Featured Performer.” As you’ll see in the program, he’ll appear in a variety of musical settings throughout the week.
A classically-trained violinist who admits to the early and profound influence of the great Stephane Grappelli, festival-goers may know his work for five years with Jeff Healey’s Jazz Wizards. He’s on three Healey CDs, including the Juno-nominated Last Call. Though violin is his primary instrument, he also works frequently as a performer on viola, saxophone, clarinet and mandolin. Drew’s no stranger to clubs and theatres across Canada where he performs with his own trio, or as part of his bands The Hot Jazz String Quartet or the Hogtown Syncopators. He’s toured with Jesse Cook, Stuart McLean and the Vinyl Cafe, Alex Pangman, and the Bebop Cowboys and is currently a member of Jill Barber’s band. He cuts across many genres, having played or recorded with Dave Brubeck, Stevie Wonder, Jim Cuddy, and many more. As a composer/arranger, Drew has written scores for eight stage plays, including one for The Burning Bush, which has been a hit in Toronto and New York. He has also written and produced music for film, including the award-winning documentary Cuba Libre and the recent shorts An Insignificant Man and Sidestep Goosestep. Welcome to the County Drew, and we’re guessing you’ll be making a lot of new friends while you’re here. |
2016 Performers
Jazz Overture - Mark Eisenman Trio with Phil Dwyer
Mark Eisenman
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Born in New York City, Mark has made Toronto his home since 1972 and has become one of Canada’s most sought-after pianists. The long list of top international and Canadian jazz artists he has performed with includes Ed Bickert, Nat Adderley, Sam Noto, Rob McConnell, Ruby Braff and Mark Murphy.
Originally from Canada’s west coast, Phil Dwyer burst on the jazz scene in Canada and internationally in his late teens as a saxophone prodigy. By his early 20s he was, according to former Globe and Mail journalist Mark Miller, “startling jazz audiences with his unprecedented command of both tenor saxophone and piano” and his “extraordinarily authoritative playing….set the country on its ear.” In 2013 he was made a Member of the Order Of Canada, cited for “his contributions to jazz as a performer, composer and producer, and for increasing access to music education in his community.” In January 2015 he was recognized by the Royal Conservatory of Music as an Honorary Fellow. These distinctions come after an illustrious thirty-year career which has crossed stylistic and geographic borders, and included collaborations with a storied roster of great artists. |
Emilie-Claire Barlow
Emilie-Claire Barlow
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She is nothing short of a Canadian vocal jazz jewel, continuing to dazzle the world. Her energetic live performances and unique recordings thrill sold-out audiences from Tokyo to Montreal. The latest accolade: a 2016 JUNO win, her second, for best vocal jazz album - Clear Day.
Emilie-Claire leads her stellar band through innovative arrangements of American-Songbook treasures, rhythmic bossa novas and elegant, poignant ballads. Critics, peers and audiences everywhere are captivated not only by a voice of unforgettable beauty, but also by a relaxed and polished demeanour, and a just-right sense of humour. |
Guido Basso & Friends
Guido Basso
Jodi Proznick
Bernie Senensky
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A long-time resident of the County, Guido is no stranger to PEC Jazz Festival audiences, and we are privileged to claim him as the festival’s artist-in-residence. Mastery of the flugelhorn makes his name synonymous with that instrument across the jazz world, as multiple Junos, Grammys, and the Order of Canada will attest. Thirty years a member of Rob McConnell & the Boss Brass - the greatest big band of its time - a small sample of artists with whom he’s shared a stage includes Diana Krall, Ella Fitzgerald, Woody Herman, Benny Goodman, Ellington, Basie and Sinatra.
Mike Murley Since moving to Toronto from his native Nova Scotia, Mike has forged a career that covers all the stylistic bases. His many recordings include those with top Canadian jazz artists such as Ed Bickert, Guido Basso and the late Rob McConnell, and he’s also collaborated with David Braid, David Occhipinti and the multi-Juno Award-winning electric jazz group Metalwood. Jodi Proznick The festival is thrilled to welcome back Vancover-based, Juno-nominated bassist, composer, bandleader and educator Jodi Proznick. She has won numerous National Jazz Awards, including Bassist of the Year in ’08 and ’09. Jodi will be performing on several occasions during the festival; at the After-Hours Jam Session, in a duo with Robi Botos, and with Guido Basso at the Regent Theatre. Bernie Senensky Winnipeg-born Bernie Senensky, many times a Juno nominee, is recognized as one of Canada’s premier jazz pianists. The list of his performance collaborations reads like a Hall of Fame tour: Joe Pass, Zoot Sims, Moe Koffman, Clark Terry, Randy Brecker and George Colman. Recordings include New Horizons from 1999, which features trumpeter Eddie Henderson and saxophonist Kirk MacDonald. His 2011 album Invitation featured bassist Gene Perla and drummer Ben Riley. Dave Laing In the rich Montreal jazz scene, Dave is one of the most ‘in-demand’ drummers. A member of McGill University’s faculty since 1990, he’s performed with Ranee Lee, Remi Bolduc, Lorne Lofsky, Don Thompson, Benny Golson, Slide Hampton and Oliver Jones, among many others. |
Dave Laing
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Mike Murley
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Robi Botos & Jodi Proznick
Robi Botos
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The Prince Edward County Jazz Festival is thrilled to present the winner of the 2016 Juno winner for best solo jazz album (Movin’ Forward). We consider Robi part of the Festival family for his many incredible performances on our stage over the years. Botos fans and fans-in-waiting will have numerous opportunities to catch Robi’s soulful, engaging playing this year; with Guido Basso & Friends, in a duo performance with Jodi Proznick, and at the always-popular, After-Hours Jam Sessions.
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Joe Sealy & Jackie Richardson - 'Africville Stories'
Jackie Richardson
Joe Sealy
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A dazzling performer, Jackie Richardson possesses a powerful and supple voice that is a perfect match for her one-of-a-kind stage presence. A body of work covering four decades has produced a roomful of nominations and awards - Juno, Gemini, Jessie, Bessie and Maple Blues recognition in addition to a Canadian Black Achievement Award for the Arts. Among the many she’s worked with are Ray Charles, Doug Riley, Anne Murray, Oliver Jones, The Nataniel Dett Chorale and the National Arts Centre Orchestra.
Joe Sealy has enjoyed a highly successful career as a musician, composer, recording artist and radio broadcaster. As a pianist, he has toured with Blood Sweat and Tears and performed with such artists as Joe Williams, Milt Jackson, Veronica Tennant, and Timothy Findlay. Joe and his longtime music partner Paul Novotny have also created a unique-sounding jazz duo and released four CD’s, garnering two Juno nominations. In the late 1990’s Joe wrote and recorded the Africville Suite, in honour of his late father who was born in the area of Halifax called Africville. It was Canada’s oldest black community before it was destroyed in the late 1960’s. Africville Suite received a JUNO Award in 1997, and inspired Ron Foley MacDonald of The Halifax Daily News to write: “This may be the most important jazz album released in Canada this year.” Joe has presented Africville Stories across Canada as well as in Denmark, Norway and the USA. |
The Brian Barlow Big Band & Alex Samaras
Brian Barlow Big Band
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It has become a tradition at the PEC Jazz Festival to finish off the week with a big band. In recent years, the Brian Barlow Big Band has locked down this spot on our stage, and audiences are telling us to keep it that way.
The most exciting big band in the land - made up of some of the finest soloists and ensemble players in jazz today - is led by drummer, arranger, and producer Brian Barlow. He is one of Canada's most recorded musicians, performing on more than 500 albums. For the past 13 years he has been the Creative Director of the Prince Edward County Jazz Festival. Toronto based vocalist Alex Samaras is quickly developing into one of Canada’s leading vocalists in the jazz and new music scene. Known as a “singer’s singer” within the Toronto vocal community, he studied at the University of Toronto and Banff, and has also worked in New York City. The Brian Barlow Big Band: John Johnson, Colleen Allen, Alex Dean, Perry White, Bob Leonard – saxophones Jason Logue, James Rhodes, Blair Yarranton, Alexander Brown – trumpets Russ Little, Kelsley Grant, Alexander Duncan – trombones Michele Gagnon – French horn Robi Botos – piano, Scott Alexander – bass, Brian Barlow - drums |
2015 Performers
Jazz Dinner with The Bob DeAngelis Quintet
Bob DeAngelis
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One of Toronto’s most versatile performers, Juno winner Bob DeAngelis is considered one of Canada's busiest and most accomplished bandleaders and freelance musicians. Festival fans still talk about his incredible performance on clarinet at last summer’s “Benny Goodman at Carnegie Hall” show at the Regent Theatre. From duos and trios all the way to swingin’ big bands, he’s entertained presidents, prime ministers, and members of the Royal Family. The DeAngelis quintet’s “hot” and “cool” swing and jazz usually starts the toes tap pin’ and the fingers snappin’.
Joining Bob will be John MacLeod on cornet, Robi Botos on piano, bassist Jodi Proznick and Brian Barlow on drums. |
Miles Davis' "Kind Of Blue"
with Steve McDade, Remi Bolduc, Jodi Proznick, David Restivo,
Ian Wright & Eli Bennett
Steve McDade
Remi Bolduc
Eli Bennett
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One of the world’s “go-to” jazz trumpeters, Steve McDade has a collection of Junos and Grammys over the last three decades as a result of his participation in groups like Manteca, and Rob McConnell and the Boss Brass. He’s shared stages with the likes of Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald, Diana Krall, and has been recorded on a hundred albums. Add in hundreds of radio and TV jingles, programs, and stage credits like Miss Saigon, Les Miserables, and Chicago….well, that doesn’t cover the half of it!
Last year’s festival-goers were particularly riveted by the alto saxophone playing of one of Montreal’s finest, Remi Bolduc, whose role in re-creating Dave Brubeck’s Time Out album and Paul Desmond’s Take Five was a show-stopper. A Charlie Parker devotee and multi-award winner, Remi is a professor of jazz at Montreal’s McGill University. Eli Bennett was the Festival’s Rising Young Star winner in 2010, and was recently similarly recognized by the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences. He’s a two-time winner of the Canadian CBC Galaxie Rising Star Award, and he won the 2012 Vancouver Mayor's Arts Award. For two years in a row, he performed at the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. He’s also a 2012 Leo Award nominee for his additional music score for Nash – a documentary on the life of basketball legend Steve Nash. A Vancouver-based, Juno-nominated bassist, composer, bandleader, and educator, Jodi Proznick has earned a reputation as one of Canada’s finest jazz artists. She has won numerous National Jazz Awards, including Bassist of the Year in ’08 and’09. Her group, the Jodi Proznick Quartet, was awarded the Acoustic Group of the Year and Album of the Year in ’08. She’ll be performing throughout the festival: at the opening Jazz Dinner, with the Bob DeAngelis Quintet, and at the Miles Davis Kind of Blue show with trumpeter Steve McDade. She’ll also play after-hours jam sessions and the Sunday morning Jazz Mass. David Restivo is a three-time National Jazz Award winner (pianist of the year), and is well-known for his work with Rob McConnell's The Boss Brass and Tentet, the Mike Murley Quintet, and legendary songwriter Marc Jordan. He co-leads his own quintet, is a member in about ten more, and teaches at Humber College. David will join Guido Basso, Shakura S’Aida, and Neil Swainson on stage on Friday, Aug. 14 at the Regent Theatre. Ian Wright was the Festival’s 2011 Rising Young Star winner. Born in Belleville and now based in Toronto, Ian has performed locally, nationally and internationally with various groups and artists including: Autobahn, I Double You, Hawksley Workman, Kellylee Evans, David Occhipinti Trio, Nancy Walker Quintet, Shannon Gunn Quartet, Mara & The Marigold, CADE, Midcoast, and the Andrew McAnsh Quintet. 
Ian Wright
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Guido Basso and Shakura S'Aida
Guido Basso
Shakura S'Aida
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The Prince Edward County Jazz Festival is proud to consider its long association with Guido Basso (the festival’s artist-in-residence) a part of its DNA. The background: multiple Grammys, Junos, an Order of Canada membership, thirty years and thirty recordings as a charter member of Rob McConnell and the Boss Brass; a teen-aged career that began with crooner Vic Damone on a two-year international tour, and led to three years on the road with Pearl Bailey and her bandleader/husband, drummer Louis Bellson. He’s performed and recorded with them all: Sinatra, Fitzgerald, Gillespie, Herman, Goodman, Ellington, Basie, Ellington, Rich, Krall, and so many more. Canada’s undisputed Minister of Romance on the flugelhorn will play at the Jazz Dinner kickoff and in his own main-stage show with vocalist Shakura S’Aida.
A truly international artist who calls Canada home, Shakura S'Aida was born in Brooklyn, raised in Switzerland, and is a long-time resident of Toronto. She’s appeared in New York’s famed Apollo Theater, and in the past two years alone, her soulful voice has delighted audiences from the Caribbean to Moscow, from Dubai to Romania, from Macedonia to Austria…to name just a few! Possessed of a rare ability to connect with audiences, she is featured with the legendary Guido Basso on the main stage Friday Aug. 14. A frequent performer and warm friend of the festival, Robi Botos once opened for Oscar Peterson (his former mentor), and his stock as an elite, internationally-renowned jazz artist has been climbing ever since. The proof: a 2007 National Jazz Award for Keyboardist of the Year, 2007 NOW Award for Best Jazz Artist and first place prizes at the 2008 Montreux Jazz Festival Solo Piano Competition and 2008 Great American Jazz Piano Competition. Most recently, Robi was awarded the 2012 TD Grand Jazz award at The Montreal International Jazz Festival. A regular fixture on the Toronto jazz scene with a resume that includes Rob McConnell, Moe Koffman, George Shearing, Lee Konitz, Slide Hampton, and many more…Neil Swainson leads his own quintet and lists more than a dozen other elite jazz groups he’s a member of. He’ll be playing in the Regent Theatre show on Friday Aug. 14 featuring Guido Basso, Shakura S’Aida and David Restivo. |
Tribute to Billie Holiday
Marika Galea Quartet
Marika Galea
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Marika Galea is last year’s winner of the Festival’s Rising Young Star award, and has established an impressive cross-border career as she studies at Boston’s Berklee College. Since enrolling there, she’s performed everywhere from the desert of Santa Fe to Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola in New York, and has earned recent recognition for her role as a side-woman with the Cyrus Chestnut Trio. Marika will lead her own quartet in a Tribute to Billie Holiday at 2:00 p.m. on Sat. Aug. 15 at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Picton.
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Oliver Jones Quartet
Oliver Jones
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Oliver Jones - maybe Canada’s most beloved jazz musician - was inspired early in his six-decade career by the great Oscar Peterson. Admired throughout the world, he is an officer of the Order of Canada, a Governor General’s Performing Arts Award winner, (Canada’s highest arts honour), and a two-time Juno award winner. He “retired” in 2000, but still does about 20 shows a year. He’ll lead a quartet that includes Chet and Jim Doxas in his own main stage performance on Sat. Aug. 16 at the Regent Theatre.
Now based in New York, Montreal born-and-raised musician Chet Doxas has firmly positioned himself as a standard-bearer for the new generation of tenor saxophonists. He can be heard on more than a hundred albums, and has shared studios and stages with a wide range of musicians including Guido Basso, Maria Schneider, Joe Lovano, Sam Roberts, Rufus Wainwright, and Oliver Jones. Fifteen years into his career as a mainstay on the Montreal jazz scene, Jim Doxas has appeared on about a hundred albums and performs over 200 concerts a year. That includes almost 70 with the revered Oliver Jones, working as his drummer since 2004. Also a teacher at McGill University, he launched Blind Leap, his first album as a bandleader, in 2014. |
Brian Barlow Big Band
"The Best of The Best"
Brian Barlow
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Over the festival’s 15 years, Sunday nights and big band music have become an almost indispensable tradition. From the music of Rob McConnell and the Boss Brass, to Benny Goodman, to Duke Ellington and Count Basie…the Festival is pleased to present a “best of the best” on Sunday, Aug. 16 at the Regent Theatre. The Barlow outfit is home to some of the world’s best jazz musicians…some having actually played in the bands whose music will be showcased on this night.
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