Number 122002 Vancouver International Jazz Festival Diary
Day 7 - Thursday, June 27, 2002
"Good" and "schmooze" aren’t always words that belong together, but at tonight’s soirée at my neighbourhood jazz club, O’Doul’s, they certainly did. Nice to see some old friends, make some new ones, put faces to names of some behind-the-scenes staff, have a drink and some great food. O’Doul’s has long been one of my fave hangouts to hear jazz in for that great combination of some of the city’s best musicians, casual vibes (despite its very elegant atmosphere and décor), yummy food (oh man, those crab cakes) and easygoing staff. They’ve upped the ante with live jazz seven nights a week, so that will help make the end of the festival less painful than it usually is.
The NOW Orchestra began celebrations of its 25th Anniversary with a kicker of a concert at the Van East Cultural Centre later this night, and I was fortunate enough to catch set two. Now, this is the part where I should probably mention that I’m on the Board of Directors of the New Orchestra Workshop Society, therefore might be considered slightly biased regarding this group. But then, how’d I get on the Board? I love the music, so that balances things out, no? Justify justify justify - it’s an art. So, of course, the Orchestra really actually was fabulous, and the energy zinging around the room was a blast to watch and feel, as the ensemble’s sense of humour came out big time to play a strong role in the proceedings. The sax section all rose at one point and wandered about the room, taking up posts in the balcony, down the middle aisle of the audience, and blew a big, wonderful free-for-all (get it? FREE-for-all? Sorry, that’s just my sense of humour attempting to make a semi-rare appearance) that I don’t think the rest of the orchestra even knew was on tap. Also thrilling was the two-people/one-piano duet of Paul Plimley and guest performer Marilyn Crispell that was so heavy that even the members of the group turned in their chairs to watch these two take off on a blustery improvisational journey. As guitarist Ron Samworth noted during the performance, this wasn’t the definitive 25th Anniversary gig, so watch for upcoming NOW gig and touring info to be announced soon.
Heard sound for Metalwood’s Cap College show tonight was not up to snuff, putting a bit of a damper on an expected fantastic performance.
Oops: Realized that in my rush I’d completely forgotten to mention I caught Millennium Project’s Gastown set last Sunday and totally dug it. Hadn’t heard this group in quite some time, and, of course, I’ll go hear anything that gorgeous-toned tenor saxist Jon Bentley’s playing in. Once again, it is just thrilling to hear cool effects tripping with grooves (some more laidback, some more forceful) played by real live actual musicians. I guess I can understand people going out to dance to some repetitive recorded beats and such (ok, so maybe I’m slightly lying), but man, to hear this stuff played by talented and trained jazz musicians! It just takes it up a whole bunch of notches, and then throw in that these guys are all obviously so into it and laying down some great solos… that’s what it’s all about. Looking forward to the permanent return of Bentley (who’s been studying in London) to hear more of this group. And maybe the long-awaited return of Diversions? One must have hope.
And now, here’s the second installment of…
‘What the Best Thing You’ve Seen So Far?’
with Bernie Arai Drummer
Chris Gestrin - Stillpoint - Monday, June 24, 2002 - Performance Works
“It brought together all of the elements of music that I like; it molded the elements together so well. It’s hard not to be biased because they’re all my friends.”
Check out these remaining Bernie Arai Jazz Fest gigs (and go see him
the rest of the year he’s out there!):
Bentley/Arai: Ugetsu Project - Monday, July 1 - Performance Works
(FREE!)
Mike Zilber Quartet - Sunday, June 30 - Van East Cultural Centre,
8pm; Monday, July 1 Performance Works (FREE), 2pm
That’s all.
Diary Day 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7| 8 | 9 | 10 | 11
Got your own opinion on what went down? Visit the Jazz Forum.
Diary Day 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11
Writer/Photographer Josephine Ochej is a regular contributor to The Jazz Review, the Westender and Coda Magazine.