Some of my most profound life lessons come from my kids. As I was leaving my house one recent morning to drive everyone to the different places that they go, I encountered my five-year-old son Solomon who was already out playing on the front lawn. There he was just spinning around and around with his […]

Will Bonness has been making a name for himself as a Winnipeg pianist for several years, and has assembled an enviable resume, with performances and tours across North America and Europe, and several recordings, including his own CD, Subtle Fire. This past winter, he was part of a vigorous competition for the tenure-track position in […]

When you think about baritone sax, you might think of a gruff sound, almost grotesque, and a horn that can be cumbersome. Saxophonist Gary Smulyan completely rewrites those expectations. He has a beautiful tone all over the horn. His high end sounds like a countertenor, smooth and high and warm. His low end is strong […]

In May, tenor saxophonist Niall Bakkestad-Legare and I embarked on a 16-hour drive to Banff to attend the Banff International Workshop in Jazz and Creative Music at the Banff Centre. I think I can speak for Niall as well when I say that it was one of these best decisions we have ever made. The […]

Erin Propp graduated from the U of M’s Jazz Studies program a year ago, and has since set about the work of establishing herself as a singer-songwriter. At this year’s TD Winnipeg International Jazz Festival, she opened for Gretchen Parlato—her clear-as-a-bell voice and intimate delivery stole people’s hearts! — Charlene Diehl Have you always loved […]

When it comes to learning to improvise, I believe the blues is one of the most important basic elements, for several reasons: The chord changes are highly predictable, which allows you time to think. The scales that are used are not complicated, which also allows you time to think. The harmonies can accommodate every mood, […]

When I think of a group I would love to hear live, my obvious choice is Brian Blade and the Fellowship Band. Born in 1970, Brian Blade has been one of the most influential and innovative drummers of the last twenty years. He has played with countless musicians throughout his career, including Wayne Shorter, Joshua […]

In 1954, a young classically trained pianist named Eunice Wayman took a job playing piano at the seedy Midtown Bar and Grill in Atlantic City, New Jersey. To hide the gig from her opinionated mother, a Methodist minister, Wayman adopted another name: Nina Simone. She took Nina (meaning ”girl” or “little one” in Spanish) from […]

Summer! Around my house, I can almost hear the sigh of pleasure as my kids set aside school and lessons and sports teams, and contemplate lazy days with bikes and basketballs and books. As the pressure of expectations—both internal and external—lifts, they breathe more deeply, move more loosely, laugh more quickly. As it happens, summer […]