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Oakville Jazz Festival Performers
The 2009 Oakville Jazz Festival brings performances from 25 top local and international artists to Oakville over 3 days on 5 outdoor stages located throughout Downtown Oakville.
Complete performer bios and showtimes are listed below, including Oakville's own Mike Branton!
Date: Friday, August 7, 2009
Performers: Climax Jazz -
Margot Roi -
Paula Gardin -
Jef Kearns -
Ray Montford
Dr. Draw -
Eliana Cuevas -
Mr. Something -
Alex Ligertwood -
David Garfield
Date: Saturday, August 8, 2009
Performers: New Orleans Rhythm -
Youth in the Spotlight -
Favourite Grooves -
Sandunga
Latin Fusion Trio -
Eugene Smith -
Swamperella -
Luis Mario Ochoa
Tyler Yarema -
Margaret Stowe -
Warren Hill -
Chuchito Valdes
Date: Sunday, August 9, 2009
Performers: Mike Branton -
Shuffle Demons -
JW-Jones -
Robin McKelle -
Carlos Del Junco
Friday, August 7, 2009
Climax Jazz Band @ 5:30-7:00pm @ Towne Square (Stage 2)
The Toronto based Climax Jazz Band, formed in 1971, are known throughout North America, Europe and Japan for their tight, driving, British style traditional jazz. They were voted America's second favorite foreign trad band in the most recent Jazzology Records poll.
Climax are known for their wide variety of tunes, with lots of vocals; musicians who play straight from the heart and with a great sense of humour. No wonder they are one of the most popular traditional jazz bands around.
Margot Roi @ 6:30-7:45pm and 9:00-10:15pm @ Stage A
Winner of The Best Female Jazz Artist 2008 awarded by The Toronto Exclusive Magazine! Margot Roi's CD "A Place For Me" is in the Top Ten Jazz albums at CFBX! Margot Roi's CD "A Place For Me" is a collection of 12 songs that approach the subject of love from every possible perspective to affirm a place in your heart!
Raised in the small town of Dundas Ontario, Canada, Margot began performing in school musicals, and on local Cable TV telethons. She has performed in a all female Mariachi band in Mexico and many talent contests have been won. Throughout her childhood Margot shared in her family's diverse musical experiences: opera, folk, jazz and musical theatre. Aesthetically, this has led Margot to an inclusionist style with an unfettered exuberant approach.
Margot has studied music at the University of Windsor, vocals with the Canadian Academy of Vocal Music, with Bob Mover and with Mitch Seekins. Margot has studied piano, and learned the ukulele/autoharp/guitar/piano at her father's knee, and of course played the trombone in the school band.
Paula Gardin @ 6:30-7:45pm and 9:00-10:15pm @ Stage B
Paula Gardin’s music represents a journey - the journey of her multi-faceted life. Paula’s powerful voice and passionate performing style have engaged many audiences whether it be live theatre or smokey Jazz Clubs. As a songwriter she has been able to communicate her life experiences to an even wider audience through several genres of music which include Jazz, Pop and Latin.
Her debut album "A Little Rain Must Fall" will evoke emotional responses from all walks of life as there is a little something for everyone. There are the Latin influenced songs, "Time to Tango" and "Café Rapsodia" which were inspired by Paula’s recent trip to Argentina to study the Tango. The CD has 10 original tunes co-written by Paula and 3 cover tunes with innovative, unusual arrangements. Paula’s background in musical theatre is present as she delivers her songs with a sassy, stylish approach. The last track "Jazzin' in Me" is a testimony of Paula’s life and her music as well as a tribute to her years studying musical theatre at Sheridan College.
Jef Kearns @ 7:00-8:30pm @ Jazz East (Stage 3)
A new voice has entered the urban music scene: the flute. Jef Kearns, soul flautist, is transforming the reputation of the instrument from band geek to urban chic through his signature flute sounds and urban sense of style. Music listeners and industry alike are taking note.
Jef Kearns grew up listening to the urban music radio stations broadcast out of Detroit and credits his selected career path to them. Even at the age of 10, Jef would learn R&B melodies and transpose hip hop lines and verse into the rhythms of his flute.
Consisting of all original tracks, Jef’s debut album "On the Level" unleashes a quiet storm of flute-focused R’n’B grooves that cross genres from modern soul to hip-hop to classic Motown.
Ray Montford Group @ 7:30-9:00pm @ Centennial (Stage 1) [Back to top]
Ray's music is featured regularly on CBC National Radio and he was voted 2007's Instrumentalist to Watch on Galaxie Satellite Radio. For more than 15 years, Ray's group of some of Canada's best known players - drummer Rob Greenway and now bassist Russ Boswell - have shared their visceral energy with thousands of fans at music festivals, clubs and theatres. They have toured Europe, shared the stage with the Tony Levin Band (alumnae of Peter Gabriel) and recently sold out the Young Centre for the Performing Arts in Toronto for the release of a fragile balance, also available on 180 gram vinyl LP.
Born in Ottawa and raised bilingually, Ray moved to Toronto in 1986 to begin his professional music career, after completing studies in the Music Industry Arts program at Fanshawe College and a brief stint at Humber College's Music Program. He then immersed himself deeply into self-teaching and began writing and recording his own music. By 1995, he was dedicating all of his priorities to making his own music and also helping other artists achieve their vision, with his recording and production aesthetics.
Dr. Draw @ 8:00-9:30pm @ Towne Square (Stage 2)
When Eugene Draw was still busking for a living, people working in the office towers nearby often called the joyful musician "doctor." He had the ability to cure the common blues and uplift the spirits of even the most cynical passer-by. If positive energy has been a consistent element of Dr. Draw's career, then genre bending is certainly another trademark. In fact, his renditions of classical masterpieces as well as his original compositions defy singular classification. Unfettered by music's traditional boundaries, Dr. Draw and his talented band pull together an organic blend of instruments that satisfies eclectic audiences.
Added to Draw's violin strings are the instruments of his musical collective: an award-winning guitarist, electronic keyboard specialist, electric harpist, rock bassist and drummer. At a recent performance in Boston, a writer for Newsweekly reported that "a young violinist - an attractive guy who goes by the moniker Dr. Draw - stole the show with his infectious performance of high energy, piping out a mix of classical and house musical sounds from his electric violin. The show allegedly literally brought some to tears."
Citing such diverse influences at Chopin, Charles Minges, David Bowie and Pink Floyd, Dr. Draw comes by his unique musical masala honestly. When various traditional melodies from around the world are added to the mix, it becomes easier to find both something familiar in his music and at the same time be intrigued by what is unusual and novel. Elements of African percussion, Indian ragas, North American folk music and reggae all find their place here and there throughout Dr. Draw's compositions.
Eliana Cuevas @ 9:30-11:00pm @ Jazz East (Stage 3)
The explosion of jazz and world music in Canada in the last decade has given audiences access to a rich variety of great music from many countries and cultures. One of the things lacking has been a really stellar singer from Latin America. That position now looks like it has been filled by Venezuelan born Eliana Cuevas. Singing in Spanish, Portuguese and English, Eliana has stepped out from her years as merely a great singer to make her mark as bandleader and songwriter.
A student of music in Venezuela, Eliana came to Canada to study history at the University of Toronto. She continued her musical studies here and sang with a variety of pop, Latin-jazz, reggae, salsa, Brazilian and flamenco ensembles. In 2002 Eliana made her first recording as leader of her own ensemble, performing five of her own songs on “Cohesion”.
Eliana began to be invited to perform at top Latin and jazz venues in Toronto, including the Lula Lounge, the Rex Hotel Jazz & Blues Bar and the famous Top O' The Senator. In March of 2003 she was featured as one of the “Global Divas” in a concert of the same name, backed by Jane Bunnett and her band. That summer she went west for the first time to the Victoria Jazz Festival, Vancouver Jazz Festival, Yukon Storytelling Festival and Comox Valley Music Festival. She returned home to perform at Harbourfront Centre and London’s first Fiesta del Sol and to receive the Latin American Achievement Award for Vocal Artist of the Year.
Mr. Something Something @ 10:00-11:30pm @ Centennial (Stage 1)
With their fourth album, Toronto’s Mr. Something Something continue to gain international recognition for their unique blend of Afrobeat, jazz and pop. Their irresistible rhythms and interactive live shows have long served as a vehicle for social justice & environmental activism, and in 2009, the band is taking audience participation to new levels with its SoundCycle - Canada’s first bicycle powered sound system. Power to the people, by the people!
Mr. Something Something represents six years of composing, performing, risk-taking, improving and ultimately mobilizing the original vision of founding members Larry Graves [drums/percussion] and John MacLean [saxophone/voice]. 20 years of playing, studying and traveling passed before these two childhood friends settled on the unbeatable dance rhythms of Nigeria, Senegal, Mali and Ghana as the most natural gathering place for the elements that would ultimately make up the Mr. Something Something sound.
Alex Ligertwood @ 10:15-11:45pm @ Towne Square (Stage 2)
His voice is recognized literally the world over as the lead vocalist of Santana. For over 16 years with Carlos Santana, Alex Ligertwood provided his unique sound and interpretation on 12 albums. He earned Gold Records for four of those Santana efforts, and scored Top 40 hits with six albums and/or singles.
Alex shares Santana's soulful R & B style, which is clearly evident on the Santana hits "Winning" (Zebop), "All I Ever Wanted" (Marathon), and "Hold On" (Shango). His live rendition of the classics like "Black Magic Woman" and "Oye Como Va" scored Gold with Santana's "Sacred Fire: Live In Latin America Album."
There's something deep in the soul of Scotland that produces great blues and R & B singers. Some of music's top vocalists over the years -- from Rod Stewart to Maggie Bell to Alex Ligertwood - have come out of that musically fertile land.
David Garfield @ 10:15-11:45pm @ Towne Square (Stage 2) [Back to top]
The Los Angeles based keyboard player David Garfield has a long career as a musical director, arranger, composer and producer behind him, and he is still one of the 'Cats' that you always see playing local clubs such as The Baked Potato, Cafe Cordiale, La Ve Lee. You'll also find him on world tours with big acts with likes of George Benson.
Over the span of his career, he's scored and recorded for films ('Annie' and 'Always' with J.D. Souther), Television ('Fame' and its five accompanying 'Kids from Fame' recordings), and commercials (Coca Cola, McDonald's, Seven Up). He has produced many albums and appeared on several as a keyboard player, arranger and composer. Along with his active recording career he toured with Earl Klugh, Michael McDonald, Nancy Wilson, Oleta Adams/Luther Vandross, Brenda Russell and many local L.A. acts and has been the musical director for George Benson and Dianne Reeves. He also appeared on The Tonight Show, Arsenio Hall and Solid Gold, and has composed and recorded more than 200 original compositions.
The Garth Vogan Quartet with Mary Vanacci @ Jonathans Restaurant
Oakville Jazz Ensemble @ Thyme Restaurant
Saturday, August 8, 2009
New Orleans Rhythm @ 1:45-3:15pm @ Centennial (Stage 1)
Patrick Tevlin's New Orleans Rhythm is a classic jazz trio based in Toronto, specializing in hot jazz and blues from the 1920s, 1930s and beyond.
New Orleans Rhythm features an all-star line-up deeply rooted in the traditions of New Orleans music. Patrick Tevlin, leader of Toronto's Happy Pals, plays trumpet, with Reide Kaiser and Colin Bray, both of the award-winning Jeff Healey's Jazz Wizards, on piano and string bass. As desired, New Orleans Rhythm can be enlarged to include clarinet, drums or others.
New Orleans Rhythm's repertoire is based in classic jazz from the 1920s and 30s, and later New Orleans style jazz. Music of Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington or the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, with tunes by Fats Domino, Bob Dylan or Johnny Cash thrown in! New Orleans Rhythm has recently recorded CDs with guest stars Chris Burke, Brian Carrick, Butch Thompson and the late Jacques Gauthe, which have received wide critical acclaim.
Youth in the Spotlight @ 2:30-4:30pm @ Towne Square (Stage 2)
Downtown Oakville Jazz Festival in cooperation with Bell Canada and Pratt & Whitney continues to foster young artists by showcasing their talents. These young artists, through the Youth in the Spotlight showcase are given the opportunity to perform in the established Downtown Oakville Jazz Festival. The 2-hour show will spotlight new, young, dynamic Jazz musicians and singers. Bell Canada & Pratt & Whitney Canada Youth in the Spotlight takes place on Saturday August 8, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. in Towne Square.
Favourite Grooves @ 4:30-6:00pm @ Centennial (Stage 1)
Danny Lockwood's new CD "A Few of My Favourite Grooves" was released in August of 2008 and was honored with a Hamilton Music Award for best jazz record of the year.
Danny started playing professionally in his late teens in Hamilton Ontario Canada. He has toured, played & recorded with many great musicians. Some highlights include: the blues of Harrison Kennedy, Jack de Keyzer, Steve Stongman, King Biscuit Boy, Donny Walsh, Jeff Healey, John Mays, Jerome Godboo, the jazz of Chantel Chamberland , Laura Hubert, Stan Samole, Tony Paglia, Darcey Hepner, Sal Rosselli, Neil Brathwaite, Eric Boucher, the gospel of Danny Brooks, The West Highland Baptist Group, the eclectic mix of Carlos del Junco, Jamie Oakes, Mike Daley, Shawn Brush aka The Krooked Cowboy.
Danny is presently spliting the bulk of his time playing live with Tony Paglia & The Nomads, Jack de Keyser, & doing a great Sunday gig with the Pie Guys at The Blue Goose Tavern, Toronto.
Sandunga @ 5:30-7:00pm @ Towne Square (Stage 2)
Bobby Rice was born in Canada in 1967, and has resided in Canada ever since. He has an honours diploma in music from Humber College, a BA in jazz studies from TRU, a MA in composition from York University and has taught in the Humber College music program. He has been a professional musician since 1987 and has done extensive work in the jazz and Latin scenes in Toronto, including: touring with Eliana Cuevas as a soloist and touring and recording with the Juno nominated Diego Marulanda & Pacande.
Bobby has put together an incredible Latin jazz band full of Canada's finest musicians and has completed his first solo CD after receiving an Ontario Arts Council recording grant. The CD is entitled "BOBBY RICE & SANDUNGA" and is a powerhouse combination of original jazz, salsa, and mambo . In addition to Bobby Rice on trumpet, Sandunga includes Mark Kelso on drums, Hilario Duran(Grammy nominated)/David Virelles-piano, William Carn-trombone, Luisito Orbegoso-congas, Paco Luviano-bass, and Fritz Kraai-tenor saxophone.
Bobby Rice & Sandunga have performed at such venues as: The Beaches International Jazz Festival (with Hilario Duran), The Downtown Oakville Jazz Festival (with Hilario Duran), The Rex Jazz Bar - Toronto, and The JVC Jazz Festival. Bobby is also the leader of an exciting new Latin jazz big band in Canada which features many of the best jazz musicians in the Canada!
Latin Fusion Trio @ 6:30-7:45pm and 9:00-10:15pm @ Stage A
The Latin Fusion Trio is made up of Suneal Pal, Neil Douglas and Arun Pal who have all been playing for over 25 years. The trio consists of two guitars and percussion which perform a fusion of world music that includes Latin jazz, rumba flamenco, bossa nova, tango, Middle Eastern and popular music.
Their material includes original compositions as well as their own arrangements of Santana, The Eagles, Sting and Al DeMeola, Ottmar Liebert, Jesse Cook, Vincente Amigo, Michael Roberts and more. Audiences are captivated by exotic rhythms and masterful guitar work.
The Latin Fusion Trio brings great enthusiasm to their performances and passion to the music. They have performed in many different settings which include art galleries, fine dining restaurants, weddings, cafes, as well as private functions held indoors and outdoors.
Eugene Smith @ 6:30-7:45pm and 9:00-10:15pm @ Stage B [Back to top]
Eugene comes by his talent honestly. His father, Al Lucas, played stand up bass for greats like Duke Ellington and James Brown. His mother, Valeire Abbot (Hunt) was a jazz pianist and vocalist who gained notoriety in the Toronto area.
Eugene's career began at the early age of 14. Over the past 4 decades he has shared the stage with Bo Didley, John Lee Hooker, Gordon Lightfoot, David Clayton Thomas, King Curtis, Willie Dickson, Lenny Breau and K.D. Lang. He played Toronto and toured the States with Ronnie Hawkins. He has recorded for CBC Radio and television. He has performed at Folk Festivals in Toronto, Edmonton, Hamilton and Vancouver Island. Blues Festivals have brought him to Toronto and Halifax. He toured Canada and played the Calgary Winter Olympics with Labatts Double Blues Band. He has shared the festival stage with Amos Garrett, Tim Williams, Carlos Del Junco, David Essig and Jim Byrnes. He was brought to Windsor in 2001 as the Canadian Motown Star in celebration of Detroit's 300th birthday.
At first glance you don't know what to expect from Eugene Smith, but you will not be disappointed. His vocal talents are supported by solid rhythms from his 4 string tenor guitar. He holds in his bag of tricks a variety of musical accompaniments including a djembe, harmonica, jaw harp, finger piano and even a hand trumpet. The show is delivered in his humorous, entertaining style, which captivates audiences of all ages.
Swamperella @ 7:00-8:30pm @ Jazz East (Stage 3)
After twelve years of partying up crowds at the Gladstone Hotel, Swamperella has deserved its acclaim as a guaranteed good time. The eclectic demographic that is attracted to Swamperella’s monthly events attests to this acclaim. If you don’t think you want to dance, just listening to the band and watching the crowd is almost as fun. But, dancing or not, you probably won’t be standing still - the Swamperella sound won’t let you and the scene will keep you smiling.
The original mandate of Swamperella, ‘to honour the Cajun music tradition’, has never been compromised. The integrity of the traditional form and sentiment has always been maintained even as originals and Zydeco began seeping into the Swamperella repertoire. But there’s nothing stodgy about this band. The old time flavour stirred up in a brand new pot makes for a fabulous and rich musical experience and the Swamp-stew just keeps getting yummier. Case in point: the latest Swamp CD, ON THE LINE.
Luis Mario Ochoa @ 7:30-9:00pm @ Centennial (Stage 1)
Born in Havana, Cuba, Luis Mario's earliest musical influences came from his father Luis Ochoa Sr. singer, guitarist and founding member of "Trio Voces de Oro", one of Cuba's most romantic ensembles.
At the age of 11, Luis Mario began full time music studies at some of Havana's most renowned conservatories. After 13 years of intense studies, he graduated with an honors B.A. in classical guitar from The University of Havana's Institute Superior of Arts (ISA). While most of his extensive learning was in the classical genre, his heart never abandoned his roots in "popular music".
In 1990 Luis Mario moved to Toronto, Canada, embracing the city as his new home. In 1992, he formed his band Cimarrón, (See-mah-rón, meaning "free spirit"), and three years later recorded their first CD A La Cubana. Being one of the first recordings to emerge from Toronto's Latin music scene, the album introduced Canadian audiences to the ensemble's unique sound; tracks from this CD were featured on the TV series Traders.
Tyler Yarema @ 8:00-9:30pm @ Towne Square (Stage 2)
Tyler Yarema is a professional musician who lives in Toronto. He is an award winning Jazz/Blues Piano Player, an accomplished singer and song writer. Tyler has played on over 40 recordings in numerous styles from Blues and Jazz to Pop and Reggae.
Tyler has held a long standing regular house gig at the famous Reservoir Lounge in downtown Toronto. He can be found there every Tuesday and Saturday. Tyler has just completed his newest recording. Working along side famed producer Byron Wong was an amazing and inspiring experience. This newest c.d. proves to be a great change in many ways for Tyler. The journey... although long, has begun again, just a little further down the line.
Margaret Stowe @ 9:30-11:00pm @ Jazz East (Stage 3)
Guitarist Margaret Stowe has established an international career, performing all over Canada and Europe. Her departure point is jazz, but her style ranges from folk to blues to world beats, propelled by her trademark high energy and eclectic tastes. She plays jazz festivals, clubs, restaurants, corporate gigs, recording sessions, radio shows etc as a leader and sideperson.
In October 2008 she was interviewed and perfomed on both Vallée FM Radio Opus Jazziz with host Jean-Philippe Paris France and French guitarist Philippe Coignet and Radio Nacional de España Radio 3 Madrid with Santiago Alcanda, one of the most important radio voices in Spain.
Warren Hill @ 10:00-11:30pm @ Centennial (Stage 1)
Born and raised in Toronto, Canada, Hill actually began studying guitar at age 7. An insatiable passion for music gained him early recognition as a true virtuoso and led to his fronting various high school rock bands as a multi instrumentalist and singer/guitarist as well. Expanding his musical horizons and satisfying a growing passion for saxophone eventually landed him a scholarship to the Berklee College of Music, where his graduation performance attracted the attention of legendary record producer Russ Titleman and landed him his first job as a studio musician on Chaka Khan’s CK record. At Titleman's urging Hill moved to Los Angeles, immersed himself in the local music scene and an RCA record deal soon followed. His first CD, Kiss Under the Moon, was released in 1991. He has since gone on to record innumerable #1 radio chart hits, receive countless industry awards/accolades and sell over a million albums worldwide.
Revered among industry insiders as an Artist whose records have consistently repositioned the musical target, Hill's career truly has been one of the most successful and critically acclaimed in the history of Contemporary Jazz. Fans and newcomers alike will not be disappointed with “La Dolce Vita” as it blends the sultry and soulful with the rhythmic and funky in such a unique way that this collection seems destined to again push the bar of Contemporary Jazz more than a bit higher.
Chuchito Valdes @ 10:15-11:45pm @ Towne Square (Stage 2) [Back to top]
Born in Havana Cuba, Chuchito Valdés comes from one of the most distinguished musical families in Cuba. He has recorded and performed piano with the world renown Cuban band, Irakere, which he led for 2 years. He has performed at festivals, clubs and concerts throughout the world: from Cuba and the Caribbean, across the United States and South America, and throughout Europe.
Some of his worldwide appearances have included Ronnie Scotts Jazz Club in London and Green Dolphin Street in Chicago, The Jazz Festivals of Havana, Cancun and Merida, as well as a recent festival performance in San Francisco's Yerba Buena Music Festival.
In his youth Chuchito has studied with many Cuban masters, one being his father, the great master Cuban pianist, Chucho Valdés. Following in his father's foosteps, Chuchito is now recognized as a master at Cuban music including Latin Jazz, Mambo, Danzon, Timba and Guaguanco. He has also extensively studied classical music including harmony and composition.
His ensemble was featured at the 19th International Havana Jazz Festival, as well as at the Cancun International Jazz Festival.
The Garth Vogan Quartet with Mary Vanacci @ Jonathans Restaurant
Oakville Jazz Ensemble @ Thyme Restaurant
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Mike Branton @ 1:00-2:30pm @ Centennial (Stage 1)
Mike Branton is a man in love with the blues. Branton first picked up the guitar at age nine, primarily learning by ear. It was his first musical passion, and one that has remained in full bloom over the years. After making a name for himself as a young guitar prodigy, he has evolved into a triple threat. His signature fluent and exciting guitar playing is as potent as ever, and Mike has emerged as a highly talented and original singer and songwriter.
The Oakville-based Branton is not just borrowing from the classic blues repertoire but adding to it in the form of fresh new compositions. His talent as a singer/songwriter was showcased on his solo debut CD, Dirty Feet.
Since then, Mike has been honing his songwriting chops, and he will soon begin recording a keenly-anticipated new album. "It will be a little more song-oriented and won’t feature as much jamming as on Dirty Feet", says Mike.
Shuffle Demons @ 2:0-3:30pm @ Towne Square (Stage 2)
What do you get when you cross 3 amazing saxophonists dressed in wacky clothes, a crazy dancing drummer and a killer upright bass player and have them sing songs about Buses, Roaches and Hockey and spend 1/2 their time playing in the audience? The Shuffle Demons, that's what!!! They were a band that captured the imagination of a generation with their antics and amazing no holds barred playing and stopped traffic on a regular basis. And now they're back!!
23 years later, the Shuffle Demons return to form with a greatest hits album, a DVD and a whole lot of demonic attitude. So get ready to sway in your seat, jump to your feet and dance to the Demon beat!
JW-Jones @ 3:15-4:45pm @ Centennial (Stage 1)
JW-Jones has played throughout the world and has been invited to share the stage with some of the biggest names in blues today (to play with, not open for), The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Junior Watson, Little Charlie & The Nightcats, Rusty Zinn, Rick Holmstrom, Rod Piazza & The Mighty Flyers, Anson Funderburgh & The Rockets, The Mannish Boys, the legendary Hubert Sumlin, and many more.
Whether recording/touring with Jeff Asselin, and Martin Régimbald, or adding the heavy grooves of Jesse Whiteley on organ, the musicians with Jones always add a powerful energy to the stage.
During a special appearance with the band, Hollywood celebrity and fan, Dan Aykroyd (Elwood Blues) said "this is an amazing blues band, and I've played with the best!"
JW-Jones and his blues band are ready to take on any challenge, and with their unique sound, they are going to set the world on fire one country at a time!
Robin McKelle @ 4:15-5:45pm @ Towne Square (Stage 2)
Robin McKelle comes out swinging on her second disc of big band jazz, Modern Antique. The bassist plucks some fat, rich chords, the pianist skitters over the keys, and McKelle herself confidently scats over the melody while the horn section eggs her on. The mood is playfully flirtatious, just this side of naughty. The entire combo is having so much fun – and so are you – that the tune is almost over before you realize it’s an ingenious re-arrangement of Steve Miller’s seventies classic, "Abracadabra."
The adventurous spirit McKelle brings to Modern Antique has distinguished her career from the start. For her debut disc, the young singer had such a strong conviction that she was willing to risk her own finances to record it – no small feat, given the arrangements that needed to be commissioned, the top-notch players to be hired. Arranger-producer-trumpeter Willie Murillo (Brian Setzer Orchestra, Aimee Mann) also shared her vision. Together they fashioned an album that balanced period authenticity with the very present-tense thrill of hearing an artist eager to put her own stamp on songs like "Something’s Got To Give" and "Night & Day."
Carlos Del Junco @ 5:30-7:00pm @ Centennial (Stage 1) [Back to top]
Born in Havana, Cuba, del Junco immigrated with his family at the age of one. He bent his first note on a harmonica when he was fourteen, making his debut with his high school math teacher at a student talent night. In his early 20's del Junco was immersed in a visual arts career; he graduated with honours from a four year programme, majoring in sculpture ( click here to see photos ) at the Ontario College of Art. Sculpture has definitely had an influence on his outlook on music: "Music is just a different way of creating textures and shapes."
Playing a ten hole diatonic harmonica, Carlos has developed the unique ability to play chromatically by using a recently developed "overblow" technique taught to him by jazz virtuoso Howard Levy. Overall, this approach to the diatonic harmonica, although much more difficult to achieve, is in many ways more expressive and communicative than the mechanized tone produced by the chromatic harmonica . Carlos is one of the few pioneers of this overblow method, bringing musical credibility to what has still been considered by many in the music industry - a fringe folk instrument.
The sophisticated sound produced by del Junco is at once sensitive, soulful, and sexy while never forgetting the rawness inherent in blues music.
Oakville Jazz Festival 2010 | Performers | Schedule | Map/Parking | Restaurants | Limousines