EIJF: David Virelles Continuum then PJ Perry

Jazz Fest is such a big part of the creative music mentality and gives us an impulse that keeps our hunger for the groove, no matter narrow or wide to open our ears and minds to the value of music and in this case: Jazz and the Jazz Umbrella !! Now that some of the main events have come and left their high water mark on such a large audience. The jazz events at the Yardbird have been monumentally intense and deep in the broadness and depth of musicianship and committed sensibilities. Case in point: Last night a band from Cuba: David Virelles Continuum group. Such a great pianist and creative technique. This is what I told a friend about it in condensed form:

Cuban Creative Jazz Art Music... They were wonderful understandable avant guard - ish and so complex and so pure... They got a great response !! Ok the drummer was playing the most ecstatic vibe with a fast 8th note feel that always seemed to dangle and turn in itself... like the best tasting water coming out of a fountain for us to drink but never hold it in our hands . The music was so cohesive and sensible with stretched chords with voice leading and structured with motives that were not exactly tonal but !! did it ever work and work with conviction and grace !! Yeah.. the standing ovation was much deserved.. They emitted light !! Very high stuff !!

PJ Perry: I did have a pleasant evening at Brittany's with PJ Perry and band..Some of the sweetest music you're ever going to hear ... I'm hoping that PJ carries on with his gigs there, I will definitely support it with my heart (and my wallet  )

EIJF: Al Muirhead's group and Bobby McFerrin

Edmonton International Jazz Festival: Bravo... Keep up the good work. One of the best for our Edmonton Audiences. I'd like to go to more shows too !! I took in a night with Al Muirhead's group. This was a great show and an example of some good creative bebop stuff. Let's face it, can you go wrong with our great Tommy Banks, PJ Perry, Kodi Hutchinson and Tyler Hornby? It was a lively honestly good time. It is terribly difficult to compliment these guys because the humility is built in to the playing. After much protestation at the end of the gig from Tommy as I tried to compliment and praise his playing, I simply had to point out a few of the details of his playing in Joy Spring for example... his answer: "That's a nice tune" ..perfect... Tommy did a spot with Al, and PJ and played a left hand bass line that was so 'up' (whew !!:) that all band members took notice and dug in even harder, It put a smile on this writer's face 

I took in the Bobby McFerrin show and was entertained and moved by much that I heard. A very brave and loose format that really involved the audience almost like a workshop at times what with him doing a call and response thing with the audience. For a proper review on this I recommend Roger Levesque's review in the Edmonton Journal !! Yes it is Spirit You All !!

I had the occasion to go to the Jam at Britanny's Lounge (behind the Winspear) where PJ was holding forth and the place was packed with musicians of all stripes and instruments and the playing, wether PJ's or 4 or 5 of the upcoming Lions of the jazz saxophone, gets better and better ... The future for jazz music and this festival gets better and better.

I'd like to mention that at least 2 other private venues should be credited and supported for their participation in the Jazz Fest: The Blue Chair (sheepishly) I did a trio show there last year and am playing with my trio in the Sunday brunch loop there once in a while [This Sunday June 29 with the trio]. The Blue Chair also hosted the Global TV spot on Monday morning (Global Edmonton On Line). So bravo to The Blue Chair.

Special mention goes to Jeffrey's Wine Bar who has consistently featured music throughout the year and gives exposure and a venue for jazz music and especially to upcoming jazz players and singers..

OK everyone that is my humble report !! Tonight I'm going to hear PJ/Brittany's (PJ should not be missed at anytime) and then the phenomenal Joel Miller and his group... If you want energy, brilliant musical ideas, a little bit of humor, and some absolute KILLER musicianship I urge you to go to the Yardbird tonight and take in at least one set there. Joel Miller is awesome (on fire) !!

EIJF: Jim Head group

After the Medeski Scofield Martin & Wood concert I had the occasion to go to Britanny's Lounge just behind the Winspear and in time to hear some deep jazz from the Jim Head group. The great master musician Jim Head on guitar, Jamie Cooper on drums (solid), the great Josh McHan bass, and the legendary, Cambell River's gift to Edmonton jazz audiences: Chris Andrew who was playing a cool 'Suitcase Fender Rhodes'. They tossed off a few brilliant arrangements with engaging time feels (You and the Night and the Music in 7 !!!! It was so good hip and unaffected playing and included a jam ... Honorable mention has to go to Dan Davis on tenor who plays with the house band as if he absolutely belongs there !!! (very good music Dan !! )... I got to play one tune: with the band but with Efa Etorma {Enorma !!) on drums... and that was pretty special and a musical bonding experience that left me 'verklempt' as Bob Cairns would say !! Great night and a full house. How about a cheer for Brittany's and this great live music venue. PJ Perry is playing there on a regular basis.. Anytime that happens, I highly recommend that you don't miss it !! I'll see you there !!