The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian honour one can receive in the United States. The award recognizes an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural, or other significant public or private endeavors. On June 19, world-renowned trumpeter, composer, arranger, and 2013 Presidential Medal […]

The late pianist Dave Brubeck is undeniably one of the most influential figures in the history of jazz. As a bandleader, his group achieved both artistic and commercial success. The Dave Brubeck Quartet’s 1959 release Time Out, featuring Paul Desmond’s hit tune, “Take Five,” brought jazz—and odd time signatures in particular—to a wider audience, eventually […]

Impressionist painters of the late 19th-century implemented pure colours, organic brush strokes, and an open visual conception to bring their canvas to life. To more accurately and effectively capture the nuance of their surroundings, these artists began to work outdoors when painting landscapes, as opposed to working in a studio. This practice is known as […]

If there were one word to describe Ranee Lee, it would be versatile. After touring North America in the 1970s as a tenor saxophonist and drummer, the Brooklyn-born Lee moved to Montreal, and was chosen to star in the first Canadian production of Lady Day, a musical portraying the life of legendary jazz singer Billie […]

The Christmas season will be a whole lot merrier this year for anyone who enjoys great music, as Toronto-born vocalist Denzal Sinclaire will join the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra for its December concert. Sinclaire’s smooth timbre and joyful approach to singing have been winning over listeners around the world. He seems to have effortless control over […]