Molly Johnson kicks off Massey Hall jazz series
Top venues around town are featuring some stand-out jazz:
Massey Hall: The Jazz@MasseyHall series consists of four shows. The program, which boasts Wynton Marsalis, Esperanza Spalding and Michael Kaeshammer early next year, and kicks off with Molly Johnson and Friends, featuring Elizabeth Shepherd and Denzal Sinclaire, on Nov. 30 at 8 p.m. Toronto’s favourite jazz diva, a one-time avante garde rocker imbued with a sultry rasp, will showcase the winning catalogue of jazz and soul on her recent greatest hits album, The Molly Johnson Songbook.
The Rex: The venue serves up at least two jazz shows daily. Catch drummer Norman Marshall Villeneuve’s Tribute to Art Blakey on Oct. 12, 9:45 p.m. The lineup of aces includes pianist Mark Eisenman, bassist Artie Roth, and trumpeter Brownman Ali.
Old Mill Inn: The venerable Bloor St. W. property is home to Jazz.FM91’s 37th annual Sound of Jazz Concert Series. The themed shows, which continue into the New Year, are $39 each. Highlights:
To New Orleans With Love, featuring the music of Louis Armstong, Al Hirt, Pete Fountain and more (Oct. 15). Aided by local vets like B3 maestro Dennis Keldie and guitarist Tony Quarrington, Crescent City trumpeter Kevin Clark showcases the sounds of the Big Easy.
A Tribute to the Count, from the Brian Barlow Big Band (Nov. 12). Drummer Barlow’s band pays tribute to bandleader extraordinaire Count Basie with a lineup of top Canadian players.
Jazz Samba: A Tribute to Stan Getz (Nov. 26). Saxist Mike Murley, guitarist Reg Schwager, bassist Steve Wallace and drummer Fabio Ragnelli honour the career of tenor great Getz.
Christmas Kiss with Diana Panton (Dec. 10). Accompanied by trumpeter Guido Basso, guitarist Reg Schwager, and Don Thompson, master of bass, piano and vibes, singer Diana Panton heralds the holidays and celebrates the release of the album “Christmas Kiss.” Ashante Infantry