My column is generally intended to focus on what goes on in the clubs, but every once in a while something that I feel is worthy of attention happens outside of them. (Who am I kidding – this is the first time this has happened! Thankfully I haven’t been fired.) Following the spotlight on Avishai Cohen, this column continues on page 49, drawing directly from the club listings.
As part of a global tour promoting his 11th recording, Aurora, Israeli-born, New York-bred jazz phenomenon Avishai Cohen makes his Toronto debut on October 19 at the Isabel Bader Theatre. A visionary composer, Cohen is a virtuoso on the bass who first came to fame when Chick Corea took notice of his talents in the 1990s. After recording 4 albums on Corea’s Stretch label, Cohen formed his own Radraz Records in 2003, releasing albums which have garnered him countless accolades over the past seven years. He is today considered one of the jazz world’s most important contemporary figures. The latest recording features several firsts for Cohen; he has added to the mix his own singing and was signed to a major label. Cohen’s busy schedule did not permit a phone interview but we did exchange a brief Q&A via email:
Your latest CD, Aurora, is a Blue Note Records Release. What does it mean to you to be signed on this label? To me, the Blue Note label means some of my favourite jazz albums of all times, whether it’s Wayne Shorter or Lee Morgan. I am very proud and excited to be a part of this family. In fact I am currently in the studio recording my second record for Blue Note, which will be released in Spring 2011. I am sure to play some of the new music on the road this tour.
In choosing to record songs in Hebrew, English, Spanish and Ladino, which language do you find the most challenging? I just express myself in all the languages that I love and have some closeness to: English is almost my first language, and singing in English is kind of stimulating because it sounds a certain way when you sing it. Hebrew is my first language, I think I love singing in it the most. And then Spanish, I love Spanish for the music and the different connotations. Ladino is a language that I have mostly learned through my mother: she sings some ladino songs and it is part of the musical landscape of Israel and of Jewish tradition.
How does the overall experience of playing live differ from recording for you? There’s something about the live performance: nothing could be as good as that – especially if you’re one who likes that and knows how to communicate well. Things happen in a live situation that you can’t get in a recording. People don’t understand how much they are a part of the music. People who come to the concert are the concert as much as the artist.
Jazz is a very difficult path – congratulations on all your successes. What does the word “success” mean to you? Success is to me, enjoying what I do every day, with purpose, and having an outlet for my creativity, always wishing for it to continue day by day.
General admission to the concert on October 19 is $45 at the door or $30 in advance; a limited number of tickets for students are $18. For tickets call 1-888-222-6608 or visit www.ticketweb.ca.
Joie De Vivia!
Orlando, Florida native Vivia Kieswetter is busy attaining her Doctorate in Ethnomusicology at York University, with a focus on Southern Gospel Music. In addition to her academic chops, Kieswetter is a versatile performer, having sung everything from reggae to opera, bebop to country. Don’t miss her cabaret, “The Way of the World: A Study in Contrasts,” featuring jazz, Broadway tunes and some re-imagined rock and roll. She’ll be accompanied by the happenin’ team of Ross MacIntyre on acoustic and hubby Mark Kieswetter on keys. Ten Feet Tall on Saturday, October 9 from 8-10pm; Reservations recommended, Pay-What-You-Can!
Warm Stone
Another one night only: Renaissance Opera Diva Dorothy Stone appears at the Annex Live for her only Toronto appearance this season. Although the soprano is best-known for her haunting Verdi Heroines, this evening will be “somewhat like a Barbara Cook type of evening” with various theatre gems from the first half of the 20th century. Anne Marie-Leonard will be at the piano: “Dorothy is one of my very favourite vocalists to accompany…over the years we have developed a wonderful rapport on stage.” Thursday October 14 at 8pm. Tickets are $25; reservations are strongly suggested at 416-929-3999.
The Art Of Art
Also happening on the 14th, as well as the 15th, at the Rex Hotel, is Norman Marshall Villeneuve’s two-night tribute to his idol, Art Blakey. Upon listening to Blakey’s records in the early 1950s, NMV discovered his life’s calling. Over the years, his “Jazz Message” has given the spotlight to some of this city’s most illustrious instrumentalists. This month NMV’s Jazz Message will be rounded out by Dave Restivo on piano, Artie Roth on bass, Jeff King on tenor saxophone, Paul Tarussov on trombone and Russ Macklem on trumpet. Downbeat for both shows is at 9:30pm.
Delightfully Delicate
Award-winning pianist and composer Amanda Tosoff recently relocated from Vancouver the delight of many Torontonians. Experience her exquisitely expressive, silken approach to the ivories on October 15 at Hart House, along with Sean Cronin on bass, Morgan Childs on drums and Chris Gale on tenor. The following night, the 16th, the same group minus Gale will delight the intimate Home Smith Bar at The Old Mill. This gig will be part of a 19-date national tour in support of her third release, “Looking North.”
A Good Cause For Applause
In the five-and-a-half years since Lisa Particelli’s Girls Night Out vocalist-friendly jazz jam was founded, over 1,000 singers have gotten up to sing, ranging from first-timers to professionals. Recently Particelli has expanded the concept by founding the GNOJAZZ Foundation. “The foundation’s mission is twofold,” she explains. “We acknowledge and provide an opportunity for vocal jazz students to include live performance in their education, and also raise scholarship funding to help vocal jazz students return to school after a delay their studies for serious reasons such as illness or family obligations.” The second GNOJAZZ All-Star Vocal Showcase fundraiser takes place Saturday October 23 from 6-9pm at Chalkers Pub; more info at www.gnojazz.com.
Ori Dagan is a Toronto-based jazz vocalist, voice actor and entertainment journalist. He can best be contacted at jazz@thewholenote.com.
