SWING SHIFT BIG BAND
march 22 @ 2:00 pM

Led by : Jim John - Saxophone

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

“This is the home of Canada’s Premier Big Band - Jim John's Swing Shift Big Band. From the band’s beginning in 1996 it quickly became apparent that this was a band intent on preserving the sounds and quality of the big band era - a band that has since been recognized as one of the top big bands in the country. With 17 talented musicians, male and female vocalists and optional dancers and female vocal trio, this band can entertain audiences of all ages. From dances, corporate galas, and jazz festivals to weddings, theatre shows and everything in-between, Swing Shift has the variety to suit any occasion. We can also provide smaller groups, ranging from solo piano, trio, quartet and right up to our very popular 11 piece group - a versatile band that specializes in music for all ages.  Leader Jim John has twenty years of leadership experience - he knows how to make your event a big success!!”

Gary smulyan Trio
March 19, 20, 21, 22 @ 8:30 PM

Gary Smulyan - Baritone Saxophone
Neil Swainson - Bass
Terry Clarke - Drums

Baritone saxophonist Gary Smulyan was born April 4, 1956, in Bethpage, New York. The gifted multi-instrumentalist started his music career by first learning alto saxophone during his teenage years on Long Island. Today he is critically acclaimed across-the-board and recognized as the major voice on the baritone saxophone. His playing is marked by an aggressive rhythmic sense, an intelligent and creative harmonic approach — and perhaps most importantly – a strong and incisive wit.

While still in high school, he had the chance to sit in with major jazz artists such as legendary trumpeter Chet Baker, saxophonist Lee Konitz, trombonist Jimmy Knepper and violinist Ray Nance.

After graduating high school he attended SUNY-Potsdam and Hofstra University before he joined Woody Herman’s Young Thundering Herd in 1978. It was a remarkable collection of young musicians who ultimately would find themselves in the forefront of present-day jazz. Joining Smulyan in the band were saxophonist Joe Lovano, bassist Marc Johnson and drummer John Riley, who would eventually become a fixture in the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra.

In 1980, unlike many of his colleagues and peers Smulyan didn’t have to go very far to move into New York City proper where he became part of the Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra then under the direction of Bob Brookmeyer. Smulyan also found work with other important large ensembles including the Mingus Big Band and the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra.

Gradually establishing himself the talented Smulyan was asked to share the stage and the recording studio with a stunning potpourri of luminaries including: trumpeters Freddie Hubbard and Dizzy Gillespie, saxophonist Stan Getz, pianist Chick Corea, timbales king Tito Puente, and R&B/Blues and soul icons Ray Charles, B.B. King and Diana Ross.

Smulyan, in addition to performing and recording in support of a myriad of people began to accumulate a discography as a leader. At this point in his career he has at least 10 recordings out under his own name. Meanwhile he continues to play with wide variety of artists – each presenting him with an opportunity to fully express himself. In addition to his work on Monday nights with the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, Smulyan remains close with Lovano, working with him in his nine-piece Nonet; then there is the exhilarating and liberating Dave Holland Octet and the seminal bassist’s Big Band. Beyond that, Smulyan has also enjoyed stints in the cooperative Three Baritone Saxophone Band as well as working with powerhouse tenor saxophonist George Coleman in his octet and the Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Big Band that, similar to the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, is comprised of some of the world’s best players.

No matter who he is performing with – or whether he is leading his own band at the time – Smulyan brings to the stage the spirit, style and savvy of a deep-toned master of bebop. “Gary Smulyan’s lineage comes more from musicians like Cecil Payne, Leo Parker, Pepper Adams, Serge Chaloff and Nick Brignola – the few baritonists that dared to master the tricky, chromatic music known as bebop,” wrote All About Jazz’s Francis Lo Kee in a review. “Indeed…Smulyan is fluent in the language.” He was heavily influenced by Adams who was known as “The Knife” for his hearty tone and the energy of his rhythmic playing style. Smulyan’s Homage, featuring Tommy Flanagan was recorded following Adams’ death, and every track on the recording, released in 1994, is written by Adams. Similarly, Smulyan organized the Three Baritone Saxophone Band, which places him in the company of two of his seniors – Ronnie Cuber and the late Nick Brignola. The group released Plays Mulligan in 1998, the date serving as a tribute to the late Gerry Mulligan, one of the foremost baritone saxophonists in jazz history and a mentor for many artists, including Smulyan.

“Smulyan’s tone seems to get bigger and his ideas more expansive from album to album,” wrote long-time critic Doug Ramsey in Jazz Times magazine. In 1995, WBGO, the all-jazz, Newark, N.J.-based NPR station voted Smulyan’s Saxophone Mosaic as one of the best 25 CDs of 1995; two years later the Boston Globe selected the baritone saxophonist’s Gary Smulyan with Strings as one of the 10 best jazz CDs of 1997. Hidden Treasures, a piano-less trio date featuring Christian McBride was given four and a half stars in Down Beat magazine and voted as one of the best CD’s of the year.

Always in search of new ideas, in 2008 Smulyan released High Noon – The Jazz Soul of Frankie Laine; it is a nine-piece band tribute to the prolific 1940s and 1950s pop singer Frankie Laine who died in 2007 at age 93. “This is the kind of album whose melodies linger after the session’s over,” wrote another long-time critic, Owen Cordle of Charlotte News and Observer.

These days Smulyan the Long-Island native lives in Amherst, Mass., with his wife, pianist and conductor Joan Cornachio. He is a faculty member of Amherst College and serves as the artistic director at the Berkshire Hills Music Academy in South Hadley, Massachusetts, a two year post secondary music school for eighteen to thirty year olds with developmental disabilities.

The baritone saxophonist, is a four-time winner of the Down Beat Critic’s and Reader’s Poll’s and a multiple winner of numerous other official polls including the Jazz Journalists Award for Baritone Saxophonist of the Year. He is a six-time GRAMMY award winner for his work with B.B. King, Lovano, Holland and the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra.

Jesse Greene
March 23 @ 2 pm

$15 Front Section

$10 Back Section

Jesse Greene is Canada's "one of a kind" blues woman. You could easily assume that she grew up near Memphis, or maybe as far away as Texas for when she plays it sounds like she is channeling old Eddy "Cleanhead Vinson." With a strong echo of Janis Joplin and earlier blues pioneers such as Bessie Smith, she re-interprets the genre to bring her unique voice to new audiences. Her hometown of Ottawa saw her compete with her no nonsense tough-assed guitar and electrifying original songs winning her a place at the IBC finals in Memphis TN. and again in the TBS Talent search, later prompting a move to Toronto. Jesse was recently awarded the 2024 Amy Louie Grossmans music scholarship, for artist development.

Sunday, March 23rd, Jesse Greene will be joined by iconic Toronto musicians Terry Wilkins on bass and Al Cross on drums. Reserve your spot now for this one-of-a-kind experience at one of Toronto’s iconic music venues!

Frank Botos QUARTET
March 23 & 24 @ 8:30 PM

Kirk MacDonald - Saxophone

Lorne Lofsky - guitar

John Meyer - Bass

Frank Botos - Drums

Born into a musical family, Frank became a first call drummer in Hungary at an early age. He worked and recorded with Hungary’s most well known musicians including Szakcsi, Tony Lakatos, Robert Lakatos, Gabor Gado. Frank studied at the Ferenc Liszt Academy of Music with Gyula Kovacs and Ivan Nesztor. After leaving the school in 1991, Frank won first place in the “Krakow International Jazz Competition” in Poland. He has played on the main stages of European jazz festivals. In 1998 Frank Botos immigrated to Canada. Shortly after arriving in Canada with his brother Robi Botos, (winner of the “Montreux Jazz Festival Solo Piano Competition 2005″), Frank and Robi became well established in the Toronto jazz scene as “The Botos Brothers”. They soon released their independent CD featuring Pat LaBarbara, Don Thompson and Attila Darvas, which has received extensive airplay. Frank continued his professional development in Canada by studying with renowned jazz educator Jim Blackley. Since then, Frank has worked with such international and local stars as Bela Fleck and Jean Luc-Ponty (Toronto International Jazz Festival main stage 2005), Avishai Cohen (Hungarian Jazz Festival 2005),Sonny Fortune(Hungarian Jazz Festival 2006), Mario Rodrigues, Joe Sealy and Paul Novotny (Du Maruier International Jazz Festival Toronto 1999), Dave Young, Pat LaBarbara, Don Thompson, Kirk MacDonald, Mike Murley, Michael Stewart,Phil Dwyer, Hugh Fraser, Jake Langley, Steve Wallace, Bernie Senensky,Stan Fomin, Shawan Nykwist, Neil Swanson, Gene Dinovi, David Braid, Lorne Lofsky, Shelley Berger, Nancy Walker,Mike Downs, and Kirk Lightsey to name few.

Frank Botos quartet
March 23 & 24 @ 8:30 PM

Kirk MacDonald - Saxophone

Lorne Lofsky - Guitar

John Meyer - Bass

Frank Botos - Drums

Born into a musical family, Frank became a first call drummer in Hungary at an early age. He worked and recorded with Hungary’s most well known musicians including Szakcsi, Tony Lakatos, Robert Lakatos, Gabor Gado. Frank studied at the Ferenc Liszt Academy of Music with Gyula Kovacs and Ivan Nesztor. After leaving the school in 1991, Frank won first place in the “Krakow International Jazz Competition” in Poland. He has played on the main stages of European jazz festivals. In 1998 Frank Botos immigrated to Canada. Shortly after arriving in Canada with his brother Robi Botos, (winner of the “Montreux Jazz Festival Solo Piano Competition 2005″), Frank and Robi became well established in the Toronto jazz scene as “The Botos Brothers”. They soon released their independent CD featuring Pat LaBarbara, Don Thompson and Attila Darvas, which has received extensive airplay. Frank continued his professional development in Canada by studying with renowned jazz educator Jim Blackley. Since then, Frank has worked with such international and local stars as Bela Fleck and Jean Luc-Ponty (Toronto International Jazz Festival main stage 2005), Avishai Cohen (Hungarian Jazz Festival 2005),Sonny Fortune(Hungarian Jazz Festival 2006), Mario Rodrigues, Joe Sealy and Paul Novotny (Du Maruier International Jazz Festival Toronto 1999), Dave Young, Pat LaBarbara, Don Thompson, Kirk MacDonald, Mike Murley, Michael Stewart,Phil Dwyer, Hugh Fraser, Jake Langley, Steve Wallace, Bernie Senensky,Stan Fomin, Shawan Nykwist, Neil Swanson, Gene Dinovi, David Braid, Lorne Lofsky, Shelley Berger, Nancy Walker,Mike Downs, and Kirk Lightsey to name few.

Steven noronha trio

march 4, 11, 18 & 25 @ 5:30 PM

Steven Noronha - Piano 

Keon Narinesingh - Bass

Aidan McConnell - Drums

No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge

Selena Savage Quintet
March 5, 12, 19, 26 @ 5:30 PM

march 5th and 12th:

mattaus gretzinger - alto

eric liang - piano

chris parnis - bass

alex sgrignoli - drums

march 19th and 26:

mattaus gretzinger - alto

steven noronha - piano

wade pollesel - bass

alex sgrignoli - drums

No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge

The Wee Big Band Led by Brigham Phillips
MArch 26, 27, 28, 29 @ 8:30 PM

Piano- Brigham Phillips

Saxophones- Merlin Williams,
Tara Davidson
(Bob Brough 28th )
Perry White,
David French,
Kevin Goss

Trumpets - Alex Kundakcioglu (26th & 27th)
David Harmsworth (28th)
Steve McDade (29th )
Paul Callendar,
Kyle Pogline (Brian O’Kane 29th)
John MacLeod

Trombones- William Carn,
Rob Somerville,
Scott Suttie

Guitar & Arrangements- Martin Loomer

Bass - Mark Dunn

Drums - Kevil Coady

Now in its 46th year, this 16-piece jazz big band makes its next appearance at The Rex under the leadership and musical direction of trumpeter, pianist, arranger, composer and early band member, Brigham Phillips. Formed in 1979 as a repertory band specializing in the music of the great bands of the swing era, Jim Galloway’s Wee Big Band has over 400 arrangements, perhaps the most extensive repertoire of any big band in the country. The music of Duke Ellington has always been an integral part of the band’s library, with examples of his work ranging from his early compositions in the late 20’s to his sacred music in the 70’s, but tributes to the bands of Count Basie, Benny Goodman, Woody Herman, Jimmie Lunceford, Jay McShann, Buddy Rich and Artie Shaw are also in the library. From its very first engagement, a broadcast on CJRT-FM from the Ontario Science Centre, the band has made numerous radio broadcasts and television appearances and has played throughout Canada. Today the Wee Big Band continues to perform at local jazz festivals, special occasion events and fundraisers, and most recently seasonal concerts at The Rex.

CHRIS GALE TRIOS
March 6, 13, 20 & 27 @ 5:30 PM

Chris Gale - Saxophone
Chris Banks - Bass
Morgan Childs - Drums

No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge

The Wee Big Band Led by Brigham Phillips
MArch 26, 27, 28, 29 @ 8:30 PM

Piano- Brigham Phillips

Saxophones- Merlin Williams,
Tara Davidson
(Bob Brough 28th )
Perry White,
David French,
Kevin Goss

Trumpets - Alex Kundakcioglu (26th & 27th)
David Harmsworth (28th)
Steve McDade (29th )
Paul Callendar,
Kyle Pogline (Brian O’Kane 29th)
John MacLeod

Trombones- William Carn,
Rob Somerville,
Scott Suttie

Guitar & Arrangements- Martin Loomer

Bass - Mark Dunn

Drums - Kevil Coady

Now in its 46th year, this 16-piece jazz big band makes its next appearance at The Rex under the leadership and musical direction of trumpeter, pianist, arranger, composer and early band member, Brigham Phillips. Formed in 1979 as a repertory band specializing in the music of the great bands of the swing era, Jim Galloway’s Wee Big Band has over 400 arrangements, perhaps the most extensive repertoire of any big band in the country. The music of Duke Ellington has always been an integral part of the band’s library, with examples of his work ranging from his early compositions in the late 20’s to his sacred music in the 70’s, but tributes to the bands of Count Basie, Benny Goodman, Woody Herman, Jimmie Lunceford, Jay McShann, Buddy Rich and Artie Shaw are also in the library. From its very first engagement, a broadcast on CJRT-FM from the Ontario Science Centre, the band has made numerous radio broadcasts and television appearances and has played throughout Canada. Today the Wee Big Band continues to perform at local jazz festivals, special occasion events and fundraisers, and most recently seasonal concerts at The Rex.

Patrick Smith 30h + 2
March 21 & 28 @ 5:30 PM

Patrick Smith - Saxophone
Kaelin Murphy - Trumpet
Dan Pitt - Guitar

Chris Banks - Bass
Lowell Whitty - Drums

No Reservations
$10 Cover

Patrick Smith is a freelance musician and teacher based in Toronto (originally from Ottawa). He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Jazz Performance (BMus with Honours) from the University of Toronto, during his time there he was given the Ann and Wallace McCoy Renewable Scholarship upon graduation was awarded the SUBA Institute Award for Performance Excellence. Outside of his formal education, Patrick has traveled to New York  to study with internationally acclaimed American saxophonist Mark Shim and in the past has studied under Canadian jazz legends Mike Murley, Kelly Jefferson and Tony Malaby.

He has established himself as a gifted and in demand freelance saxophonist in the Canadian music scene. He has extensively toured Canada, the US, and Europe with Erez Zobary, Legends of Motown (featuring Michael Dunston and Gary Beals),  My Son The Hurricane, Chelsea Mcbride’s Socialist Night School and Forever Seger. In Spring 2019 he appeared with the Hitmen Drumline at the NBA Finals at Scotiabank Arena. He has performed alongside jazz legends as Juini Booth (former bassist of McCoy Tyner, Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers),Terry Clarke (former drummer of Jim Hall, Oscar Peterson) and David Liebman (Elvin Jones).He has appeared at the Toronto Jazz Festival, Montreal Jazz Festival, Mariposa Folk Festival, Starbelly Jam, Wapiti Festival and many more.

Patrick keeps up a very active  freelance schedule in Toronto appearing with many acts namely  Eighth Street Orchestra,  Dee Dee and the Dirty Martinis, Kubla, Queen Pepper, Erez Zobary, Soular, Dan Pitt Quintet, Jenna Marie, Shout The Band, Laura Hubert, Forever Seger, and Socialist Night School.

In 2018, Patrick released his debut album of original music entitled “Still Searching” with his jazz quintet featuring Kae Murphy on trumpet.. He currently leads the Patrick Smith Quintet (playing his original music) and the Patrick Smith 3-Oh (Jazz standards) which regularly perform at Toronto venues such as The Rex Hotel Jazz and Blues Bar, Reservoir Lounge, Drom Taberna, The Jazz Bistro, The Emmet Ray and other GTA venues. He also co-leads the free jazz machine The Archives of Eternity featuring vibraphonist Mark Hundevad. In April 2020, The Archives of Eternity released their debut full length album “Uranium 238” playing the music of Raphe Malik. They presented this music at the Something Else Festival in Hamilton On, in 2019 and 2021.

In fall 2017 Patrick spent 6 weeks on an artistic retreat in Copenhagen, Denmark performing with the Danish drummer and cymbal craftsman Lasse Funch, culminating in a performance at the renowned Christiania Jazzklub.

He is currently working on mixing and post production for a release with his new band 3-Oh which features Chris Banks and Lowell Whitty. He is currently finishing composing the music for his quintet’s first full length album of original music.

The Wee Big Band Led by Brigham Phillips
MArch 26, 27, 28, 29 @ 8:30 PM

Piano- Brigham Phillips

Saxophones- Merlin Williams,
Tara Davidson
(Bob Brough 28th )
Perry White,
David French,
Kevin Goss

Trumpets - Alex Kundakcioglu (26th & 27th)
David Harmsworth (28th)
Steve McDade (29th )
Paul Callendar,
Kyle Pogline (Brian O’Kane 29th)
John MacLeod

Trombones- William Carn,
Rob Somerville,
Scott Suttie

Guitar & Arrangements- Martin Loomer

Bass - Mark Dunn

Drums - Kevil Coady

Now in its 46th year, this 16-piece jazz big band makes its next appearance at The Rex under the leadership and musical direction of trumpeter, pianist, arranger, composer and early band member, Brigham Phillips. Formed in 1979 as a repertory band specializing in the music of the great bands of the swing era, Jim Galloway’s Wee Big Band has over 400 arrangements, perhaps the most extensive repertoire of any big band in the country. The music of Duke Ellington has always been an integral part of the band’s library, with examples of his work ranging from his early compositions in the late 20’s to his sacred music in the 70’s, but tributes to the bands of Count Basie, Benny Goodman, Woody Herman, Jimmie Lunceford, Jay McShann, Buddy Rich and Artie Shaw are also in the library. From its very first engagement, a broadcast on CJRT-FM from the Ontario Science Centre, the band has made numerous radio broadcasts and television appearances and has played throughout Canada. Today the Wee Big Band continues to perform at local jazz festivals, special occasion events and fundraisers, and most recently seasonal concerts at The Rex.

N.O.J.O - nEUFELD OCCHIPINTI JAZZ ORCHESTRA
MARCH 29 @ 2:00 PM

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

Michael Occhipinti is a versatile, sound-sculpting guitarist and composer/arranger, who has spent decades freely moving between jazz, chamber music, world music, r&b/funk, and anything involving modern guitar sounds. Michael has received 11 JUNO Award nominations (Canada's Grammy) and 2 JUNO Awards including the 2022 JUNO Award for Jazz Group of the Year as a member of Avataar.  2022 also saw his duo with Elizabeth Shepherd (ES:MO) nominated for Jazz Vocal Album of the Year.    In addition to ES:MO, Michael leads or co-leads several acclaimed groups including The Sicilian Jazz Project, IN ORBIT ( with Jeff Coffin (Dave Matthews Band) on saxophone, and Felix Pastorius on bass), Shine On: The Universe of John Lennon,  The Triodes,  and the acclaimed 16-piece group NOJO (Neufeld-Occhipinti Jazz Orchestra).

The Wee Big Band Led by Brigham Phillips
MArch 26, 27, 28, 29 @ 8:30 PM

Piano- Brigham Phillips

Saxophones- Merlin Williams,
Tara Davidson
(Bob Brough 28th )
Perry White,
David French,
Kevin Goss

Trumpets - Alex Kundakcioglu (26th & 27th)
David Harmsworth (28th)
Steve McDade (29th )
Paul Callendar,
Kyle Pogline (Brian O’Kane 29th)
John MacLeod

Trombones- William Carn,
Rob Somerville,
Scott Suttie

Guitar & Arrangements- Martin Loomer

Bass - Mark Dunn

Drums - Kevil Coady

Now in its 46th year, this 16-piece jazz big band makes its next appearance at The Rex under the leadership and musical direction of trumpeter, pianist, arranger, composer and early band member, Brigham Phillips. Formed in 1979 as a repertory band specializing in the music of the great bands of the swing era, Jim Galloway’s Wee Big Band has over 400 arrangements, perhaps the most extensive repertoire of any big band in the country. The music of Duke Ellington has always been an integral part of the band’s library, with examples of his work ranging from his early compositions in the late 20’s to his sacred music in the 70’s, but tributes to the bands of Count Basie, Benny Goodman, Woody Herman, Jimmie Lunceford, Jay McShann, Buddy Rich and Artie Shaw are also in the library. From its very first engagement, a broadcast on CJRT-FM from the Ontario Science Centre, the band has made numerous radio broadcasts and television appearances and has played throughout Canada. Today the Wee Big Band continues to perform at local jazz festivals, special occasion events and fundraisers, and most recently seasonal concerts at The Rex.

Matt Newton Quintet
March 30th @ 8:30 pm

Matt Newton - Piano
Kevin Turcotte - Trumpet
Andrew Downing - Cello
Dan Fortin - Bass
Nick Fraser - Drums

Matt Newton is a Toronto based pianist, composer and educator. He is a graduate of the University of Toronto Jazz Program (2004) and has attended the Banff International Workshop in Jazz and Creative Music (2006) where he studied with world renowned trumpeter/composer Dave Douglas, and Deron Johnson, Miles Davis’ last pianist.

Matt has performed with such respected musicians as Kevin Turcotte, Jim Vivian, Pat Collins, Kevin Brow, Rob Mosher, Rob Frayne, Petr Cancura, Sienna Dahlen, Mike Milligan, and Norman Marshall Villeneuve, and Dave Young.

John Macleod’s Rex Hotel Orchestra
march 31 @ 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".

chris platt Trio
April 3, 10, 17 & 24 @ 5:30 PM

Chris Platt - Guitar

Pat Collins - Bass

Ian Wright- Drums

No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge

Chris Platt is an accomplished Toronto-based guitarist and composer. He regularly performs at well-known venues around the city as a leader and sideman, and has played with legendary musicians such as Dave Liebman, Norma Winstone, Jerry Bergonzi, Mike Murley, Dave Young, and Reg Schwager. Chris holds a Bachelor's Degree in Jazz Performance from the University of Toronto and a diploma from Mohawk College. Currently, he teaches jazz guitar at McMaster University.

He is a featured soloist and accompanist on the album Sweet Ruby Suite (feat. Norma Winstone and Dave Liebman) as part of the University of Toronto Jazz Orchestra, as well as on Angela Turone’s debut EP Drift to You, and Marie Goudy 12tet’s The Bitter Suite.

Chris’ original music and style of playing is rooted in the jazz idiom, but also features striking characteristics from the Brazilian and Blues genres. This can be heard on his debut instrumental trio album, Sky Glow, which received a nomination for the Julian Award of Excellence in 2019. In 2020, he co-released the album, Sounds of Brazil, alongside vocalist and pianist Angela Turone, which has received reviews and radio play around the world.

Chris is a proud sponsor of MJS Custom Pickups. Having met MJS founder Mike “Smitty” Smyth when he was just beginning to play guitar, Smitty convinced Chris that the pickups he was playing could be swapped out for something better. Once Chris heard the difference a hand wound pickup could make, he was hooked. Not only does he now use MJS pickups in all of his guitars, but he is also the happy owner of three custom built MJS guitars as well: the “Dove,” the “Crossroads,” and the “Beacon.” You can see and hear these one of a kind instruments all over the music Chris has recorded.

johnny griffith quartet
April 4, 11, 18 & 25 @ 5:30 PM

Johnny Griffith & Alex Dean - Saxophone

Michael Herring - Bass

Nick Fraser - Drums

No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge

Dr. Nick & The Rollercoasters
APRIL 5 @ 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.

Matt Smith Trio
April 6 @ 2 PM

Matt Smith - Vocals / Trumpet

Evan Miles - Piano

Max Simpson - Bass

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

Matt Smith is a soulful trumpeter and vocalist based in Toronto, Ontario. With a passion for jazz deeply rooted in the style of legends like Louis Armstrong, Chet Baker, and Nat King Cole, Matt brings a refreshing blend of tradition and innovation to Toronto’s vibrant music scene. Joined by pianist Evan Miles, and bassist Max Simpson, the Trio pays homage to the rich history of the music while giving each tune its own unique sound.

In addition to his trio, Matt can be found performing with integral Toronto groups such as Big Smoke Brass, and the Juno-winning Sattalites. An artist committed to quality and versatility, Matt Smith is one to watch.

Mike DeiCont Trio
April 6 @ 8:30 PM

Mike DeiCont - Bass
Leland Whitty - Saxophone
Eric West -Drums

Mike is a bass player, music writer, improviser, and podcaster. He can be heard performing regularly throughout New York and Southern Ontario with DeiCont | Philips Collective, Northern Danger, and DeiCont/Cohen/Kirkpatrick.

chris platt Trio
April 3, 10, 17 & 24 @ 5:30 PM

Chris Platt - Guitar

Pat Collins - Bass

Ian Wright- Drums

No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge

Chris Platt is an accomplished Toronto-based guitarist and composer. He regularly performs at well-known venues around the city as a leader and sideman, and has played with legendary musicians such as Dave Liebman, Norma Winstone, Jerry Bergonzi, Mike Murley, Dave Young, and Reg Schwager. Chris holds a Bachelor's Degree in Jazz Performance from the University of Toronto and a diploma from Mohawk College. Currently, he teaches jazz guitar at McMaster University.

He is a featured soloist and accompanist on the album Sweet Ruby Suite (feat. Norma Winstone and Dave Liebman) as part of the University of Toronto Jazz Orchestra, as well as on Angela Turone’s debut EP Drift to You, and Marie Goudy 12tet’s The Bitter Suite.

Chris’ original music and style of playing is rooted in the jazz idiom, but also features striking characteristics from the Brazilian and Blues genres. This can be heard on his debut instrumental trio album, Sky Glow, which received a nomination for the Julian Award of Excellence in 2019. In 2020, he co-released the album, Sounds of Brazil, alongside vocalist and pianist Angela Turone, which has received reviews and radio play around the world.

Chris is a proud sponsor of MJS Custom Pickups. Having met MJS founder Mike “Smitty” Smyth when he was just beginning to play guitar, Smitty convinced Chris that the pickups he was playing could be swapped out for something better. Once Chris heard the difference a hand wound pickup could make, he was hooked. Not only does he now use MJS pickups in all of his guitars, but he is also the happy owner of three custom built MJS guitars as well: the “Dove,” the “Crossroads,” and the “Beacon.” You can see and hear these one of a kind instruments all over the music Chris has recorded.

johnny griffith quartet
April 4, 11, 18 & 25 @ 5:30 PM

Johnny Griffith & Alex Dean - Saxophone

Michael Herring - Bass

Nick Fraser - Drums

No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge

Angela Pincente jazz orchestra
APRIL 12 @ 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.

Rhapsodius aka Andrew Craig
April 13 @ 2 Pm

Rhapsodius aka Andrew Craig - Vocals and Piano

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

Rhapsodius - literally, “made of rhapsody” - is a confluence of things. Singer, multi-instrumentalist, composer, arranger, director, producer, playwright, educator, activist - all these rivers, and more, flow one into the other to create this artist whose boundary-crossing work defies convention. Artists aren’t supposed to do all of these things - and yet, Rhapsodius - aka Andrew Craig - moves between disciplines and styles with ease. Rhapsodius has worked with a who’s who of artists in music, theatre, dance, and film, both in Canada and abroad. He has directed high-profile tributes to icons Quincy Jones and Oscar Peterson, opened for Bobby McFerrin, and performed for Nelson Mandela - twice.

Deeply and equally schooled in the Western European Art music tradition and various branches of African Diasporic music, and unwaveringly dedicated to groove, Rhapsodius brings new sounds, images, and ideas into the space - that are everything you know and nothing you recognize, all at once. A dedicated artivist (artist + activist) in the lineage of Harry Belafonte, Ai Weiwei and Banksy, Rhapsodius dedicates himself to the creation of art that intentionally edifies, provokes thought, discussion, and dialogue, challenges conventions, and hopefully, inspires positive change in the world.

Rhapsodius presents a rare solo show, featuring original music and innovative covers, and drawing upon his multiple musical influences. It’s a performance you don’t want to miss!

Charlie Ballantine Trio
April 13 & 14 @ 8:30 Pm

Charlie Ballantine - Guitar
Quinn Sternberg - Bass
Paul Wells - Drums

Named as one of the top 200 living guitarists by All About Jazz Magazine, Charlie Ballantine is acclaimed as one of the finest and most versatile  young guitarists on the scene today. JAZZ TIMES MAGAZINE hails his playing as “teeming with intricate grooves and maniacal precision his guitar work is both beautiful and complex” and VINTAGE GUITAR MAGAZINE described his style by stating “Jazz, rock, and folk music peacefully coexist in Charlie Ballantine’s world”. 

   Equipped with an impressive body of original compositions on albums like “Vonnegut” and “Cold Coffee”, Ballantine also displays a great reverence for the jazz tradition through the inclusion of standards like ‘My One and Only Love’, ‘East of the Sun’ and an entire double album dedicated to the music of Thelonious Monk released September 2021.  “In the vein of fellow guitarists like John Scofield, Bill Frisell and Julian Lage, Ballantine reconciles his educational background in jazz with the stylistic background of his instrument. He approaches the gratifying tonal and harmonic language of rock/roots with the groove, ambition and improvisational focus of a jazz musician” - (JAZZIZ MAGAZINE)

   After graduating from the Jacobs School of Music under the direction of David Baker, Ballantine relocated to Indianapolis and quickly developed a name for himself with a string of high energy performances at clubs like the Jazz Kitchen and Chatterbox Jazz Club. After releasing two solo albums Ballantine was able to attain global recognition with his award winning third album “Life is Brief: The Music of Bob Dylan” which ALL ABOUT JAZZ named in their top ten jazz albums of the year. “From the opening bars of "The Times They Are a-Changin'" it is clear that something special is happening” - (ALL ABOUT JAZZ) 

   Although primarily a front man for his own projects with tours and frequent appearances throughout the US and Canada at venues and festivals such as the Indianapolis Jazz Festival, The Winnipeg International Jazz Festival and The Elkhart Jazz Festival, Ballantine also has an extensive list of side man credits having performed with names like Rob Dixon, Emmett Cohen, and Amanda Gardier helping to further solidify him as a creative force and  put him in the highest of ranks as a performer.  

Charlie Ballantine Trio
April 13 & 14 @ 8:30 Pm

Charlie Ballantine - Guitar
Quinn Sternberg - Bass
Paul Wells - Drums

Named as one of the top 200 living guitarists by All About Jazz Magazine, Charlie Ballantine is acclaimed as one of the finest and most versatile  young guitarists on the scene today. JAZZ TIMES MAGAZINE hails his playing as “teeming with intricate grooves and maniacal precision his guitar work is both beautiful and complex” and VINTAGE GUITAR MAGAZINE described his style by stating “Jazz, rock, and folk music peacefully coexist in Charlie Ballantine’s world”. 

   Equipped with an impressive body of original compositions on albums like “Vonnegut” and “Cold Coffee”, Ballantine also displays a great reverence for the jazz tradition through the inclusion of standards like ‘My One and Only Love’, ‘East of the Sun’ and an entire double album dedicated to the music of Thelonious Monk released September 2021.  “In the vein of fellow guitarists like John Scofield, Bill Frisell and Julian Lage, Ballantine reconciles his educational background in jazz with the stylistic background of his instrument. He approaches the gratifying tonal and harmonic language of rock/roots with the groove, ambition and improvisational focus of a jazz musician” - (JAZZIZ MAGAZINE)

   After graduating from the Jacobs School of Music under the direction of David Baker, Ballantine relocated to Indianapolis and quickly developed a name for himself with a string of high energy performances at clubs like the Jazz Kitchen and Chatterbox Jazz Club. After releasing two solo albums Ballantine was able to attain global recognition with his award winning third album “Life is Brief: The Music of Bob Dylan” which ALL ABOUT JAZZ named in their top ten jazz albums of the year. “From the opening bars of "The Times They Are a-Changin'" it is clear that something special is happening” - (ALL ABOUT JAZZ) 

   Although primarily a front man for his own projects with tours and frequent appearances throughout the US and Canada at venues and festivals such as the Indianapolis Jazz Festival, The Winnipeg International Jazz Festival and The Elkhart Jazz Festival, Ballantine also has an extensive list of side man credits having performed with names like Rob Dixon, Emmett Cohen, and Amanda Gardier helping to further solidify him as a creative force and  put him in the highest of ranks as a performer.  

Portland’s Bryn Roberts 4tet
April 16, 17, 18, 19 @ 8:30 PM

Bryn Roberts - Piano
Dan Fortin - Bass
Fabio Ragnelli - Drums

featuring special guests:

Allison Au - Alto Saxophone (Apr 17)

Kelly Jefferson: Tenor Saxophone (Apr 18)

Michael Davidson: Vibraphone (Apr 19)

Bryn Roberts is pianist, keyboardist and composer who is in demand in a broad range of musical contexts.

Roberts makes his home in Portland, Oregon, while continuing to spend much of his time in New York City, where he lived for 15 years. He plays, tours and records widely both as a leader and sideman, and is a frequent performer at clubs like Smalls, Mezzrow, the Jazz Gallery, the Kitano and Dizzy's.

An acclaimed composer and bandleader, Roberts has five albums out featuring his own music: his debut “Present Tense”, “Ludlow” (featuring Seamus Blake, Drew Gress and Mark Ferber), “Fables” (featuring Seamus Blake, Orlando le Fleming and Johnathan Blake) and two duo albums with guitarist Lage Lund, “Nightsong” and “Hide the Moon and the Stars”.

Roberts has toured with his own groups, including festival, radio and club appearances across the USA, Canada, the UK, Spain and Japan with some of New York’s finest musicians: Matt Penman, Jochen Rueckert, Rodney Green, Joe Martin, Jaleel Shaw, Johnathan Blake, Mark Ferber, Will Vinson and Seamus Blake.

Roberts is an original member of the Nonet led by Grammy nominee Alan Ferber, and has recorded with the group for a series of critically-acclaimed releases: “Scenes from an Exit Row”, “The Compass”, “Chamber Songs” and “Roots and Transitions”. He also plays in saxophonist Jon Gordon’s quartet (whose 2019 release, “Answer” was recorded at the historic Rudy Van Gelder Studio) and with groups led by bassist Chuck Israels.

In addition to his work in jazz and improvised music, Roberts has played and toured with many artists in the singer-songwriter world, including Grammy award winners Rosanne Cash and John Leventhal, Shawn Colvin, Stax records legend William Bell, and folk icon Dar Williams.

chris platt Trio
April 3, 10, 17 & 24 @ 5:30 PM

Chris Platt - Guitar

Pat Collins - Bass

Ian Wright- Drums

No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge

Chris Platt is an accomplished Toronto-based guitarist and composer. He regularly performs at well-known venues around the city as a leader and sideman, and has played with legendary musicians such as Dave Liebman, Norma Winstone, Jerry Bergonzi, Mike Murley, Dave Young, and Reg Schwager. Chris holds a Bachelor's Degree in Jazz Performance from the University of Toronto and a diploma from Mohawk College. Currently, he teaches jazz guitar at McMaster University.

He is a featured soloist and accompanist on the album Sweet Ruby Suite (feat. Norma Winstone and Dave Liebman) as part of the University of Toronto Jazz Orchestra, as well as on Angela Turone’s debut EP Drift to You, and Marie Goudy 12tet’s The Bitter Suite.

Chris’ original music and style of playing is rooted in the jazz idiom, but also features striking characteristics from the Brazilian and Blues genres. This can be heard on his debut instrumental trio album, Sky Glow, which received a nomination for the Julian Award of Excellence in 2019. In 2020, he co-released the album, Sounds of Brazil, alongside vocalist and pianist Angela Turone, which has received reviews and radio play around the world.

Chris is a proud sponsor of MJS Custom Pickups. Having met MJS founder Mike “Smitty” Smyth when he was just beginning to play guitar, Smitty convinced Chris that the pickups he was playing could be swapped out for something better. Once Chris heard the difference a hand wound pickup could make, he was hooked. Not only does he now use MJS pickups in all of his guitars, but he is also the happy owner of three custom built MJS guitars as well: the “Dove,” the “Crossroads,” and the “Beacon.” You can see and hear these one of a kind instruments all over the music Chris has recorded.

Portland’s Bryn Roberts 4tet
April 16, 17, 18, 19 @ 8:30 PM

Bryn Roberts - Piano
Dan Fortin - Bass
Fabio Ragnelli - Drums

featuring special guests:

Allison Au - Alto Saxophone (Apr 17)

Kelly Jefferson: Tenor Saxophone (Apr 18)

Michael Davidson: Vibraphone (Apr 19)

Bryn Roberts is pianist, keyboardist and composer who is in demand in a broad range of musical contexts.

Roberts makes his home in Portland, Oregon, while continuing to spend much of his time in New York City, where he lived for 15 years. He plays, tours and records widely both as a leader and sideman, and is a frequent performer at clubs like Smalls, Mezzrow, the Jazz Gallery, the Kitano and Dizzy's.

An acclaimed composer and bandleader, Roberts has five albums out featuring his own music: his debut “Present Tense”, “Ludlow” (featuring Seamus Blake, Drew Gress and Mark Ferber), “Fables” (featuring Seamus Blake, Orlando le Fleming and Johnathan Blake) and two duo albums with guitarist Lage Lund, “Nightsong” and “Hide the Moon and the Stars”.

Roberts has toured with his own groups, including festival, radio and club appearances across the USA, Canada, the UK, Spain and Japan with some of New York’s finest musicians: Matt Penman, Jochen Rueckert, Rodney Green, Joe Martin, Jaleel Shaw, Johnathan Blake, Mark Ferber, Will Vinson and Seamus Blake.

Roberts is an original member of the Nonet led by Grammy nominee Alan Ferber, and has recorded with the group for a series of critically-acclaimed releases: “Scenes from an Exit Row”, “The Compass”, “Chamber Songs” and “Roots and Transitions”. He also plays in saxophonist Jon Gordon’s quartet (whose 2019 release, “Answer” was recorded at the historic Rudy Van Gelder Studio) and with groups led by bassist Chuck Israels.

In addition to his work in jazz and improvised music, Roberts has played and toured with many artists in the singer-songwriter world, including Grammy award winners Rosanne Cash and John Leventhal, Shawn Colvin, Stax records legend William Bell, and folk icon Dar Williams.

johnny griffith quartet
April 4, 11, 18 & 25 @ 5:30 PM

Johnny Griffith & Alex Dean - Saxophone

Michael Herring - Bass

Nick Fraser - Drums

No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge

Portland’s Bryn Roberts 4tet
April 16, 17, 18, 19 @ 8:30 PM

Bryn Roberts - Piano
Dan Fortin - Bass
Fabio Ragnelli - Drums

featuring special guests:

Allison Au - Alto Saxophone (Apr 17)

Kelly Jefferson: Tenor Saxophone (Apr 18)

Michael Davidson: Vibraphone (Apr 19)

Bryn Roberts is pianist, keyboardist and composer who is in demand in a broad range of musical contexts.

Roberts makes his home in Portland, Oregon, while continuing to spend much of his time in New York City, where he lived for 15 years. He plays, tours and records widely both as a leader and sideman, and is a frequent performer at clubs like Smalls, Mezzrow, the Jazz Gallery, the Kitano and Dizzy's.

An acclaimed composer and bandleader, Roberts has five albums out featuring his own music: his debut “Present Tense”, “Ludlow” (featuring Seamus Blake, Drew Gress and Mark Ferber), “Fables” (featuring Seamus Blake, Orlando le Fleming and Johnathan Blake) and two duo albums with guitarist Lage Lund, “Nightsong” and “Hide the Moon and the Stars”.

Roberts has toured with his own groups, including festival, radio and club appearances across the USA, Canada, the UK, Spain and Japan with some of New York’s finest musicians: Matt Penman, Jochen Rueckert, Rodney Green, Joe Martin, Jaleel Shaw, Johnathan Blake, Mark Ferber, Will Vinson and Seamus Blake.

Roberts is an original member of the Nonet led by Grammy nominee Alan Ferber, and has recorded with the group for a series of critically-acclaimed releases: “Scenes from an Exit Row”, “The Compass”, “Chamber Songs” and “Roots and Transitions”. He also plays in saxophonist Jon Gordon’s quartet (whose 2019 release, “Answer” was recorded at the historic Rudy Van Gelder Studio) and with groups led by bassist Chuck Israels.

In addition to his work in jazz and improvised music, Roberts has played and toured with many artists in the singer-songwriter world, including Grammy award winners Rosanne Cash and John Leventhal, Shawn Colvin, Stax records legend William Bell, and folk icon Dar Williams.

ROBIN JESSOME & BLUNT OBJECTS
APRIL 19 @ 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.

Portland’s Bryn Roberts 4tet
April 16, 17, 18, 19 @ 8:30 PM

Bryn Roberts - Piano
Dan Fortin - Bass
Fabio Ragnelli - Drums

featuring special guests:

Allison Au - Alto Saxophone (Apr 17)

Kelly Jefferson: Tenor Saxophone (Apr 18)

Michael Davidson: Vibraphone (Apr 19)

Bryn Roberts is pianist, keyboardist and composer who is in demand in a broad range of musical contexts.

Roberts makes his home in Portland, Oregon, while continuing to spend much of his time in New York City, where he lived for 15 years. He plays, tours and records widely both as a leader and sideman, and is a frequent performer at clubs like Smalls, Mezzrow, the Jazz Gallery, the Kitano and Dizzy's.

An acclaimed composer and bandleader, Roberts has five albums out featuring his own music: his debut “Present Tense”, “Ludlow” (featuring Seamus Blake, Drew Gress and Mark Ferber), “Fables” (featuring Seamus Blake, Orlando le Fleming and Johnathan Blake) and two duo albums with guitarist Lage Lund, “Nightsong” and “Hide the Moon and the Stars”.

Roberts has toured with his own groups, including festival, radio and club appearances across the USA, Canada, the UK, Spain and Japan with some of New York’s finest musicians: Matt Penman, Jochen Rueckert, Rodney Green, Joe Martin, Jaleel Shaw, Johnathan Blake, Mark Ferber, Will Vinson and Seamus Blake.

Roberts is an original member of the Nonet led by Grammy nominee Alan Ferber, and has recorded with the group for a series of critically-acclaimed releases: “Scenes from an Exit Row”, “The Compass”, “Chamber Songs” and “Roots and Transitions”. He also plays in saxophonist Jon Gordon’s quartet (whose 2019 release, “Answer” was recorded at the historic Rudy Van Gelder Studio) and with groups led by bassist Chuck Israels.

In addition to his work in jazz and improvised music, Roberts has played and toured with many artists in the singer-songwriter world, including Grammy award winners Rosanne Cash and John Leventhal, Shawn Colvin, Stax records legend William Bell, and folk icon Dar Williams.

Jay Blues Trio

April 20 @ 2 PM

Jwoel “Jay” Benn - Guitar / Vocals

Ben Graffam - Drums

Kyle Colesanti - Bass

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

Jazz In Toronto’s “Songbird Series”welcomes The Jay Blues Trio for their 3rd appearance at Toronto’s legendary Jazz & Blues Venue, The Rex Hotel!

The Jay Blues Trio are a Canadian Psychedelic Blues & Funk band from Toronto composed of Jwoel “Jay” Benn (guitar/vocals), Ben Graffam (drums) & Kyle Colesanti (Bass). The band formed in 2023 from a collective of Blues, Rnb, Jazz and Funk lovers who met busking and preforming within the local scene. Channeling the styles of Buddy Guy, Albert Collins, Albert King, BB King, Muddy Waters, The Spinners, Sly & The Family Stone and Jimi Hendrix. Their unique brand of entertainment fuses Chicago Blues, 70’s Funk, and Whirling solos with Slow Sultry Acid-Blues and a tight rhythm section that will make you want to groove.

France’s Philippe Lemm Trio
April 20 & 21 @ 8:30 PM

Philippe Lemm - Drums
Sharik Hasan - Piano
Jeff Koch - Bass

"Winner of the International B-Jazz Competition and Winner of Best Solist Prize. The Philippe Lemm Trio is continually proving to be one of the most exciting and electrifying jazz trio's around today. Led at the helm by drummer Philippe Lemm, the group met in New York in 2011, and after one session together, realized that their undeniable chemistry was one that needed to be taken and shared with the world.

Comprised of three musicians with exceptional command of their instruments, the group's repertoire draws heavily from re-imaginations of jazz standards in a way that both defies genre and corresponds to any modern jazz fan.
The group uses their trust and understanding of one another's musical tendencies to create passionate musical soundscapes, which range from traditional jazz to the progressive rock/classical-influenced music.
Hearing the trio is a special and unforgettable experience, and you will be captivated after listening to one piece."

Their TV appearance on the TV-show Vrije Geluiden led to sold out concerts throughout The Netherlands, Belgium and Germany on the first half of their European CD release tour.

The trio has performed on stages like: North Sea Jazz Festival, Blue Note Note NYC, Kennedy Center, Ronnie Scotts, Pori Jazz Festival and Concertgebouw

France’s Philippe Lemm Trio
April 20 & 21 @ 8:30 PM

Philippe Lemm - Drums
Sharik Hasan - Piano
Jeff Koch - Bass

"Winner of the International B-Jazz Competition and Winner of Best Solist Prize. The Philippe Lemm Trio is continually proving to be one of the most exciting and electrifying jazz trio's around today. Led at the helm by drummer Philippe Lemm, the group met in New York in 2011, and after one session together, realized that their undeniable chemistry was one that needed to be taken and shared with the world.

Comprised of three musicians with exceptional command of their instruments, the group's repertoire draws heavily from re-imaginations of jazz standards in a way that both defies genre and corresponds to any modern jazz fan.
The group uses their trust and understanding of one another's musical tendencies to create passionate musical soundscapes, which range from traditional jazz to the progressive rock/classical-influenced music.
Hearing the trio is a special and unforgettable experience, and you will be captivated after listening to one piece."

Their TV appearance on the TV-show Vrije Geluiden led to sold out concerts throughout The Netherlands, Belgium and Germany on the first half of their European CD release tour.

The trio has performed on stages like: North Sea Jazz Festival, Blue Note Note NYC, Kennedy Center, Ronnie Scotts, Pori Jazz Festival and Concertgebouw

New York’s Peter Bernstein Quartet
Feating Lorne Lofsky
April 23, 24, 25, 26 @ 8:30 Pm

Peter Bernstein - Guitar
Lorne Lofsky - Guitar
Neil Swainson - Bass
Barry Romberg - Drums

Peter Bernstein was born in New York City in 1967. He has been playing and recording since 1990 when he first appeared on recordings with Lou Donaldson and the organ trio of Larry Goldings and Bill Stewart, a group still touring and recording today. Peter played in Lou Donaldson's group for 10 years as well as performing and recording with Joshua Redman's group 1995-97. Other associations and collaborations include Jimmy Cobb, Dr. Lonnie Smith, David Fathead Newman, Brad Mehldau, Etta Jones, Melvin Rhyne, Diana Krall, Bobby Hutcherson, Lee Konitz, Nicholas Payton, George Coleman, and Sonny Rollins. Peter has played on festival, concert, and club stages all over the world since the early 90's. He has appeared on over 300 recordings with these musicians and many of his contemporaries as well as 14 records under his own name. These recordings have featured many of his own compositions and musicians such as Brad Mehldau, Christian McBride, Greg Hutchinson, Jimmy Cobb, Bill Stewart, Larry Grenadier, Gerald Clayton, Sullivan Fortner, Peter Washington, Doug Weiss, and Joe Farnsworth among others. His latest recording on the Smoke Sessions label is "Better Angels", and features Brad Mehldau, Vicente Archer, and Al Foster.

chris platt Trio
April 3, 10, 17 & 24 @ 5:30 PM

Chris Platt - Guitar

Pat Collins - Bass

Ian Wright- Drums

No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge

Chris Platt is an accomplished Toronto-based guitarist and composer. He regularly performs at well-known venues around the city as a leader and sideman, and has played with legendary musicians such as Dave Liebman, Norma Winstone, Jerry Bergonzi, Mike Murley, Dave Young, and Reg Schwager. Chris holds a Bachelor's Degree in Jazz Performance from the University of Toronto and a diploma from Mohawk College. Currently, he teaches jazz guitar at McMaster University.

He is a featured soloist and accompanist on the album Sweet Ruby Suite (feat. Norma Winstone and Dave Liebman) as part of the University of Toronto Jazz Orchestra, as well as on Angela Turone’s debut EP Drift to You, and Marie Goudy 12tet’s The Bitter Suite.

Chris’ original music and style of playing is rooted in the jazz idiom, but also features striking characteristics from the Brazilian and Blues genres. This can be heard on his debut instrumental trio album, Sky Glow, which received a nomination for the Julian Award of Excellence in 2019. In 2020, he co-released the album, Sounds of Brazil, alongside vocalist and pianist Angela Turone, which has received reviews and radio play around the world.

Chris is a proud sponsor of MJS Custom Pickups. Having met MJS founder Mike “Smitty” Smyth when he was just beginning to play guitar, Smitty convinced Chris that the pickups he was playing could be swapped out for something better. Once Chris heard the difference a hand wound pickup could make, he was hooked. Not only does he now use MJS pickups in all of his guitars, but he is also the happy owner of three custom built MJS guitars as well: the “Dove,” the “Crossroads,” and the “Beacon.” You can see and hear these one of a kind instruments all over the music Chris has recorded.

New York’s Peter Bernstein Quartet
Feating Lorne Lofsky
April 23, 24, 25, 26 @ 8:30 Pm

Peter Bernstein - Guitar
Lorne Lofsky - Guitar
Neil Swainson - Bass
Barry Romberg - Drums

Peter Bernstein was born in New York City in 1967. He has been playing and recording since 1990 when he first appeared on recordings with Lou Donaldson and the organ trio of Larry Goldings and Bill Stewart, a group still touring and recording today. Peter played in Lou Donaldson's group for 10 years as well as performing and recording with Joshua Redman's group 1995-97. Other associations and collaborations include Jimmy Cobb, Dr. Lonnie Smith, David Fathead Newman, Brad Mehldau, Etta Jones, Melvin Rhyne, Diana Krall, Bobby Hutcherson, Lee Konitz, Nicholas Payton, George Coleman, and Sonny Rollins. Peter has played on festival, concert, and club stages all over the world since the early 90's. He has appeared on over 300 recordings with these musicians and many of his contemporaries as well as 14 records under his own name. These recordings have featured many of his own compositions and musicians such as Brad Mehldau, Christian McBride, Greg Hutchinson, Jimmy Cobb, Bill Stewart, Larry Grenadier, Gerald Clayton, Sullivan Fortner, Peter Washington, Doug Weiss, and Joe Farnsworth among others. His latest recording on the Smoke Sessions label is "Better Angels", and features Brad Mehldau, Vicente Archer, and Al Foster.

johnny griffith quartet
April 4, 11, 18 & 25 @ 5:30 PM

Johnny Griffith & Alex Dean - Saxophone

Michael Herring - Bass

Nick Fraser - Drums

No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge

New York’s Peter Bernstein Quartet
Feating Lorne Lofsky
April 23, 24, 25, 26 @ 8:30 Pm

Peter Bernstein - Guitar
Lorne Lofsky - Guitar
Neil Swainson - Bass
Barry Romberg - Drums

Peter Bernstein was born in New York City in 1967. He has been playing and recording since 1990 when he first appeared on recordings with Lou Donaldson and the organ trio of Larry Goldings and Bill Stewart, a group still touring and recording today. Peter played in Lou Donaldson's group for 10 years as well as performing and recording with Joshua Redman's group 1995-97. Other associations and collaborations include Jimmy Cobb, Dr. Lonnie Smith, David Fathead Newman, Brad Mehldau, Etta Jones, Melvin Rhyne, Diana Krall, Bobby Hutcherson, Lee Konitz, Nicholas Payton, George Coleman, and Sonny Rollins. Peter has played on festival, concert, and club stages all over the world since the early 90's. He has appeared on over 300 recordings with these musicians and many of his contemporaries as well as 14 records under his own name. These recordings have featured many of his own compositions and musicians such as Brad Mehldau, Christian McBride, Greg Hutchinson, Jimmy Cobb, Bill Stewart, Larry Grenadier, Gerald Clayton, Sullivan Fortner, Peter Washington, Doug Weiss, and Joe Farnsworth among others. His latest recording on the Smoke Sessions label is "Better Angels", and features Brad Mehldau, Vicente Archer, and Al Foster.

New York’s Peter Bernstein Quartet
Feating Lorne Lofsky
April 23, 24, 25, 26 @ 8:30 Pm

Peter Bernstein - Guitar
Lorne Lofsky - Guitar
Neil Swainson - Bass
Barry Romberg - Drums

Peter Bernstein was born in New York City in 1967. He has been playing and recording since 1990 when he first appeared on recordings with Lou Donaldson and the organ trio of Larry Goldings and Bill Stewart, a group still touring and recording today. Peter played in Lou Donaldson's group for 10 years as well as performing and recording with Joshua Redman's group 1995-97. Other associations and collaborations include Jimmy Cobb, Dr. Lonnie Smith, David Fathead Newman, Brad Mehldau, Etta Jones, Melvin Rhyne, Diana Krall, Bobby Hutcherson, Lee Konitz, Nicholas Payton, George Coleman, and Sonny Rollins. Peter has played on festival, concert, and club stages all over the world since the early 90's. He has appeared on over 300 recordings with these musicians and many of his contemporaries as well as 14 records under his own name. These recordings have featured many of his own compositions and musicians such as Brad Mehldau, Christian McBride, Greg Hutchinson, Jimmy Cobb, Bill Stewart, Larry Grenadier, Gerald Clayton, Sullivan Fortner, Peter Washington, Doug Weiss, and Joe Farnsworth among others. His latest recording on the Smoke Sessions label is "Better Angels", and features Brad Mehldau, Vicente Archer, and Al Foster.

Thyron Lee Whyte
April 27 @ 2 PM

Thyron Lee Whyte - Vocals
Stu Harrison - Piano
Mike Downes - Bass

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

Thyron Lee Whyte, a Toronto-based singer-songwriter, is celebrated for his emotionally rich and highly textured vocal style. His musical journey effortlessly spans across Jazz Standards, R and B, and Pop genres.

Thyron has had the privilege of performing alongside some of Canada’s most esteemed musicians. With just a single note, he has the power to transport listeners to new and marvelous places. This trio performance will showcase the remarkable skills of Stu Harrison on piano and Mike Downes on bass.

John Macleod’s Rex Hotel Orchestra
april 28 @ 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".

Dave Young Quintet
april 30, May 1, 2, 3 @ 8:30 pm

Johnny Johnson- Sax

Kevin Turcotte- Trumpet

Reg Schwager - Guitar

Dave Young - Bass

Davide DiRenzo - Drums 

Toronto-based and Winnipeg-born multiple award-winning bassist and composer Dave Young, is, without a doubt, one of Canada’s most valuable and beloved musical exports. Whether he’s performing as part of a classical symphony, or as an integral member of an iconic jazz trio (with the likes of the late Oscar Peterson), or leading any of his dynamic ensembles, Dave remains a total musician, with artistic soul in abundance. He first began studying the guitar and violin at age ten, but a turn of events at his first gig (a University dance band) compelled him to pick up the bass. Equally comfortable in the worlds of orchestral classical music and jazz, Dave is a multiple threat. As a classical musician, he has been a member of The Edmonton Symphony, The Winnipeg Symphony and The Hamilton Philharmonic. As a jazz artist, he is a chameleon-like bassist, who often shines brightest in collaborative efforts with other musicians. Because of his technical skill, few bassists (jazz or otherwise) are able to dig in, swing hard and still render a lyrical arco solo as Dave can.

"Dr. Dave Young is a master musician, an Order of Canada recipient and throughout his stellar career, has been featured on countless recordings. Originally from Winnipeg, he played with Oscar Peterson for about 35 years - and there is a reason that OP loved playing with him so much. Oscar once said, “To my way of thinking, Dave Young is one of the most talented bassists on the jazz scene. His harmonic simpatico and unerring sense of time, have kept him in the foreground of the jazz picture."

-Renee Rosnes, Artistic Director

(Oscar Peterson International
Jazz Festival)

Dave Young Quintet
april 30, May 1, 2, 3 @ 8:30 pm

Johnny Johnson- Sax

Kevin Turcotte- Trumpet

Reg Schwager - Guitar

Dave Young - Bass

Davide DiRenzo - Drums 

Toronto-based and Winnipeg-born multiple award-winning bassist and composer Dave Young, is, without a doubt, one of Canada’s most valuable and beloved musical exports. Whether he’s performing as part of a classical symphony, or as an integral member of an iconic jazz trio (with the likes of the late Oscar Peterson), or leading any of his dynamic ensembles, Dave remains a total musician, with artistic soul in abundance. He first began studying the guitar and violin at age ten, but a turn of events at his first gig (a University dance band) compelled him to pick up the bass. Equally comfortable in the worlds of orchestral classical music and jazz, Dave is a multiple threat. As a classical musician, he has been a member of The Edmonton Symphony, The Winnipeg Symphony and The Hamilton Philharmonic. As a jazz artist, he is a chameleon-like bassist, who often shines brightest in collaborative efforts with other musicians. Because of his technical skill, few bassists (jazz or otherwise) are able to dig in, swing hard and still render a lyrical arco solo as Dave can.

"Dr. Dave Young is a master musician, an Order of Canada recipient and throughout his stellar career, has been featured on countless recordings. Originally from Winnipeg, he played with Oscar Peterson for about 35 years - and there is a reason that OP loved playing with him so much. Oscar once said, “To my way of thinking, Dave Young is one of the most talented bassists on the jazz scene. His harmonic simpatico and unerring sense of time, have kept him in the foreground of the jazz picture."

-Renee Rosnes, Artistic Director

(Oscar Peterson International
Jazz Festival)

Dave Young Quintet
april 30, May 1, 2, 3 @ 8:30 pm

Johnny Johnson- Sax

Kevin Turcotte- Trumpet

Reg Schwager - Guitar

Dave Young - Bass

Davide DiRenzo - Drums 

Toronto-based and Winnipeg-born multiple award-winning bassist and composer Dave Young, is, without a doubt, one of Canada’s most valuable and beloved musical exports. Whether he’s performing as part of a classical symphony, or as an integral member of an iconic jazz trio (with the likes of the late Oscar Peterson), or leading any of his dynamic ensembles, Dave remains a total musician, with artistic soul in abundance. He first began studying the guitar and violin at age ten, but a turn of events at his first gig (a University dance band) compelled him to pick up the bass. Equally comfortable in the worlds of orchestral classical music and jazz, Dave is a multiple threat. As a classical musician, he has been a member of The Edmonton Symphony, The Winnipeg Symphony and The Hamilton Philharmonic. As a jazz artist, he is a chameleon-like bassist, who often shines brightest in collaborative efforts with other musicians. Because of his technical skill, few bassists (jazz or otherwise) are able to dig in, swing hard and still render a lyrical arco solo as Dave can.

"Dr. Dave Young is a master musician, an Order of Canada recipient and throughout his stellar career, has been featured on countless recordings. Originally from Winnipeg, he played with Oscar Peterson for about 35 years - and there is a reason that OP loved playing with him so much. Oscar once said, “To my way of thinking, Dave Young is one of the most talented bassists on the jazz scene. His harmonic simpatico and unerring sense of time, have kept him in the foreground of the jazz picture."

-Renee Rosnes, Artistic Director

(Oscar Peterson International
Jazz Festival)

Dave Young Quintet
april 30, May 1, 2, 3 @ 8:30 pm

Johnny Johnson- Sax

Kevin Turcotte- Trumpet

Reg Schwager - Guitar

Dave Young - Bass

Davide DiRenzo - Drums 

Toronto-based and Winnipeg-born multiple award-winning bassist and composer Dave Young, is, without a doubt, one of Canada’s most valuable and beloved musical exports. Whether he’s performing as part of a classical symphony, or as an integral member of an iconic jazz trio (with the likes of the late Oscar Peterson), or leading any of his dynamic ensembles, Dave remains a total musician, with artistic soul in abundance. He first began studying the guitar and violin at age ten, but a turn of events at his first gig (a University dance band) compelled him to pick up the bass. Equally comfortable in the worlds of orchestral classical music and jazz, Dave is a multiple threat. As a classical musician, he has been a member of The Edmonton Symphony, The Winnipeg Symphony and The Hamilton Philharmonic. As a jazz artist, he is a chameleon-like bassist, who often shines brightest in collaborative efforts with other musicians. Because of his technical skill, few bassists (jazz or otherwise) are able to dig in, swing hard and still render a lyrical arco solo as Dave can.

"Dr. Dave Young is a master musician, an Order of Canada recipient and throughout his stellar career, has been featured on countless recordings. Originally from Winnipeg, he played with Oscar Peterson for about 35 years - and there is a reason that OP loved playing with him so much. Oscar once said, “To my way of thinking, Dave Young is one of the most talented bassists on the jazz scene. His harmonic simpatico and unerring sense of time, have kept him in the foreground of the jazz picture."

-Renee Rosnes, Artistic Director

(Oscar Peterson International
Jazz Festival)