New Insights at a Familiar Corner: Derek Harrison, “Blossington”
Although he’s now based in Fort Frances, Ontario (nearly 1700 km from Toronto), Derek Harrison’s latest project takes its inspiration – and its title…
interview
Discovering Tango in Toronto: Payadora Tango Ensemble, “Volando”
One of the most delightful aspects of writing this blog is continually discovering new facets of the breadth and depth of the Canadian music…
Exploring New Territory: An Interview With Laila Biali
It’s a telling point that Laila Biali has chosen this, her seventh album, as the one to carry her name as the title. This…
Interview: Good Lovelies, “Shapeshifters”
With their new album, “Shapeshifters,” the Good Lovelies have stepped into a new era of their musicmaking. “We are the heavy lifters, we are…
Interview: Harley Card, “The Greatest Invention”
The more I listen to jazz, the more deeply appreciative I become both of jazz musicians’ monster skills and of their ability to fuse…
Interview: Ché Aimee Dorval, “Between the Walls & the Window”
Since Vancouver-based Ché Aimee Dorval’s latest release, “Between the Walls & the Window,” landed in my player, it has remained there. It’s a collection…
Interview: Emily Burgess, “Are We in Love”
With her new album, “Are We in Love?,” Toronto-based blues guitarist Emily Burgess has stormed onto the scene with a vengeance. This absolutely phenomenal…
Interview: Justin Gray & Synthesis, “New Horizons”
One of the advantages of having eclectic musical tastes is that it keeps me open to new artists and projects that I might not…
Interview: Steve Sainas, “Simple as This”
After nearly twenty years with the Vancouver band Mud Dog, blues guitarist and educator Steve Sainas has stepped out into a solo career with…
Interview: Dave Liebman/Mike Murley Quartet, “Live at U of T”
The pairing of saxophonists Dave Liebman and Mike Murley could reasonably be considered a supergroup – both are masters of their instruments, and their…