Swinging and free up North
It was almost as if Canadian jazz musicians responded to this year’s sesquicentennial with an even more impressive range of music than usual. Call it true northern jazz, swinging and free.
Whittling down the contenders for this year’s best Canadian jazz recordings was harder than ever, given the quality of music from the jazz scenes in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal and from ex-pats who have relocated to New York for its exceptional creative stimulations. It’s telling that between the list below and the similar list on a CBC web page, there’s scarcely any overlap.
Rich in Symbols (Ropeadope Records) by Chet Doxas
The Montreal-raised saxophonist (who still plays in the band of rocker Sam Roberts, his long-time friend), made the most of his recent move to New York by creating an album that’s simultaneously hard-hitting and lush as it fuses sophisticated and fiery jazz improvising with the influences of late ’70s punk, early hip-hop and the bold visual art that accompanied those revolutionary sounds. Fellow Canadian ex-pats Matthew Stevens on guitar and Zack Lober on bass, plus dynamite drummer Eric Doob, are unbeatable.
Rev( Anzic) by Ernesto Cervini’s Turboprop
The Toronto drummer’s second album with his sextet is packed with passionate, high-energy playing and contemporary eloquence and lyricism. New York saxophonist Joel Frahm is a world-class player, a fountain of melody and wit. But if he overshadows Torontonians William Carn on trumpet and Tara Davidson on alto and soprano saxophones, it’s by the smallest of margins.
Under the Influence Suite (Justin Time Records) by Orchestre national de jazz de Montréal and Christine Jensen
Montreal saxophonist, composer and two-time Juno-winner Christine Jensen takes the helm of l’Orchestre national de jazz de Montréal, which commissioned from her a grand fivepart suite. Aided by such potent talents as saxophonists Frank Lozano and André Leroux, pianist François Bourassa and especially vocalist Sienna Dahlen, Jensen has outdone herself with vivid, risk-taking music that pays homage to Kenny Wheeler, John Coltrane, Lee Konitz, Wayne Shorter, and, most personally, the late Montreal jazz pianist and educator Jan Jarczyk.
Music For Jazz Orchestra( Ad do Records) by Brian Dickinson
Pianist Brian Dickinson showcased some of his most compelling writing and arranging for an ensemble of polished players who, like Dickinson, are Toronto jazz A-listers. Like Jensen, Dickinson kicked off his disc with music that paid tribute to Kenny Wheeler, with whom the pianist had recorded. Dickinson also movingly tipped his musical hat to his inspirations Gil Evans and Wayne Shorter.
Sticks and Stones by Roddy Ellias / Marc Copand / Adrian Vedady
Ottawa guitarist Roddy Ellias joins forces with refined New York pianist Marc Copland and Montreal bassist Adrian Vedady to bring to life a set of his exquisite and often plaintive compositions. The interplay on this gorgeous record, from three musicians who live in three different cities and rarely play together, is nonetheless exceptional, and their resulting collaboration is intimate and profound.
Bob’s Piano (Almus Jazz) by Mike Allen
Vancouver tenor saxophonist Mike Allen pays tribute to his late friend, pianist Bob Murphy, with this album of poised and deeply felt duets. The album’s front end consists of six lyrical excursions by Allen and pianist Miles Black, including heartfelt explorations of compositions by Murphy. The final four tracks, recorded before Murphy’s death in 2015, feature Allen with Murphy, demonstrating a no-less-impressive simpatico on tunes such as Wave and Stella By Starlight.
Two Calls (self-released) by Rebecca Hennessy FOG Brass Band
The Toronto trumpeter’s striking and original album compellingly mashes up the influences of New Orleans brass bands, Balkan music, and even jazz-rock. Global grooves, quirky melodies and structures, and forceful, inventive playing by guitarist Don Scott, pianist Tania Gill and above all, Hennessy make this an ear-catching and adventurous listen.
Sun Songs (Cellar Live) by Jodi Proznick
Best known as a superbly swinging accompanist, Vancouver bassist Jodi Proznick steps out with a moving, highly personal album that demonstrates her composing and songwriting abilities. With pianist Tilden Webb( who is also Proznick’s husband), drummer Jesse Ca hill and saxophonist Steve Kaldestad, Proznick pours her heart into music that meditates on being a mother or caring for an ailing mother. Vocalist Laila Biali’s interpretation of Proznick’s lyrics is extremely persuasive.
The Twilight Fall (Browntasauras Records) by Chelsea McBride’s Socialist Night School
The 25-year-old Toronto-based saxophonist, composer, lyricist and big band leader makes a big splash with the first full-length album by her forward-thinking 19-piece ensemble. Consisting of pure instrumentals and tracks that feature the commanding vocalist Alex Samaras, the album is an engaging listen from beginning-to-end that brims with tunefulness, personality and youthful vitality.
Honourable mentions:
Coldwater Stories (Origin Records) by Florian Hoefner; Silent Voices (Jazz Compass) by the Pat LaBarbera/ Kirk MacDonald Quartet; The North (Addo Records) by David Braid, Mike Murley, Anders Mogensen, Johnny Åman; Murphy (Addo Records by Carn Davidson 9.