CELEBRATING THE 30th Anniversary of the HOT JAZZ CLUB!!!

Bring your dancing shoes to the Hot Jazz Club!

Jazz was very much the popular music of the day in the twenties and thirties; the bands of Cab Calloway, Fletcher Henderson, Duke Ellington, Count Basie and others brought the masses out to strut their swing, jive and dance moves. The advent of Bebop and the end of the world war brought a new sound to jazz with the likes of Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker. Thereafter modern jazz became more intellectual and episodical; thus becoming more of an intense listening art form. Visualizing that jazz can be fun, swinging and danceable in various styles - the following three performances at the Hot Jazz Club invites you to listen and dance if you feel like it.

FANTAZEA featuring Ray Piper, Michael Creber, Jim Pinchin, Danny Parker & Phil Belanger

Wednesday Sep 10
Hot Jazz Club
Ticket Price $15 dollars
Time: 8:30pm to 11:30pm

Fantazea is a unique Vancouver group which focuses on presenting authentic Brazilian music and Latin jazz, in both traditional and contemporary forms. The band's inspiration comes from leader Ray Piper's extensive travels throughout Central and South America, especially in Brazil. The group performs many of Ray's original tunes as well as those of keyboardist Michael Creber. The repertoire also consists of the works of well known composers such as Jobim, João Bôsco, Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil and Egberto Gismonte. The band's instrumentation includes: guitar, saxophone and flute, keyboards, bass, Brazilian percussion and drums. The percussion instruments provide a fascinating and rhythmic background for the haunting melodies and rich harmonies of this constantly shifting uniquely vibrant music. The bands latest CD, entitled Ray Piper and Fantazea, contains eleven original pieces in various Brazilian styles. The CD was nominated for the West Coast Music Awards for best world music album in 1999 and can be heard on CBC radio programs across the country, US and other stations as far as Australia.

Mother of Pearl - 5 Sassy Jazzy Canadian Pearls

Thursday Sep 11
Alliance Française
Ticket Price $15 dollars
Time: 8pm

Purrrr! Five sassy jazzy Canadian pearls — for seven years the Mother of Pearl has become a favourite at festivals. The release of their first CD sparked national interest and led to two national tours as well as invitations to prestigious arts events in Washington State. Highlights of their 2001 season include the Gala Opening of the Waterloo Jazz Festival and their first appearance in the Maritimes at the Atlantic Jazz Festival in Halifax, as well as many local and regional arts events like Vancouver Island's Filberg Festival, the Harmony Arts Festival and the Vancouver International Jazz Festival. Thanks to their continuing educational presentations, they have "schools" of fans all over the province of British Columbia. Alongside Mother of Pearl's original compositions, the band's repertoire has, since its inception highlighted the contributions women have made to the world of jazz and blues. After more than a year of delving into the obscured records of this historical material, this focus has now evolved into a full-blown stage production entitled "SheBop", built upon a century's worth of jazz compositions by Canadian women.

"Mother of Pearl" was one of the most eclectic, stylish and entertaining groups in the festival - the group played and sang their hearts out to the delight of the spellbound audience. This find was quite a treasure." - Harry Currie, Kitchener Record

"Everyone sounded great and the repertoire was very, very good. I'm already getting requests for a return performance for "Mother of Pearl" on the Main Stage." - Jacques Emond, Director Ottawa International Jazz Festival

"I first heard this band at a festival in Canada and I was impressed with their outstanding musicianship - so much so that I hired them for my own festival in Port Townsend. A great band!" - Bud Shank, jazz musician, Artistic Director Port Townsend Jazz Festival

TROIS JAZZ GUITAR KINGS - Ihor Kukurudza, Mike Rud, Daryl Jahnke (evening of classics, standards and jam)

Thursday Sep 11
Backstage Lounge Granville Island
Ticket Price $15 dollars
Time: 10pm to midnight

As an accomplished jazz guitarist, Ihor Kukurduza's musical direction features an expressive, compositional style in which both melodic and harmonic elements interact equally. In addition to his freelance work with CBC, the VSO, and many Broadway productions, Ihor has performed with Harry Connick, Phil Nimmons, Jr., Skywalk, Juno Award winners Fraser MacPherson, Brad Turner, Hugh Fraser, and PJ Perry, to name a few. Originally from Toronto, Ihor's experience also includes performances with such jazz notables as Ed Bickert, Pat LaBarbera, Dave McMurdo, and Pepper Adams.

Daryl Jahnke talking bio is as follows ' I've been performing since '81 playing jazz and Latin music with great enthusiasm. I began my own creative jazz project in '86 which lead to the recording of my critically acclaimed CD "In Other Words". Since then I've been busy as a performer, studio musician, composer, producer, musical director, and teacher and have been involved in creative projects lead by some of Canada's outstanding musicians. My travels as a performer have taken me to New York, Cuba, Tokyo and across Canada where I've worked with wonderful musicians, including members of Cuba's spell-binding Latin jazz band "Irakere" and the original "Head Hunters'" bassist Paul Jackson. "Magnificent guitar playing" says MARK FORSYTHE- CBC AFTERNOON SHOW.

Mike Rud plays melodically and with great attention to a happy bouncing swing feel. Transplanted from Montreal recently, Mike Rud has added his signature to the top-ranked jazz guitarists in Vancouver. Mike's playing is often described as being in the 'straight-ahead' tradition of players like Wes Montgomery or Grant Green, and he's played in diverse jazz settings with Big Bands, vocalists, and many jazz instrumentalists across Canada. Mike has released two CDs as a leader "Whyte Avenue" and "Chimbe", and has guested on many other CDs. Whether it's on a standard tune by the great American writers such as Kern and Gershwin, or one of his own compositions, Mike tries never to forget the audience, and endeavours to draw them in with good, solid musical storytelling.

TROIS JAZZ DIVAS - Kate Hammett-Vaughan, Karin Plato and Jennifer Scott with Chris Sigerson Trio

Friday Sep 12
Vancouver Public Library
Ticket Price $18 dollars
Time: 8pm

This evening performance featuring JUNO nominee Karin Plato, the fabulous Jennifer Scott and the beautiful voice of Kate Hammett-Vaughan will be unforgettable and unforgivable if you don't purchase a ticket. This show is supported by the world class jazz pianist Chris Sigerson along with bassist Rene Worst and percussionist Tom Foster.

Karin Plato Vancouver based jazz vocalist and composer. Since 1996 she has released five recordings. In 2000 she was nominated for a Juno Award for her CD "THERE'S BEAUTY IN THE RAIN". In 2003 she was nominated for Canadian Jazz Vocalist of the Year as part of the NATIONAL JAZZ AWARDS in Toronto, Ontario (awarded to Diana Krall). She has performed in cities across Canada and has appeared at several notable jazz and blues festivals. Karin's latest release, "THE STATE OF BLISS" features a number of her original compositions as well as arrangements of well-known standards.

Jennifer Scott Born and raised in Vancouver, Jennifer Scott is considered as one of the most important jazz artists working in Canada today. The past decade has seen Jennifer performing internationally and locally. From sold out concerts in San Francisco to exclusive jazz club appearances, festival performances across the country, appearances with jazz luminaries like Tommy Banks, Don Thompson, Kenny Wheeler, Skywalk and Hugh Fraser; Jennifer has proven her value and jazz status. In addition, Jennifer has been featured on CBC Jazz Beat, Westcoast Performance and on Hot Air, she is also featured on two CDs produced and released by CBC.

Kate Hammett-Vaughan Nova Scotia-born, Vancouver-based singer Kate Hammett-Vaughan is one of Canada's pre-eminent jazz vocalists. Equally acclaimed for her interpretations of jazz standards and for her improvising work with avant-garde groups such as the NOW Orchestra, she has received two JUNO nominations since 1994. Her performing and recording career spans more than two decades and a half a dozen record labels. Hammett-Vaughan's diverse musical projects include work on film scores, guest hosting of CBC television and radio shows, collaborations with modern dance artists, and a fulfilling career as a teacher. Her latest CD is "Devil May Care" on Maximum Jazz. A new CD will be released this fall.

Rene Worst Rene has been recording and performing for over 30 years. He has co-led the renowned jazz group Skywalk and has performed with many great jazz luminaries such as Joe Pass, Herb Ellis, Chet Baker, Freddie Hubbard, Ernestine Adnerson, David Bowie, Paul Horn, Jennifer Scott and Don Thompson. Pianist Chris Sigerson is a masterful musician and jazz giant who swings hard and is recognized as one of most accomplished jazz pianist in Canada for his recent CD Heritage. Drummer extraordinaire Tom Foster compliments this trio with his beautiful and sensitive playing.

Mark Murphy

The 1996, 1997, 2000 & 2001 Downbeat Readers Poll Winner For Best Male Jazz Singer of the Year!
Six Grammy Nominations for Best Jazz Vocal Performance

Triple Bill Evening - Stanley Theatre

Saturday Sep 13
Stanley Theatre
Triple Bill Evening
Ticket Prices $28 and $22 dollars
Time: 7pmm

Accolades earned by New York jazz vocalist legend Mark Murphy

"He is my equal."
Ella Fitzgerald

"One of the major artists of our age"
Stereo Review

"One of the true remaining jazz hipsters of our time"
Jazziz Magazine

"A singer for hip ears... in a very special category with legendary vocalists"
Jazz Times

"There's a party going on in Mark's head and I want to go to it!
Liza Minnelli

A singer's singer, a hipster's hipster, a six time Grammy nominee for Best Male Vocal; Murphy has survived... by keeping his integrity intact.
New York Post

"Mark Murphy has devoted a long career to singing the hippest music with the best musicians."
Leonard Feather

"Mark's musicianship, range, intonation, diction, inventiveness, and incredible rhythmic sense are all of a piece, and all marvellous."
Alec Wilder

"Mark Murphy is to jazz singing what Bobby Fischer is to chess .... it's obvious why musicians idolize his courage and daring. Mark Murphy is arguably the best male jazz singer in the business."
Rex Reed

"If, as Jack Kerouac wrote, Billie Holiday had "rocks in her heart," Mark Murphy has wings in his. Lots of singers claim an abiding devotion to bebop, but few live and breathe it with the soaring commitment of Murphy."
Chicago Sun Times

"Even amongst jazz; singers, the liberties Murphy takes are remarkable... his leaps of artistic faith open yet another window into the human condition."
Chicago Tribune

"Quite simply, the best veteran male singer in jazz"
Twin Cities Reader

Mark Murphy

Mark Murphy is one of the world's greatest and hippest jazz vocalists performing today. His coterie of fans includes tap dancer Gregory Hines, who spontaneously jumped up on stage at Mark's Las Vegas engagement in 1995 to join him for an impromptu duet. Legendary composer Alec Wilder said of Mark, "I was quite literally amazed. Mark's musicianship, range, intonation, diction, inventiveness and incredible rhythmic sense are all of a piece and all marvellous." Vocal greats Betty Carter, Peggy Lee, Cleo Laine and Shirley Horn all sing Murphy's praises as one of the best in the business and the legendary Ella Fitzgerald declares "he is my equal."

A six time Grammy nominee, Mark Murphy has enjoyed a prolific 40 year recording career, with over 40 releases to date. His original lyrics to "'Stolen Moments," "Red Clay" and more are known the world over. His innovative projects range from the work of Nat "'King" Cole to Jack Kerouac to Ivan Lins to Eddie Jefferson. Stereo Review dubs Mark "one of the major artists of our age."' Mark Murphy is a jazz singer. "'For decades the question "What exactly is a jazz singer?' has had two easy answers, Betty Carter. And Mark Murphy." writes the New York Post. "He is arguably the best male jazz singer in the business," declares Rex Reed.

Tango Paradiso Quartet

Saturday Sep 13
Stanley Theatre
Triple Bill Evening
Ticket Prices $28 and $22 dollars
Time: 7pm

Consists of performers: Antonio Bernal (Violin), Les Kasprzak (Bass), Douglas Schmidt (Bandoneon) and Budge Schachte (Guitar)

"Tango - a mournful thought one can dance to."
Enrique Santos Discepalos

"...rolling the tango ball into a different alley"
Malcolm Perry, Vancouver Sun

Tango Paradiso combines traditional tango, dating from the early twentieth century bordellos and bars of Argentina, with Nuevo Tango (the style created by the late Tango great Astor Piazzola, (1921-1992), as well as original tangos by Douglas Schmidt and Budge Schachte. All of their arrangements combine jazz, classical, and new music influences with tango creating a unique and colorful sound.

Tango Paradiso formed in 1998 out of a mutual love of this beautiful music. Personal coaching with master bandoneonists Nestor Marconi and Daniel Binelli inform the group's style. They have been performing concerts to sold-out houses in the U.S. and Canada and recently performed three concerts with the Victoria Symphony. Tango Paradiso has recently released a video produced by Bravo entitled 'Tangere'. They were also nominated for a West coast Music Award 2002.

Tribute to Chet Baker - MICHEL PAN Quintet

Saturday Sep 13
Stanley Theatre
Triple Bill Evening
Ticket Prices $28 and $22 dollars
Time: 7pm

Those of you who have seen the movie Let's Get Lost starring Chet Baker and those who adore the lyrical delivery of Chet's music from the time he burst onto the West Coast cool jazz scene in the 50's up till his The Last Great Concert in the 80's would enjoy this opening act for hipster Mark Murphy. Incidentally Chet Baker's literal fall to his death from an Amsterdam hotel room occurred approximately one year after the release of the movie Let's Get Lost. If you love Chet's trumpet playing and his infamous vocal tunes such as My Funny Valentine, Just Friends, The Touch Of Your Lips, Embraceable You and But Not For Me and more; then the straight to the heart vocals of Michel Pan and some of the songs loved by Chet will be performed just for you. The Michel Pan Quintet includes Michel Pan (vocal, trumpet, flugelhorn, guitar), Miles Black (piano, guitar), Graham Ord (saxophone), Steve Holy (acoustic bass) and Nino DiPasquale (drums).

Michel Pan's current CD release "Michel Pan Sings Excentrique" presents romantic ballads, bossa novas, swinging jazz, bebop classics, modal jazz, and scat vocals with superb arrangements by the legendary Miles Black. Michel's strong work ethic, passion and dedication to the jazz art form and volunteering spirit account for his continuing success as a jazz performer since the release of his debut CD "Pan Sings Nothing But Love" in 1999. Michel's music has been broadcasted on CBC Ross Porter's After Hours Jazz, Jurgen Gothe's Disc, Rick Cluff's Early Edition, CBC Afternoon Show live broadcast featuring the Michel Pan Quintet, Radio-Canada Ce Soir, CBUF Bonjour, La Grande Ballade, Micro-Midi, Le Monde � Lanvers, Radio-Canada National TV News, Global TV - Eye OnThe Street, Urban Beat and other shows.

GRAHAM ORD TRIO - @STANLEY THEATRE 3pm FREE SHOW

Saturday Sep 13
Stanley Theatre

"Saxophonist/composer Graham Ord is a longtime figure on the local jazz scene, known for his smooth lyricism, beautiful tone and technical prowess, especially on the tricky soprano saxophone...
Georgia Straight

As an active member of the Vancouver music scene since 1971, Graham Ord has built a solid resume with membership in great local bands like the NOW Orchestra, John Korsrud's Hard Rubber Orchestra, Garbo's Hat, Brass Roots, and others. In addition he�s worked with clarinetist Lori Freedman, keyboard player Wayne Horvitz, bassist Barry Guy, poet Bud Osborn, and led his own trio. The Graham Ord Trio has seen many different configurations over the years with players like Gregg Simpson, Roger Baird, Daryl Jahnke, Kim Darwin, and Bernie Arai. But the mainstay of the band besides Ord has been bassist Paul Blaney. Blaney and Ord have been working together in a wide range of bands since the early 80s and the two have developed a special chemistry. With new member Paul Townsend on drums the trio plans to play original compositions by Ord and Blaney, some standards, and some group improvisations. In the words of Ord - We are going to have a whole lotta fun.

Shows at the Vancouver Public Library are also fundraising events for the VPL Foundation Trust Fund

François Bourassa - 2002 Contemporary Jazz Juno Winner

Saturday Sep 13
Vancouver Public Library
Double Bill Evening
Ticket Price $18 dollars
Time: 8pm

Accolades earned by Montreal jazz pianist François Bourassa

Creative ... Mystical ... Exotic ... Bluesy ... Joyful
Jazz Times, USA

"without a doubt one of Canada's finest ... "
Toronto Star

"It is a great pleasure to listen to such well-conceived music performed by a real band that plays and interacts at the highest ensemble level - dynamically, technically and emotionally. There is a large range of compositional styles here yet each piece inhabits its own world and draws you in - the writing isn't simply an excuse for indulgent soloing. François has developed a distinctive compositional voice and his playing is always engaged with his material. This is interesting, exploratory and passionate music that is well worth spending time with." Fred Hersch

"I find the Trio of François very refreshing ".
Kenny Wheeler

"Bourassa, often in incandescent form, rules over the constantly exciting clash and resolution of ideas ... clearly invention on the move, with never a wasted note or moment."
TORONTO STAR, Geoff Chapman, March 2002

"...a Canadian institution, just like Hockey Night in Canada ... the musicianship is great"
JAZZ AT A GLANCE, Norm Breast, Jan. 2002

"...personal music and a deep rapport ... challenging, modem tunes ... Bourassa, an ambitious composer, crafts fresh, open music ... It is by turns rhapsodic, quirky and hard-swinging".
OTTAWA CITIZEN, Peter Hum, Sept. 2001

"... François Bourassa is a piano player's piano player. His versatility and fluency ... allow him to express his musical emotion with enviable spontaneity ... Bourassa's rhythmic sense is as sharp as a sword barely cooled down from the forge"
HALIFAX HERALD, Stephen Pedersen, April 2001

JUNO award winning composer/pianist François Bourassa is currently a professor in the Jazz Department at the CEGEP de Drummondville; he also teaches jazz at the Universit� du Quebec à Montreal. He leads one of Canada's most active jazz ensembles which celebrated its 21st anniversary this year. His ensemble has opened for such jazz luminaries as Dizzy Gillespie, Wayne Shorter, Dave Holland, Wynton Marsalis, Stan Getz and Abbey Lincoln. In addition François' ensemble was the only jazz group invited by Canada's Governor General Adrienne Clarkson to perform in a star studded gala televised live from Rideau Hall on CBC/Radio Canada TV recently.

PEPE DANZA - Percussionist Extraordinaire, master of almost 130 instruments

Saturday Sep 13
Vancouver Public Library
Double Bill Evening
Ticket Price $18 dollars
Time: 8pm

One of Canada's best percussionist Pepe Danza plus Ron Stelting, the Rhythm Fools drum circle and guest aboriginal native drummers will open for François Bourassa. Through spontaneous creativity and in the moment improvisations, the drummers will merge and blend their sounds to create a cross cultural drumming performance, underscoring friendship and unity for all Canadians.

Born in Uruguay, South America, Pepe has spent twenty five years traveling around the world performing and studying in places as varied as Brazil, Africa, India, Europe, and Japan. Well known as a percussionist and composer, Pepe has shared the stage with the likes of Oscar Lopez, Ani DiFranco and Ann Mortifee. He has received many award nominations in Canada including a Musician of the Year award; and has been described as the 'embodiment of World Music' due to his vast knowledge and range on many world instruments.

WORKSHOPS @TOM LEE MUSIC - WHERE AND WHEN

(11:30am to 5pm - Sep 13 and 14)

Saturday Sep 13

STEVE FISK & MIKE RUD MASTER CLASS - 11:30am to 1:30pm

This jazz guitar duo featuring Steve Fisk and Mike Rud is a MUST SEE for all serious guitar players and jazz fans who adore the music of Jim Hall, Paul Bley, Mike Goodrick, George Russell, Wes Montgomery, Joe Pass and George Benson. The festival acknowledges ROLAND and Tom Lee Music for making this duo master class possible. Question & Answer period will follow the duo performance to benefit or provide the insights you require to play or enjoy jazz at a deeper level. Ideas and possibilities to effect and color sound using ROLAND guitar effect devices will be discussed. FREE SHOW

ROLAND RECORDING WORKSHOP featuring EL SUR - 1:30pm Sep 13 @TOM LEE MUSIC

This ROLAND workshop deals the basics of PA setup and microphone techniques for live recording and will familiarize the participants with the ABCs of digital recording systems using the Roland VS product line. The live recording session showcasing the El Sur Sextet is scheduled for 1:30pm on Sep 13.. Two selected tracks will be played back for the audiences' appreciation. The raw recorded material will be donated to El Sur by Roland. Check out the latest Roland gears ranging from keyboards, hard disk recording systems, and electronic drum kits to guitar effect boxes while you are at Tom Lee Music. This will be an exciting show, a unique sound recording workshop experience for all musicians wishing to produce and record their own independent CDs. Roland designated recording engineer will be Mr. Greg Reid. Limited seating, so don't miss out! FREE SHOW

EL SUR JAZZ SEXTET CONCERT & MASTER CLASS - 1:30pm Sep 13 @TOM LEE MUSIC

Featuring PEPE DANZA

Take two cups of Samba and spice it well with Jazz. Wrap it in Funk, Candombe and Rumba and cook at very high temperature. What do you get? The sizzling sound of El Sur! With this group Pepe is returning to the rhythms of his roots, bringing with him a versatile group of musicians from both his homes (Uruguay and Canada). They are cooking up a new sound Pepe calls "nylon funk" (for the nylon strings of the Spanish guitar). Combining original material with funky arrangements of Brazilian, Cuban, Uruguayan and even Mexican songs, El Sur will appeal equally to those with a thirst for dancing, those with discerning ears for fine musicianship, and fans of Latin and Jazz music everywhere. Following the one hour El Sur Sextet live recorded performance; the members of the group will take questions on various aspects of ensemble playing and performing. FREE SHOW

Pepe Danza - Spanish guitar, Percussion, Vocals
Valeria Matzner (Uruguay) - Vocals, Percussion
Daryl Janke (Canada) - Spanish guitar, Percussion
Sam Shoichet (Canada) - Acoustic and Electric Bass, Percussion
Jack Duncan (Canada) - Percussion, Vocals
Rahim (India/Africa/Canada) - Drums
Guest Saxophonist (TBD)

SWEET BASIL - VANCOUVER PUBLIC LIBRARY FREE NOON HOUR JAZZ SERIES (12noon to 4pm - Sep 13)

CHAD MAKELA QUARTET featuring baritone saxophonist Chad Makela - noon to 2pm Sep 13

Baritone saxophonist Chad Makela's group consists of several top Canadian players namely Rob Hamilton on guitar, Paul Townsend on drums and TBA on bass. The group will play well standards and originals specially charted and crafted for your noon hour enjoyment. Rob Hamilton is an internationally recognized jazz guitarist whose playing credits have included Lionel Hampton, Ray Brown, Herb Ellis, Jerry Bergonzi, Bobby Shew, Bill Watrous, and Frank Mantooth. Rob studied with Canadian jazz guitar legend Oliver Gannon from age 12 and later went on to study at the prestigious Berkeley College of Music under a full tuition scholarship. Active with groups like the Chad Makela Quartet, Chris Gestrin's Green Eggs and Hammond, Soulstream, and the local party band Famous Players; Rob takes his influences from a broad range of guitar players including Barney Kessel, Wes Montgomery, Joe Pass, George Benson, John Mclaughlin, Pat Metheny, and Kurt Rosenwinkel.

Chad Makela is a unique and enegetic woodwind specialist. His dedication to playing the baritone sax was rewarded with two opportunities while graduating from high school - Berklee, Boston or the Chancellor's Scholarship to University of North Texas. Choosing U.N.T., Chad completed his Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies there and was a member of the prestigious One O'Clock Lab Band for three years, playing with renowned jazz trumpter Randy Brecker, tenor player Joe Lovano, trombonist Slide Hampton and drummer Peter Erskine. After leaving Dallas/Fort Worth, Chad lived in the Washington, D.C. area where his musical talents turned towards arranging and writing and playing with well known R&B artists Percy Sledge, Jerry Butlerand Lloyd Price. During this period Chad became the baritone sax/ clarinet player for the Doc Severinsen Orchestra; he stilll tours with them several times a year. After returning to Vancouver, Chad became the woodwind specialist for Northwest Music has played with well know artists Brad Turner, Cam Ryga and Mike Allen. Chad's talent and verstility, coupled with dedication and an aggressive playing style make him a welcome addition to the Canadian music scene.

GORD GRDINA TRIO featuring the legendary Fran�ois Houle 2pm to 4pm Sep 13

Gordon Grdina is a Vancouver based guitar player schooled in the Jazz tradition. He is a huge fan of Jim Hall, Miles Davis, Paul Bley and Keith Jarrett but is also equally influenced by musicians like Albert King, Hamza Al Din, Boubacour Troure and Tom Waits. He performs throughout the city as a freelance jazz musician as well as leading an improvising groove trio Loose Acoustic and a free/chamber jazz trio called The Grdina Trio. Two CDs are available on plunge records. Alex Varty (Georgia Straight) writes - the analytical part of my brain shut down and a big grin took over. Currently Gord is studying with jazz great Gary Peacock.

Since Simon Fisk moved from the East coast to Vancouver in 1995, Simon has become a sought-after local bassist with national stature. A protegé of bassist/composer "Gary Peacock" (Keith Jarrett Trio), his playing has lead him across Canada, to many parts of the USA (New York, LA, Boston, Seattle, Kansas City, Dallas, Alabama), as well as to performances in Glasgow, Scotland and Frankfurt, Germany. For the past three years, Simon has been touring extensively with pianist Michael Kaeshammer, Juno nominee, and three-time West Coast Music Award winner. His performances with Michael have produced rave reviews about his musicianship. "...sublime bassist Simon Fisk...for nearly three minutes, carried the audience up, down, back and forth, all through the stand-up bass' incredible range." The Brunswickan (Nov/02)

François Houle - bio to come

Sunday Sep 14 @TOM LEE MUSIC

VOCAL JAZZ MASTER CLASS WITH LEGEND MARK MURPHY

$20 dollars per participant 12noon to 1:30pm Sunday Sep 14 @TOM LEE MUSIC

"He is my equal."
Ella Fitzgerald

"One of the major artists of our age"
Stereo Review

"One of the true remaining jazz hipsters of our time"
Jazziz Magazine

"A singer for hip ears... in a very special category with legendary vocalists"
Jazz Times

PIANO & COMPOSITION MASTER CLASS WITH FRANÇOIS BOURASSA - $20 dollars per participant 1:30pm to 3pm Sep 14 @TOM LEE MUSIC

François Bourassa is currently a professor in the Jazz Department at the CEGEP de Drummondville; he also teaches jazz at the Université du Quebec à Montreal. He leads one of Canada's most active jazz ensembles which celebrated its 21st anniversary this year. His ensemble has opened for such jazz luminaries as Dizzy Gillespie, Wayne Shorter, Dave Holland, Wynton Marsalis, Stan Getz and Abbey Lincoln. In addition François' ensemble was the only jazz group invited by Canada's Governor General Adrienne Clarkson to perform in a star studded gala televised live from Rideau Hall on CBC/Radio Canada TV recently.

PACIFIC MUSIC INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION BUSINESS SEMINAR

$20 dollars per participant 3pm to 5:30pm Sep 14 @TOM LEE MUSIC

This two and half hour workshop will deal with topics important to every artist who wants to learn about

Several PMIA board members with all their insights into the inner workings of the music industry will share their knowledge on the topics above. This workshop is open to all musicians and artists who are interested in finding funding for their recording projects, finding out about production tips and marketing strategies, indie distribution versus major label distribution, licensing deals, and learning about Travel Assistance programs.

TROIS TENOR SAX KINGS - Dave Say, Tom Keenlyside and Graham Ord with Chris Sigerson Trio

Sunday Sep 14
Hot Jazz Club
Ticket Price $15 dollars
Time: 8:30pm to 11:30pm

Trois Tenor Sax Kings - What happens when you put three of the top saxophonists together for an evening of standards and classics? These cats will make you listen or dance and will blow your top and cool while they strut their mastery and skills on the saxophones. I know I will be there dancing and hangin' out... see ya

Graham Ord (see Graham Ord Bio under Stanley Theatre Sep 13)

Tom Keenlyside's performance career on saxes and flute has spanned almost four decades and includes live performances with Harry Connick Jr., Natalie Cole, Mel Torme, Bruce Hornsby, Tom Jones, Gino Vanelli, David Foster, Dizzy Gillespie, Sheena Easton and Diana Krall, to name a few. He has produced JUNO nominated and JUNO winning albums (Skywalk, Jim Byrnes) and is currently writing for series television. Graduate of UBC; founder member of the very successful and internationally renowned jazz-fusion group Skywalk; major touring in the US with PRISM, BTO and Aerosmith; Juno Nominations and extensive playing on TV soundtrack orchestras and numerous movie scores such as McGyver, Paul Anka Show, Dirty Dozen, Cousins and I Dream of Jeannie; Tom has enjoyed and experienced an amazing career!

Dave Say (Bio to come)

SWEET BASIL - VANCOUVER PUBLIC LIBRARY FREE NOON HOUR JAZZ SERIES (12noon to 4pm - Sep 14)

ROSS BLISS GYPSY JAZZ TRIO - noon to 1:30pm Sep 14

Shelley Park has been active in the Gypsy music scene on the West Coast for over 10 years, both as a musician and a luthier. Her hand built maccaferri style guitars are renowned world wide, and her prowess on rhythm guitar is a rare and beautiful thing. Guitarist Ross Bliss is the music librarian at the Vancouver Public Library and a graduate of Jazz studies at Capilano College, where he studied with Ihor Kukarudza. The trio is rounded out by the solid support of Eric Lipshulz on bass, who also studied at Capilano College. For this show, the group will play solidly in the modern gypsy guitar trio tradition, drawing inspiration and material from the music and genius of Django Reinhardt with selected interpretations from the standard jazz repertoire.

MOREEN MERIDEN TRIO - Hip jazz vocalist - 1:30 to 3:30pm Sep 14

Considered one of Canada's most interesting jazz singers, Moreen Meriden has been acclaimed as a riveting performer and Diva of Jazz Exploratory music. Meriden is also a composer and lyricist of original works that have been performed, not only by herself, but by other groups such as 'Chelsea Bridge' from Ottawa and 'Garbo's Hat' from Vancouver. Having learned from and performed with the best musicians in Canada, Moreen sets a very high standard for herself. Please enjoy the presentation of her music and appreciate the legacy she has received from musicians the likes of Fred Stone, David Mott and Paul Taylor.

SWEET BASIL JAZZ @STANLEY THEATRE (FREE ADMISSION from 3pm to 4:30pm Saturday Sep 13) - GRAHAM ORD TRIO

(See Stanley Theatre section for details)

TROIS JAZZ GUITAR KINGS - Dave Sikula, Gord Grdina, Rob Hamilton (evening of classics, standards and jam)

Monday Sep 15
Backstage Lounge Granville Island
Ticket Price $15 dollars
Time: 10pm to midnight

Gordon Grdina is a Vancouver based guitar player schooled in the Jazz tradition. He is a huge fan of Jim Hall, Miles Davis, Paul Bley and Keith Jarrett but is also equally influenced by musicians like Albert King, Hamza Al Din, Boubacour Troure and Tom Waits. He performs throughout the city as a freelance jazz musician as well as leading an improvising groove trio Loose Acoustic and a free/chamber jazz trio called The Grdina Trio. Two CDs are available on plunge records. Currently he is studying with jazz great Gary Peacock.

...the analytical part of my brain shut down and a big grin took over Alexander Varty (Georgia Straight)

... (Gordon) is talented he has the spirit necessary for improvised music... Gary Peacock

Dave Sikula has just returned from completion his jazz studies at the University of Toronto. Since his return he has been working regularly in the Vancouver area with groups such as the Mike Zachernuk quartet, Three-Eyed Sphere, and his collaboration with collaborator trumpeter J.P. Carter.

Rob Hamilton is an internationally recognized jazz guitarist whose playing credits have included Lionel Hampton, Ray Brown, Herb Ellis, Jerry Bergonzi, Bobby Shew, Bill Watrous, and Frank Mantooth. Rob studied with Canadian jazz guitar legend Oliver Gannon from age 12 and later went on to study at the prestigious Berkeley College of Music under a full tuition scholarship. Active with groups like the Chad Makela Quartet, Chris Gestrin's Green Eggs and Hammond, Soulstream, and the local party band Famous Players; Rob takes his influences from a broad range of guitar players including Barney Kessel, Wes Montgomery, Joe Pass, George Benson, John Mclaughlin, Pat Metheny, and Kurt Rosenwinkel.

ROMANTIC MUSIC OF BRAZIL - Jim Pinchin, Jodi Proznick and Ray Piper

Tuesday Sep 16
Studio 16 @1551 W. 7th Ave
Ticket Price $15 dollars
Time: 10pm to midnight

In addition to working as a professional freelance musician, Jim Pinchin has enjoyed an ongoing jazz career performing with several notable jazz musicians including Tommy Banks, Pepper Adams, Kenny Wheeler, Clark Terry, Phil Woods, Mark Murphy, Big Miller, Kate Hammett-Vaughan and many others. As a member of numerous TV and radio orchestras Jim has performed with Ray Charles and Sergio Mendes + Brasil 77. He has also been featured as a soloist with Tony Bennett, Manhattan Transfer, and Gino Vanelli and with both the Edmonton and Vancouver Symphony Orchestras. In addition to performing at the Paris Jazz Festival and concerts in Brussels, London and Geneva, Jim has performed at every major jazz festival in Canada.

In 1993, after winning the General Motors Award of Excellence as one of the top young musicians in Canada, bassist Jodi Proznick moved from her native White Rock, B.C. to Montreal where she obtained her B. Mus. from McGill University where she was awarded a performance scholarship in 1997 as a member of the McGill Big Band. In Montreal, Jodi performed with Greg Clayton, Bryn Roberts, Kelly Jefferson, Michel Cusson (of Uzeb), Ranee Lee, Andr� White, and many others. In 1998, Jodi won the IAJE Sisters in Jazz Competition which then brought her to New York to perform with Ingrid Jensen and to Detroit to open for Geri Allen. She has performed on CBC Radio's Jazzbeat, Silence en Jazz and the Morning Edition. Since moving to Vancouver, Jodi has played with the legendary Charles McPherson, P.J. Perry, Jim Rotundi, Brad Turner, Mike Allen, VEJI, Hugh Fraser, Campbell Ryga, Eddie Daniels, Miles Black, Karin Plato, Tilden Webb, Kate Hammett-Vaughan, Ross Taggart, Bill Coon, Denzal Sinclaire, Kirk Macdonald, Jean -Fran�ois Groulx and many others.

Ray Piper (see Fantazea bio)

Flamenco-Rhumba Picante featuring David Phyall, Jack Duncan, Budge Schachte, Danny Parker

Tuesday Sep 16
Hot Jazz Club
Ticket Price $15 dollars
Time: 8:30pm to 11:30pm

Picante - What's that? No it's not chocolate. Picante consists of Dave Phyall and Budge Schachte on guitars, Jack Duncan on percussion and Danny Parker on bass. Picante plays Latin jazz standards, the bossa novas of Antonio Carlos Jobim to the flamenco rumba of the Gipsy Kings. The music is always performed with grace, beauty and passion and improvised with flair. Picante hopes to see people dancing to their blend of flamenco rumba and Latin jazz. Among other things the listener will hear Picante perform sexy bossa novas like Corcovado by Antonio Carlos Jobim; hot salsa like Moliendo Café; the flamenco rhumba of Moorea by Gypsy Kings; and Armando's Rhumba by Chick Corea. And you'll hear tango like Under Paris Skies by Django Reinhardt and Toe tappin' Mexican standards such as Adios Muchachos. Semi classical pieces including Bach's Air on a G String and Blackbird by Lennon & McCartney. Since 1998, Picante has performed at numerous festivals. Separately Dave Phyall has performed with Karin Plato; Budge Schachte performs with Tango Paradiso; Jack Duncan has played with Chicago and leads the band Shango Ashe; and. Danny Parker accompanies the fast rising jazz crooner Michael Buble.

Legendary Chuck Israels & Miles Black - Two Titans

Wednesday Sep 17
Alliance Française
Ticket Price $15 dollars
Time: 8pm

Chuck Israels is a composer/arranger/bassist who has worked with Billie Holiday, Benny Goodman, Coleman Hawkins, Stan Getz, Herbie Hancock, J.J. Johnson, John Coltrane, and many others. He is best known for his work with the Bill Evans Trio from 1961 through 1966 and for his pioneering accomplishments in Jazz Repertory as Director of the National Jazz Ensemble from 1973 to 1981. He is now the Director of Jazz Studies at Western Washington University. Among Chuck's many recordings as a bassist, some outstanding ones include: Coltrane Time, with John Coltrane; My Point of View, with Herbie Hancock; Getz au Go-Go, with Stan Getz; and many recordings with the Bill Evans Trio, including The Town Hall Concert; The Second Trio; Trio '65; Live at the Trident; Time Remembered; and Live at Shelley's Manne Hole. More recently Chuck directed the Metropole Orchestra featuring famed trumpeter Claudio Roditi and also directed the Hannover Philharmonic Orchestra. Don't miss this intimate conversational duo featuring Chuck and the legendary pianist Miles Black, the two are good friends and have played concerts in Detroit, Whitehorse, around the US and Canadian West Coast. Great music, cheese, French wine and culture at the Alliance Française!

THIN AIR ORQUESTRA - Alcvin Ramos, Pepe Danza & Peggy Lee

Wednesday Sep 17
Studio 16 @1551 W. 7th Ave
Ticket Price $15 dollars
Time: 10pm to midnight

The Thin Air Orquestra plays an innovative and inspired mix of traditional eastern music with contemporary improvisation. The centerpiece of the group's sound is the Shakuhachi flute, an ancient, versatile and incredibly evocative instrument from Japan. Both Joseph and Alcvin have studied this unique tradition both in Japan and abroad for over twenty years. By adding the amazing Peggy Lee on cello and other instruments such as Didjereedoo, Zheng, Gongs, and assorted percussion from around the world (including Marimba), the group has found a distinctive and engaging style that takes sacred and eastern traditional music into new horizons.

Alcvin Ramos was born in Japan where he spent many years studying Shakuhachi. He has studied extensively with the doyen of Shakuhachi masters, Katsuya Yokoyama and with his top disciples, Kaoru Kakizakai and Teruo Furuya. In 2001, he received his Shihan (master) license from Katsuya Yokoyama, one of the few Westerners to be granted this honor. In October 2001, Al co-founded the Bamboo-In, Canada's first Shakuhachi center. Ramos' experience also includes performances with such musical notables as John Mclaughlin, Katsutoshi Kondo, Bill Laswell, Uzume Taiko, Kazutoki Umezu, and Joseph "Pepe" Danza.

Cellist Peggy Lee arrived in Vancouver from Toronto via a winter stint in Banff. After finishing a degree in performance at the University of Toronto she spent a winter at the Banff Centre working with a string quartet. It was here that she first encountered improvisation. Upon arriving in Vancouver in 1989 she has performed in numerous creative contexts across the musical spectrum. She has worked with actors and dancers, notably EDAM, improvising to movement. She has worked in a more popular vein with Veda Hille. More pertinent is her long standing collaborations with Talking Pictures and the Tony Wilson Sextet. Lee is also a member of the NOW Orchestra which has made their musical presence felt through their work with the likes of Barry Guy, Ren� Lussier, Koch, Shutz and Studer and Butch Morris. Lee also works with Standing Wave, a new music ensemble dedicated to performing new works, principally by Canadian composers. Other performance collaborations include work with saxophonist Peter van Bergen, electro-acoustic composer Paul Dolden, trumpeter Dave Douglas and illustrious Vancouver figures, Fran�ois Houle and Paul Plimley.

Pepe (see El Sur and Pepe Danza)

DOUBLE BILL EVENING @ Roundhouse Theatre

Thursday Sep 18
Roundhouse Community Centre
Double Bill Evening
Ticket Price $18 dollars
Time: 8pm

TROIS TRUMPET KINGS - Vince Mai, Kevin Elaschuk and Derry Byrne with Chris Sigerson Trio

Kevin Elaschuk has been active as a jazz musician for the better part of 20 years both as a leader and as a sideman. He lists Kenny Dorham, Booker Little, Woody Shaw, Don Cherry and Bob Newhart amongst his many influences. Kevin's horn and compositions can be heard on the Elaschuk/Ryga Quartet's recent CD release Any Answers. Kevin is a trumpet instructor at North Vancouver's Capilano College.

Trumpeter Vince Mai's impressive list of credits is accentuated by performances/recordings with Chuck Israels, Bobby Shew, Natalie Cole, Don Thompson, David Foster, Tommy Banks and Eddie Daniels. A PMIA award winning film score composer who is in demand as a studio musician, Vince has composed for feature films and documentaries presented by PBS, Fox Network, the Sundance film festival, and CBC. Vince's playing has been described by the Georgia Straight as having a "full-bodied, Freddie Hubbard-inflected sound" ... "channeling Miles". These are but two of a long list of musicians that have influenced Vince's phenomenal development. Vince continues his exploration on new influences through his newest CD "SUBTE".

Derry Byrne is a sought after studio musician and side player who is comfortable in any musical environment. He has played lead trumpet in various groups inclusive of the Colin James Little Big Band, the Fred Stride Orchestra, the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, and the Jill Townsend Big Band and on many Broadway shows and record dates. Other notable jazz artists and bands that Derry has soloed for include Ernestine Anderson, the Ian McDougall and Bill Coon Band and the Campbell Ryga Quartet. After Leaving Humber College, Derry concentrated more on getting his "chops" together for many years so as to widen his work opportunities. He was awarded a Canada Council Arts Grant to study in New York where he studied with Lew Soloff, Randy Brecker Jon Faddis and Carmine Carusso. In L.A. he has studied with Bobby Shew, Charlie Davis and Juan Rasey.

Pianist Chris Sigerson is a masterful musician and jazz giant who swings hard and is recognized as one of most accomplished jazz pianist in Canada for his recent CD Heritage.

ACOUSTIC JAZZ PAN featuring Michel Pan, Chris Sigerson, Brent Gubbels & Nino DiPasquale

Thursday Sep 18
Roundhouse Community Centre
Double Bill Evening
Ticket Price $18 dollars
Time: 8pm

Tribute to Chet Baker (see Stanly Theatre Sep 13 also)

Michel Pan has produced two vocal jazz albums "Pan Sings Nothing But Love" and "Excentrique" since 1999. Songs like The Touch of Your Lips, Ray's Idea, Four and Groovin' High have aired on CBC Ross Porter's After Hours Jazz, on Jurgen Gothe's Disc Drive and on numerous Radio-Canada and CBC broadcasts. Pan's concerts have been recommended by the Vancouver Sun Queue Magazine, CBC What's Happening and the Province editorial staff. Recent concerts have all been SOLD OUT. As a lyricist Pan has written lyrics for jazz bebop tunes and French lyrics for My Funny Valentine and other jazz classics with Marie-Claude Belanger. Looking for romantic songs, jazz improvisation and that swingin' j azz beat - check out the Acoustic Jazz Pan featuring jazz pianist extraordinaire Chris Sigerson, bassist Brent Gubbels and percussionist Nino DiPasquale.

Triple Bill Evening - FESTIVAL FINALE Show @VPL

Friday Sep 19
Vancouver Public Library
Triple Bill Evening
Ticket Price $20 dollars
Time: 8pm

The Art of Classicism and Jazz - Miles Black with Deux Cellos

Watch and listen to what two world class cellists and pianist Miles Black can do. Cellists Finn Manniche and Harold Birsten are two of the top three jazz and classical cellists residing in Vancouver.

The Bill Evans Project - Miles Black w/ Babayaga String Quartet

Friday Sep 19
Vancouver Public Library
Triple Bill Evening
Ticket Price $20 dollars
Time: 8pm

The idea of arranging Bill Evans' music for jazz string quartet and jazz piano trio was conceived when Miles Black and the Babayaga String Quartet recently collaborated with a local vocalist. Evans' exquisite voicings, lyricism, discreet virtuosity, and rich harmonic palette lend themselves perfectly to reinvention and exploration by the septet. The concert will feature music written by Evans, such as Waltz for Debby, The Two Lonely People, and Peace Piece, as well as compositions which benefited so greatly from his interpretations that he might as well have written them, including George Russell's Concerto for Billy the Kid, Autumn Leaves, and the Theme from M*A*S*H.

BABAYAGA STRING QUARTET

The Babayaga String Quartet was formed in 1986 when four Vancouver musicians discovered they shared a passion for jazz, and realized that the string quartet would be a natural means of expression, given the instruments' innate abilities to create vocal inflections, percussive effects, and walking bass lines. The concept ignited the imagination of several outstanding Canadian jazz musicians who have collaborated with the quartet in concerts and recordings, and have created some of their finest compositions for the group. The quartet has toured extensively throughout Canada, and has performed at the Vancouver International Jazz Festival, The Ottawa Jazz Festival, The Montreal International Jazz Festival, and Seattle's Bumbershoot Festival.

Tribute to Oscar Peterson - Miles Black Trio w/ John Nolan & Russ Botten

Friday Sep 19
Vancouver Public Library
Triple Bill Evening
Ticket Price $20 dollars
Time: 8pm

"Oscar Emmanuel Peterson was born August 15, 1925, in Montreal, Canada, the son of a railroad porter. By the age of 20 he had a national reputation and a recording contract. By 25 he had played Carnegie Hall, won the Downbeat Award for best jazz Pianist, and embarked on his first world tour. The rest, as they say, is history."

"Oscar Peterson's playing is legendary in its difficulty. Part of that difficulty is speed. Take, for example, Chicago Blues, a tune recorded by Oscar; the song tempo is slow. Yet superimposed above it are to be found complex improvised lines moving as fast as 16 notes per second! The harmonic richness and complexity of Oscar Peterson's playing is also considerable. His harmonic vocabulary is extensive, and his voicings many, varied, and subtle, often with unusual "fattening" pitches added for effect. Finally, there is his rhythmic depth. Part of this involves his remarkable facility in sub division and his use of large or otherwise unusual groupings. But part, too, is his powerful "swing" feel, the effective management of extremely small time beat divisions which entails a high degree of rhythmic mastery" - quotes from Oscar Peterson Note for Note Transcriptions.

When I found out that the very gifted Miles Black had transcribed, recorded and published an Oscar Peterson Note for Note Transcriptions of Classic Recordings through PG Music, probably the most extensive recorded transcriptions of Oscar Peterson's work to-date. I purchased the publication and CD just to confirm what I already know about Miles Black - he is one of Canada's finest pianists and no wonder Oscar Peterson personally congratulated everyone involved on the project. It is with delight that I present to you Miles Black Plays Oscar Peterson featuring Russ Botten and John Nolan at the Vancouver Public Library. Tunes like Blues for Nova Scotia; Chicago Blues; Nightingale; Greasy Blues, Night Time; Place St. Henri; The Smudge; Blues of the Prairies; Hymn to Freedom; Oscar's Boogie and Kelly's Blues will delight you immensely.

FREEFLOW Quintet - Jazz Meets Reggae, Soul & Rock featuring jazz trumpeter Ken Wallace

Friday Sep 19
Backstage Lounge Granville Island
Ticket Price $15 dollars
Time: 10pm to midnight

Freeflow, from Vancouver BC, is a group that encompasses many influences from their multi-cultural city. Their music is an amalgamation of soul, hip-hop, reggae, jazz, funk, and rock and is presented with a modern edge and an amazing amount of confidence and energy. "To miss Freeflow is to grossly cheat yourself of one of the best live bands this sleepy little town of Vancouver has to offer" says Mark Bignell, host of Radio Bandcouver, 102.7 fm. Freeflow began to work as a group in the winter of 1999, in the musical hub of Vancouver's Commercial Drive.

Jason Evans (lead vocals) brings a soulful, urban sound to the group with his socially conscious lyrics and a modern flow. Simon Davies (bass) together with Ryan Davis (drums) are the foundation behind the many different rhythmical textures that the band explores. Meanwhile, Reece Worth (guitar) and Wilson Padmos (keyboards) help to provide Freeflow's harmonic solidarity and melodic conception. Jazz soloist trumpeter Ken Wallace hails from Cap College!