The Toronto region boasts a range of venues for taking in jazz on any given night--and sometimes afternoon--of the week. Here are a few of the notable shows coming up this week.
Nov 21 - John Cheesman Jazz Orchestra
Cheesman is a veteran arranger, composer and drummer who describes the Jazz Orchestra as a "labour of love." The rather formal name of the ensemble shouldn't fool you; this group shakes things up. Check the Rex Hotel website for details.
Nov 24 - Ernesto Cervini Quartet
A relatively new venue in Toronto for jazz is the Cherry Street Restaurant. Curated by drummer/composer Ernesto Cervini, the Thursday Night Jazz Series will feature the finest local and visiting jazz musicians. This Thursday, Cervini himself takes the stage with his quartet that includes Kelly Jefferson on saxophones, Adrean Farrugia on piano and Mark Cashion on bass. For information on the Cherry Street Restaurant visit cherryst.ca. For more information on the Thursday Night Jazz Series, call Cervini at 647-986-3506 or visit www.ErnestoCervini.com.
Nov 25 - Robi Botos Trio at the Rose Theatre in Brampton
At only 32, Botos has already established himself as one of the finest piano players on the Toronto jazz scene through collaborations with such notables as Pat Labarbera, Molly Johnson and the late Oscar Peterson. Although outside of the downtown area, the Rose Theatre is a beautiful venue for taking in a concert. For tickets go to rosetheatre.ca or call 905-874-2800.
Nov 26 - Still Black, Still Proud: An African Tribute to James Brown
Although not what some would classify as jazz, this group, lead by Pee Wee Ellis, includes a host of musicians, including the legendary Maceo Parker on sax, so is worth a mention here.The acoustically gorgeous Koerner Hall in downtown Toronto is the locale for this funk/soul show described as "discovering the points where African and American music strike sparks off each other." Tickets through the Royal Conservatory.
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