John Alcorn
JANUARY 19 @ 2:00 pm

John Alcorn – Vocals

Reg Schwager – Guitar

Pat Collins - Bass

$15 Front Section
$10 Back Section

Back to The Songbird Series by Popular Demand: John Alcorn is one of Canada’s premiere jazz vocalists, delivering his distinctive renditions of jazz standards on the most prestigious bandstands and concert stages across Canada. His list of citations and acknowledgements in music and theatre includes both Jazz Report (Male Vocalist of the Year) and Dora (Outstanding Music) awards. His most recent recording, “Flying Without Wings,” featured an all-star Canadian trio – Reg Schwager (guitar), Mark Eisenman (piano) and Steve Wallace (bass) – along with New York great, Warren Vaché (cornet).

Ralf Buschmeyer Organ trio
January 19 @ 8:30 PM

Ralf Buschmeyer - Guitar
Jeff McLeod - Organ
Morgan Childs - Drums

New york’s uri gurvich quintet
January 20 @ 8:30 PM

Uri Gurvich - Saxophone
Noam Lemish - Piano
Andrew Downing - Bass

Ernesto Cervini - Drums

MATTAUS GRETZINGER QUARTET
January 7, 14, 21 & 28 @5:30 PM

Mattaus Gretzinger - Saxophone

Eric Liang - Piano

Jack Johnston - Bass

Norbert Botos - Drums

No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge

Mattaus Gretzinger is a saxophonist, composer and teacher based in the dynamic city of Toronto.  Hailing from Oakville, Ontario, he discovered his love for the saxophone in 7th grade, finding any opportunity he could to learn more about the instrument. He has poured his heart and soul into mastering the saxophone, and constantly pushes boundaries to create a unique and captivating musical voice. Mattaus Gretzinger can be found playing around Toronto at venues such as The Rex, Jazz Bistro and Drom Taberna as well as theatre shows and corporate events. Mattaus has had the pleasure of sharing the stage with the likes of Terri Lynne Carrington, Rich Brown, Ethan Ardelli, Jon Maharaj, Lorne Lofsky, Andrew Marzatto, Jacob Chung and more. In addition to his skills as an alto saxophonist, he is also an avid composer. Mattaus find immense joy in crafting original compositions that leave a lasting impression on the audience. Mattaus challenges conventions, tells stories, and evokes deep emotions through his compositions. Mattaus can't wait to share his passion and creativity with you through his performances and compositions. Stay tuned for what's to come—he's just getting started!

Colin Story Quartet
January 8, 15, 22 & 29 @ 5:30 PM

Colin Story - Guitar, voice

Thom Gill - Keys

Kurt Nielsen - Bass

Jon Catanus - Drums

No Reservations

$10 Cover Charge

Colin Story is a guitarist, songwriter, and producer with a BMus in Jazz Performance and an MA in English Literature, both from the University of Toronto. He has performed extensively at major jazz festivals across Canada, was nominated for a 2016 JUNO award as a producer and guitarist, and leads an active teaching studio in Kensington Market. He has appeared on recordings with musicians such as Tara Kannangara, Barbra Lica, Lia Pappas-Kemps, and more.

Worst Pop Band Ever
January 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 @ 5:30 Pm

Chris Gale - Saxophone
Dafydd Hughes - Keys
Drew Birston - Bass
Tim Shia - Drums

No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge

The Worst Pop Band Ever
With influences ranging from Wayne Shorter to Deerhoof to J Dilla, The Worst Pop Band Ever is a Toronto based group that tries to combine a love of improvisational jazz and indie pop. Individually, the members of the WPBE have worked with a who's who of Canadian and international musicians, from Feist to the Shuffle Demons, but together, whether it be blending acoustic bass with turntables or analog synths with the saxophone, the WPBE sets out to twist and bend both originals and covers, straddling genres and butting heads with expectation. Often compared to Medeski Martin Wood or the Bad Plus, the boys like to think of themselves as the ugly love child of Radiohead and Miles Davis.

Since forming in 2005, they have shared stages/ toured with the likes of the Bad Plus, Happy Apple, Jeff Parker, Rich Brown, Rich Underhill, Kelly Jefferson and Elizabeth Shepherd.
They have played festivals and clubs throughout North America including the TD Canada Trust Toronto Jazz Festival, NXNE, the Wreckhouse Jazz Festival (St. John’s, NL), the Ottawa Jazz Festival on Canada Day, IAJE, as well as filling notable venues/clubs like the Rex (Toronto), Schuba's (Chicago), Le Garage (Winnipeg), Yardbird Suite (Edmonton), Bassment (Saskatoon) and the Beat Niq (Calgary), the NAC (Ottawa), and The Cellar (Vancouver). They were recently referred to as a "highlight" of the 2012 TD Canada Trust Jazz festival in Toronto.

The band has just released it's latest EP, "Sometimes Things Go Wrong (and other songs we shouldn't play)". It was recorded live in Vancouver on their last tour while promoting their last album,"Dost Thou Believeth in Science" (2009). Like their first album, “Thanks for Coming Out”(2006), Dost thou received critical acclaim from traditional and online media such as the Toronto Star, Wholenote Magazine, Something Else! (jazz.com), FFWD, and All About Jazz.Com (including being the featured download of the day). The album has received national and international radio rotation, reaching # 1 on the CIUT Charts in Toronto, #28 on the overall Canadian College Radio Charts (Earshot) and was featured on CBC Radio 3.

Their music has also been used for film and videos for the United Nations, Teletoon, CBC and the National Film Board - including the NFB's video tribute to dancer, Peggy Baker at the Governor General Awards. They were shortlisted as part of Toronto's NOW Magazine and the Harbourfront Centre's "Soundclash" competition and were showcased in the June 2012 issue of Canadian Musician.

Tia Brazda Trio
JANUARY 26 @ 2:00 pm

Tia Brazda – Vocals

Mike Freedman – Guitar

Ethan Tilbury - Bass

$15 Front Section
$10 Back Section

One of Canada’s most recognizable voices in jazz, Tia Brazda’s jazz-pop songwriting and engaging performances have established her as a unique presence both at home and abroad. Jazzwise Magazine (UK) says, “A vivacious vocal and a sense of jazz inflected elasticity in her delivery” while WholeNote Magazine declares, “she has a fully formed style that is wholly her own...spinning lines to unfold with bewitching beauty.” Originally from Vancouver, Brazda now resides in Toronto and is currently working on an upcoming album to be released in 2024.

nick adema octet
January 26 @ 8:30 PM

Nick Adema - Trombone

Alex Manoukas, David Hodgson & Brennen Parmar - Saxophone

Evan Dalling - Trumpet

Josh Smiley - Piano

Leighton Harrell - Bass

Keith Barstow - Drums

Exploring the plurality of sonic environments is Nick Adema’s forte. Using the modest nature of the slide to express his musical vigour, Nick is one of the most versatile trombonists coming out of Canada. Hailing from the nation's capital Ottawa, Nick quickly came onto the scene as a curious mind who embraced spontaneity and playfulness in his music.

Inspired by his mother, Nicholas used the Covid-19 pandemic as an opportunity to create a full length album demiLAN (released October 22nd 2021), in which he shows off his broad creativity as a writer, and creates a masterful performance alongside several flourishing/up-and-coming musicians. This body of work features a three horn lineup, vocals , and a full rhythm section. The band tackles compositions that are experimental, modern and energetic in nature. As a result, this ensemble captures an energetic, brave and thoughtful performance that is one of a kind.

Nick obtained his undergraduate degree in jazz performance at the University of Toronto. While attending this school, Nick had the honors of receiving the Albert & Wilhelmine Francis Renewable Scholarship (UofT Faculty full scholarship). While at the Toronto school, he filled the lead trombone chair in the University of Toronto Jazz Orchestra, and the Bass trombone chair in the University of Toronto 12tet. While at the school, they recorded a full length album with the UTJO entitled Embargo.

Growing up in Ottawa, Nick started to find his musical voice by playing with youth groups such as the Nepean All-City Jazz Band, the Ottawa Youth Orchestra, the Conn Selmer Big Band, and the Capital Youth Jazz Orchestra. Nick’s several projects in Ottawa stretched from composing and arranging Big Band charts, creating his own performance opportunities, helping to coordinate an entire alumni concert for the Nepean All-City Jazz band and much more. Nick performs regularly with many professional Ottawa bands such as the Prime Rib Big Band, the Bank Street Bon Bons, and the Ottawa Jazz Orchestra. Nick has also taken part in the Ottawa Youth Jazz Summit, which brought together some of Canada’s brightest young jazz musicians in a ten day intensive. This resulted in the group playing the main stage of the Ottawa Jazz Festival. In April 2019, Nick released his debut EP album recording, entitled “Nick Adema: Starting Point”.

Nick has had the opportunity to gain instruction from Micheal Dease, Marshall Gilkes, Nils Wolgram, Mark Ferguson, WIlliam Carn, and has been able to perform on the same stage with Tim Hagans, Renee Rosnes, Kris Davis and Andrew Rathbun in various academic engagements.

John Macleod’s Rex Hotel Orchestra
January 27 @ 8:30 PM

John MacLeod - Trumpet / Flugelhorn
20-piece Juno Award-winning Jazz Big Band

The life and career of John MacLeod is intricately bound to the history of jazz and big band music in Toronto. A native of this city, he took a very early interest in jazz and by the time he began studying the trumpet at age 12 was already an aficionado of New Orleans, Chicago and swing styles of the music. His earliest local hero was trumpeter "Trump" Davidson and by his early teens he was attending t.v. recording sessions where he would be amazed by studio greats such as Guido Basso, Moe Koffman and Teddy Roderman. A decade later, John would be playing with many of these early heros. In fact he would have professional involvement with every name listed in this release from Benny Louis to Ron Collier to Guido Basso. He even took his boyhood hero "Trump" Davidson's place in Trump's band. Few other musicians of his generation can claim as much direct connection to the entire history of jazz and big band music in Toronto. His long association with Rob McConnell and the Boss Brass would also have a profound effect on his approach to arranging and composing. While his writing may be uniquely his own, the sound of his band is unmistakably "Toronto".

MATTAUS GRETZINGER QUARTET
January 7, 14, 21 & 28 @5:30 PM

Mattaus Gretzinger - Saxophone

Eric Liang - Piano

Jack Johnston - Bass

Norbert Botos - Drums

No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge

Mattaus Gretzinger is a saxophonist, composer and teacher based in the dynamic city of Toronto.  Hailing from Oakville, Ontario, he discovered his love for the saxophone in 7th grade, finding any opportunity he could to learn more about the instrument. He has poured his heart and soul into mastering the saxophone, and constantly pushes boundaries to create a unique and captivating musical voice. Mattaus Gretzinger can be found playing around Toronto at venues such as The Rex, Jazz Bistro and Drom Taberna as well as theatre shows and corporate events. Mattaus has had the pleasure of sharing the stage with the likes of Terri Lynne Carrington, Rich Brown, Ethan Ardelli, Jon Maharaj, Lorne Lofsky, Andrew Marzatto, Jacob Chung and more. In addition to his skills as an alto saxophonist, he is also an avid composer. Mattaus find immense joy in crafting original compositions that leave a lasting impression on the audience. Mattaus challenges conventions, tells stories, and evokes deep emotions through his compositions. Mattaus can't wait to share his passion and creativity with you through his performances and compositions. Stay tuned for what's to come—he's just getting started!

Colin Story Quartet
January 8, 15, 22 & 29 @ 5:30 PM

Colin Story - Guitar, voice

Thom Gill - Keys

Kurt Nielsen - Bass

Mackenzie Longpre - Drums

No Reservations

$10 Cover Charge

Colin Story is a guitarist, songwriter, and producer with a BMus in Jazz Performance and an MA in English Literature, both from the University of Toronto. He has performed extensively at major jazz festivals across Canada, was nominated for a 2016 JUNO award as a producer and guitarist, and leads an active teaching studio in Kensington Market. He has appeared on recordings with musicians such as Tara Kannangara, Barbra Lica, Lia Pappas-Kemps, and more.

Barry Elmes Quintet
january 29, 30, 31 & February 1st

Barry Elmes - Drums
Chris Gale - Saxophone
Brian O’Kane - Trumpet
Lorne Lofsky - Guitar
Pat Collins - Bass

International performer, drummer, composer, record producer, educator and multi-award winning Barry Elmes is a mainstay of the Canadian jazz scene. His work has been documented on over 90 jazz CDs and he has performed and/or recorded with many renowned jazz artists, including Dizzy Gillespie, Tommy Flanagan, Charlie Haden, Hank Crawford, Diana Krall, Joe Henderson, John Abercrombie, Oliver Jones, Cedar Walton, Phil Nimmons, Ray Bryant, and many others. In 1991 he formed the Barry Elmes Quintet, featuring a "who’s who" of the best in Canadian jazz. A success from the beginning, this group has toured internationally and released six acclaimed recordings.Barry’s quintet returns to the Rex for four nights to perform music from their new CD "Night Flight" plus selections from all their recordings.

Barry Elmes Quintet
january 29, 30, 31 & February 1st

Barry Elmes - Drums
Chris Gale - Saxophone
Brian O’Kane - Trumpet
Lorne Lofsky - Guitar
Pat Collins - Bass

International performer, drummer, composer, record producer, educator and multi-award winning Barry Elmes is a mainstay of the Canadian jazz scene. His work has been documented on over 90 jazz CDs and he has performed and/or recorded with many renowned jazz artists, including Dizzy Gillespie, Tommy Flanagan, Charlie Haden, Hank Crawford, Diana Krall, Joe Henderson, John Abercrombie, Oliver Jones, Cedar Walton, Phil Nimmons, Ray Bryant, and many others. In 1991 he formed the Barry Elmes Quintet, featuring a "who’s who" of the best in Canadian jazz. A success from the beginning, this group has toured internationally and released six acclaimed recordings.Barry’s quintet returns to the Rex for four nights to perform music from their new CD "Night Flight" plus selections from all their recordings.

Worst Pop Band Ever
January 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 @ 5:30 Pm

Chris Gale - Saxophone
Dafydd Hughes - Keys
Drew Birston - Bass
Tim Shia - Drums

No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge

The Worst Pop Band Ever
With influences ranging from Wayne Shorter to Deerhoof to J Dilla, The Worst Pop Band Ever is a Toronto based group that tries to combine a love of improvisational jazz and indie pop. Individually, the members of the WPBE have worked with a who's who of Canadian and international musicians, from Feist to the Shuffle Demons, but together, whether it be blending acoustic bass with turntables or analog synths with the saxophone, the WPBE sets out to twist and bend both originals and covers, straddling genres and butting heads with expectation. Often compared to Medeski Martin Wood or the Bad Plus, the boys like to think of themselves as the ugly love child of Radiohead and Miles Davis.

Since forming in 2005, they have shared stages/ toured with the likes of the Bad Plus, Happy Apple, Jeff Parker, Rich Brown, Rich Underhill, Kelly Jefferson and Elizabeth Shepherd.
They have played festivals and clubs throughout North America including the TD Canada Trust Toronto Jazz Festival, NXNE, the Wreckhouse Jazz Festival (St. John’s, NL), the Ottawa Jazz Festival on Canada Day, IAJE, as well as filling notable venues/clubs like the Rex (Toronto), Schuba's (Chicago), Le Garage (Winnipeg), Yardbird Suite (Edmonton), Bassment (Saskatoon) and the Beat Niq (Calgary), the NAC (Ottawa), and The Cellar (Vancouver). They were recently referred to as a "highlight" of the 2012 TD Canada Trust Jazz festival in Toronto.

The band has just released it's latest EP, "Sometimes Things Go Wrong (and other songs we shouldn't play)". It was recorded live in Vancouver on their last tour while promoting their last album,"Dost Thou Believeth in Science" (2009). Like their first album, “Thanks for Coming Out”(2006), Dost thou received critical acclaim from traditional and online media such as the Toronto Star, Wholenote Magazine, Something Else! (jazz.com), FFWD, and All About Jazz.Com (including being the featured download of the day). The album has received national and international radio rotation, reaching # 1 on the CIUT Charts in Toronto, #28 on the overall Canadian College Radio Charts (Earshot) and was featured on CBC Radio 3.

Their music has also been used for film and videos for the United Nations, Teletoon, CBC and the National Film Board - including the NFB's video tribute to dancer, Peggy Baker at the Governor General Awards. They were shortlisted as part of Toronto's NOW Magazine and the Harbourfront Centre's "Soundclash" competition and were showcased in the June 2012 issue of Canadian Musician.

Barry Elmes Quintet
january 29, 30, 31 & February 1st

Barry Elmes - Drums
Chris Gale - Saxophone
Brian O’Kane - Trumpet
Lorne Lofsky - Guitar
Pat Collins - Bass

International performer, drummer, composer, record producer, educator and multi-award winning Barry Elmes is a mainstay of the Canadian jazz scene. His work has been documented on over 90 jazz CDs and he has performed and/or recorded with many renowned jazz artists, including Dizzy Gillespie, Tommy Flanagan, Charlie Haden, Hank Crawford, Diana Krall, Joe Henderson, John Abercrombie, Oliver Jones, Cedar Walton, Phil Nimmons, Ray Bryant, and many others. In 1991 he formed the Barry Elmes Quintet, featuring a "who’s who" of the best in Canadian jazz. A success from the beginning, this group has toured internationally and released six acclaimed recordings.Barry’s quintet returns to the Rex for four nights to perform music from their new CD "Night Flight" plus selections from all their recordings.

Dr. Nick & The Rollercoasters
FEBRUARY 1@ 2:00 PM

Blues Band

No Reservations
Cover Charges
$15 Front Section
$10 Back Section

Over the past 20 years, Doctor Nick and the Rollercoasters have performed countless gigs at the venerable Rex Hotel and elsewhere. Their Blues is rooted in the early electric post-war period of Chicago's south side of the 1950's, where Blues luminaries such as Muddy Waters, Jimmy Rogers, Little Walter and others honed their craft to produce a sound which is at the root of most of the contemporary music that we hear today.

Doctor Nick fronts the band singing and laying down the fat sax-like tone of the amplified harmonica that is so emblematic of that era. Juno award winning Julian Fauth also graces the stage on piano and vocals. On guitar, the talented Darren Gallen digs into some deep Blues grooves and is supported by the stellar rhythm section of Bob Vespaziani on drums and James Thompson on acoustic bass.

The Rollercoasters play the Blues in the only way they know how: with passion, sincerity and respect.

We invite you to come down and catch a show. 

If you have the Blues, Doctor Nick has the remedy.

Barry Elmes Quintet
january 29, 30, 31 & February 1st

Barry Elmes - Drums
Chris Gale - Saxophone
Brian O’Kane - Trumpet
Lorne Lofsky - Guitar
Pat Collins - Bass

International performer, drummer, composer, record producer, educator and multi-award winning Barry Elmes is a mainstay of the Canadian jazz scene. His work has been documented on over 90 jazz CDs and he has performed and/or recorded with many renowned jazz artists, including Dizzy Gillespie, Tommy Flanagan, Charlie Haden, Hank Crawford, Diana Krall, Joe Henderson, John Abercrombie, Oliver Jones, Cedar Walton, Phil Nimmons, Ray Bryant, and many others. In 1991 he formed the Barry Elmes Quintet, featuring a "who’s who" of the best in Canadian jazz. A success from the beginning, this group has toured internationally and released six acclaimed recordings.Barry’s quintet returns to the Rex for four nights to perform music from their new CD "Night Flight" plus selections from all their recordings.

Samuel Bonnet Trio Hybride
February 2 & 3 @ 8:30 PM

Samuel Bonnet - Guitar
Jonathan-Guillaume Bourdreau - Bass
Simon Bergeron - Drums

With a classical and jazz background, guitarist Samuel Bonnet's music is at the crossroads of several musical universes, somewhere between the natural resonance of classical guitar nylon strings and jazz improvisation. Through his music, Samuel Bonnet tells us his intimate and personal story in continuous dialogue with his plural roots.

Born in 1980 in Haïfa, Israel, Samuel Bonnet moved to France and started classical guitar at the age of 8. He then took private jazz guitar lessons and began performing professionally from the age of 16. After studying Brazilian guitar and jazz harmony at the Atla School in Paris, he graduated in Musicology at the University of Paris (St-Denis) in 2005. During his time in Paris, he had performed with various artists of different styles and had the chance to learn from jazz masters like Sylvain Luc, Paul Bley, Steve Coleman, Mal Waldron and Wadada Léo Smith.

In 2009, he moved to Canada to pursue a master's degree in classical guitar performance, under the tutelage of Peter McCutcheon, at the University of Montreal and graduated in 2012. He took part twice in the Domaine Forget Musical Academy (Charlevoix), attending classes with masters like Roland Dyens, Manuel Barrueco, Bruce Holzman, Pavel Steidl and Jorge Caballero, among others.

Samuel has released seven albums, received several grants from Canada & Quebec’s Arts Council, LOJIQ... and toured in North America, Europe and the Middle East. Notable performances include showcases at the Jazzahead (Germany) and APAP (NY) conferences, and concerts at the Montreal International Jazz Festival, Montreal Sefarad Festival, Festival de Musique en Devoluy (France), Yellow Submarine (Jerusalem), Rockwood Music Hall (New York), Jazz Room (Kitchener-Waterloo), Yardbird Suite (Edmonton) and the Rex Jazz Club (Toronto).

In 2022 and 2024, he was awarded a Quebec Arts Council’s grant to attend the Alternative Guitar Summit in the Catskills (NY), with jazz luminaries Kurt Rosenwinkel, Bill Frisell, Gilad Hekselman, John Scofield, Julian Lage, Mike and Leni Stern as guest teachers. 

Very involved in education, Samuel Bonnet has been teaching classical, jazz guitar and jazz ensembles at the renowned Vincent d'Indy Music School since 2017.

Samuel Bonnet Trio Hybride
February 2 & 3 @ 8:30 PM

Samuel Bonnet - Guitar
Jonathan-Guillaume Bourdreau - Bass
Simon Bergeron - Drums

With a classical and jazz background, guitarist Samuel Bonnet's music is at the crossroads of several musical universes, somewhere between the natural resonance of classical guitar nylon strings and jazz improvisation. Through his music, Samuel Bonnet tells us his intimate and personal story in continuous dialogue with his plural roots.

Born in 1980 in Haïfa, Israel, Samuel Bonnet moved to France and started classical guitar at the age of 8. He then took private jazz guitar lessons and began performing professionally from the age of 16. After studying Brazilian guitar and jazz harmony at the Atla School in Paris, he graduated in Musicology at the University of Paris (St-Denis) in 2005. During his time in Paris, he had performed with various artists of different styles and had the chance to learn from jazz masters like Sylvain Luc, Paul Bley, Steve Coleman, Mal Waldron and Wadada Léo Smith.

In 2009, he moved to Canada to pursue a master's degree in classical guitar performance, under the tutelage of Peter McCutcheon, at the University of Montreal and graduated in 2012. He took part twice in the Domaine Forget Musical Academy (Charlevoix), attending classes with masters like Roland Dyens, Manuel Barrueco, Bruce Holzman, Pavel Steidl and Jorge Caballero, among others.

Samuel has released seven albums, received several grants from Canada & Quebec’s Arts Council, LOJIQ... and toured in North America, Europe and the Middle East. Notable performances include showcases at the Jazzahead (Germany) and APAP (NY) conferences, and concerts at the Montreal International Jazz Festival, Montreal Sefarad Festival, Festival de Musique en Devoluy (France), Yellow Submarine (Jerusalem), Rockwood Music Hall (New York), Jazz Room (Kitchener-Waterloo), Yardbird Suite (Edmonton) and the Rex Jazz Club (Toronto).

In 2022 and 2024, he was awarded a Quebec Arts Council’s grant to attend the Alternative Guitar Summit in the Catskills (NY), with jazz luminaries Kurt Rosenwinkel, Bill Frisell, Gilad Hekselman, John Scofield, Julian Lage, Mike and Leni Stern as guest teachers. 

Very involved in education, Samuel Bonnet has been teaching classical, jazz guitar and jazz ensembles at the renowned Vincent d'Indy Music School since 2017.

L.A.’s Steve Lehman Quartet Feat. Mark Turner
February 5, 6, 7, 8 @ 8:30pm

L.A.’s STEVE LEHMAN - Sax
N.Y.’s MARK TURNER - Sax
N.Y.’s MATT BREWER - Bass
N.Y.’s DAMION REID - Drums

Steve Lehman:

Described as “one of the transforming figures of early 21st century jazz,” by The Guardian and as a “state-of-the-art musical thinker” by The New York Times, Steve Lehman is a composer, performer, educator, and scholar who works across a broad spectrum of experimental musical idioms. Lehman’s pieces for large orchestra and chamber ensembles have been performed by the American Composers Orchestra, International Contemporary Ensemble, So Percussion, JACK Quartet, and the PRISM Saxophone Quartet. His recent recording, The People I Love, was cited as one of the “Top 10 Jazz Albums” of 2019 by NPR Music, Rolling Stone, The Los Angeles Times, and The New York Times. His previous recordings include, Sélébéyone (2016), Mise en Abîme (NPR #1 Jazz Album of 2014), and Travail, Transformation & Flow (NY Times #1 Jazz Album of 2009).

The recipient of a 2015 Guggenheim Fellowship and a 2014 Doris Duke Artist Award, Lehman is an alto saxophonist who has performed and recorded nationally and internationally with his own ensembles and with those led by Anthony Braxton, Vijay Iyer, George Lewis, Bennie Maupin, Jason Moran, Georgia-Anne Muldrow, Meshell Ndegeocello, Tyshawn Sorey, and High Priest of Antipop Consortium, among many others. He has taught undergraduate courses at Columbia University and the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique de Paris, and is currently a professor of music at the California Institute of the Arts near Los Angeles.

Mark Turner:

In a career that spans two decades and encompasses a broad array of musical ventures, saxophonist Mark Turner has emerged as a towering presence in the jazz community. With a distinctive, personal tone, singular improvisational skills and an innovative, challenging compositional approach, he’s earned a far-reaching reputation as one of jazz’s most original and influential musical forces.

A New York Times profile of Turner titled “The Best Jazz Player You’ve Never Heard” called him “possibly jazz’s premier player,” noting his reputation amongst his peers and his influential stature in the jazz world.

2013 finds Turner entering an exciting new creative phase, with his varied talents showcased on a variety of notable new recording projects. Later this year, he’ll release his sixth album as a leader—his first under his own name in a dozen years. He’s also featured on new or upcoming releases by pianist Stefano Bollani, guitarist Gilad Hekselman, pianist Baptiste Trotignon and the Billy Hart Quartet, of which Turner’s been a member for nearly a decade and with whom he recorded two previous albums. He’s also continuing his work as a member of Fly, a collaborative trio with bassist Larry Grenadier and drummer Jeff Ballard.

Those projects add to an already expansive body of work that encompasses Turner’s own widely acclaimed albums and an assortment of collaborations, along with his prolific work as an in-demand sideman. Turner’s diverse discography includes collaborations with many of jazz’s leading lights, including Kurt Rosenwinkel, Lee Konitz, James Moody, Dave Holland, Joshua Redman, Delfeayo Marsalis, Brad Mehldau, Reid Anderson, Omer Avital, Diego Barber, David Binney, Brian Blade, Seamus Blake, Chris Cheek, George Colligan, Gary Foster, Jon Gordon, Aaron Goldberg, Ethan Iverson, Jonny King, Ryan Kisor, Guillermo Klein, Matthias Lupri, OAM Trio, Mikkel Ploug, Enrico Rava, Jochen Rueckert, Jaleel Shaw, Edward Simon and the SF Jazz Collective.

Born in 1965 in Ohio and raised in Southern California, Turner grew up surrounded by music. “There was always a lot of R&B and jazz and soul and gospel going on in the house all the time,” he recalls. “This was in the early ’70s, when the whole integration and civil rights thing had begun to go mainstream, and my mother and stepfather were in the first wave of young black professionals and intellectuals who moved to upper-middle-class white neighborhoods. They and their friends were always going out to see live jazz. I was intrigued by that, and I was intrigued by the whole history of jazz music and African-American culture, as well as the music itself. And my father, who died when I was one and a half, had played saxophone, so maybe I was looking for a connection with him too.”

James Brown Trio
February 6, 13, 20 & 27@ 5:30 pm

James Brown - Guitar
Clark Johnston - Bass
Aline Homzy - Violin

No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge

Guitarist, composer and educator James Brown has been a long time staple on the Canadian jazz scene and his trio features Anthony Michelli and Clark Johnston. The groups seem list features critically acclaimed original tunes by Brown along with tasty standards and not so standard tunes by Joni Mitchell, Neil Young and the Beatles. James’ most recent recording Song Within the Story was released in 2022 (NGP Records) and features guest tenor sax giant Mike Murley. 

L.A.’s Steve Lehman Quartet Feat. MArk Turner
February 5, 6, 7, 8 @ 8:30pm

L.A.’s STEVE LEHMAN - Sax
N.Y.’s MARK TURNER - Sax
N.Y.’s MATT BREWER - Bass
N.Y.’s DAMION REID - Drums

Steve Lehman:

Described as “one of the transforming figures of early 21st century jazz,” by The Guardian and as a “state-of-the-art musical thinker” by The New York Times, Steve Lehman is a composer, performer, educator, and scholar who works across a broad spectrum of experimental musical idioms. Lehman’s pieces for large orchestra and chamber ensembles have been performed by the American Composers Orchestra, International Contemporary Ensemble, So Percussion, JACK Quartet, and the PRISM Saxophone Quartet. His recent recording, The People I Love, was cited as one of the “Top 10 Jazz Albums” of 2019 by NPR Music, Rolling Stone, The Los Angeles Times, and The New York Times. His previous recordings include, Sélébéyone (2016), Mise en Abîme (NPR #1 Jazz Album of 2014), and Travail, Transformation & Flow (NY Times #1 Jazz Album of 2009).

The recipient of a 2015 Guggenheim Fellowship and a 2014 Doris Duke Artist Award, Lehman is an alto saxophonist who has performed and recorded nationally and internationally with his own ensembles and with those led by Anthony Braxton, Vijay Iyer, George Lewis, Bennie Maupin, Jason Moran, Georgia-Anne Muldrow, Meshell Ndegeocello, Tyshawn Sorey, and High Priest of Antipop Consortium, among many others. He has taught undergraduate courses at Columbia University and the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique de Paris, and is currently a professor of music at the California Institute of the Arts near Los Angeles.

Mark Turner:

In a career that spans two decades and encompasses a broad array of musical ventures, saxophonist Mark Turner has emerged as a towering presence in the jazz community. With a distinctive, personal tone, singular improvisational skills and an innovative, challenging compositional approach, he’s earned a far-reaching reputation as one of jazz’s most original and influential musical forces.

A New York Times profile of Turner titled “The Best Jazz Player You’ve Never Heard” called him “possibly jazz’s premier player,” noting his reputation amongst his peers and his influential stature in the jazz world.

2013 finds Turner entering an exciting new creative phase, with his varied talents showcased on a variety of notable new recording projects. Later this year, he’ll release his sixth album as a leader—his first under his own name in a dozen years. He’s also featured on new or upcoming releases by pianist Stefano Bollani, guitarist Gilad Hekselman, pianist Baptiste Trotignon and the Billy Hart Quartet, of which Turner’s been a member for nearly a decade and with whom he recorded two previous albums. He’s also continuing his work as a member of Fly, a collaborative trio with bassist Larry Grenadier and drummer Jeff Ballard.

Those projects add to an already expansive body of work that encompasses Turner’s own widely acclaimed albums and an assortment of collaborations, along with his prolific work as an in-demand sideman. Turner’s diverse discography includes collaborations with many of jazz’s leading lights, including Kurt Rosenwinkel, Lee Konitz, James Moody, Dave Holland, Joshua Redman, Delfeayo Marsalis, Brad Mehldau, Reid Anderson, Omer Avital, Diego Barber, David Binney, Brian Blade, Seamus Blake, Chris Cheek, George Colligan, Gary Foster, Jon Gordon, Aaron Goldberg, Ethan Iverson, Jonny King, Ryan Kisor, Guillermo Klein, Matthias Lupri, OAM Trio, Mikkel Ploug, Enrico Rava, Jochen Rueckert, Jaleel Shaw, Edward Simon and the SF Jazz Collective.

Born in 1965 in Ohio and raised in Southern California, Turner grew up surrounded by music. “There was always a lot of R&B and jazz and soul and gospel going on in the house all the time,” he recalls. “This was in the early ’70s, when the whole integration and civil rights thing had begun to go mainstream, and my mother and stepfather were in the first wave of young black professionals and intellectuals who moved to upper-middle-class white neighborhoods. They and their friends were always going out to see live jazz. I was intrigued by that, and I was intrigued by the whole history of jazz music and African-American culture, as well as the music itself. And my father, who died when I was one and a half, had played saxophone, so maybe I was looking for a connection with him too.”

Jake Koffman Quartet
FEBRUARY 7, 14, 21 & 28 @ 5:30 PM

Jake Koffman - Saxophone
Nathan Hiltz - Guitar
Jon Meyer - Bass
Morgan Childs - Drums

No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge

Jake Koffman, a saxophone player from Canada, plays virtually any reed instrument from clarinet to baritone sax. Jake was born in a famous musical family in Toronto. One of his grandfathers, Moe Koffman, was one of the first Canadian jazz musicians to start playing bebop, while his other grandfather, Victor Feldbrill, was conductor of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. In 2013, Jake released a debut album, The Jake Koffman Quartet, and since then has been the jazz hope of Canada. Jake can often be seen in the band of the famous Canadian jazz-pop singer Nikki Yanofsky.

L.A.’s Steve Lehman Quartet Feat. MArk Turner
February 5, 6, 7, 8 @ 8:30pm

L.A.’s STEVE LEHMAN - Sax
N.Y.’s MARK TURNER - Sax
N.Y.’s MATT BREWER - Bass
N.Y.’s DAMION REID - Drums

Steve Lehman:

Described as “one of the transforming figures of early 21st century jazz,” by The Guardian and as a “state-of-the-art musical thinker” by The New York Times, Steve Lehman is a composer, performer, educator, and scholar who works across a broad spectrum of experimental musical idioms. Lehman’s pieces for large orchestra and chamber ensembles have been performed by the American Composers Orchestra, International Contemporary Ensemble, So Percussion, JACK Quartet, and the PRISM Saxophone Quartet. His recent recording, The People I Love, was cited as one of the “Top 10 Jazz Albums” of 2019 by NPR Music, Rolling Stone, The Los Angeles Times, and The New York Times. His previous recordings include, Sélébéyone (2016), Mise en Abîme (NPR #1 Jazz Album of 2014), and Travail, Transformation & Flow (NY Times #1 Jazz Album of 2009).

The recipient of a 2015 Guggenheim Fellowship and a 2014 Doris Duke Artist Award, Lehman is an alto saxophonist who has performed and recorded nationally and internationally with his own ensembles and with those led by Anthony Braxton, Vijay Iyer, George Lewis, Bennie Maupin, Jason Moran, Georgia-Anne Muldrow, Meshell Ndegeocello, Tyshawn Sorey, and High Priest of Antipop Consortium, among many others. He has taught undergraduate courses at Columbia University and the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique de Paris, and is currently a professor of music at the California Institute of the Arts near Los Angeles.

Mark Turner:

In a career that spans two decades and encompasses a broad array of musical ventures, saxophonist Mark Turner has emerged as a towering presence in the jazz community. With a distinctive, personal tone, singular improvisational skills and an innovative, challenging compositional approach, he’s earned a far-reaching reputation as one of jazz’s most original and influential musical forces.

A New York Times profile of Turner titled “The Best Jazz Player You’ve Never Heard” called him “possibly jazz’s premier player,” noting his reputation amongst his peers and his influential stature in the jazz world.

2013 finds Turner entering an exciting new creative phase, with his varied talents showcased on a variety of notable new recording projects. Later this year, he’ll release his sixth album as a leader—his first under his own name in a dozen years. He’s also featured on new or upcoming releases by pianist Stefano Bollani, guitarist Gilad Hekselman, pianist Baptiste Trotignon and the Billy Hart Quartet, of which Turner’s been a member for nearly a decade and with whom he recorded two previous albums. He’s also continuing his work as a member of Fly, a collaborative trio with bassist Larry Grenadier and drummer Jeff Ballard.

Those projects add to an already expansive body of work that encompasses Turner’s own widely acclaimed albums and an assortment of collaborations, along with his prolific work as an in-demand sideman. Turner’s diverse discography includes collaborations with many of jazz’s leading lights, including Kurt Rosenwinkel, Lee Konitz, James Moody, Dave Holland, Joshua Redman, Delfeayo Marsalis, Brad Mehldau, Reid Anderson, Omer Avital, Diego Barber, David Binney, Brian Blade, Seamus Blake, Chris Cheek, George Colligan, Gary Foster, Jon Gordon, Aaron Goldberg, Ethan Iverson, Jonny King, Ryan Kisor, Guillermo Klein, Matthias Lupri, OAM Trio, Mikkel Ploug, Enrico Rava, Jochen Rueckert, Jaleel Shaw, Edward Simon and the SF Jazz Collective.

Born in 1965 in Ohio and raised in Southern California, Turner grew up surrounded by music. “There was always a lot of R&B and jazz and soul and gospel going on in the house all the time,” he recalls. “This was in the early ’70s, when the whole integration and civil rights thing had begun to go mainstream, and my mother and stepfather were in the first wave of young black professionals and intellectuals who moved to upper-middle-class white neighborhoods. They and their friends were always going out to see live jazz. I was intrigued by that, and I was intrigued by the whole history of jazz music and African-American culture, as well as the music itself. And my father, who died when I was one and a half, had played saxophone, so maybe I was looking for a connection with him too.”

Angela Pincente jazz orchestra
FEBRUARY 8 @ 2:00 PM

No Reservations
Cover Charges
$15 Front Section
$10 Back Section

Angela Pincente is a trombone player, composer, and arranger based in the Greater Toronto Area. She is in her final year of her Bachelor of Music degree at Humber College and is set to release a debut EP next year. She has studied under many well-renowned musicians in Toronto such as Kelsley Grant, Joselyn Gould, Mike Downes, Alastair Kay, and Vanessa Fralick. Pincente is diversified in many genres including jazz, classical, and pop, playing in bands such as the Toronto All-Star Big Band, Hannaford Youth Band, and Trash Panda Brass Band. Pincente is currently leading two projects, the Angela Pincente Quintet and the Carandang Pincente Jazz Orchestra, which she co-leads with fellow musician Dain Carandang. This group has been featured at The Rex, as well as the Humber Music 50th anniversary concert. Pincente writes within the jazz idiom with a focus on large ensemble music and vocal jazz. You can find her performing at many venues across the city, and on Instagram and Facebook @angelapincente.

L.A.’s Steve Lehman Quartet Feat. MArk Turner
February 5, 6, 7, 8 @ 8:30pm

L.A.’s STEVE LEHMAN - Sax
N.Y.’s MARK TURNER - Sax
N.Y.’s MATT BREWER - Bass
N.Y.’s DAMION REID - Drums

Steve Lehman:

Described as “one of the transforming figures of early 21st century jazz,” by The Guardian and as a “state-of-the-art musical thinker” by The New York Times, Steve Lehman is a composer, performer, educator, and scholar who works across a broad spectrum of experimental musical idioms. Lehman’s pieces for large orchestra and chamber ensembles have been performed by the American Composers Orchestra, International Contemporary Ensemble, So Percussion, JACK Quartet, and the PRISM Saxophone Quartet. His recent recording, The People I Love, was cited as one of the “Top 10 Jazz Albums” of 2019 by NPR Music, Rolling Stone, The Los Angeles Times, and The New York Times. His previous recordings include, Sélébéyone (2016), Mise en Abîme (NPR #1 Jazz Album of 2014), and Travail, Transformation & Flow (NY Times #1 Jazz Album of 2009).

The recipient of a 2015 Guggenheim Fellowship and a 2014 Doris Duke Artist Award, Lehman is an alto saxophonist who has performed and recorded nationally and internationally with his own ensembles and with those led by Anthony Braxton, Vijay Iyer, George Lewis, Bennie Maupin, Jason Moran, Georgia-Anne Muldrow, Meshell Ndegeocello, Tyshawn Sorey, and High Priest of Antipop Consortium, among many others. He has taught undergraduate courses at Columbia University and the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique de Paris, and is currently a professor of music at the California Institute of the Arts near Los Angeles.

Mark Turner:

In a career that spans two decades and encompasses a broad array of musical ventures, saxophonist Mark Turner has emerged as a towering presence in the jazz community. With a distinctive, personal tone, singular improvisational skills and an innovative, challenging compositional approach, he’s earned a far-reaching reputation as one of jazz’s most original and influential musical forces.

A New York Times profile of Turner titled “The Best Jazz Player You’ve Never Heard” called him “possibly jazz’s premier player,” noting his reputation amongst his peers and his influential stature in the jazz world.

2013 finds Turner entering an exciting new creative phase, with his varied talents showcased on a variety of notable new recording projects. Later this year, he’ll release his sixth album as a leader—his first under his own name in a dozen years. He’s also featured on new or upcoming releases by pianist Stefano Bollani, guitarist Gilad Hekselman, pianist Baptiste Trotignon and the Billy Hart Quartet, of which Turner’s been a member for nearly a decade and with whom he recorded two previous albums. He’s also continuing his work as a member of Fly, a collaborative trio with bassist Larry Grenadier and drummer Jeff Ballard.

Those projects add to an already expansive body of work that encompasses Turner’s own widely acclaimed albums and an assortment of collaborations, along with his prolific work as an in-demand sideman. Turner’s diverse discography includes collaborations with many of jazz’s leading lights, including Kurt Rosenwinkel, Lee Konitz, James Moody, Dave Holland, Joshua Redman, Delfeayo Marsalis, Brad Mehldau, Reid Anderson, Omer Avital, Diego Barber, David Binney, Brian Blade, Seamus Blake, Chris Cheek, George Colligan, Gary Foster, Jon Gordon, Aaron Goldberg, Ethan Iverson, Jonny King, Ryan Kisor, Guillermo Klein, Matthias Lupri, OAM Trio, Mikkel Ploug, Enrico Rava, Jochen Rueckert, Jaleel Shaw, Edward Simon and the SF Jazz Collective.

Born in 1965 in Ohio and raised in Southern California, Turner grew up surrounded by music. “There was always a lot of R&B and jazz and soul and gospel going on in the house all the time,” he recalls. “This was in the early ’70s, when the whole integration and civil rights thing had begun to go mainstream, and my mother and stepfather were in the first wave of young black professionals and intellectuals who moved to upper-middle-class white neighborhoods. They and their friends were always going out to see live jazz. I was intrigued by that, and I was intrigued by the whole history of jazz music and African-American culture, as well as the music itself. And my father, who died when I was one and a half, had played saxophone, so maybe I was looking for a connection with him too.”

Jonathan Kay's Subspace Interception Featuring New York's Sam Newsome
February 9 & 10 @ 8:30 Pm

Jonathan Kay - Saxophone
Sam Newsome - Saxophone
Kayla Milmine - Saxophone
Marilyn Lerner - Piano
Nick Fraser - Drums

Sam Newsome stands as a multifaceted figure in the world of jazz—a saxophonist, music professor, and accomplished writer. In 2023, his artistic endeavors manifested in two duo recordings: Soprano-Logues, a collaborative effort with saxophonist Dave Liebman, and Cosmic Unconsciousness Unplugged, where he joined forces with pianist Jean-Michel Pilc. These releases showcased Newsome's ability to engage in sonically-rich musical dialogues across different instrumental landscapes. His contributions to the music world have not gone unnoticed. In 2022, Newsome received the prestigious Bronx BRIO Award for Instrumental Music and secured the title of Soprano Saxophonist of the Year in the 14th Annual International Critics Polls. His accolades extend to the 2020 Instant Award in Improvised Music, the 2018 Alpert/Ragdale Prize in Music Composition, the 2016 NYFA Fellowship for Music Composition, and he's been a consistent nominee for Soprano Saxophonist of the Year by the Jazz Journalist Association over the past five years. Beyond his musical accomplishments, Newsome is a prolific author, having penned two books of personal essays: "Be Inspired, Stay Focused" (2022) and "Life Lessons from the Horn" (2015). In 2023, his piece, “From NoHa to SoBro” was featured in the Bronx Memoir Project Anthology, VII. Newsome's avant-garde approach, particularly in the realm of prepared saxophone, has positioned him as a sought-after player in New York's improvised music scene. His innovative voice has resonated in collaborations with notable artists such as Elliot Sharpe, William Parker, Fay Victor, Daniel Carter, Joe Morris, and Dave Liebman. Through his diverse talents and contributions, Sam Newsome continues to shape and enrich the landscape of contemporary jazz.

Jonathan Kay's Subspace Interception Featuring New York's Sam Newsome
February 9 & 10 @ 8:30 Pm

Jonathan Kay - Saxophone
Sam Newsome - Saxophone
Kayla Milmine - Saxophone
Marilyn Lerner - Piano
Nick Fraser - Drums

Sam Newsome stands as a multifaceted figure in the world of jazz—a saxophonist, music professor, and accomplished writer. In 2023, his artistic endeavors manifested in two duo recordings: Soprano-Logues, a collaborative effort with saxophonist Dave Liebman, and Cosmic Unconsciousness Unplugged, where he joined forces with pianist Jean-Michel Pilc. These releases showcased Newsome's ability to engage in sonically-rich musical dialogues across different instrumental landscapes. His contributions to the music world have not gone unnoticed. In 2022, Newsome received the prestigious Bronx BRIO Award for Instrumental Music and secured the title of Soprano Saxophonist of the Year in the 14th Annual International Critics Polls. His accolades extend to the 2020 Instant Award in Improvised Music, the 2018 Alpert/Ragdale Prize in Music Composition, the 2016 NYFA Fellowship for Music Composition, and he's been a consistent nominee for Soprano Saxophonist of the Year by the Jazz Journalist Association over the past five years. Beyond his musical accomplishments, Newsome is a prolific author, having penned two books of personal essays: "Be Inspired, Stay Focused" (2022) and "Life Lessons from the Horn" (2015). In 2023, his piece, “From NoHa to SoBro” was featured in the Bronx Memoir Project Anthology, VII. Newsome's avant-garde approach, particularly in the realm of prepared saxophone, has positioned him as a sought-after player in New York's improvised music scene. His innovative voice has resonated in collaborations with notable artists such as Elliot Sharpe, William Parker, Fay Victor, Daniel Carter, Joe Morris, and Dave Liebman. Through his diverse talents and contributions, Sam Newsome continues to shape and enrich the landscape of contemporary jazz.

Mark Eisenman & Mike Murley Quartet
February 12, 13, 14, 15 @ 8:30 PM

Mark Eisenman - Piano
Mike Murley - Saxophone
Neil Swainson - Bass
Terry Clarke - Drums

Mark Eisenman is one among a handful of the top ‘in-demand’ jazz pianists in Toronto. Born in New York City but based in Toronto since 1972, Mark started studying the piano with his father. By the age of eighteen he had resolved that he would be pursuing the piano as a career interest. He entered into the music program at York University and after a short time discovered jazz music. With his introduction to this idiom his musical interest peaked.

Under the tutelage of John Gittins and others Mark ultimately took a degree in Fine Arts, and as testimony to his continuing dedication to the learning process, currently conducts jazz workshops at York as a part-time faculty member. His teaching has expanded to include “The Jazz Camp”, classes at Mohawk College in Hamilton plus private teaching in his home studio.

Mark has performed and toured with numerous eminent jazz artists including the following: Blue Mitchell, Woody Shaw, Nat Adderley, Ed Bickert, Rob McConnell, Sam Noto and Pat LaBarbera. He is heard frequently on the radio, including regular appearances on CBC’s Sunday Edition with Michael Enright, and is well represented on recordings. His most recent CD “Sweet and Lovely” features legendary drummer Jimmy Cobb and bassist Pat Collins.

In addition to being a pianist of great clarity and discipline, Mark has been developing his compositional skills. His tunes appear on recordings by a variety of groups.

"His professional status is based largely on his skill and versatility as an ensemble player, but what marks him most is an ability to produce, no matter what the musical company, distinctive well-structured solos" (Toronto Star).

In Mark's own words, what is most rewarding to him as a performer is the sense that "...everyone is having a good time because that means the music is good". With an outlook such as this, it should come as no surprise that he frequently works Toronto's major jazz spots. He is a skillful soloist, a versatile ensemble player and a thoughtful and sensitive accompanist. In 1999 Mark received The Jazz Report Award for “Acoustic Pianist of the Year”.

An engaging, lyrical saxophonist, Mike Murley is one of Canada’s most celebrated jazz artists.  He has played on fourteen Juno Award-winning recordings since 1990, seven as a leader or co-leader, seven as a sideman.  His most recent Junos include The North (2018), Metalwood’s Twenty (2017) and his trio’s Test of Time (2013).

Murley moved to Toronto from his native Nova Scotia in 1981 and has enjoyed a career that has spanned a wide stylistic spectrum.  Recordings with legendary Canadian artists such as Ed Bickert, Rob McConnell, and Guido Basso showcase the saxophonist’s talents in the mainstream standard repertoire.  On the more contemporary side, Murley has collaborated frequently with younger generations of improviser/composers including pianist David Braid and guitarist David Occhipinti.  He is also well known for his work with the three-time Juno Award winning electric jazz group Metalwood. In addition, he has recorded and performed with numerous international artists including David Liebman, Renee Rosnes, John Schofield, Norma Winstone, as well as the late Paul Bley, John Abercrombie, and Kenny Wheeler.

As an educator Murley has held positions at the University of Toronto, York University, Humber College, and as a visiting member of faculty at the Banff School of Fine Arts.  He also served as Jazz Area Chair/Coordinator at both U of T (2016-18, 2020-21) and York (2008-11). 

In 2022 Murley retired from U of T and returned to Halifax NS, from where he continues to tour nationally and internationally.

James Brown Trio
February 6, 13, 20 & 27@ 5:30 pm

James Brown - Guitar
Clark Johnston - Bass
Aline Homzy - Violin

No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge

Guitarist, composer and educator James Brown has been a long time staple on the Canadian jazz scene and his trio features Anthony Michelli and Clark Johnston. The groups seem list features critically acclaimed original tunes by Brown along with tasty standards and not so standard tunes by Joni Mitchell, Neil Young and the Beatles. James’ most recent recording Song Within the Story was released in 2022 (NGP Records) and features guest tenor sax giant Mike Murley. 

Mark Eisenman & Mike Murley Quartet
February 12, 13, 14, 15 @ 8:30 PM

Mark Eisenman - Piano
Mike Murley - Saxophone
Neil Swainson - Bass
Terry Clarke - Drums

Mark Eisenman is one among a handful of the top ‘in-demand’ jazz pianists in Toronto. Born in New York City but based in Toronto since 1972, Mark started studying the piano with his father. By the age of eighteen he had resolved that he would be pursuing the piano as a career interest. He entered into the music program at York University and after a short time discovered jazz music. With his introduction to this idiom his musical interest peaked.

Under the tutelage of John Gittins and others Mark ultimately took a degree in Fine Arts, and as testimony to his continuing dedication to the learning process, currently conducts jazz workshops at York as a part-time faculty member. His teaching has expanded to include “The Jazz Camp”, classes at Mohawk College in Hamilton plus private teaching in his home studio.

Mark has performed and toured with numerous eminent jazz artists including the following: Blue Mitchell, Woody Shaw, Nat Adderley, Ed Bickert, Rob McConnell, Sam Noto and Pat LaBarbera. He is heard frequently on the radio, including regular appearances on CBC’s Sunday Edition with Michael Enright, and is well represented on recordings. His most recent CD “Sweet and Lovely” features legendary drummer Jimmy Cobb and bassist Pat Collins.

In addition to being a pianist of great clarity and discipline, Mark has been developing his compositional skills. His tunes appear on recordings by a variety of groups.

"His professional status is based largely on his skill and versatility as an ensemble player, but what marks him most is an ability to produce, no matter what the musical company, distinctive well-structured solos" (Toronto Star).

In Mark's own words, what is most rewarding to him as a performer is the sense that "...everyone is having a good time because that means the music is good". With an outlook such as this, it should come as no surprise that he frequently works Toronto's major jazz spots. He is a skillful soloist, a versatile ensemble player and a thoughtful and sensitive accompanist. In 1999 Mark received The Jazz Report Award for “Acoustic Pianist of the Year”.

An engaging, lyrical saxophonist, Mike Murley is one of Canada’s most celebrated jazz artists.  He has played on fourteen Juno Award-winning recordings since 1990, seven as a leader or co-leader, seven as a sideman.  His most recent Junos include The North (2018), Metalwood’s Twenty (2017) and his trio’s Test of Time (2013).

Murley moved to Toronto from his native Nova Scotia in 1981 and has enjoyed a career that has spanned a wide stylistic spectrum.  Recordings with legendary Canadian artists such as Ed Bickert, Rob McConnell, and Guido Basso showcase the saxophonist’s talents in the mainstream standard repertoire.  On the more contemporary side, Murley has collaborated frequently with younger generations of improviser/composers including pianist David Braid and guitarist David Occhipinti.  He is also well known for his work with the three-time Juno Award winning electric jazz group Metalwood. In addition, he has recorded and performed with numerous international artists including David Liebman, Renee Rosnes, John Schofield, Norma Winstone, as well as the late Paul Bley, John Abercrombie, and Kenny Wheeler.

As an educator Murley has held positions at the University of Toronto, York University, Humber College, and as a visiting member of faculty at the Banff School of Fine Arts.  He also served as Jazz Area Chair/Coordinator at both U of T (2016-18, 2020-21) and York (2008-11). 

In 2022 Murley retired from U of T and returned to Halifax NS, from where he continues to tour nationally and internationally.

Jake Koffman Quartet
FEBRUARY 7, 14, 21 & 28 @ 5:30 PM

Jake Koffman - Saxophone
Nathan Hiltz - Guitar
Jon Meyer - Bass
Morgan Childs - Drums

No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge

Jake Koffman, a saxophone player from Canada, plays virtually any reed instrument from clarinet to baritone sax. Jake was born in a famous musical family in Toronto. One of his grandfathers, Moe Koffman, was one of the first Canadian jazz musicians to start playing bebop, while his other grandfather, Victor Feldbrill, was conductor of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. In 2013, Jake released a debut album, The Jake Koffman Quartet, and since then has been the jazz hope of Canada. Jake can often be seen in the band of the famous Canadian jazz-pop singer Nikki Yanofsky.

Mark Eisenman & Mike Murley Quartet
February 12, 13, 14, 15 @ 8:30 PM

Mark Eisenman - Piano
Mike Murley - Saxophone
Neil Swainson - Bass
Terry Clarke - Drums

Mark Eisenman is one among a handful of the top ‘in-demand’ jazz pianists in Toronto. Born in New York City but based in Toronto since 1972, Mark started studying the piano with his father. By the age of eighteen he had resolved that he would be pursuing the piano as a career interest. He entered into the music program at York University and after a short time discovered jazz music. With his introduction to this idiom his musical interest peaked.

Under the tutelage of John Gittins and others Mark ultimately took a degree in Fine Arts, and as testimony to his continuing dedication to the learning process, currently conducts jazz workshops at York as a part-time faculty member. His teaching has expanded to include “The Jazz Camp”, classes at Mohawk College in Hamilton plus private teaching in his home studio.

Mark has performed and toured with numerous eminent jazz artists including the following: Blue Mitchell, Woody Shaw, Nat Adderley, Ed Bickert, Rob McConnell, Sam Noto and Pat LaBarbera. He is heard frequently on the radio, including regular appearances on CBC’s Sunday Edition with Michael Enright, and is well represented on recordings. His most recent CD “Sweet and Lovely” features legendary drummer Jimmy Cobb and bassist Pat Collins.

In addition to being a pianist of great clarity and discipline, Mark has been developing his compositional skills. His tunes appear on recordings by a variety of groups.

"His professional status is based largely on his skill and versatility as an ensemble player, but what marks him most is an ability to produce, no matter what the musical company, distinctive well-structured solos" (Toronto Star).

In Mark's own words, what is most rewarding to him as a performer is the sense that "...everyone is having a good time because that means the music is good". With an outlook such as this, it should come as no surprise that he frequently works Toronto's major jazz spots. He is a skillful soloist, a versatile ensemble player and a thoughtful and sensitive accompanist. In 1999 Mark received The Jazz Report Award for “Acoustic Pianist of the Year”.

An engaging, lyrical saxophonist, Mike Murley is one of Canada’s most celebrated jazz artists.  He has played on fourteen Juno Award-winning recordings since 1990, seven as a leader or co-leader, seven as a sideman.  His most recent Junos include The North (2018), Metalwood’s Twenty (2017) and his trio’s Test of Time (2013).

Murley moved to Toronto from his native Nova Scotia in 1981 and has enjoyed a career that has spanned a wide stylistic spectrum.  Recordings with legendary Canadian artists such as Ed Bickert, Rob McConnell, and Guido Basso showcase the saxophonist’s talents in the mainstream standard repertoire.  On the more contemporary side, Murley has collaborated frequently with younger generations of improviser/composers including pianist David Braid and guitarist David Occhipinti.  He is also well known for his work with the three-time Juno Award winning electric jazz group Metalwood. In addition, he has recorded and performed with numerous international artists including David Liebman, Renee Rosnes, John Schofield, Norma Winstone, as well as the late Paul Bley, John Abercrombie, and Kenny Wheeler.

As an educator Murley has held positions at the University of Toronto, York University, Humber College, and as a visiting member of faculty at the Banff School of Fine Arts.  He also served as Jazz Area Chair/Coordinator at both U of T (2016-18, 2020-21) and York (2008-11). 

In 2022 Murley retired from U of T and returned to Halifax NS, from where he continues to tour nationally and internationally.

ROBIN JESSOME & BLUNT OBJECTS
FEBRUARY 15 @ 2:00 PM

Robin Jessome -Trombone


No Reservations
Cover Charges
$15 Front Section
$10 Back Section

Blunt Object is a Toronto-based 11-piece jazz ensemble performing energetic, creative music; balancing unique improvisors with quirky and compelling arrangements. Featuring the music of Carla Bley, the ensemble presents engaging music with a refreshing sense of humour.

Trombonist Robin Jessome has been based in Kitchener/Waterloo and performing around the Tri-Cities as well as Hamilton and Toronto, making loud and intriguing creative music. Robin likes things dark, with a quirky sense-of-humour — deeply influenced by the likes of Carla Bley, Tom Waits, Kenny Wheeler and Charles Mingus. Originally from Nova Scotia, Robin received a Bachelor of Music at St. Francis Xavier University (2003) and then completed a Master of Music in Jazz Performance at the University of Toronto (2009). While at UofT he studied trombone with William Carn and Terry Promane; composition with Phil Nimmons and David Braid.

Mark Eisenman & Mike Murley Quartet
February 12, 13, 14, 15 @ 8:30 PM

Mark Eisenman - Piano
Mike Murley - Saxophone
Neil Swainson - Bass
Terry Clarke - Drums

Mark Eisenman is one among a handful of the top ‘in-demand’ jazz pianists in Toronto. Born in New York City but based in Toronto since 1972, Mark started studying the piano with his father. By the age of eighteen he had resolved that he would be pursuing the piano as a career interest. He entered into the music program at York University and after a short time discovered jazz music. With his introduction to this idiom his musical interest peaked.

Under the tutelage of John Gittins and others Mark ultimately took a degree in Fine Arts, and as testimony to his continuing dedication to the learning process, currently conducts jazz workshops at York as a part-time faculty member. His teaching has expanded to include “The Jazz Camp”, classes at Mohawk College in Hamilton plus private teaching in his home studio.

Mark has performed and toured with numerous eminent jazz artists including the following: Blue Mitchell, Woody Shaw, Nat Adderley, Ed Bickert, Rob McConnell, Sam Noto and Pat LaBarbera. He is heard frequently on the radio, including regular appearances on CBC’s Sunday Edition with Michael Enright, and is well represented on recordings. His most recent CD “Sweet and Lovely” features legendary drummer Jimmy Cobb and bassist Pat Collins.

In addition to being a pianist of great clarity and discipline, Mark has been developing his compositional skills. His tunes appear on recordings by a variety of groups.

"His professional status is based largely on his skill and versatility as an ensemble player, but what marks him most is an ability to produce, no matter what the musical company, distinctive well-structured solos" (Toronto Star).

In Mark's own words, what is most rewarding to him as a performer is the sense that "...everyone is having a good time because that means the music is good". With an outlook such as this, it should come as no surprise that he frequently works Toronto's major jazz spots. He is a skillful soloist, a versatile ensemble player and a thoughtful and sensitive accompanist. In 1999 Mark received The Jazz Report Award for “Acoustic Pianist of the Year”.

An engaging, lyrical saxophonist, Mike Murley is one of Canada’s most celebrated jazz artists.  He has played on fourteen Juno Award-winning recordings since 1990, seven as a leader or co-leader, seven as a sideman.  His most recent Junos include The North (2018), Metalwood’s Twenty (2017) and his trio’s Test of Time (2013).

Murley moved to Toronto from his native Nova Scotia in 1981 and has enjoyed a career that has spanned a wide stylistic spectrum.  Recordings with legendary Canadian artists such as Ed Bickert, Rob McConnell, and Guido Basso showcase the saxophonist’s talents in the mainstream standard repertoire.  On the more contemporary side, Murley has collaborated frequently with younger generations of improviser/composers including pianist David Braid and guitarist David Occhipinti.  He is also well known for his work with the three-time Juno Award winning electric jazz group Metalwood. In addition, he has recorded and performed with numerous international artists including David Liebman, Renee Rosnes, John Schofield, Norma Winstone, as well as the late Paul Bley, John Abercrombie, and Kenny Wheeler.

As an educator Murley has held positions at the University of Toronto, York University, Humber College, and as a visiting member of faculty at the Banff School of Fine Arts.  He also served as Jazz Area Chair/Coordinator at both U of T (2016-18, 2020-21) and York (2008-11). 

In 2022 Murley retired from U of T and returned to Halifax NS, from where he continues to tour nationally and internationally.

Mike McLelland's "Bobby Fenton Tribute"
February 16 & 17 @ 8:30 PM

Mike McLelland - Drums
Mike Murley - Sax
Reg Schwager - Guitar
Neil Swainson - Bass

Mike McLelland's "Bobby Fenton Tribute"
February 16 & 17 @ 8:30 PM

Mike McLelland - Drums
Mike Murley - Sax
Reg Schwager - Guitar
Neil Swainson - Bass

Ernesto Cervini’s Turboprop with New York’s Joel Frahm
February 19, 20, 21, 22 @ 8:30 PM

Ernesto Cervini - Drums
Joel Frahm - Saxophone
Tara Davidson - Saxophone
William Carn - Trombone
Adrean Farrugia - Piano
Dan Loomis - Bass

JUNO Award winner Ernesto Cervini is a sought-after drummer, composer and bandleader and an influential presence on Canada’s modern jazz scene and beyond. He has documented his vision with the Ernesto Cervini Quartet (featuring Joel Frahm), the innovative sextet Turboprop, numerous co- led trio projects including MEM3, Myriad3 and TuneTown, and also the quartet Tetrahedron, featuring acclaimed guitarist Nir Felder, electric bassist Rich Brown and alto saxophonist Luis Deniz.

In all these settings, as J.D. Considine of JazzTimes has written, Cervini “drums like someone who’s an arranger at heart, carefully placing each accent for maximum melodic impact.” He’s been cited by Modern Drummer for his old-school knowledge and feel in the spirit of Art Blakey and Billy Higgins, yet credited by Musicweb International as a maker of music “grounded in the language of hard bop but not confined by it.”

James Brown Trio
February 6, 13, 20 & 27@ 5:30 pm

James Brown - Guitar
Clark Johnston - Bass
Aline Homzy - Violin

No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge

Guitarist, composer and educator James Brown has been a long time staple on the Canadian jazz scene and his trio features Anthony Michelli and Clark Johnston. The groups seem list features critically acclaimed original tunes by Brown along with tasty standards and not so standard tunes by Joni Mitchell, Neil Young and the Beatles. James’ most recent recording Song Within the Story was released in 2022 (NGP Records) and features guest tenor sax giant Mike Murley. 

Ernesto Cervini’s Turboprop with New York’s Joel Frahm
February 19, 20, 21, 22 @ 8:30 PM

Ernesto Cervini - Drums
Joel Frahm - Saxophone
Tara Davidson - Saxophone
William Carn - Trombone
Adrean Farrugia - Piano
Dan Loomis - Bass

JUNO Award winner Ernesto Cervini is a sought-after drummer, composer and bandleader and an influential presence on Canada’s modern jazz scene and beyond. He has documented his vision with the Ernesto Cervini Quartet (featuring Joel Frahm), the innovative sextet Turboprop, numerous co- led trio projects including MEM3, Myriad3 and TuneTown, and also the quartet Tetrahedron, featuring acclaimed guitarist Nir Felder, electric bassist Rich Brown and alto saxophonist Luis Deniz.

In all these settings, as J.D. Considine of JazzTimes has written, Cervini “drums like someone who’s an arranger at heart, carefully placing each accent for maximum melodic impact.” He’s been cited by Modern Drummer for his old-school knowledge and feel in the spirit of Art Blakey and Billy Higgins, yet credited by Musicweb International as a maker of music “grounded in the language of hard bop but not confined by it.”

Jake Koffman Quartet
FEBRUARY 7, 14, 21 & 28 @ 5:30 PM

Jake Koffman - Saxophone
TBA - Guitar
Jon Meyer - Bass
Morgan Childs - Drums

No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge

Jake Koffman, a saxophone player from Canada, plays virtually any reed instrument from clarinet to baritone sax. Jake was born in a famous musical family in Toronto. One of his grandfathers, Moe Koffman, was one of the first Canadian jazz musicians to start playing bebop, while his other grandfather, Victor Feldbrill, was conductor of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. In 2013, Jake released a debut album, The Jake Koffman Quartet, and since then has been the jazz hope of Canada. Jake can often be seen in the band of the famous Canadian jazz-pop singer Nikki Yanofsky.

Ernesto Cervini’s Turboprop with New York’s Joel Frahm
February 19, 20, 21, 22 @ 8:30 PM

Ernesto Cervini - Drums
Joel Frahm - Saxophone
Tara Davidson - Saxophone
William Carn - Trombone
Adrean Farrugia - Piano
Dan Loomis - Bass

JUNO Award winner Ernesto Cervini is a sought-after drummer, composer and bandleader and an influential presence on Canada’s modern jazz scene and beyond. He has documented his vision with the Ernesto Cervini Quartet (featuring Joel Frahm), the innovative sextet Turboprop, numerous co- led trio projects including MEM3, Myriad3 and TuneTown, and also the quartet Tetrahedron, featuring acclaimed guitarist Nir Felder, electric bassist Rich Brown and alto saxophonist Luis Deniz.

In all these settings, as J.D. Considine of JazzTimes has written, Cervini “drums like someone who’s an arranger at heart, carefully placing each accent for maximum melodic impact.” He’s been cited by Modern Drummer for his old-school knowledge and feel in the spirit of Art Blakey and Billy Higgins, yet credited by Musicweb International as a maker of music “grounded in the language of hard bop but not confined by it.”

Dennis Kwok Jazz Orchestra
february 22 @ 2 PM

No Reservations
Cover Charges:
$15 Front Section
$10 Back Section

Toronto-based multi-instrumentalist, composer, arranger, producer, and educator, Dennis Kwok, exists at the intersection of bebop, contemporary classical, free improvisation, and pop music. Originally from Calgary, his interest in jazz and improvised music led him to pursue studies at Humber College, where he completed his Bachelor of Music in Jazz Saxophone. Since then, he has been featured as part of the 2020 TD Toronto Jazz Festival Discovery Series, selected as a musician-in-residence at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity in 2021, and backed JUNO-award winning artists, such as The Tenors, Jackie Richardson, and Pat LaBarbera. As a versatile woodwind doubler, Dennis has appeared as the oboe soloist for Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto #1 and #2 with the Oakville Chamber Orchestra, and has also been active in musical theatre orchestras, including productions of Follies (Royal Conservatory of Music),  Escape to Margaritaville (Theatre Calgary), Chicago (Stratford Festival), 1922 (Shaw Festival), and Mean Girls (Mirvish).

Since 2016, Dennis has appeared on more than 15 commercial releases as an instrumentalist, vocalist, composer, arranger, producer, and recording engineer. Notably, he contributed orchestral arrangements for Alec Steinwall's debut album, My Wildest Dream (2022), engineered The Green Trees of June (2020) for Toronto-based trumpeter, Paul Callander, and sang in the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir on the GRAMMY-nominated rendition of “Messiah” (2016) with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Dennis’ compositions and arrangements have been showcased by the Sonuskapos Jazz Orchestra, Etobicoke Jazz Festival, and Caity Gyorgy (2-time JUNO-award winner), among others.

In 2020, Dennis released his debut album, Windward Bound, with the Dennis Kwok Jazz Orchestra, consisting of his original six-part suite for big band, and featuring himself as a soloist on multiple woodwind instruments. Windward Bound has been described as “an elegant album of program music for 19-piece jazz orchestra” by The WholeNote magazine, and “an impressive debut all 'round and an intriguing harbinger of voyages yet to come” by All About Jazz. Dennis can be heard as both a bandleader and a sideman at venues across the Greater Toronto Area.

Ernesto Cervini’s Turboprop with New York’s Joel Frahm
February 19, 20, 21, 22 @ 8:30 PM

Ernesto Cervini - Drums
Joel Frahm - Saxophone
Tara Davidson - Saxophone
William Carn - Trombone
Adrean Farrugia - Piano
Dan Loomis - Bass

JUNO Award winner Ernesto Cervini is a sought-after drummer, composer and bandleader and an influential presence on Canada’s modern jazz scene and beyond. He has documented his vision with the Ernesto Cervini Quartet (featuring Joel Frahm), the innovative sextet Turboprop, numerous co- led trio projects including MEM3, Myriad3 and TuneTown, and also the quartet Tetrahedron, featuring acclaimed guitarist Nir Felder, electric bassist Rich Brown and alto saxophonist Luis Deniz.

In all these settings, as J.D. Considine of JazzTimes has written, Cervini “drums like someone who’s an arranger at heart, carefully placing each accent for maximum melodic impact.” He’s been cited by Modern Drummer for his old-school knowledge and feel in the spirit of Art Blakey and Billy Higgins, yet credited by Musicweb International as a maker of music “grounded in the language of hard bop but not confined by it.”

Ted Warren’s 60th Birthday Celebration
February 23rd @ 8:30 PM

Ted Warren - Drums

Ted has a solid reputation as a musical, versatile drummer. He is an active member of Canada’s jazz scene and has been recognized with Jazz Report’s Drummer of the Year award. He teaches at Humber and Mohawk College in their Jazz Studies programs and is a well-regarded clinician and adjudicator. Ted fronts his own quartet, Ted’s Warren Commission, which has just released their debut CD, First Time Caller. He is a member of the Mike Murley, Mike Downes, Kieran Overs, and Ted Quinlan groups. He was the drummer for the Boss Brass and can be heard on six of their recent CDs, including Velvet and Brass (with Mel Torme), From Lush to Lively (with Oliver Jones), Even Canadians get the Blues, and The Boss Brass Plays the Jazz Classics.

Ted studied music at McGill and received a certificate in Jazz Studies from St. Francis Xavier University. He has worked with many acclaimed performers, including Slide Hampton, Bob Newhart, Maynard Ferguson, Lew Soloff, Chuck Mangione, Jeff Healey, Norma Winstone, Howard Johnson, Nick Brignola, Kenny Wheeler, and Gerry Bergonzi. Ted’s extensive touring has taken him to Poland, South Korea, Spain, Brazil, Iceland, and Japan. He has also performed at Carnegie Hall with harpist Joanna Jordon. In addition to his other recorded work, you can hear Ted on Mike Murley’s CDs Extra Time, and the Jazz Report’s Album of the Year recipient, Conversation Piece. You can also hear Ted on the Juno Award winning Tales from the Blue Lounge by Richard Underhill. Ted endorses Vic Firth drumsticks and Zildjian cymbals.

John Macleod’s Rex Hotel Orchestra
February 24 @ 8:30 PM

John MacLeod - Trumpet / Flugelhorn
20-piece Juno Award-winning Jazz Big Band

Canada’s Finest Big Band Jazz Ensemble

The life and career of John MacLeod is intricately bound to the history of jazz and big band music in Toronto. A native of this city, he took a very early interest in jazz and by the time he began studying the trumpet at age 12 was already an aficionado of New Orleans, Chicago and swing styles of the music. His earliest local hero was trumpeter "Trump" Davidson and by his early teens he was attending t.v. recording sessions where he would be amazed by studio greats such as Guido Basso, Moe Koffman and Teddy Roderman. A decade later, John would be playing with many of these early heros. In fact he would have professional involvement with every name listed in this release from Benny Louis to Ron Collier to Guido Basso. He even took his boyhood hero "Trump" Davidson's place in Trump's band. Few other musicians of his generation can claim as much direct connection to the entire history of jazz and big band music in Toronto. His long association with Rob McConnell and the Boss Brass would also have a profound effect on his approach to arranging and composing. While his writing may be uniquely his own, the sound of his band is unmistakably "Toronto".

Duncan Hopkins Quartet
February 26, 27, 28 & March 1st @ 8:30 pm

Duncan Hopkins - Bass
Reg Schwager - Guitar
Ted Quinlan - Guitar
Ted Warren - Drums

Double bassist, composer and arranger Duncan Hopkins has been working at the highest levels of jazz for almost thirty years. In that time he has worked with such luminaries as Norma Winstone, Rob McConnell, Scott Hamilton, Houston Person, Peter Appleyard, Ed Bickert, Mark Murphy, Bobo Stenson, Dianna Krall, Sheila Jordan, Kenny Wheeler, Bobby Watson, Sam Rivers, Harry Allen and Edward Simon to name but a few. Duncan was  a member of Rob McConnell and the Boss Brass and the highly distinguished Canadian Jazz Quartet for ten years before moving to Europe.

The new recording Who Are You? released in the summer of 2023 on TPR records has received national and international acclaim and airplay.

James Brown Trio
February 6, 13, 20 & 27@ 5:30 pm

James Brown - Guitar
Clark Johnston - Bass
Aline Homzy - Violin

No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge

Guitarist, composer and educator James Brown has been a long time staple on the Canadian jazz scene and his trio features Anthony Michelli and Clark Johnston. The groups seem list features critically acclaimed original tunes by Brown along with tasty standards and not so standard tunes by Joni Mitchell, Neil Young and the Beatles. James’ most recent recording Song Within the Story was released in 2022 (NGP Records) and features guest tenor sax giant Mike Murley. 

Duncan Hopkins Quartet
February 26, 27, 28 & March 1st @ 8:30 pm

Duncan Hopkins - Bass
Reg Schwager - Guitar
Ted Quinlan - Guitar
Ted Warren - Drums

Double bassist, composer and arranger Duncan Hopkins has been working at the highest levels of jazz for almost thirty years. In that time he has worked with such luminaries as Norma Winstone, Rob McConnell, Scott Hamilton, Houston Person, Peter Appleyard, Ed Bickert, Mark Murphy, Bobo Stenson, Dianna Krall, Sheila Jordan, Kenny Wheeler, Bobby Watson, Sam Rivers, Harry Allen and Edward Simon to name but a few. Duncan was  a member of Rob McConnell and the Boss Brass and the highly distinguished Canadian Jazz Quartet for ten years before moving to Europe.

The new recording Who Are You? released in the summer of 2023 on TPR records has received national and international acclaim and airplay.

Jake Koffman Quartet
FEBRUARY 7, 14, 21 & 28 @ 5:30 PM

Jake Koffman - Saxophone
Nathan Hiltz - Guitar
Jon Meyer - Bass
Morgan Childs - Drums

No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge

Jake Koffman, a saxophone player from Canada, plays virtually any reed instrument from clarinet to baritone sax. Jake was born in a famous musical family in Toronto. One of his grandfathers, Moe Koffman, was one of the first Canadian jazz musicians to start playing bebop, while his other grandfather, Victor Feldbrill, was conductor of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. In 2013, Jake released a debut album, The Jake Koffman Quartet, and since then has been the jazz hope of Canada. Jake can often be seen in the band of the famous Canadian jazz-pop singer Nikki Yanofsky.

Duncan Hopkins Quartet
February 26, 27, 28 & March 1st @ 8:30 pm

Duncan Hopkins - Bass
Reg Schwager - Guitar
Ted Quinlan - Guitar
Ted Warren - Drums

Double bassist, composer and arranger Duncan Hopkins has been working at the highest levels of jazz for almost thirty years. In that time he has worked with such luminaries as Norma Winstone, Rob McConnell, Scott Hamilton, Houston Person, Peter Appleyard, Ed Bickert, Mark Murphy, Bobo Stenson, Dianna Krall, Sheila Jordan, Kenny Wheeler, Bobby Watson, Sam Rivers, Harry Allen and Edward Simon to name but a few. Duncan was  a member of Rob McConnell and the Boss Brass and the highly distinguished Canadian Jazz Quartet for ten years before moving to Europe.

The new recording Who Are You? released in the summer of 2023 on TPR records has received national and international acclaim and airplay.

Duncan Hopkins Quartet
February 26, 27, 28 & March 1st @ 8:30 pm

Duncan Hopkins - Bass
Reg Schwager - Guitar
Ted Quinlan - Guitar
Ted Warren - Drums

Double bassist, composer and arranger Duncan Hopkins has been working at the highest levels of jazz for almost thirty years. In that time he has worked with such luminaries as Norma Winstone, Rob McConnell, Scott Hamilton, Houston Person, Peter Appleyard, Ed Bickert, Mark Murphy, Bobo Stenson, Dianna Krall, Sheila Jordan, Kenny Wheeler, Bobby Watson, Sam Rivers, Harry Allen and Edward Simon to name but a few. Duncan was  a member of Rob McConnell and the Boss Brass and the highly distinguished Canadian Jazz Quartet for ten years before moving to Europe.

The new recording Who Are You? released in the summer of 2023 on TPR records has received national and international acclaim and airplay.