JAZZ DOWN, BUT NOT OUT
2020 managed to deliver some striking recordings
While many jazz lovers will rue 2020 because the pandemic killed live music, the year also nonetheless saw the release of some exceptional music — and from Canada, no less. From lyrical trio gatherings to hard-swinging but thoroughly modern big band escapades, following are the best Canadian jazz albums of the year.
1 The Circle The Doxas Brothers Justin Time Records
Tenor saxophonist Chet Doxas and drummer Jim Doxas reaffirm their striking musicality and deep connection on this quartet record that gets every note right. The Montreal-made album is filled with passionately made and perfectly poised modern jazz, as instantly appealing as it is sophisticated. Pianist Marc Copland, a guest from New York, contributes his special harmonic wizardry while bassist Adrian Vedady girds the music with special aplomb.
2 Night Devoid of Stars Daniel Hersog Jazz Orchestra Cellar Live
This debut disc from the Vancouver-based trumpeter and composer is a bold and thrilling declaration in which a 16-piece band executes charged and at times anthemic material. Saxophonist Noah Preminger and pianist Frank Carlberg, Hersog's colleagues when the Canadian studied at the New England Conservatory of Music, add especially fresh and vital playing that boosts the album's heady contemporary feel.
3 Still I Rise Derrick Gardner and the Big Dig! Band Impact Jazz
Winnipeg-based trumpeter and composer Derrick Gardner applies what he learned from the big bands of Count Basie and Harry Connick Jr. to his latest album. Still I Rise is brash and broadly swinging, thrumming with jazz tradition and blues feeling even as it scouts new territory. The soulful track Melody for Trayvon is a meaningful jazz elegy and Curtis Nowosad's powerful drumming deserves special kudos.
4 To The Nth The Nimmons Tribute (self-released)
The cream of Toronto's jazz crop, including saxophonist Mike Murley and trumpeter Kevin Turcotte, tackles compositions by their mentor and hero, 97-year-old Phil Nimmons, the dean of Canadian jazz. More than a do-over of some prime Nimmons material, the album features new arrangements and piano work by Sean Nimmons that should make his legendary grandfather proud.
5 Out of Dust Laila Biali Chronograph Records
Singer-songwriter, pianist and radio-show host Laila Biali makes pop-tinged jazz (or jazztinged pop?) of the highest order, at times reminiscent of music by her former employer, Sting. Call it what you will — Out of Dust is stirring and even compassionate.
6 Live! Brad Turner Quartet with guest Seamus Blake Cellar Live
The 2018 Christmas break saw the mighty New York saxophonist Seamus Blake return to Vancouver, his hometown, and play three nights of music with trumpeter Brad Turner's group at Frankie's Jazz Club. The gigs were in fact a warm-up for the recording session that yielded Turner's excellent 2019 album, Jump Up. But there's nothing tentative or lacking on this live album filled with crisp, urgent post-bop.
7 Time Well Spent Pat Collins Cornerstone Records
For the long-overdue followup to his 2005 debut disc, the Toronto-area bassist focuses on absolutely lovely and evocative music realized with accordionist Tom Szczesniak and guitarist Reg Schwager. On a tender rendition of Still Crazy After All These Years, Collins's acoustic bass tugs at heartstrings.
8 Swivel Patrick Boyle (self-released)
The Victoria-based trumpeter's casual afternoon recording session yielded impeccable music with his lush sound and fluid lyricism at its core. Veteran Toronto guitarist Lorne Lofsky and bassist Sean Drabitt shine as expected, and the trio's simpatico brims on every track.
9 Rythme de Passage Emie R Roussel Trio UNI Music
The young Rimouski-based pianist's fifth trio album in 10 years is her most assured and impressive release yet. A smart and alluring blend of acoustic and electric textures, as well as tricky yet hard-hitting rhythmic work contribute to the album's artistic breadth.
10 Square Peg Mark Godfrey (self-released)
The Toronto bassist's quintet delivers a highly persuasive mix of forward-thinking, tuneful original music. Saxophonists Allison Au and Matt Woroshyl lead the charge, pianist Chris Pruden is an audacious revelation and quintessentially tasteful drummer Nick Fraser demonstrates why he is in such high demand.