Jerrold Dubyk Organ Trio Laura Crema Quintet Reis/Demuth

Jerrold Dubyk Organ TrioLaura Crema QuintetReis/Demuth/Wiltgen TrioDonny McCaslin TrioHolly Hofmann/Mike Wofford QuartetFlorian Hoefner GroupP.J. Perry/Renee Rosnes QuartetEliana CuevasOmer KleinDave Peck TrioDOubLE biLL - Joanna borromeo and Nuela Charles Champian Fulton/Cory Weeds QuartetDoug Organ TriobraveheartAzar Lawrence QuintetCurtis Nowosad QuartetJohanna SillanpaaYARDbiRD SuiTE bLuES - Joe Piccolo and Swing the CatThe Writers’ Guild

Donny McCaslinTrio

Spring 2014

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Jerrold Dubyk is thrilled to be presenting his music once again at the Yardbird Suite. Focused on a desire to be expressive onstage and working with top musicians, he brings an inspired ability towards the melodic line and harmonic gestures in the saxophone tradition.

In the organ trio format, Jerrold will be performing music from his three albums as a leader -‘The Way You See It’ (2005), ‘The Maverick’ (2009 WCMA Jazz Recording of the Year) and from his third album, ‘/In.v?’te?.sh?ns/’ (January 2014 release - featuring his core Vancouver band mates multiple Juno Award winner Brad Turner - piano, WCMA award winner Jesse Cahill - drums, and new band members, National Jazz Award Winner/Juno nominated Jodi Proznick - bass and Grammy nominated jazz musician Terell Stafford - trumpet). Look for this group to hit the Yardbird stage next February 2015!

In between his dizzying array of projects, Dubyk still finds time to best express his love of music with others. An educator as well as a performer, Dubyk is the Director of Music at Strathcona High School, on faculty at MacEwan University where he teaches jazz saxophone and also on faculty at the University of Alberta. In November 2012, to celebrate his contributions

in the arts and youth of Edmonton, Dubyk was included into Edmonton’s Avenue Magazine “Top 40 under 40”.

Joining Jerrold for this evening of music are his bandmates Chris Andrew (organ) and Jesse Cahill (drums). Together, they share a collective ambition to express the journey of friendships that develop when great and humble people put the needs of others first. In essence, it’s about musical family and what they all bring to the gig.

Jerrold Dubyk Organ Trio

CANADIAN JAZZ SERIES

when...From Edmonton/Vancouver

FRIDAY, MARch 28, 2014 MEMBERS $18, GUESTS $22DOORS 8 PM - SHOW 9 PM

Jerrold Dubyk – tenor saxophoneChris Andrew – organJesse Cahill – drums

Artist website:www.jerrolddubyk.com


4 Spring 2014

Laura Crema QuintetA native of Vancouver, vocalist Laura Crema

possesses a lush, unique instrument with great

depth and resonance. Her influences are broad

and diverse as she blends jazz with popular

music, bossa nova, original compositions and

improvisation.

She has studied with great vocalists like Sheila

Jordan, Jay Clayton, Nancy King and Kurt

Elling. Laura is also an accomplished dancer,

choreographer and interdisciplinary performer.

She has released three albums to date, “Almost

Blue”, “Spring is Here”, and, most recently, “Fotografia”

in 2013 which was produced by one of Canada’s

extraordinary talents, Brad Turner.

From Vancouver/Calgary

SATURDAY, MARch 29, 2014MEMBERS $18, GUESTS $22DOORS 8 PM - SHOW 9 PM

Laura Crema – vocalsBill Coon – guitarKodi Hutchinson – bassKarl Schwonik – drumsSharon Minemoto – piano

Artist website:lauracrema.com

when...

“Vancouver jazz vocalist Laura Crema and trumpeter/producer Brad Turner make for a powerful combination. Hers is a wonder-fully deep, expressive voice and Turner has surrounded her with some great players and sounds. This is quite the inspired treat!”

~ The Vancouver Province


INTERNATIONAL JAZZ SERIES

Luxembourg jazz trio Reis/Demuth/Wiltgen is

making their Canadian debut with a series of

concerts at prominent jazz venues as well as

marking the official Canadian launch of their self-

titled album.

Pianist Michel Reis, bassist Marc Demuth and

drummer Paul Wiltgen are three of Luxembourg’s

most up and coming jazz musicians. They formed

the trio in 1998 while still in high school and

performed on a regular basis in and around

Luxembourg for a couple of years. The trio

reunited in 2011 eager to share their experiences

and new compositions. Each band member

composes music for the trio, with the aim to

create a fresh and forward-thinking overall sound,

one that is strongly influenced by popular music

and the singer/songwriter genre, but with a core

sound that remains in modern jazz.

They are a part of a fast-growing jazz scene

in Luxembourg. The Luxembourg jazz scene

continues to push its frontiers, bringing forth

captivating young artists such as Pascal

Schumacher who appeared at the Yardbird Suite

Reis/Demuth/Wiltgen Trio

From Luxembourg

SUNDAY, MARch 30, 2014MEMBERS $18, GUESTS $22DOORS 7:30 PM - SHOW 8 PM

Michel Reis – pianoMarc Demuth – bassPaul Wiltgen – drums

Artist website:reisdemuthwiltgen.com

when...

From Vancouver/Calgary

SATURDAY, MARch 29, 2014MEMBERS $18, GUESTS $22DOORS 8 PM - SHOW 9 PM

Laura Crema – vocalsBill Coon – guitarKodi Hutchinson – bassKarl Schwonik – drumsSharon Minemoto – piano

Artist website:lauracrema.com

in 2013. Reis/Demuth/Wiltgen has strong ties

to their home country, and are among these

emerging talents who through experience,

learning and reflection, have acquired a worldly

open-mindedness and eagerness to bring

their music to audiences worldwide. With their

European style of melodic composition, set to an

almost American sounding rhythm section that is

exciting and dynamic, yet grounding and settled,

they share the diversity of current jazz and a laid-

back Europe.

Grammy nominated tenor saxophonist, Donny

McCaslin, is one of the most striking voices in jazz.

He moves comfortably between mainstream

modern, funky fusion, laid-back balladry, and

his own experimental style and has enjoyed

long-running collaborations with innovators like

Dave Douglas, David Binney, Gary Burton, Danilo

Perez and Maria Schneider. He received a Grammy

nomination for “Best Jazz Instrumental Solo” on

Schneider’s 2004 album “Concert In The Garden”

and was recently nominated for a 2014 Grammy

for the same award. McCaslin has also performed

with Tom Harrell, Brian Blade, John Pattitucci, The

Mingus Band, Luciana Souza and Pat Metheny,

among others.

He has released ten albums, the most recent of

which “Casting For Gravity” “finds an ideal setting

for his gargantuan tenor sound to rampage

through in the ferocious grooves and electronic

textures of keyboardist Jason Lindner, bassist Tim

Lefebvre, and drummer Mark Guiliana.” The CD

has been called a “game-changer of an album,

fusing a wealth of forward-looking influences into

one wholly new modern jazz sound.” The “Casting

for Gravity” group appeared at the Yardbird Suite

in 2013 to an extremely enthusiastic response.


Donny McCaslin Trio

From New York

ThURSDAY, ApRIl 3, 2014 MEMBERS $24, GUESTS $28DOORS 7:30 PM - SHOW 8 PM

Donny McCaslin – saxophoneScott Colley – bassJohnathan Blake – drums

Artist Website:donnymccaslin.com

when...

6 Spring 2014

Holly Hofmann has earned the praise and respect of

musicians and jazz aficionados for her bluesy, bebop-

based improvisations, lyrical depth and technical

prowess on an instrument that many once regarded

as definitely not a jazz horn. As an authoritative,

swinging flutist, she has enjoyed satisfying

partnerships with such renowned jazzmen as Frank

Wess, James Moody, Kenny Barron and hundreds of

other top names in the music. She also worked with

the legendary bassist Ray Brown from the mid-1990s

until his death.

She has recorded over a dozen discs as a leader,

several of them with pianist Bill Cunliffe, the most

recent of which was “Three’s Company” in 2012. In

fact, Holly and Bill performed at the Yardbird Suite

back in the late 1990s. She now returns to Edmonton

with her husband, pianist Mike Wofford, to perform

in a quartet setting with Mike Lent on bass and Karl

Schwonik on drums.

Despite leading a number of recording dates under

his own name, pianist, composer, and arranger

Mike Wofford is better known as a consummate

accompanist, lending his skills to the music of such

giants as Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan and Benny

Carter. His resume also includes James Moody, Shelly

Manne, Zoot Sims, Joe Pass, Kenny Burrell, Harry

“Sweets” Edison, Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson and Bud

Shank

Holly and Mike, married since 2000, released

“Turn Signal” in 2012 which also features the great

trumpeter Terell Stafford. The blend of flute and

trumpet creates a warm harmony throughout much

of the album, which is a compelling mix of strong

originals and overlooked gems.

CROSS-BORDER JAZZ SERIES

Holly Hofmann/ Mike Wofford Quartet


From San Diego/Edmonton/Calgary

FRIDAY, ApRIl 4, 2014 MEMBERS MEMBERS $22, GUESTS $26DOORS 8 PM - SHOW 9 PM

Holly Hofmann – fluteMike Wofford – pianoMike Lent – bassKarl Schwonik – drums

Artist Website:hollyhofmann.com

when...

New York-based pianist Florian Hoefner introduces his unique brand of modern jazz with the Florian Hoefner Group. Alongside his contemporaries on the New York jazz scene, the two-time winner of the ASCAP Young Jazz Composer Award presents a set of original compositions with appeal to a wide span of music fans and jazz lovers alike.

“Songs Without Words”, their debut record, was released in 2012. The record was reviewed in publications including All About Jazz, Jazz Weekly and Jazzthing, received airplay on radio stations across the United States, Canada and Germany and was featured on the Lufthansa inflight entertainment program. The group’s follow-up album “Falling Up” includes seven brand new originals and arrangements of the Beatles classic “Eleanor Rigby” and the folk song “Black is the Color”.

The players’ individual track records are as impressive. Florian Hoefner was part of nine commercial CD releases on labels like ENJA Records and Fresh Sound including a collaboration with guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel. He is a two-time winner of the ASCAP Young Jazz Composer Award. Tenor saxophonist

Florian Hoefner Group


8 Spring 2014

From New York/Toronto

SATURDAY, ApRIl 5, 2014 MEMBERS $20, GUESTS $24DOORS 8 PM - SHOW 9 PM

Florian Hoefner – pianoMatt Marantz – tenor & soprano saxophoneSam Anning – bassPeter Kronreif – drums

Artist website:florian-hoefner.com

when...

Matt Marantz is a graduate of the famous Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz and has performed with Herbie Hancock and Jack DeJohnette. Bassist Sam Anning is the winner of the Bell Award as Young Jazz Musician of the Year in Australia and has performed with artists including Kenny Werner, George Garzone and Jim Black. Drummer Peter Kronreif has played on more than 30 CD releases and is a sought-after tour drummer all over the world.


Renee Rosnes has emerged as one of the premier jazz pianists and composers of her generation. She began classical piano studies at age three and became interested in jazz music in high school. Shortly after relocating from Vancouver to New York in 1986, Rosnes quickly established a reputation as a formidable talent.

P.J. Perry is recognized as Canada’s greatest alto saxophonist. His father, band leader Paul Perry, began featuring his son playing saxophone in his band when P.J. was just 14 years old. In the ensuing years, P.J. has shared stages with countless jazz greats including Dizzy Gillespie, Woody Shaw, Rob McConnell, Slide Hampton, and Ellis Marsalis.

He was the lead alto player on The Tommy Banks Show for fifteen years. He has had a long relationship performing and recording with The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. Jazz Report Magazine named him “Best Alto Saxophonist” in seven consecutive years.

Drummer Terry Clarke won the 2010 Juno for Best Traditional Jazz Album of the year. His illustrious career includes work with pop group The Fifth Dimension and with Oscar Peterson. An adjunct professor at the University of Toronto, he is a Member of the Order of Canada.

Bassist Neil Swainson began playing professionally in Victoria before moving to Toronto in 1977. He worked with George Shearing from 1986 to 2011, and he plays on five Juno Award-winning CDs (including one each with Renee Rosnes and P.J. Perry).

It would probably be difficult, if not impossible, to assemble a greater group of Canadian jazz musicians on one stage.

P.J. Perry/Renee Rosnes Quartet


From Edmonton/New York/Toronto

FRIDAY-SATURDAY, ApRIl 11-12, 2014 MEMBERS $26, GUESTS $30DOORS 8 PM - SHOW 9 PM

P.J. Perry – alto saxophoneRenee Rosnes – pianoNeil Swainson – bassTerry Clarke – drums

Artist website:pjperry.comreneerosnes.com

when...


Eliana CuevasAfter a decade of intensive performing, writing

and composing, Eliana Cuevas now ranks as

one of Canada’s finest world and jazz music

performers and creators. Eliana came to Toronto

from her native Venezuela to attend the

University of Toronto. A student of music in her

homeland, it was in Toronto that Eliana began to

perform in public.

By the late nineties she was working as a vocalist

in some of Toronto’s top Latin jazz, salsa and

Brazilian ensembles. Eliana enjoys singing the

songs of composers she admires but she feels

most fulfilled when she is able to express her

own thoughts and feelings in her music. In 2002

she recorded her first CD of five original songs

“Cohesion”. In 2004, she

released “Ventura”, her first full length CD.

Since then, Eliana has been busy creating and

performing. She has toured the country from east

to west to north as well as her native Venezuela

and Europe. She won the Toronto Independent

Music Awards World Music Artist of the Year

in 2007 and released her next album “Vidas”, a

collection of songs she describes as “gifts I’ve

received from lives that have crossed my path.”

It features original compositions about lives that

have touched hers and covers of songs that were

brought to her by important people in her life.

She has also been nominated for a Canadian Folk

Music Award in the ‘Best World Music Solo Artist’

category and received an award for ‘Best Latin

Performer’ at the National Jazz Awards. Eliana

has appeared at the Yardbird Suite on a couple

of occasions with trombonist Darren Sigesmund

and made her first appearance here as a leader in

2012. Her most recent CD “Espejo Frente a Espejo”

seamlessly blends genres from blues to pop with

Cuevas’ signature soaring vocals and Latin jazz

sound. Ingenious producer and composer Jeremy

10 Spring 2014

From Toronto

FRIDAY, ApRIl 18, 2014 MEMBERS $20, GUESTS $24DOORS 8 PM - SHOW 9 PM

Eliana Cuevas - vocalsJeremy Ledbetter – pianoGeorge Koller – bassDaniel Barnes – drums

Artist website:elianacuevas.com

when...

Ledbetter played a key role in encouraging

Cuevas to push her creative boundaries on the

album, resulting in an eclectic and captivating

musical journey.

Eliana Cuevas is now both an artist

who has built a national and

international career and an

artist to anticipate much

more from.


A virtuoso pianist, authoritative bandleader and prolific composer, Omer Klein is one of the most exciting and original musicians on the international scene.

Omer was born in 1982 in Israel, began playing and composing music at the age of seven, and studied jazz at the famous Thelma Yellin High School of the Arts, before moving to the United States where he studied at the New England Conservatory with the Grammy-winning pianist Danilo Perez. He has released five albums that have received highly-praised reviews in the American and European press.

Klein has collaborated with renowned artists such as John Zorn, Lee Konitz, Jeff Ballard, Joel Frahm,

Omer Avital, and Johnathan Blake. He is the winner of numerous awards, including the 1st prize at the Jazz Hoeilaart International Competition in Belgium.

The trio, with bassist Haggai Cohen Milo and drummer Ziv Ravitz, released the album “Rockets on the Balcony” in 2010 on John Zorn’s prestigious Tzadik label”. The CD was chosen as an Editors’ Pick for December 2010 in Downbeat Magazine. A second trio album “To the Unknown” on Naxos/Plus Loin followed.

Chalk up another winner for the Israeli Invasion that’s brought so many new talents into the jazz world in recent years.


Omer Klein

From New York/Israel

SATURDAY, April 19, 2014 MEMBERS $20, GUESTS $24DOORS 8 PM - SHOW 9 PM

Omer Klein – pianoHaggai Cohen Milo – bass

Artist website:omerklein.com

when...

12 Spring 2014


Dave Peck TrioA native of the Pacific Northwest, Dave Peck

is recognized as an outstanding composer,

arranger and pianist. He is known for his

introspective style and rich harmonic coloring

and has been described as “…a formidable

musical voice, lyrical and insightful” and “…

an absolute artist with a unique command

of his instrument and the language of music”.

Downbeat magazine says Peck’s playing is

“lyrical and pastel, swinging and bluesy, with

a ringing crystalline touch.” and Cadence

Magazine says he “…can hang with the

currently feted crop of young lions”.

Dave has appeared on Piano Jazz with Marian

McPartland. Ms McPartland said “Dave Peck is

a pianist and composer who possesses great

musicality, a sensitive touch and a lively sense

of swing.”

Peck’s professional career began in 1970.

Over the years he has performed with many

first-rank jazz artists including Chet Baker,

Sonny Stitt, Lee Konitz, Art Farmer, Clifford

Jordan, Harry “Sweets” Edison, Eddie “Lockjaw”

Davis, Ernestine Anderson, Gary Peacock, Pete

From Seattle/Los Angeles

FRIDAY, April 25 2014 MEMBERS $22, GUESTS $26DOORS 8 PM - SHOW 9 PM

Dave Peck - pianoJeff Johnson - bassJoe LaBarbera – drums

Artist website:davepeckmusic.com

when...

Christleib, Freddie Hubbard, and Claudio Roditi.

From 1978 to 1996, he had an especially fruitful

relationship with Bud Shank, who recorded

“Tales of the Pilot”, an album devoted entirely

to Peck’s compositions. In 1998 “Trio”, his debut

release as leader was voted Earshot Magazine’s

Jazz Northwest Recording of the Year. His “3

and 1” was in the Gavin Jazz Top Ten and again

was voted Earshot Jazz Northwest Recording

of the Year in 2000.

His style, chord voicings, and approach to

playing in a trio are very reminiscent of Bill

Evans, and not only because one of Evans’

drummers, Joe LaBarbera, is a part of the

group. The interplay of the trio is tight yet

spontaneous. Other influences include Keith

Jarrett and Wynton Kelly. He has blended these

influences into a unique approach to the piano.

His ability to improvise and play variations on

the theme without disassociating from the

music he’s interpreting is truly illuminating and

special.

Joanna Borromeo is an independent soul/R&B/

jazz singer and pianist from Calgary. She

is a 2014 Juno Award nominee and a 2013

Western Canadian Music Award nominee.

Growing up, she played classical piano and

listened to R&B, hip hop, and soul. In college,

she studied jazz piano and went on to become

a versatile freelance musician for a number of

years in Toronto before becoming a solo artist,

playing R&B, soul, funk, hip hop, gospel, indie

rock/country, pop, folk, and jazz fusion. She

has two records out “Through the Dark” and

“Kaleidoscope” and is currently working on a

new recording project called “Letters to the

Muse”. The first single “Wanna Love You” can be

downloaded on Bandcamp.

Nuela Charles is a Canadian, Swiss and

Kenyan singer-songwriter currently based in

Edmonton, but much like her music, she has

lived an extremely diverse lifestyle.†”Aware”

was released in 2012 and was called a “smooth,

triumphant, star-in-the-making album of

retro soul and R&B with moody trip-hop and

electronica,” by Sandra Sperounes of the

Edmonton Journal.

The album flew under the radar for the

beginning of 2013 until it was highlighted

during the CBC National Searchlight Contest

and had producer Andrea Warner call Charles

“the future queen of Canadian soul.” “Aware”

later went on to be nominated for a 2013

Western Canadian Music Award for Urban

Recording.

She ended 2013 by winning the first ever

Edmonton Music Prize, which highlights

a recording that has “made a unique

contribution or outstanding accomplishment

in music within the last 18 months,” and was

hailed by SoulTrain as “one to watch in 2014.”

THE BEST OF ALBERTA JAZZ SERIES


Double Bill: Joanna Borromeo and Nuela Charles

From Calgary/Edmonton

SATURDAY, ApRIl 26, 2014 MEMBERS $18, GUESTS $22DOORS 8 PM - SHOW 9 PM

Joanna Borromeo - vocals, keysChad Holtzman – electric guitarSteve Shepard – bassDan Barton - drums

Nuela Charles – vocals and acoustic guitarPatrick Hughes – electric guitarVicky Berg – keyboards and pianoReid Thiel – bassAndrew Miller – drums

Artist website:joannaborromeo.comnuelacharles.com

when...

Born in Oklahoma in 1985, Champian Fulton

started playing piano at the age of three. In

addition to her father, she received trumpet

instruction from her father’s close friend, Clark

Terry, who lived with the Fulton family in 1997

when his health began to fail. Despite Clark’s

well known bonhomie and sense of humour,

Champian recalls that “he was very serious

about the music, and he was tough on me when

he felt I wasn’t practicing enough.”

Champian met other Basie-ites through Clark,

including Red Holloway, Butch Miles, Marshall

Royal and Snooky Young. Red was a particular

influence, instructing young Champian on the

importance of stage presence and swing: “Red

was very adamant that I learn how to swing and

be rhythmic.”

Concentrating now on piano and vocals, you

can still hear a bit of the Oklahoma twang

in Champian’s diction, and her childhood

“near obsession” with Dinah Washington still

manifests itself in the occasional edge to her

very personal vocal approach. She is the result

of a tremendous natural talent immersed

from an early age in the lessons of bebop and

Basie-ite swing. It is thrilling to hear the most

profound elements of jazz music still bearing

such fresh, sweet fruit well into the twenty-first

century. Fulton is gifted with an expressive

voice, clear diction, and a great sense of rhythm.

Her music can’t help but uplift a jazz fan’s day.

Joining Champian for this weekend will be three

great musicians from Vancouver. Saxophonist

Cory Weeds has appeared at the Yardbird

Suite on numerous occasions. His 2010 gig

with organist Mike LeDonne at the Suite was

recorded for Cory’s Cellar Live label and received

a Juno nomination. The other two members of

the rhythm section, bassist Jodi Proznick and

drummer Julian MacDonough, are also two of

finest players that Vancouver has to offer.

14 Spring 2014


Champian Fulton/ Cory Weeds Quartet

From New York/Vancouver

FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 2-3, 2014 MEMBERS $22, GUESTS $26DOORS 8 PM - SHOW 9 PM

Champian Fulton – piano, vocalsCory Weeds – saxophonesJodi Proznick – bassJulian MacDonough – drums

Artist Websites:champian.netcoryweeds.com

when...


Doug Organ plays the organ! You might have seen him play Hammond B-3 with Amos Garrett & The Edmonton Folk Music Festival House Band, Jake Langley, P.J. Perry, or heard his production and engineering work on recordings by Dave Babcock’s Jump Orchestra or Christian Hansen.

Originally from a small town in Labrador, Jamie Cooper moved to Edmonton in 1999 to play percussion for The Royal Canadian Artillery Band. A highly sought-after drummer, Jamie has played with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra with the Canadian Brass, and at Carnegie Hall with Kent Sangster’s Obsessions Octet.

Peter Belec is an in-demand Edmonton guitarist, composer, and music teacher. In November of 2010, Peter released his debut album as leader “Melodic Miner”. It hit #4 on CKUA Radio’s chart, was nominated for a Western Canadian Music Award in the Jazz Recording of the Year category, and landed at #84 on CKUA’s top 100 of 2011. Peter

was the recipient of the 2013 St. Albert Mayor’s Established Artist Award.

The Doug Organ Trio plays inclusive, fun, and greasy jazz in the vein of Jimmy Smith, Larry Goldings, or Jimmy McGriff. Along with Organ’s originals, they mix in ‘70s AM gems from Joni Mitchell, The Association, John Lennon, and even TV game show themes.


Doug Organ Trio

From Edmonton

FRIDAY, MAY 9, 2014 MEMBERS $14, GUESTS $18DOORS 8 PM - SHOW 9 PM

Doug Organ – piano, organ, keyboardsPeter Belec – guitarJamie Cooper – drums

when...


Braveheart

16 Spring 2014

Braveheart is a jazz saxophone trio that

explores group improvisation and composition

with an obstinate sense of honesty and

integrity. Since their beginnings in Montreal

four years ago, the group has developed a

raw, acoustic sound, brimming with uplifting

emotional honesty and a deep, soulful

rhythmic feel. Their searching improvisations

have no boundaries, and can at times be dark

and reflective and other times playful and

energetic. The band’s original repertoire is an

eclectic mix of songs, influenced by everything

from singer-songwriters to contemporary

classical music to modern jazz.

Since its inception, Braveheart toured across

Canada twice playing everywhere from

established jazz clubs and venues to intimate

loft and house shows. In 2011, the group

self-released their first album of original music

“Acoustic Music” and in 2013 the follow-up

“Motions”.

From Vancouver

SATURDAY, MAY 10, 2014 MEMBERS $16, GUESTS $20DOORS 8 PM - SHOW 9 PM

Ted Crosby – tenor saxophone, clarinetsJames Meger – bassOmar Amlani – drums

Artist website:braveheartmusic.wordpress.comyoutube.comfacebook.com/braveheartmusicbraveheartmusic.bandcamp.com

when...


Saxophonist Azar Lawrence is known for his contributions as sideman to McCoy Tyner, Miles Davis, Freddie Hubbard and Woody Shaw. Lawrence was the tenor saxophonist Tyner used following John Coltrane’s death.

Born in Los Angeles in 1952, Lawrence’s musical studies began at age five. He resided on his hometown’s famed Central Avenue which was Southern California’s jazz Mecca. The vibe of that scene clearly seeped into his musical consciousness. While in high-school he met the late Reggie Golson and become an extended member of Benny Golson’s family. Thanks to Reggie, Azar’s professional music life began in his late teens when he was asked to join Elvin Jones’ band, The Jazz Machine.

During his years performing with Elvin Jones and later with McCoy Tyner, he was also a music executive and songwriter including three songs for Earth Wind & Fire’s “Powerlight” album and performing on keys on that disc.

As a leader his seminal work “Bridge into the New Age” in 1974 was lauded as a classic. His discography is diverse with names like Frank Zappa, Busta Rhymes, Woody Shaw’s “Moontrane”, and “Dark Magus” by Miles Davis.

After many decades being off the recording scene, Lawrence returned to the jazz scene in the mid-2000s. His 2010 release “Mystic Journey” placed him amongst jazz’s elder statesmen. His bold style reminds the listener of the energy, spirituality and emotion that John Coltrane, Pharaoh Sanders and others brought to jazz in the 1960s and 1970s. He rekindles the memory of one of the most explosive eras in jazz history, channeling the fiery spirit of Coltrane’s legacy. He never discards the solid musical values in his sinewy hands since halcyon days as a sideman with McCoy Tyner. Unlike most Coltrane wannabes, he lived and breathed the music of the turbulent 60s, playing with Coltrane’s contemporaries and peers.

Joining Azar for this weekend will be Marvin “Smitty” Smith. He was the drummer on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno for almost fifteen years. He has recorded 200 albums with various artists including Dave Holland and Steve Coleman as well as touring with Sting and Sonny Rollins.

Those who were in attendance at Lawrence’s 2012 performance at the Yardbird Suite well remember the 1960s style intensity and joy of the music. His return visit will no doubt bring more of the same musical brilliance.

Azar Lawrence Quintet


From Los Angeles

FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 16-17, 2014 MEMBERS $24, GUESTS $28DOORS 8 PM - SHOW 9 PM

Azar Lawrence - tenor & soprano saxophoneGilbert Castellanos - trumpetBenito Gonzalez - pianoJeff Littleton - bassMarvin “Smitty” Smith - drums

Artist website:azarlawrence.com

when...

New York-based drummer, composer, and

bandleader, Curtis Nowosad, has developed

a reputation as a highly-skilled, versatile, and

forward-thinking musician. A native of Winnipeg,

Curtis became recognized as the face of the new

generation of jazz players in Winnipeg, playing

in a variety of situations, as well as lending his

talents to other genres. He has performed with

such world-class jazz musicians as Stefon Harris,

Miguel Zenón, George Colligan, Anthony Wonsey,

Dave Douglas, and Steve Wilson. He also recently

recorded with NEA Jazz Master, pianist Kenny

Barron.

His debut album “The Skeptic & the Cynic” was

released in 2012. The album showcases original

compositions alongside Curtis’ arrangements of

songs by Bob Marley, Pink Floyd, Joni Mitchell,


Curtis Nowosad Quartet

18 Spring 2014

From Winnipeg

FRIDAY, MAY 23, 2014 MEMBERS $20, GUESTS $24DOORS 8 PM - SHOW 9 PM

Curtis Nowosad – drumsDerrick Gardner – trumpetWill Bonness – pianoSteve Kirby – bass

Artist website:curtisnowosad.com

when...

Michael Jackson, 2pac, and Black Star. The

powerhouse band features Jimmy Greene on

tenor saxophone, Derrick Gardner on trumpet,

and Steve Kirby on bass, along with special guest

and two-time Grammy nominee Taylor Eigsti on

piano.

A recipient of several awards and scholarships,

Curtis recently performed at the Bimhuis in

Amsterdam as a finalist in the Keep an Eye

Jazz Competition. He has twice been selected

to participate in the Betty Carter’s Jazz Ahead

residency at the Kennedy Center in Washington,

D.C. He is currently a graduate student at the Jazz

Institute at Manhattan School of Music.

Joining Curtis will be three members of the jazz

faculty at the University of Manitoba, Derrick

Gardner on trumpet, Will Bonness on piano, and

faculty head and bassist Steve Kirby.


It’s smart, it’s soulful, it’s jazz meets groove. For

every style of music that Johanna Sillanpaa

explores there’s a vibrant colour in her voice

to match. Sillanpaa’s vocals are expertly clear,

gently raw, and intensely bold. She performs

slick soul, funk and jazz to dig your heels into

and her ensemble have played everywhere

from the intimate jazz joints in their small-but-

tight musical community of Calgary to the

Montreal Jazz Festival’s 60,000-plus crowds.

Beyond filling venues in Canada and abroad,

Sillanpaa’s sound has also drawn its fair share

of accolades and award nominations, including

2007 and 2012 Western Canadian Music Award

nods in the Urban music category. At the

2010 Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards, she was

nominated for Best Female Vocalist and Group/

Duo of the Year with Sillan & Young. Please visit

Johanna’s website for more information and

audio samples.


Johanna Sillanpaa

From Calgary

SATURDAY, MAY 24, 2014 MEMBERS $16, GUESTS $20DOORS 8 PM - SHOW 9 PM

Johanna Sillanpaa - vocalsSteve Fletcher – pianoJason Valleau – bassTyler Hornby – drums

Artist website:johannamusic.com

when...

20 Spring 2014

Joe Piccolo and Swing the Cat

Vocalist and tenor saxophonist Joe Piccolo is

originally from the Windsor-Detroit area. His

sound is deeply influenced by the Detroit blues

and R&B tradition. He has performed with blues

legends Sir Mack Rice, Chicago Pete, Alberta

Adams, R.J. Spangler, Johnnie Bassett and Joe

Weaver.

Swing the Cat is a talented big band with a sound

that is firmly planted in the traditions of the swing

era, jump blues, and the earliest rock and roll. They

are a nine piece horn-driven swing, soul, blues,

funk, and R&B dance band covering classics like

Otis Redding, Stevie Wonder, Tower of Power, Big

Bad Voodoo Daddy, Brian Setzer, Joe Cocker and

Motown.

Joe Piccolo and Swing the Cats’ mission is to

return dancers and lovers of live music back to a

time when live music was king! Everybody will

find their groove! Good times guaranteed.

YARDBIRD SuITE BLuES

From Edmonton

FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 30-31, 2014

MEMBERS $16, GUESTS $20DOORS 8 PM - SHOW 9 PM

Joe Piccolo - vocals, saxophoneDean Pierno - drums, vocalsRalph Pretz - guitar, vocalsKim Lesaca - bass and vocalsJan Janovsky - keyboardsJohn Dymianiw - trumpetRobin Taylor - baritone saxophoneBrad Shigeta - tromboneBill Jamieson - tenor saxophone

Artist website:swingthecat.net

when...



The Writers’ GuildThe Writers’ Guild is a jazz composers’

collective featuring five of Edmonton’s finest

young creative minds. The band tinkers with

the traditional jazz quintet, using vintage

compositional tools to workshop new tunes

and ideas, alchemizing jazz and funk, classical,

R&B, and traditional folk music.

The three primary composers in the band

are Marty Majorowicz, Dan Davis, and Tyson

Kerr. Each has a unique writing style. Marty’s

liquid melodies are heavily influenced by the

“ECM” sound - artists such as Kenny Wheeler,

Dave Holland and Tomasz Stanko. Dan Davis’

compositions show a blend of traditional and

modern jazz sounds, with catchy melodies over

a backdrop of chords which would be right

at home in Chris Potter’s latest release. Tyson

Kerr’s music, influenced by such Canadian

artists as Andrew Downing and David Braid, is

impishly quirky.

Rounding out the band are two of the

strongest young rhythm players in Canada

- Josh McHan of the Tommy Banks Trio is by

turns brash and lyrical, sawing and sultry, and

Efa Etoroma Jr., with four albums to his credit

already at the age of 23, is one of Canada’s

brightest rising stars.

The Yardbird Suite plays host to the release

of their debut album “True Story”. As one of

Canada’s most dynamic new jazz collectives,

the Writers’ Guild makes ink on paper fly.

From Edmonton

FRIDAY, JUNe 6, 2014 MEMBERS $14, GUESTS $18DOORS 8 PM - SHOW 9 PM

Dan Davis – saxophoneMarty Majorowicz – tromboneTyson Kerr – pianoJosh McHan – bassEfa Etoroma Jr. – drums

when...

JAmmIN’

MARch 25

GOD SAVE THE TRIO WITH SPECIAL GUEST MURRAY WOODLeonard Patterson - drumsBrett Hansen - guitarOliver Westall - pianoMurray Wood - bass

ApRIl 1

MIKE MORRISEAU QUARTETMike Morrisseau - guitarThom Golub - bass Bill George - drumsJerrold Dubyk - saxophone

ApRIl 8

CHRIS ANDREWChris Andrew - organJerrold Dubyk - saxophoneSandro Dominelli - drums

ApRIl 15

A/B TRIODan Davis - saxophoneKeith Rempel - bassThom Bennett - drums

ApRIl 22

TYSON KERR/PAUL RICHEYTyson Kerr - pianoPaul Richey - pianoMike Lent - bass

ApRIl 29

DAVE BABCOCK QUARTETDave Babcock - saxophoneJim Head - guitarDoug Organ - Hammond B3Sandro Dominelli - drums

22 Spring 2014

Tuesday Night Sessions...Every Tuesday night during our season, Edmonton’s best jazz players and up-and-coming musicians arrive to play together on our stage. The evening begins with a one hour set from the featured band, followed by a jam session with selected musicians from the audience sitting in or taking the place of a member of the feature band.

Our Tuesday Sessions are a weekly event for local jazz musicians to play together and network, and provide an opportunity to mentor the younger musicians wanting to gain experience as they grow their own careers.

Join us for our Tuesday Sessions - a terrific opportunity to hear some live jazz in a relaxed concert environment.

TICKETS AT THE DOOR

MEMBERS & GUESTS $5

DOORS 7:30 PM SHOW 8 PM

MAY 6

DINO DOMINELLIDino Dominelli - saxophone

MAY 13

CELCIUS QUARTETPierre Paul Bugeaud - bassBill Richards - pianoGord Graber - drumsJamie Philp - guitar

MAY 20

MARTY MAJOROWICZ QUARTETMarty Majorowicz - trombone,Chris Andrew - piano,Josh McCan - bassThom Bennett†- drums


Tuesday Night Sessions...MAY 27

LINDSAY WOOLGAR QUARTETLindsay Woolgar - bassStefan Kijek - pianoEfa Etoroma - drumsTBA - saxophone

JUNe 3

CHARLIE AUSTIN TRIOCharlie Austin - pianoMike Gillespie - drumsJosh McCan - bass

EDMONTON JAZZ SOCIETY11 TOMMY BANKS WAY(Corner of 102 St & 86 Ave)EDMONTON AB T6E 2M2

PM40047729

Friday & Saturday Shows: Doors at 8pm • Show 9pm unless otherwise stated.Visit www. yardbirdsuite.com

March...March 28Jerrold Dubyk Organ TrioMEMBERS $18, GUESTS $22

March 29Laura Crema QuintetMEMBERS $18, GUESTS $22

March 30Reis/Demuth/Wiltgen TrioMEMBERS $18, GUESTS $22DOORS 7:30 PM - SHOW 8 PM

April...April 3Donny McCaslin TrioMEMBERS $24, GUESTS $28DOORS 7:30 PM - SHOW 8 PM

April 4Holly Hofmann/ Mike Wofford QuartetMEMBERS $22, GUESTS $26

April 5Florian Hoefner GroupMEMBERS $20, GUESTS $24

April 11-12P.J. Perry/Renee Rosnes QuartetMEMBERS $26, GUESTS $30

April 18Eliana CuevasMEMBERS $20, GUESTS $24

April 19Omer KleinMEMBERS $20, GUESTS $24

April 25Dave Peck TrioMEMBERS $22, GUESTS $26

April 26Joanna Borromeo and Nuela Charles MEMBERS $18, GUESTS $22

May...May 2 - 3Champian Fulton/ Cory Weeds QuartetMEMBERS $22, GUESTS $26

May 9Doug Organ TrioMEMBERS $14, GUESTS $18

May 10BraveheartMEMBERS $16, GUESTS $20

May 16-17Azar Lawrence QuintetMEMBERS $24, GUESTS $28

May 23Curtis Nowosad QuartetMEMBERS $20, GUESTS $24

May 24Johanna SillanpaaMEMBERS $16, GUESTS $20

May 30-31YARDBIRD SUITe BlUeSJoe Piccolo and Swing the CatMEMBERS $16, GUESTS $20

June...June 6The Writers’ GuildMEMBERS $14, GUESTS $18

At a Glance...

Documents

Jerrold Dubyk Organ Trio Laura Crema Quintet Reis/Demuth