Christmas came early for me a glorious performance by the duet of Tuck Andress and Patti Cathcart. A performance that was as a gift from heaven. Actually we must thank the good folks at the TD Canada Trust Toronto Jazz Festival for bringing this amazing duet to town. Originally slated for the Diesel Playhouse, the venue changed on rather short notice to the larger Bathurst Street Theatre, a less intimate venue, but with better sound quality and better sight lines. Heather Bambrick, vocalist a

Kurt Elling performed one extended set a the intimate Diesel Playhouse, a sold out show, standing room only. Thankfully the organizers of the show did their best to find chairs for everyone. Audience members also shared tables and chairs so that the concert became a warm, friendly and comfortable experience. Kurt Elling came out on stage, standing midway between his microphone and the stage left curtain, he sang to the audience, "Autumn". Impressive was his delivery, intonation, cocky phrasin

Singers unlimited could be a more descriptive title for this group of high energy singing sensations under the direction of media mogul Jaymz Bee. Jaymz made mention of the fact that he had a very limited role in leading this group, "I made sure to pick people in the orchestra who are all leaders of their own groups, that makes my job much easier." The orchestra is comprised of a who’s, who, on the T.O jazz scene. Names such as Juno award winners, Richard Underhill (alto saxophone) and Christ

Rinsethealgorithm, a high powered contemporary quintet of incredible keys, melodic bass, wicked drums and killer saxophone in digital format is excellent. To see them live in concert is exceptional. The bands recent engagement at Lula Lounge in Toronto was a special performance, promoting their new CD, Locutions. Under the leadership of electric bassist Rich Brown, Rinsethealgorithm performed two sets, about twelve songs, the complete CD, plus a couple of new tunes. The show started wi

An intimate jazz club concert with two dynamic saxophonists. Dave Liebman, American tenor and soprano saxophonist and Mike Murley, Canadian tenor and soprano saxophone player. The two, along with bassist Pat Collins and New York based drummer Ian Froman performed at Hugh’s room, a jazz club in the west end of Toronto. The quartet put on a high energy show for an appreciative audience, a packed house. The crowd was primarily older looking, but a good contingent of students appeared to be on hand.