What changed when Barbra Lica and Sammy Jackson became mothers
Juno-nominated singer-songwriter Barbra Lica just released her latest album Imposter Syndrome. Released in October, it features original music arranged for her new chamber...
The War and Treaty are winning hearts with latest album Lover’s Game
The War and Treaty’s name alone conjures images of struggle, conflict, sacrifice, and the eventual birth of a lasting peace. They’re a...
The life’s work of Taj Mahal: ‘To make sure the old music gets moved into the new era’
Taj Mahal doesn’t wait for permission. If a sound intrigues him, he sets out to make it. If rules get in the...
What drives Arturo Sandoval: ‘I owe everything to music’
Arturo Sandoval is a trumpeter, pianist, vocalist, percussionist and composer — and an overall unbelievably talented person. Born into poverty in Cuba,...
How GoGo Penguin found their light in the darkness
Over the course of just over a decade, GoGo Penguin have become known and acclaimed for their refined, innovative take on jazz, modern...
How Christian Overton defines the ‘Toronto sound’ of today’s jazz
Trombonist and composer Christian Overton has put together an all-star lineup of Toronto-based jazz musicians to write music about their city for...
For Jesse Cook, every day is a gift: ‘Enjoy that audience’
Canadian guitarist Jesse Cook’s career has spanned more than 25 years. Since the beginning of his musical journey with his self-produced album Tempest, he...
Donna Grantis is ready for anything
Canadian-born musician Donna Grantis is best known as a guitar-slinging member of Prince’s bands 3rdeyegirl and New Power Generation. Well-versed in funk, soul,...
Galactic’s Robert Mercurio on the band’s enduring, collaborative spirit
History doesn’t stand still. It impacts, influences and inspires the ebb and flow of the future by informing the present. Galactic draws...
With her music, Cécile McLorin Salvant seeks to reveal our deepest secrets: ‘It’s a bond’
Cécile McLorin Salvant’s new album Mélusine finds her singing in four different languages while exploring many unique musical styles. The three-time Grammy winner...
For Robi Botos, ‘nothing beats music’
Robi Botos has been hailed as one of the most diverse multi-instrumentalists of this generation. From the hard-bop style of Bill Evans...
With a new muse, Emilie-Claire Barlow takes flight
Two-time Juno winner Emilie-Claire Barlow is about to release Spark Bird, her first full album in five years. The vocalist’s 13th studio album...
With her new album, harpist Brandee Younger looks to embody the spirit of Dorothy Ashby
Brandee Younger is the Grammy-nominated harpist, composer and educator who’s about to release her new album Brand New Life on Impulse! Records....
Jodi Proznick invites you to join The Ostara Project’s revolutionary jazz sisterhood
Jodi Proznick is a Juno-nominated bassist, composer, bandleader, educator and mentor. She’s been an entertainer for countless music fans and an inspiration...
Isley Brothers talk new album Make Me Say It Again, Girl, and career highlights
There is only one band in the history of American music that has had a documented influence on both The Beatles and...
Caity Gyorgy on her latest gigs, Juno nomination and other accomplishments
Vocal and composer Caity Gyorgy is a Juno Award winner and a 2023 nominee for her latest recording Featuring. Described as “a 100...
How Somi turned dreams of Miriam Makeba into reality
"I'm grateful for how art can disarm hearts to have the conversations that are necessary to hopefully impact change and create a better world around us."...
Kevin Ray Clark and the bustle on Bourbon Street
Trumpet man Kevin Ray Clark started his career as a staff musician for the Ringling Bros. & Barnum and Bailey Circus Band,...
Decades later, Gipsy Kings still reign supreme
It has been more than 35 years since the Gipsy Kings captured the world’s attention with their irresistible blend of Catalan rumba,...
Christian McBride and the power of the past
Christian McBride is a creative force of nature. The eight-time Grammy-winning bassist and composer is involved in almost every aspect of what...
Terri Lyne Carrington talks Grammys, mentorship and the pursuit of progress
It seems as if each time we discuss the career, influence and importance of Terri Lyne Carrington, we are adding new accolades...
For Avataar, uniqueness can be a blessing and a curse
Toronto is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world, and that adds a uniqueness that’s reflected in our neighbourhoods,...
What Mike Murley and Hannah Barstow learned from each other
Since Mike Murley came to Toronto in 1981 from his home in Nova Scotia, he’s been part of many, many jazz milestones...