Spanish Harlem Orchestra in Toronto
Spanish Harlem Orchestra – A Salsa Christmas
Toronto, December 9, 2011 at the Koerner Hall
Photographs by Atael Weissman
Gabriel Palatchi CD Launch Party, Dec 16, Trane Studio, Toronto
Time: Thursday, December 16 · 8:00pm – 10:00pm
Location: Trane Studio – 964 Bathurst St., Toronto, ON
Cover $ 10
Straight from Argentina, Gabriel Palatchi lives and breathes Latin Jazz. His much anticipated debut CD “Diario de Viaje” (Travel Diary) was the result of cumulative and inspired experiences during his travels throughout Argentina, Cuba and Mexico. With deep roots in Afro-cuban and Latin jazz, he has fused together an original sound and style of music that includes Tango, Flamenco, Salsa and Funk. Joined by British born double bassist Duncan Hopkins and the fresh local talent of Rich Da Silva on drums and Matt MacLean on trumpet and special guest songstress Laura Fernandez, Palatchi will be performing a repertoire that will include original compositions and classic Latin jazz songs promising an evening that will take you on a journey to the backstreets of Havana and beaches of South America.
Gabriel Palatchi….. Piano/Keyboards
Duncan Hopkins … Electric Bass
Rich Da Silva…….. Drums
Matt MacLean…….Trumpet
Special guest: Laura Fernandez, Songstress
More info: http://www.myspace.com/gabypalatchi | www.tranestudio.com
Glenda del E’s Q-Ban Mixology CD Release Fiesta
Glenda Del Monte Escalante, aka Glenda del E, released her first CD entitled Q-Ban Mixology. It was an electrifying night at the Mod Club Theatre on College Street in Toronto, on September 23, 2010. Featuring a string quartet and many special guests, Glenda del E took another big step in her artistic career.
From her earliest years in Havana, Cuba, Glenda was immersed in music. Her extraordinary work ethic and dedication to her craft has been instrumental in her development as an artist. In a short period of time, she has built an impressive musical resume, winning various competitions in her home town and being awarded scholarships from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto as well as the Faculty of Music at the University of Toronto and York University. Being open to a wide array of musical influences, which range from classical piano to Cuban folklore to hip-hop, R&B and jazz, Glenda has managed to establish herself as an extremely talented and versatile musician amongst diverse music circles in Canada. Glenda is the ideal representation of a young adult making outstanding contributions to the development of the Latin American community of Canada.
Cuban Pianist-singer-songwriter Glenda del E gives Cuban music a fresh new take with her exceptional musicality, her piano and her voice. “Q-ban Mixology” evolved from Glenda’s trademark, positive and inspiring lyrics and melodies for all ages, pop-soul hooks and funk-jazz influenced arrangements defy generally held notions of what Cuban music is and defines her truly unique, genuine and her real sound. Her music reflects what she is: A strong academic trained musician transcending frontiers and a role model for future generations.
View slideshow: Glenda del E’s Q-Ban Mixology (this link will open in a new window)
Photographs by Danilo Navas
Hilario Durán celebrates 35 years of musical career at the Royal
Review written by: Danilo Navas
Pianists abound in the Island of Cuba. Excellent pianists indeed, but only a selected group meet the high standards of virtuosity. Hilario Luis Durán Torres, better known as Hilario Durán belongs to that group. His nickname “Con Tumbao” fits him perfectly well. His percussive attack is killer. Born in Havana, Cuba in 1953, Durán never dreamed he would become a Canadian citizen one day, even less that he would make Toronto his permanent residence. An almost fortuitous event was the first step that eventually would take him to Canada. That was back in 1991, when legendary drummer Guillermo Barreto introduced him to flautist and saxophonist Jane Bunnett, who was looking for a pianist who could participate in her project “Spirits of Havana.” She was recording at the Egrem Studios and she needed a pianist well-versed on both, Afro-Cuban rhythms and Jazz harmonies. The rest is history.
More than 10 years after relocating to Toronto with his family, el Maestro (as he’s respectfully called by his peers, students and friends) Hilario Durán, a Grammy nominated artist; multi Juno Awards and National Jazz Awards winner; recipient of the 2007 Chico O’Farrill Lifetime Achievement Award and one of the 10 most influential Hispanic Canadians in 2009, is at the top of his game as a performer, composer, arranger and educator. Durán has become an integral and important part of the Canadian music scene. He’s also a invaluable member of the jazz faculty at Humber College, where he acts as adjunct piano professor and ensemble director.
Durán leads several projects in various formats. One of his dreams was to form a big band that would allow him to put in practice his past experience composing and arranging for a large ensemble. That dream already became a reality in 2007, with the support of Roberto Occhipinti. Featuring Grammy Award winning jazz great Paquito D’Rivera, drummer Horacio “El Negro” Hernández and a who’s who of Cuban and Canadian jazz artists, Durán recorded “From the Heart,” a Juno Awards winner CD in the Contemporary Jazz Album of the Year category. It is with this cherished project, his Latin Jazz Big Band, that Hilario celebrated his 35 years of musical career at the Royal Theatre in Toronto, on Saturday, September 25, 2010.
It was an electrifying night at the Royal, a beautiful theatre located on College Street, in the heart of Little Italy. A sold-out event sponsored by JazzFM, the venue’s atmosphere was filled with a cascade of notes, mesmerizing grooves, tantalizing rhythms and magnificent perfomances. Special Guest Jane Bunnett joined Durán as a duet partner and as a member of his big band. She recalled the terrific experience of all these past years working with one of the true Cuban Piano Masters. In return, Durán credited Bunnett -a Torontonian musical icon- for being instrumental in the achievement of his goals in Canada.
The 13-members-band performed a selection of tunes from Hilario Durán Trio’s latest CD “Motion,” and from his Big Band CD “From the Heart.” Jane Bunnett also contributed a couple of her own compositions. The program was completed with songs from the Cuban and Latin-American songbooks. One of the highlights of the night was the participation of another great Cuban-Canadian, the charismatic Luis Mario Ochoa, who sang very passionate, beautiful arrangements of Ernesto Lecuona’s “Siboney” and Chabuca Grande’s “La Flor de la Canela.”
Hilario Duran and his Latin jazz Band with Special Guest Jane Bunnett Program
FIRST SET
Host Presentation: Introduction and presentation of the first set by Laura Fernandez of JazzFM.
Opening: Composed by Hilario Durán.
Mambo Influenciado: Chucho Valdés’ composition arranged by Hilario Durán.
Ochosi: Public domain. Prayer to Ochosi, one of the deities of the Yoruba pantheon.
Siboney: Famous Cuban song composed by the great pianist Ernesto Lecuona, arranged by Hilario Durán featuring vocalist Luis Mario Ochoa.
Habanera: Yailen Durán’s composition, dedicated to the close relationship between Spain and Havana, Cuba.
Almendra: Composed by Abelardo Valdés. Almendra is a famous Cuban Danzón arranged by Hilario Durán.
Tango Moruno: From the new JUNO nominated CD “Motion.” Composed by Hilario Durán and performed by his Trio.
SECOND SET
Danza Negra: Composed by the great Cuban pianist Ernesto Lecuona, arranged by Hilario Durán; from the new CD “Motion” and performed by Hilario Durán Trio.
Tarde en la Habana: José María Vitier’s composition. Performed by Hilario Durán and special guest Jane Bunnett (duet).
I Hear Voices: Composed by Jane Bunnett and arranged by Hilario Durán.
Francisco’s Dreams: Special guest Jane Bunnett’s composition arranged by Hilario Durán. This song is dedicated to the late Pancho Quinto, famous Cuban percussionist which performed with Jane and Hilario for a very long time.
Drume Negrita: Beautiful Cuban lullaby featuring vocalist Yailen Durán.
La Flor de la Canela: “The Cinnamon Flower”, amazing Latin American song composed by Chabuca Granda, arranged by Hilario Durán and performed by vocalist Luis Mario Ochoa.
Manteca: Performed by the orchestra, arranged by Hilario Durán, featuring Mark Kelso on drums, Joaquin Hidalgo on congas and Hilario Durán on piano.
ENCORE
Yo Toco de Tó: Featuring Yailen Durán and Luis Mario Ochoa.
Hilario Duran and his Latin jazz Band with Special Guest Jane Bunnett Members
Hilario Durán: Pianist, Arrangements and Musical Director
Jane Bunnett – Special Guest: Soprano Sax and Flute
Roberto Occhipinti: Bass
Yailen Durán: Vocalist
Luis Mario Ochoa: Vocalist
Pol Coussee: Tenor & Baritone Sax
Jorge Maza: Alto Sax
Vern Dorge: Tenor Sax
Alexander Brown: Trumpet
Dave Dunlop: Trumpet
Christopher Butcher: Trombone
Joaquin Hidalgo: Percussion
Mark Kelso: Drums
Photographs of this special concert can be viewed as a Slideshow.
Hilario Duran and his Latin Jazz Band with Jane Bunnett
Jazz FM and The Royal Present: Hilario Duran and his Latin Jazz Band, with Special Guest Star Jane Bunnett – Saturday, September 25, 2010 At The Royal – 608 College Street, Toronto. For complete and detailed information about this great event, and to buy your tickets online, visit www.torontohispano.com
2010 Toronto TD Jazz Festival – June 25 to July 4
The city’s largest music festival takes over this summer!
TD Toronto Jazz Festival – June 25 – July 4, 2010
Toronto ~ Late June signals not only the start of summer, but also the arrival of the TD Toronto Jazz Festival as it takes over the city for 10 incredible days. Local clubs, restaurants, venues and even a church or two will be playing host, creating a Festival network that includes over 40 participating stages all over the city. Now, that is a lot of jazz!
Harry Connick Jr. – Sun 06/27 (Canon Theatre)
A true consummate entertainer, Harry Connick Jr. has successfully launched careers in both acting and music with the corresponding accolades to show for it – 25 million albums sold worldwide, three Grammy Awards, an Emmy award and a starring role in a Tonywinning Broadway musical. Harry appeared in his first jazz recording at the tender age of ten, by 18 released his solo debut and at 30 appeared in movies such as Independence Day, Copycat and Memphis Belle. It has been over 20 years since Harry last performed at the Festival and his return is long overdue. Welcome back, Harry.
The hub of the Festival is Nathan Phillips Square and it is here where some of the biggest names in jazz can be found. Each evening, the Mainstage tent is transformed into an intimate concert theatre.
Featured performers on the Toronto Star Stage include:
Fri 06/25 – Maceo Parker
Sat 06/26 – Herbie Hancock w. Chris Potter & Dave Holland
Sun 06/27 – Taj Mahal & The Trio (James Hunter opening)
Mon 06/28 – Stanley Clarke Band f. Hiromi
Tues 06/29 – The Roots
Wed 06/30 – The Allen Toussaint Band / Mavis Staples
Thurs 07/01 – Angelique Kidjo
Fri 07/02 – John Scofield and the Piety Street Band
Harbourfront Centre will once again be part of the TD Toronto Jazz Festival, as the Enwave Theatre presents four outstanding acts over three nights. Up first is the 2008 recipient of the “Genius Grant”, or coveted MacArthur Grant, saxophonist Miguel Zenon who will explore the roots of Puerto Rican plena, followed by Toronto’s own Hilario Duran Big Band (Sat. 06/26). Dave Douglas, arguably one of the most prolific and original trumpeters/composers of his generation, brings his latest avant-garde project Spark of Being, A Film by Bill Morrison to the Festival (Tues. 06/29); the project is the retelling of the Frankenstein myth screened to a live musical performance by Douglas’ electric band, Keystone. James Farm is Joshua Redman’s latest collaborative group featuring Aaron Parks, Matt Penman and Eric Harland (Wed 06/30). Jazz by the Lake Series is sponsored by JAZZ.FM91.
The Festival is spreading the gospel of jazz this summer and taking it to the churches. The Music Gallery at St. George The Martyr Anglican Church (197 John St.) and Church of the Holy Trinity (10 Trinity Square) will both feature local and international musicians in one of the most unique Festival environs yet. What better place to experience jazz!
Sun 06/27 – Eric Boeren Quartet (Music Gallery)
Mon 06/28 – Random Access Unplugged (Music Gallery)
Mon 06/28 – Tomasz Stanko Quartet (Holy Trinity)
Tues 06/29 – Marco Benevento Trio (Holy Trinity)
Fri 07/02 – Fred Frith (Music Gallery)
Sat 07/03 – Doran-Stucky-Studer & Tacuma Play Music of Jimi Hendrix (Music Gallery)
Trane Studio will host five nights as part of the TD Toronto Jazz Festival with a very special presentation of up-and-coming saxophonist Grace Kelly (Tues 06/29). At 17, Kelly is generating much buzz and has been lauded by Downbeat, Wynton Marsalis, Harry Connick Jr., and Phil Woods, just to name a few. Toronto born, NY based Andy Milne (Sat 07/03) and his group Dapp Theory blend funk, hip-hop and jazz with seamless precision. Andre Leroux Quartet (Mon 06/28), Terry Clarke Trio with Phil Dwyer (Fri. 07/02) and Sandro Dominelli Trio (Sun 07/04) also perform at The Trane. JazzTimes Magazine has called Christian Scott “the architect of a new commercially viable fusion.” Performing music from his latest release, Yesterday You Said Tomorrow, Scott plays at the Hard Rock Café on Sat. 07/03. One of the premier jazz-fusion guitarists, Mike Stern also joins the Hard Rock line-up with special guest Alain Caron (Mon 06/28). Tony Monaco Trio (Tues 06/29) rounds out the series.
The TD Toronto Jazz Festival, celebrating its 24th anniversary this year, runs from June 25 – July 4, 2010. Get ready to kick off summer as the city’s largest music festival presents free concerts and workshops, late night jam sessions and some of the biggest names in jazz. It is a musical celebration like no other!
All tickets are on sale now. For Harry Connick Jr., call TicketKing at 416.872.1212 or 1.800.461.3333, www.ticketking.com; tickets for previously announced Keith Jarrett are available at 416. 363.8231 or Four Seasons Centre Box Office. For all the other shows call Ticketmaster at 416.870.8000, www.ticketmaster.ca.
For more information visit www.torontojazz.com
Media Contact:
Anna Tom
publicity@tojazz.com
416.928.2033, x21
2009 Art of Jazz Festival – Cuban Orchestra Anacaona
Seventy-seven years after the first band was formed, the spirit of the original members of Anacaona is still alive. Today the band’s leaders -sisters Georgina and Dorita Aguirre- maintain the legacy they received from the Castro Zalarriaga sisters.
Anacaona was founded in Havana in 1932, by Concepción Castro and her sisters: Ada, Alicia, Algimira, Caridad, Emma, Olga, Ondina and Xiomara. At that time it was considered the first women son sextet; in 1934 they changed the format to Jazz Band and Charanga Típica. Against all the odds -being an all-female band- they embarked on a steady and very successful musical career. They traveled all over Cuba and abroad, sharing international stages with many artists from all over the world. They recorded and appeared as special guests on radio, TV shows and movies.
Fifty years later, after finishing their studies at the Amadeo Roldán Conservatory in 1983, Georgina Aguirre and her sister Dorita joined the band, then under the leadership of Alicia Castro (who was the second director of the group). In 1987, the five remaining Castro Zalarriaga sisters decided to retire, and the leadership of the orchestra was passed on and kept in good hands. Since then, Anacaona has been renewed with young and talented girls, graduated from different Art schools and with the required musical talent and charisma to maintain the legendary orchestra.
Anacaona made its first Canadian appearance during the Art of Jazz Festival in Toronto, on Saturday June 6, at the Fermenting Cellar venue, in the Distillery District. They also played an outdoor concert at the Trinity stage on Sunday, June 7.
View slideshow: Anacaona Orchestra (this link will open in a new window)
Photographs by Danilo Navas
