Smalls is my favorite hang in New York because the lines between people and the different roles that they play are always a bit blurry. People in the club come from everywhere—they are part of the audience, but many of them (including the staff!) hope to make it onto the stage during the jam. Even […]

Dee Daniels makes an impact as a singer, whether accompanying herself at the piano, or fronting a big band, trio, or symphony. Her hypnotic tone, paired with her four-octave range, amazing improvisation capabilities, and emotional intensity, have been capturing attention all over the world for more than three decades. The roots of her sound come […]

Meet Aaron Goldberg. Now in his mid-30s, this piano genius has long established himself as a mainstay in the worldwide jazz community. A man of many interests, Aaron is also an academic, and has recently completed a Master’s degree in Analytic Philosophy. I found him to be warm, articulate and engaging. I called him at […]

The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra’s legacy dates back to the mid-1960s, when it was first created as the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra. Trumpeter Jones was an alumnus of the Count Basie Orchestra, and this new unit allowed him to expand upon the legacies of Basie and Duke Ellington, and to showcase his formidable gifts as a […]

Anna-Lisa Kirby has made a big impression on this city since she arrived here from New York almost a decade ago. With performances in every possible setting, from the WSO to duos with husband Steve at private receptions, Anna-Lisa has moved listeners with her articulate and musical storytelling. As the Vocal Instructor in the Jazz […]

Brace yourselves: the 25-&-under club in this city is about to show us all that they know a thing or two about big band jazz! On Saturday, April 14, four young bands take over the stage at the West End Cultural Centre: Bill Kristjanson’s senior jazz band from Vincent Massey Collegiate, Ken Gold’s senior jazz […]

Becca Stevens is a creative powerhouse. A guitarist, singer, songwriter, teacher, and band leader, she is making a big impact on the American jazz and Americana scenes—everyone wants to work with her! She leads her own Becca Stevens Band, but she also collaborates with Gretchen Parlato and Rebecca Martin in a trio called Tillery, co-writes […]

A lot of readers were a little shaken this past February at the train wreck of a debate on the first day of Canada Reads, CBC’s annual book showdown. For the few who haven’t encountered this contest, here’s the Coles Notes version: five panelists each champion a particular book, and each day ends with one […]