Michel Petrucciani cajoled the piano with emotion
Osteogenesis imperfecta is the official name for the physically-disabling condition that was visually apparent. Petrucciani’s artistic presence was, and is, awash with...
Duke Pearson’s sound is a love affair with colour
He was one of the foundation sounds and artist fabric of the great Blue Note Records label in its heyday years of...
Jeremy Ledbetter can play the world with his music
He is Toronto-born and can play the world if he wants to. His playing makes the perfect weave of African-inspired cultures expressed...
Mike Downes plays with the spirit of pride
The instrument with which he shares all kinds of color and musical stories has many names, bass, acoustic bass, double bass, and...
Mark Kieswetter left us with the colour of good things
Ah, the Hoosier state. Indiana. Many good things have come from that storied place. Car racing, basketball, and Mark Kieswetter. There is...
Liberty Silver’s artistry is fearless
There are all kinds of good reasons to know about, and to know why you should know about Liberty Silver. Some of...
Stacey Kent sings with a grace of intimacy
Crossover Media, an online music magazine, starts off a piece on vocalist Stacey Kent this way: “Stacey Kent, for whom jazz and...
Anita O’Day’s spirit made the whole world swing
Her spirit could make the whole world swing. She knocked out every song with a rhythmic sensibility that turned cool over and...
Sir George Shearing’s artistry brought colour to sound
When I was young, I liked to hear how older people talked about the music they were into and what they liked...
Andy Bey’s soul spoke by singing out loud
If you are lucky enough to have or have had sisters, you know there is a special way of living, seeing, and...
Wes Montgomery teased the ear with a rhythmic drive
Montgomery’s guitar grooved. That voice he spoke with, and connected with, with his guitar, was everything that immediately defines cool. He took...
Sonny Greenwich’s artistry is musical seduction
When I hear him playing his guitar, the sensation I get is of sound that glows. It is kind of as if...
Robi Botos’ artistry is audacious and precious
For so many, coming to Canada to make the country your home is as cherished as the love of family. To live,...
Ron Westray’s artistry is a sonic landscape
Jazz At Lincoln Center alumnus Ron Westray is steeped in the performance practice of the deeply rooted traditions of jazz. His is...
Amy McConnell romances the cherished sweetness of friendship through music
Amy and a song visit each other like long-lost best friends. Instantly together again they know each other’s rhythms, ways, habits, and...
Eddie Bullen takes listeners on playful adventures
Eddie is one of this country’s most prolific producers. That status is thanks to his engaging and encouraging, electric personality. He is...
D.D. Jackson makes inspirational magic
He spans borders and reaps the best of the cultures of two nations inspired by the spirits of creativity in their people...
Rosemary Clooney is charmingly magnetic
These words are from the A&E biography of the singer and actress: “…distinctively unpretentious, deep, rich, and smooth voice…” The voice is...
Bobby Darin is sweetly memorable and forever iconic
Fate dictated how long we were allowed to be charmed by Bobby Darin. His health challenges nagged him from birth and through...
Van Morrison is a truth-telling vessel
Morrison’s early music influences included the jazz and blues tunes he heard in the collection of his father’s records. Those music genres...
Band of Other Brothers is a family created from many and gelled into one
This quote about this band comes from one of the Other Brothers in the band, Jeff Coffin: “Making music with these guys...
Black History Month Encore: Molly Johnson is brazenly genuine
I do not think that I know or have heard anyone more brazenly genuine as an artist and person than Molly. She...
Black History Month Encore: Dinah Washington made jazz sound regal
She is jazz’s swinging auntie. Cool beyond the word. She can tease, soothe, grace, and settle. The song in her voice is...