February 11th
Mike LeDonne’s Groover Quartet + Big Band
8:00 PM, James Cowan Theatre
Big-band brass meets funky organ!
Mike LeDonne belongs to an elite group of musicians — those who have mastered the piano AND the organ while creating original voices for each. On his latest release It's All Your Fault, LeDonne sits down at the organ, puts his foot on the pedals and lays down some of the hippest organ licks you're likely to hear. Two groups will be featured at this concert. Mike LeDonne's Groover Quartet has had the rare opportunity to play and record together for twenty years and counting. They have no difficulty integrating their sound into this all-star Vancouver big band put together by Cory Weeds and his preferred arranger and conductor, Dennis Mackrel.
The full band will rock and roar, echoing a bygone era when Jimmy Smith, Richard "Groove" Holmes, Jack McDuff and other maestros of the Hammond played and recorded with large ensembles. LeDonne's voice on organ is strong yet not overwhelming, deftly shouldering the melodies while allowing the band to assert its interactive point of view, which it does with alacrity.
With Steve Kaldestad – lead alto, James Danderfer – alto saxophone, Dave Say – tenor saxophone, Cory Weeds – baritone saxophone, Rod Murray – lead trombone, Jim Hopson – trombone, Brad Shigeta – trombone, Jeremy Berkman – bass trombone, Derry Byrne – lead trumpet, Brad Turner – trumpet, Jocelyn Waugh – trumpet, Chris Davis – trumpet and John Lee – bass
February 12th
Jesse Cahill Trio featuring Nicole Glover
11:30AM - 12:45, Room 103
Jesse Cahill’s freelance resume boasts an extensive list of Canadian and international names, but it is his long-term musical collaborations with Westcoast artists that have resulted in his most notable work. He has appeared on dozens of recordings with western Canadian musicians including Jodi Proznick and Cory Weeds. Jesse has also released four albums with his own group The Nightcrawlers including the most recent one Do You Know A Good Thing?
For this special performance Jesse is joined by New York-based Saxophonist Nicole Glover who has been described by the press as a "precocious talent", a "rising saxophonist", and "uninhibited". Nicole has recently been in bands led locally by Reggie Workman, Kenny Washington, Renee Rosnes, Billy Hart, Gene Perla, Rodney Green, George Colligan, Joe Farnsworth, Geoffrey Keezer, David Weiss, Luis Perdomo, and Jason Brown. She is also a member of Blue Note supergroup ARTEMIS.
Ardeshir Pourkeramati Quartet
11:45 AM - 1:00, Studio Theatre
Saxophonist Ardeshir Pourkeramati is one of Vancouver’s up and coming young musicians. Rooted in the jazz tradition, he draws inspiration from a variety of musical influences. Joining him are his good friends and collaborators, pianist Winston Matsushita, bassist Wynston Minckler, and drummer Graham Villette. They will be playing some of Ardeshir’s original compositions and arrangements.
Eric Alexander Quartet
12:00-1:15, James Cowan Theatre
Boasting a warm, finely burnished tone and a robust melodic and harmonic imagination, tenor saxophonist Eric Alexander has been exploring new musical worlds from the outset. Eric has appeared in many capacities on record, including leader, sideman, producer as well as being a prolific composer. While he has garnered critical acclaim from every corner, what has mattered most has been to establish his own voice within the illustrious bop-based jazz tradition.
For this set Eric and his all-star New York band will pay homage to their great mentor, tenor saxophone giant George Coleman.
With Mike LeDonne - piano, Alexander Claffy - bass and Joe Farnsworth – bass
Steve Kaldestad Quartet
1:30 - 2:45, Room 103
This hard-swinging group will be playing the music of the post-bop period, with a mixture of standards and originals. Steve’s playing has been described as “shoot from the hip” and melodically inventive and he takes his cues from masters like Sonny Rollins, Joe Henderson, and John Coltrane. This group is celebrating the release of their new recording Steve Kaldestad Quartet – Live at Frankies recorded last year.
With Chris Gestrin on piano, Conrad Good on bass and Jesse Cahill on drums
Alexander Claffy Quintet featuring Nicole Glover
1:45 - 3:00 & 3:45 - 5:00, Studio Theatre
From birth, Alexander Claffy was raised in a musical household and had many of his earliest lessons on bandstands in the heart of Philadelphia. Since moving to New York City in 2011, he has had the honor of working with many of his living heroes, including Jimmy Cobb, Louis Hayes, Harold Mabern, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Christian Scott, Joey Alexander, Wallace Roney and many more. In the past 3 years he has recorded for the Verve, HighNote, Positone and RopeADope. His latest release Good Spirits is out now on Cellar Music.
With Benny Benack III – trumpet, Nicole Glover – tenor saxophone, Sean Mason – piano, Joe Farnsworth - bass
Daphne Roubini & Black Gardenia
2:00 - 3:15. James Cowan Theatre
Jazz meets Americana in a different kind of vintage band. Blending reinterpreted classics with vintage-inspired originals, the band’s sound proves that cool is always classy and noir can be the norm. “Daphne Roubini’s original tunes bring to mind Django Reinhardt’s Gypsy Jazz with Billie Holiday as vocalist” (Vancouver Sun).
With Daphne Roubini voice/ukulele, Paul Pigat - guitar, Andrew Smith - guitar/ukulele, Jeremy Holmes - double bass, and Chris Davis trumpet
Tilden Webb Trio with Peter Bernstein
3:30 - 4:45, Room 103
Tilden Webb is one of the most in-demand musicians in Canada. He has been featured on more than 20 CDs alongside such musicians as Ray Brown, Ed Thigpen, John Clayton and Jeff Hamilton. He has performed with numerous jazz greats. His debut CD as a leader, Cellar Groove was recorded live at Cory Weeds’ Cellar Jazz Club and featured the legendary David Fathead Newman. In 2013 the trio invited renowned guitarist Peter Bernstein to join the trio and the results were electrifying. Peter Bernstein with The Tilden Webb Trio – Live @ Cory Weeds’ Cellar Jazz Club was released to critical acclaim.
Bernstein has been a part of the jazz scene in New York and abroad since 1989. During that time he has participated in numerous recordings and performances with musicians from all generations. Peter has released oer a dozen records as a leader and is a sought-after sideman appearing in groups led by Sonny Rollins, Bobby Hutcherson, George Coleman, Lou Donaldson, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Joshua Redman, Brad Mehldau, Diana Krall, Lee Konitz, Jimmy Cobb and more.
With Jodi Proznick – bass and Jesse Cahill – drums
Bruno Hubert Trio
4:00 - 5:15, James Cowan Theatre
A beloved fixture on the Vancouver jazz scene, pianist Bruno Hubert has played with Brad Turner, Jacyln Guillou, Seamus Blake, and scores of other jazz luminaries. Hubert brings huge personality and rare talent to entrancing standards and nimble, swinging post-bop.
With James Meagar – bass and Joe Poole - drums
Anthony Wonsey Trio
5:30 - 6:30 & 7:15 - 8:15, Room 103
Sunday, February 13th, Frankie’s Jazz Club 8:00 -10:30
An adventurous yet flexible pianist, Anthony Wonsey started playing music when he was six. Wonsey studied first with his mother (a classical pianist) and then Zilner Randolph. After earning a full scholarship to Berklee, from which he graduated in 1994, Wonsey moved to Boston and played locally with Roy Hargrove and Antonio Hart, among others. While still at Berklee, Wonsey toured with Christopher Hollyday, Nnenna Freelon, and Kenny Garrett. He has become a first call pianist in New York playing with a who’s who of jazz.
His recent CD on Cellar Music, Lorraine’s Lullabye is his strongest album to date showing his incredible musical diversity.
With Brandi Disterfeft – bass and Chris Beck - drums
Cory Weeds & The Groover Quartet – O Sole Mio!
5:45 - 6:45 and 7:30 - 8:30, Studio Theatre
Vancouver’s own and Jazz at The Bolt Artistic Director joins the festival headliners to perform music from their chart topping 2020 release O Sole Mio! The band will play a blistering set of Italian themed tunes.
With Mike LeDonne – Hammond organ, Eric Alexander – tenor saxophone, Peter Bernstein – guitar and Joe Farnsworth – drums
Michael Stephenson Meet The Alexander Claffy Trio with Benny Benack
6:00 - 7:00 & 7:45 - 8:45, James Cowan Theatre
Monday, February 14th, Frankie’s Jazz Club 8:00 -10:30
From Nat King Cole to Ray Charles to Marvin Gaye: the bands debut album takes that journey. In pointing us to our own past, it makes a very modern statement here and now. In the face of injustice, inequality and racism, this music reminds us of our capacity to love, to hold each other and dance, and to agitate for a better future. You ask us what it means to be a Black American musician, or a white American musician? In response we play a slice of our inheritance -- some of the most beautiful songs we know!
With Sean Mason – piano, Itay Morchi – drums and Benny Benack III – trumpet
February 13th
Steve Maddock – The Blues Project
11:30AM - 12:45, Room 103
One of Canada’s most versatile vocalists, Steve Maddock and his group of All-Stars explore the blues at its deepest and richest form - blues in the style of Joe Williams, Etta James, Big Joe Turner, Big Mama Thornton, Jimmy Witherspoon, and Bessie Smith. Drawing on these blues vocal foundations, the Steve Maddock Blues Project honest and fresh interpretations continue to captivate us.
With Cory Weeds – tenor saxophone, Brad Turner – trumpet, Chris Gestrin – piano, André Lachance – bass and Dave Robbins - drums
Morgan Childs Quartet
11:45 AM - 1:00, Studio Theatre
Toronto-based drummer Morgan Childs was born and raised in BC, where he was a fixture at the Cellar Jazz Club and other Western Canadian venues in his early and mid 20s. He released his debut recording, "Time" on Cellar Live in 2008. Morgan has toured Canada and the world with notable jazz artists like Kirk MacDonald, Bernie Senensky, Brandi Disterheft, Ian Hendrickson-Smith, and Guido Basso, among others. He is known for a dynamic, swinging, and contemporary approach to the drums that is rooted in the tradition.
With Steve Kaldestad – tenor saxophone, Miles Black - piano and John Lee - bass
Tilden Webb Trio with Jocelyn Gould
12:00 - 1:15, James Cowan Theatre
Featured for a second time during Jazz @ The Bolt The Tilden Webb Trio is joined this time by another guitarist. Jocelyn Gould has been called “a leader in the next generation of great mainstream jazz guitarists” by Howard Paul, CEO of Benedetto Guitars. Her joyful energy has captivated audiences around the world and her passion for music is infectious. She has absorbed the influences of the jazz guitar greats and has woven them into an exciting personal sound. Her unique ability to connect with audiences always leaves them wanting more.
With Jodi Proznick – bass and Jesse Cahill – drums
Nightcrawlers
1:30 - 2:45, Room 103
One of Vancouver's most beloved jazz groups of the past 10 years serve up heaps of grease playing the music of Eddie Harris, Shirley Scott, Hank Marr and other purveyors of greasy jazz! The band continues to celebrate their most recent release Do You Know A Good Thing?
With Cory Weeds - tenor saxophone, Chris Gestrin – Hammond organ, Dave Sikula – guitar and Jack Duncan – congas
KITT
1:45 - 3:00
Kitt is a music producer and Indie Soul artist based in Vancouver British Columbia. She creates intimate and soulful music drawing inspiration from modern R&B contemporaries such as Charlotte Day Wilson, Snoh Aalegra and Jorja Smith. Aside from music, she is the creative director for Sandstone Studios in Vancouver conceptualizing and directing videos for independent musicians."
With NaRai – voice, Scott Verbeek – guitar, Max Zipursky – piano/ keys, Matt Reid – bass and Paul Clark – drums
Amanda Tosoff Trio
2:00 - 3:15. James Cowan Theatre
Amanda Tosoff is a pianist and composer with six albums to her credit. She has received various honours, including the Montréal Jazz Festival Grand Prix de Jazz, the Toronto Arts Foundation Emerging Jazz Artist Award – and most recently, a JUNO nomination for her album Words, which blends poetry, jazz, art-song & folk-pop. With Amanda’s sixth release as a leader, Earth Voices, she continues to pursue the creative and stylistic leap she began on Words, once again drawing on poetry with a deep personal and emotional connection – which features 16 special guest singers and instrumentalists. Amanda is also a passionate educator who is on faculty at Humber College and is co-artistic director of online education hub MusicArtsCollective.com.
With Jodi Proznick – bass and Morgan Childs - drums
Jerry Cook Quartet
3:30 - 4:45, Room 103
The quintet will be playing music from a couple of Cook’s favourite albums; Stanley Turrentine’s Hustlin’ and Kenny Burrell’s Midnight Blue as well as music from Cook’s debut release Walk In The Park on Cellar Music.
With Chris Gestrin – organ, Dave Sikula – guitar, John Lee – bass and Jesse Cahill - drums
Miles Black Trio
3:45 - 5:00, Studio Theatre
Based in Vancouver, Miles Black is a highly respected career musician bringing an enormous wealth of musical experience and expertise to most every facet of the music industry. First known as one of Canada’s most accomplished jazz pianists, Miles is also highly acclaimed and sought after as an arranger, producer, composer, session musician, guitarist, vocalist, bassist, saxophonist, songwriter, and musical theatre director. Adding to that, he has worked as a music therapist and collegiate music instructor. Especially in Vancouver, Miles Black is well know as the “first call’ when musicians are looking for top professional enhancements to their projects.
With Miles Black - piano, Miles Hill - bass and Bernie Arai – drums
Blue Moon Marquee
4:00 - 5:15, James Cowan Theatre
Stemming from the Badlands of the Rocky Mountain prairies, this authentic duo writes and performs original compositions influenced by early blues, and swing jazz. A.W. Cardinal howls with a distinctive thick and smoky vocal while playing a jazz tinged blues guitar. Jasmine Colette is the one woman rhythm section, commanding drums and upright bass. They will be joined by Darcy Phillips on keys. Blue Moon Marquee's passionate performances and smouldering onstage chemistry is their trademark, and the way Colette's honey tones lift A.W.'s beaten down "bukowski-esque" mystique is something that enthrals audiences from the back room bar to the public square.
Angela Wrigley Trio
5:30 - 6:45, Room 103
You Don’t Know What Love Is is the debut album from consummate vocalist and composer Angela Wrigley and her spirited Angela Wrigley Trio. The group presents a collection of material that transcends the jazz genre, with Angela’s stunning vocal performance matched only by the exquisite interplay of her A-list band. The Angela Wrigley Trio is made up of three musical cohorts and friends.
With Derek Stoll – bass and Dave Lake – drums
Ostara Project
5:45 - 6:45 & 7:30 - 8:30, Studio Theatre
This constellation of seven strong and well-respected artists highlights the diversity of Canada's musical landscape. The Ostara Project, the brainchild of bassist Jodi Proznick and pianist Amanda Tosoff, will showcase the group's own original compositions in preparation for their debut recording for Cellar Music
With Sanah Kodoura - drums, Jocelyn Gould - guitar, Rachel Therrien - trumpet, Alison Au - saxophone and Joanne Majoko - voice
Mike Allen Trio
7:15 - 8:30, Room 103
Allen's original sax trio, with Darren Radtke-bass and Dave Robbins-drums, released and toured their critically-acclaimed debut album "Change Is" (Maximum) back in 2001. With hundreds of performances under its belt, the band has forged a unique and identifiable sound, through its high-energy, interactive approach to swinging jazz standards and originals. According to Cadence Magazine: "Allen’s improvisations swing effortlessly and eschew stock cliches in favor of more inventive phraseology."
Ryan Oliver With Strings
6:00 - 7:15, James Cowan Theatre
A Juno-nominated, Victoria-based saxophonist, Ryan Oliver honed his craft on Canada’s west coast before moving to Amsterdam, Toronto and New York. Since returning to Vancouver Island, he has maintained a busy schedule as one of Canada’s most in-demand saxophonists. Oliver’s improvisations have the formal character that defines many of his compositions. A muscular jazz improviser, Oliver always stays on point. His most recent release on Cellar Music, Ryan Oliver with Strings features 9 of Oliver’s original compositions arranged by his father-inlaw Mark Crawford.
With Phil Dwyer - piano, John Lee - bass, Jesse Cahill – drums and a 12 piece string orchestra
Cory Weeds With Strings
7:45 - 9:00, James Cowan Theatre
At the height of the pandemic tenor saxophonist Cory Weeds embarked on his biggest recording endeavour yet. Enlisting the help of award winning composer/arranger/pianist Phil Dwyer, Weeds carefully selected 8 tunes to be arranged for quartet + 12 piece string orchestra. The result is an album that comes off as lush, crafty and decidedly contemporary, rather than a rendition of jazz standards with baroque sensibilities.
The group will play selections from What Is There To Say? for this very special concert
With Phil Dwyer - piano, John Lee - bass, Jesse Cahill – drums and a 12 piece string orchestra
