12 shows you won’t want to miss
Edgy concerts for fans looking for deeper grooves, music that defies categories
Twelve concerts have been announced for Performance Works and the Imperial Series at the 2018 TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival.
Typically the edgier, younger emerging artists’ series, these are the shows for those who want deeper grooves, wilder solos or music that defies categories.
We have expanded on a few of the performances that definitely fall into the “do-your-best-not-to-miss-this” list when you’re planning your jazz festival.
Tickets are on sale at-888-732-1682 and coastaljazz.ticketfly.com.
Recommended
Julian Lage Trio June 26 | 8 p.m. | $28
OK, here is the first gig this writer pegs as a “must-see” at this year’s festival. Guitarist Lage is all over the place with his playing styles and does all of them brilliantly. He is prolific but never boring and probably one of the most interesting guitarists making a buzz in jazz/folk/classical/folk/ country/avant-what-have-you. I have no idea what he’ll play with his trio.
Mary Margaret O’Hara and Peggy Lee: Beautiful Tool
June 27 | Performance Works, 8 p.m. | $28
A collaboration between fascinating vocalist Mary Margaret O’Hara and amazing cellist Peggy Lee. With Vancouver JP Carter (trumpet), Ron Samworth (guitar), and Dylan van der Schyff (drums), the two leaders move from composed songs to free-flowing improvisations with ease, beauty and cinematic scope.
Pugs & Crows (with Sam Tudor) June 28 | Performance Works, 8 p.m. | $28
The 2013 Instrumental Album of the Year Juno Award-winning Vancouver group Pugs & Crows continues to explore the musical passions of its members, including pianist Cat Toren, with a depth of melodic genius that differentiates it from most. Now with vocalist Marin Patenaude added to the mix, they have expanded into singer/ songwriter genus, too.
Sons of Kemet June 26 | 9 p.m. | $23
Eloquent, fierce, funky — and thrillingly out-there! Led by U.K. saxophonist Shabaka Hutchings, Sons of Kemet are getting down into some of that Kamasi Washington territory by looking back at the New Thing-era fusions of Afro-American music with global sounds to generate some spine-tingling funk action. Then Cross’s tuba riffs are Bootsy-like in their awesomeness.
Drip Audio Night June 29 | 9 p.m. | $23
The Drip Audio label started by brilliant violinist Jesse Zubot (Tanya Tagaq, Dan Mangan, so many more) has been responsible for releasing some of the best music coming out of B.C. and Canada. This showcase includes MacArthur Genius Awardwinning Chicago saxophonist Ken Vandermark with Zubot, the rocking Sick Boss, 2018 Juno Award nominees Peregrine Falls and previous Juno Award winners Fond of Tigers. This lineup is staggering.
The rest of the list is as follows:
Performance Works
GoGo PENGUIN June 22 | 8 p.m. | $28
This completely hard-driving trio from Manchester, who record for Blue Note Records, are filling in the space that was left behind when Sweden’s e.s.t. ceased to be. Morgan James June 24 |8 p.m. | $28
One of the powerful voices in Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox, James is a potent solo artist, too.
Jerry Granelli, Robben Ford, Bob Lanzetti, J. Anthony Granellis + Horns
June 25 | 8 p.m. | $28
Sixty years on, Halifax-based drummer Jerry Granelli is still blazing his own trails. Particularly adept at incorporating serious electric guitarists into his combos, this latest project includes Robben Ford (Miles Davis, Joni Mitchell), who is a guitarist’s guitarist for sure. Expect surprising rocking, bluesy jams.
HARD RUBBER ORCHESTRA WITH MARIANNE TRUDEL
June 30 | 8 p.m. |$28 The 18-piece Hard Rubber Orchestra presents their world premiere of a 20-minute Concerto for Piano and Jazz Orchestra by Montreal pianist Marianne Trudel entitled, i was happier without a cellphone, and others.
The Imperial Series
Cherry Glazerr June 24 | 9 p.m. |$23
This band was hailed as one of “L.A.’s new faces of rock” by The Los Angeles Times.
Deerhoof (with Trevor Dunn/JP Carter/Nick Yacyshyn)
June 25 | 9 p.m. |$23 Pitchfork darlings from San Francisco plays quirky noise pop.
Knower
June 27 | 9 p.m. | $23
Prog rock hasn’t died. Now its funky and jazzy and residing in hipsters from L.A. Math heads will freak.