Art of Jazz Celebration 2007 – Toronto
By Alain Londes
June 27, 2007

“…The “Celebration,” as it is called, represents a focal point of activity in the spring. Without trying to compete head to head with a large festival concept, organizers have benefited from using a smaller scale environment while not sacrificing talent and community involvement.” Read Article

Mela, as he likes to be known, took to the Pure Spirits Stage and at once became at one with the spirits of the Historic Distillery District. He explained to the audience that he had a new album and he would be playing most of the songs found in that recording. He said, “I would like to tell you what I’m trying to do, I want to combine the Afro-Cuban with jazz and free jazz.” Read Article

“…the second annual Art of Jazz Celebration was a dream come true for any jazz fan, providing many never-to-be-forgotten moments. The combination of legendary artists, historic venue and programming based on artistry and devotion made real the claim to celebrate jazz as a living, breathing art form. A true jazz spirit of adventure permeated every aspect of the celebration –– from the innovative concert concepts including ethnic, vocal and dance elements, to the willingness to ‘see what happens’ when living legends come together on stage. Read Article

“The fifty diverse and dynamic headliners were selected by its joint founders—Lenny Binder, Bonnie Lester, Howard Rees, and the award winning duo of trumpeter Larry Cramer and soprano saxophonist/flutist Jane Bunnett—for their creativity, not commerce; their artistry, instead of ad space; and their sincerity rather than sex appeal. The Festival committee's choices were enthusiastically received, as evidenced by the mostly standing-room-only audiences that attended the fest in Toronto’s thirteen-acre, 175-year-old, SoHo-like Distillery Historic District.” Read Article

“Contrasting aesthetics of Wheeler and Hendricks, coupled with the exemplary artistry of the two, served as prime indicators of the stylistic swathe and quality of the Art of Jazz Festival.“ Read Article

Midway through a brilliantly offhand set by the Lee Konitz Trio Saturday afternoon, it was hard not to wonder if years from now there will be a certain nostalgia for the days when the annual Art of Jazz Celebration was a relatively intimate event. Read Article

“…longer lead time, good weather and partnership with Luminato resulted in sell-out crowds of 450 at the ticketed all-star tributes to trumpeter Kenny Wheeler (Friday) and vocalese master Jon Hendricks (Sunday) and elbow-to elbow-traffic at three free outdoor stages.” Read Article

The composition of the Art of Jazz Orchestra fluctuates but has many consistencies. It is always directed by a great orchestra leader, last year it was John McLeod, this time out the wonderful Carla Bley did a superb job. Terry Clarke, Jane Bunnett and Don Thompson usually play in the orchestra with an 'A-list' of local Canadian performers. The orchestra consistently has great guest artists, this year’s Art of Jazz Orchestra guests included Steve Swallow on electric bass, Howard Johnson on baritone saxophone and George Garzone on tenor saxophone. There was also a tremendous lead trombone player, Gary Valente, from Carla Bley’s big band who took many exciting breaks. The orchestra always has a big grand sound and they always have great arrangements. They always feature excellent soloists and high energy playing by the orchestra as a collective. This performance was no exception. Read Article

“All of the participating musicians joined in the spirit of creating memorable performances, educational workshops and cultivating a new generation of jazz enthusiasts. This is the essence of what the Art of Jazz founders envision for the event and without a doubt they have achieved that goal." Read Article

The Barry Harris Trio is one of the finest performing in the tradition of the great piano trios of the bebop era. The trio included long time band mate Leroy Williams and Toronto resident and master bassist Don Thompson. Barry Harris and Don Thompson each received a Lifetime Achievement award at last year’s Art of Jazz Celebrations.

...The tone he has developed over the years is even mellower now, more sumptuous and refined... Read Article

Throughout this Sunday afternoon, the Barry Harris trio was smooth, poised, and agreeably articulate in their improvisations. Whether backing Howard Johnson's imaginative tuba soloing on "What's New?"; carefully spacing out notes in Monk's "Well, You Needn't"; or letting their emotions come right out in "These Memories Remind Me of You", this Barry Harris trio played sounds that were just right for this Sunday afternoon. Read Article

Besides the consistently driven solos from Kevin Turcotte (trumpet), Andy Ballantyne (alto sax), Gary Valente (trombone), John Johnson (alto sax), Steve Swallow (bass guitar), and Howard Johnson (tuba and baritone saxophone), what struck me was that the eight Bley compositions this afternoon sounded so American. Read Article

“As is his way, Jon Hendricks was forthright about adapting the moniker of his famed '50s trio for a new ensemble, Lambert, Hendrick & Ross Redux, which performs at the Art of Jazz Celebration on June 3.” Read Article