NEWSLETTER OF THE

®

Volume 20, Issue 1 - January - February, 2002

EJS11 TOMMY BANKS WAY(Corner of 102 St & 86 Ave)EDMONTON AB T6E 2M2

BUD SHANK

LARRY GARNER

PETE CHRISTLIEB

At the SUITE• YARDBIRD SUITE BLUES: LARRY GARNER• PETE CHRISTLIEB• BEN SURES’ SWING MANOUCHE • AARON KEYES SEXTEXT PLAYS MUSIC OF

LOUIS ARMSTRONG• BUD SHANK AND JOE LABARBERA• KENT SANGSTER• SOUL REUNION featuring DOUG RILEY

AND PJ PERRY

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Bringing the best in live jazz to Edmonton since 1973

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Agreement# 1516698

ZALE MARTELLAugust 27, 1929 - November 30, 2001

“Never had a bad day in my life”

ZALE MARTELL

Yardbird Suite11 Tommy Banks Way (corner of 102 Street & 86 Avenue)Edmonton, Alberta T6E 2M2Phone: (780) 432-0428 Fax: (780) 433-3773

Production Manager: Jasiek PoznanskiHouse Managers co-ordinator: Calvin WongProgramming: Adrian Albert, Craig Magill, FrankPeterson, Jasiek Poznanski, Bruce StovelOffice: Fred Elgert, Calvin WongTransportation: Dwayne Hrynkiw, Thom Golub Press Releases: Paul WildeJam Sessions: Calvin Wong

Yardbird Suite Newsletter is published five timesper year by the Edmonton Jazz Society (1973)

Newsletter Editor: Jasiek PoznanskiContributing Writers: Adrian Albert, Craig Magill, Frank Peterson, Bruce StovelAdvertising: Shelley ChebryGraphic Design: Kim Deley, Critical PathMarketing CommunicationsDistribution: Monique Bielech, Shelley Chebry, Bill HarperPrinted by: Nisku Printers (1980) Ltd.

Yardbird Suite on the Net:www.yardbirdsuite.com. Website maintained by Jasiek Poznanski

Edmonton Jazz Society (1973)11 Tommy Banks Way (corner of 102 Street & 86 Avenue)Edmonton, Alberta T6E 2M2Phone: (780) 432-0428 Fax: (780) 433-3773

Board of Directors for 2000-2001:President: Tara Benoit Vice-President: Adrian Albert Treasurer: Norma Davis Secretary: Calvin WongMonique Bielech, Shelley Chebry, Eric Filpula, Dwayne Hrynkiw, Frank Peterson, Jasiek Poznanski, Kent Sangster, David TrumpMemberships: Ken KnightLittlebirds Directors:Craig Brenan, Mike Yuzwenko

Yardbird Suite Jazz is a registeredtrademark of the Edmonton JazzSociety (1973).

Larry Garner made a hugeimpression on Edmonton blues fanswhen he performed to two sold-outhouses at the Yardbird Suite inDecember 2000, and he's comingback again this winter.

One of the most popular bluesartists on the touring circuit today, asshown by his nomination as BestContemporary Blues Artist – Male inthe 2001 W. C. Handy Awards, he isespecially known as a creativesongwriter who almost neverperforms songs that he hasn'twritten. Larry has long been a specialfavourite of audiences in Europe; hewill come to the Yardbird Suite freshfrom recording the first live album ofhis career during a five-week tour ofGermany, France, England, and Den-mark at the end of 2001.

Larry has the relaxed, infectiouscharm that characterizes Louisianaswamp-blues. He learned his craft

from swamp-blues greats likeLonesome Sundown, Henry Gray, SilasHogan, and Tabby Thomas himself,while playing in Baton Rouge'sfamous "Tabby Thomas's Blues Box.”

All eleven songs on Larry's mostrecent CD, Once upon the Blues, areoriginals. From the doomy openingnumber "Where Blues Turn Black", tothe bouncy shuffle "Slower TrafficKeep Right" that follows it, and to theclosing number "Nothing But Life"(Larry's answer to the question, whatis blues?). Larry, in fact, is a kind oflay preacher of the blues. He becameserious about the blues after beingtaught some mean guitar licks by twoBaton Rouge guitar-playingpreachers, Reverend Utah Smith andReverend Charlie Jackson, and hisfirst paying gig as a guitarist camewhen he was hired, at age 16, to bethe guitarist in a gospel quartet.However, Larry, who was born in New

Orleans in 1952 and raised in BatonRouge, married while in his late teensand raised a family. But while workingfor seventeen years at the DowChemical plant in Baton Rouge, hekept performing with his own bluesband at clubs and barbecues onweekends. And he kept writing songs."All of the songs on my first two CDswere written at night on my computerwhile I was working days at DowChemical,” he recalls.

Larry decided to take up music asa living in 1986 (a decision hedescribes in his song "Blues Pay MyWay"), and since then he has made sixCDs. The first two were on the BritishJSP label, with the second one titledToo Blues. As Larry explains this, thetitle for his second CD came about likethis: after his first CD got glowingreviews, he sent a tape of his secondCD to American blues labels, and gota letter of rejection from AlligatorRecords, the leading U.S. blues label,which said, "We're sorry to say this,but your work is too blues for us."

JANUARY.FEBRUARY Page 3

Graham Guest - piano and organJim Guiboche - guitarCrawdad (Dave Cantera) -harmonicaDave Bridges - bassGrant Stovel - drums

FRIDAY & SATURDAYJANUARY 18 & 19DOORS 8PM • SHOW 9PM MEMBERS $11/GUESTS $15

"Larry Garner is poised for21st-century blues stardom.He brings a laudable contem-porary sensibility and wittycomposing skills to his craft."

Bill Dahl, All Music Guide

"Larry Garner is one of the topblues songwriters alive today."

Southwest Blues Quarterly

"Too many artists merelyrehash the blues canon.Garner's blues grow out of theneed to make sense of theproblems and difficulties intoday's world."

Art Tipaldi,Blues Revue

"This CD . . . is a prodigiousaccomplish-ment by astoryteller whose power totransform perceptivenessinto art transcends his field."

Dick Shurman, Juke Blues

BLUESardbird Suite

Larry Garner

JANUARY.FEBRUARYPage 4

At last we believe we haveovercome all the obstacles onthis our third try to have PeteChristlieb play the the YardbirdSuite. For those of you whohave followed the music overthe years, it is surprising thatPete is not more of a householdname . Possibly as with othermusicians, he was burdenedwith the west coast label thatsuggested a cool, etherealapproach to improvisation.With Pete, this could not befurther from the truth as he hasalways been one of the mostpowerful soloists in any style.His blistering lines, especiallyon up-tempo numbers, are redhot; as well he can playeffective blues and stirringballads. You have probably allheard Pete without realizing it,as he is a first call studiomusician in L.A. and was amember of the Tonight Show

band during the Carson years.He has played in the big bandsof Woody Herman and LouisBellson with whom he continuesa musical relationship today.

We have assembled aterrific rhythm section for thisengagement. Chris Andrew, whois a major force on the Canadianjazz scene, on piano, Mike Lent,always our first call bassist forspecial events, and a newcomerto the Suite from Vancouver,Graham Boyle, who has playedextensively on the west coast.We are looking forward to hisfirst appearance here.

So, if you like straightahead swinging jazz, don’t missthis one!

FRIDAY & SATURDAYJANUARY 25 & 26DOORS 8PM • SHOW 9PM MEMBERS $14/GUESTS $18

Pete Christlieb

Pete Christlieb - saxChris Andrew - pianoMike Lent - bassGraham Boyle - drums

Aaron KeyesSextet PlaysMusic of LouisArmstrong

Page 5JANUARY.FEBRUARY

This concert is about themusic of four musicians. If you likejazz and world music, it is anexperience you can’t miss.

The four performers/composersdidn’t have a name for pastcollaborations – they “…just gottogether to play for an audiencewhen they weren’t busy doingother gigs.” It was not long agothat they came together as“Möbius“ for the first time. Thename was adopted because itexpresses the ever-changing aspectof jazz itself – which is aboutchange and changes. Theirs is thesound of ever-changing emotion.

Members of the band havecontributed to the Edmonton andAlberta music scenes since the ‘70s.This concert is the result of theircontinuing explorations into theworld of jazz and improvisation.

Bill Damur and Don Ehretteach at Alberta College. Damurcites his influences as Koffman,Monk, and Coltrane. Ehret, a

former student at the BerkleeCollege of Music in Boston, hasdrawn from such diverse guitaristsas Kenny Burrell, JohnMcLaughlin, Eric Johnson, andMike Stern.

Don Bradshaw has also beeninfluenced by a wide variety ofartists. “I always find somethingthat influences me,” he says. Histastes are eclectic and so are hisinfluences, which range from DaveHolland and Gary Peacock to ChrisSquire. Bradshaw has played witha number of people includingDiana Krall and Charlie Rouse.

Dan Skakun is the newestmember of the quartet. MaxRoach, Kenny Clarke, Tony Williamsand “any drummer named Jones(Elvin, Philly Joe, and Papa Jo)”have influenced his playing.

FRIDAY • FEBRUARY 1DOORS 8PM • SHOW 9PM MEMBERS $5/GUESTS $9

Double Bill Night!

Ben Sures - guitar, vocalsCam Neufield - violinJeff Smook - bassDave Merriman - guitar

Aaron Keyes - trumpet/vocalsJ.C. Jones - tromboneBill Jamieson - woodwindsCalvin Wong - pianoThom Golub - bassRon Samsom - drums

When the name Louis Armstrongis mentioned, people often think ofthe inimitable gravelly-voiced vocalto his version of “Hello Dolly” or theconsummate entertainer and musicalambassador. “I think that Armstrongis the fountainhead of a lot of musicthat happened later on in the 20thCentury” says Aaron Keyes, “he wasthe first soloist in jazz, the first scatsinger, and he paved the way for latermusical developments such asRhythm and Blues and Rock.”

While he does not front a LouisArmstrong cover band, Keyes plansto perform music that has beenassociated with Armstrong’s longcareer, including some of hiscompositions and collaborationswith other musicians. “I’mparticularly excited about thefreedom in arranging that comesfrom having three horns” Keyescontinues, “and the rhythm sectionis made up of some of the bestplayers around.” It is clear thatthis will be one of this season’smost exciting events.

Aaron Keyes has performedwith Ernie Watts, Pat LaBarbera,Lenny Pickett and Bobby Shew, andhas shared local bandstands withthe likes of Bob Stroup, GaryGuthman, and Tommy Banks. Hehas several commercial recordingsto his credit, and has performedacross Canada as a sideman.

Swing Manouche is an all-acoustic quartet that plays earlyAmerican Jazz in the style of theFrench Gypsies. Dynamicperformer/singer and guitarplayer Ben Sures leads the groupwith his unique brand ofhumour, wonderful vocalizationsand tasty acoustic guitarplaying.

On the violin, Cam 'BabyFace" Neufeld wows the crowdwith his Grapelli/ Venutiesquechops. On the upright bass isleft-handed local Dynamo JeffSmook of Captain Tractor andRockin’ Highliners fame. Dave'Joyeux Bonhomme Good Guy'Merriman is a Grant MacEwangraduate known for his guitarwork around town with manygroups, including the McDadesand Maria Dunn.

Swing Manouche offers upthe charm, aesthetic and gestureof the original swing bands ofthe thirties and forties. Themusic is powerful, fun andhugely entertaining.

Ben Sures’ Swing Manouche

Bill Damur - fluteDon Ehret - guitarDon Bradshaw - bassDan Skakun - drums

Möbius Quartet

SAT • FEBRUARY 2DOORS 8PM • SHOW 9PM MEMBERS $5/GUESTS $9

JANUARY.FEBRUARYPage 6

This is a major coup for us,thanks to Joe LaBarbera whorecommended we try to book BudShank to play the Yardbird Suite.Frankly to be able to book Bud,one of the major icons of jazz altosaxophonists, was felt to bebeyond our grasp. Understandably,we are thrilled to be able topresent this landmark concert forour members.

Bud Shank has been anintegral member of theinternational jazz scene for 50years. A respected saxophonist,composer, and arranger, hissoaring dynamic performanceshave enlivened countless concerts,festivals, night clubs, andrecording sessions.

Shank first came toprominence in the big bands ofCharlie Barnet and Stan Kentonduring the late 1940’s. In the1950’s the saxophonist began along tenure with Howard Rumsey’sLighthouse All Stars, as well aswork with his own quartet. Acharter member of the “WestCoast” jazz movement, Shank’s

swinging sound has made him oneof a handful of sax players with aninstantly recognizable and alwaysexciting sound. He has producedsome 50 diverse albums.

During the next two decadesShank augmented his club,university and festivalappearances with a healthyamount of studio work. As a firstcall musician he was a four timewinner of the coveted MostValuable Player award from theNational Academy of RecordingArts and Science.

In the 1970’s and 80’s Shankjoined with Ray Brown, JeffHamilton, and Laurindo Almeidato form the LA Four, who recordedand toured extensively (his lastEdmonton appearance was at JazzCity in the 80’s with the LA Four).

Today, Bud Shank juggles apacked schedule of touring,

festivals, and teaching combinedwith select major clubperformances and time set asidefor composing and arranging. BudShank has more than earned hisstatus as a legend.

Joining Bud is drummer JoeLaBarbera, who has won the heartsof Edmonton jazz fans through histwo appearances here with hissaxophone playing brother, PatLaBarbera. For those of you whomay have missed Joe’s earlierengagements, be assured this isone remarkable drummer and itwill become clear why he was thechoice of Bill Evans for his lastgreat trio as well as being Bud’sfirst choice for this engagementand Bud’s most recent sextet“Silver Storm”.

Canadian musicians, ChrisAndrews on piano and Mike Lenton bass, were obvious choices tocomplete this quartet. Both aremajor forces on their respectiveinstruments and will addsignificantly to the music.

Bud Shank - saxJoe LaBarbera - drumsChris Andrew - pianoMike Lent - bass

FRI & SAT • FEB 8 & 9DOORS 8PM • SHOW 9PM MEMBERS $16/GUESTS $20

Bud Shank / Joe LaBarberawith Chris Andrew on piano and Mike Lent on bass

LYONS ALBERT & COOKBarristers and Solicitors

Adrian L. Albert, B.A., LL.B*

#306, 10328 - 81 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T6E 1X2Telephone: (780) 437-0743 • Facsimilie: (780) 438-6695e-mail: alalbert@compusmart.ab.ca *Trade Mark Agent

“For more than a decade, Shank hasgone full steam ahead as a jazz altosaxophonist. When Shank declaredindependence from the studios and theflute, his alto tone took on muscle, hisimprovisation, ferocity….”

JAZZ TIMES

JANUARY.FEBRUARY Page 7

Kent Sangster Performs the Music of Saxophone Legends

FRI&SAT • FEB 15&16DOORS 8PM • SHOW 9PM MEMBERS $6/GUESTS $10

Edmonton based saxophonist –composer Kent Sangster returns tothe Yardbird Suite with an excitingnew show that includes music bymany of the saxophone legends:Cannonball Adderley, Gene Ammons,Michael Brecker, Steve Grossman,Eddie Harris, David Liebman, CharlieParker, David Sanborn, Wayne Shorterand Junior Walker, plus some neworiginals by Kent. This project willcover a variety of jazz, Latin, funk andR&B styles all of which are past andcurrent sources of influence on Kent’sown style. This show is a guaranteedfunky good time of very listenablegroove orientated jazz andinstrumental R&B.

Having received the 1999 ARIAaward for Jazz Artist of the Year andcompleted a successful Canadian tourin support of his second CD Keepingthe Spirit, Kent Sangster hasestablished himself as a rising figureon the Canadian Jazz scene.

Kent most recently performed torave reviews at several European jazzfestivals – most notably the SummerJazz Festival in Krakow, Poland. Othercredits include performances with PatMetheny, Joe Lovano, Dave Liebman,Mick Goodrick, Kenny Werner, BobbyShew, Marvin Stamm, Sheila Jordan,Norma Winston, Kirk MacDonald,Hugh Fraser, Bob Stroup, P.J.Perry andTommy Banks. In addition to his twoCD releases “Adventures” and“Keeping the Spirit” Kent hasrecorded on numerous occasions forthe CBC.

With assistance from both theCanada Council and the AlbertaFoundation for the Arts, Kent hasstudied privately with saxophonemasters David Liebman and JoeLovano. Kent also holds a Master ofMusic degree in Studio Jazz Writingfrom the University of Miami, wherehe was a graduate assistant inimprovisation and ensemble

direction. Currently residing inEdmonton, Kent is a staff member ofGrant MacEwan Community College aswell as a busy clinician.

Kent Sangster – saxWayne Feschuk - guitarJim Head - guitarMike Lent - bassSandro Dominelli - drums

FRI&SAT • FEB 22&23DOORS 8PM • SHOW 9PM MEMBERS $12/GUESTS $16

Doug Riley – Hammond B3 organP.J. Perry – saxJim Head – guitarSandro Dominelli – drums

Soul Reunionfeaturing the Hammond B3 of DougRiley and the saxophone of PJ Perry

P.J. Perry and Doug Riley bring'Soul Reunion' to the Suite. Perry,who has masterfully handled thetributes to Charlie Parker over thelast few years, is a Juno awardwinner. Doug Riley is a great jazzpianist, who is well known for hisgreat talent in playing theHammond B3. P.J. says that he wasfully aware of Doug's talent andability, in the early 60's whileliving in Toronto. They didn't beginworking together, however, untilthe RAG television series wasproduced in Vancouver in the early70's. In the ensuing years, P.J.stated that thoughts of gettingtogether with Doug kept poppinginto his mind, when one day, Dougcalled to suggest a collaboration.They finally played together lastspring at the Sidetrack Cafe and'Soul Reunion' was born. So farthey have done four concerts andfive more are booked.

Rounding out 'Soul Reunion'are guitarist Jim Head anddrummer Sandro Dominelli. JimHead is one of the 'first call'guitarists in Edmonton, and is aregular at the Suite. This graduateof McGill and Grant MacEwan jazzprograms is an exciting musician tolisten to. Sandro Dominelli isEdmonton's premiere jazz drummer.He is a musician with the ability tocompliment any performer andenhances the vitality of the music.Edmonton's first experience with'Soul Reunion' was electrifying, besure not to miss this one!

AT A GLANCEardbirdALL SHOWS BEGIN AT 9PM UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY

WESTERN JAZZ PRESENTERS NETWORK

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7 8 9 10 11 12 13

14 16 17 20

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JANUARY

LARRY GARNER

PETECHRISTLIEB

FRI & SAT • JAN 25 & 26

TUESDAYJAM

SESSIONS

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY

3

4 6 7 10

11 13 14 17

18 20 21 24

FEBRUARY

THE YARDBIRD SUITE IS A NON-SMOKING VENUE

For upcoming shows, check www. yardbirdsuite.com

YARDBIRD SUITE IS A CONCERT VENUE.During the show, please turn off your cell phones and pagers.

If you need to talk — remember that other patrons came to LISTEN to the performance.

FRI & SAT • JAN 18 & 19

FRI • FEB 1

BEN SURES SWING MANOUCHEAARON KEYS SEXTET

SAT • FEB 2

BUD SHANK JOE LABARBERA

MÖBIUSQUARTET

FRI & SAT • FEB 8 & 9

KENT SANGSTERPERFORMS THE MUSIC OF

SAXOPHONE LEGENDS

FRI & SAT • FEB 15 & 16

SOUL REUNIONFEATURING DOUG RILEY

AND PJ PERRY

FRI & SAT • FEB 22 & 23

TUESDAYJAM

SESSIONS