Cap Jazz Series
Samarabalouf - SHOW CANCELLED
May 13, 2012 @ 8 pm $34/$31
It is a pleasure to welcome back French gypsy jazz trio, Samarabalouf, this time as a quartet with the addition of accordionist Jean-Luc Amestoy. Nurtured on the music of the master of gypsy jazz, Django Reinhardt, Samarabalouf perform original music that stretches its boundaries from blues to flamenco to rock, integrating the waltz, tango, rumba, even Arabic melodies all underscored by the rhythm of gypsy jazz. Samarabalouf will astound you with their musical chops all the while entertaining you with their infectious enthusiasm. "Call it punk gypsy jazz if you want, but it's fun stuff."—Vintage Guitar Magazine
Official Site | Watch: Les Nababs
Supported by:
Past Performances
Carmen Souza
September 24, 2011@ 8 pm $32/$29
Lisbon-born of Cape Verdean descent, vocalist/guitarist Carmen Souza is a true world music artist with a seamless blend of influences including African, Latin, American jazz and Cape Verdean music. The tiny island of Cape Verde is well known for a plethora of great singers including the great Cesaria Evora, Sara Tavares, Lura, and you can certainly add Souza to this growing list. Her expressive voice whispers with a sexy huskiness and soars with soul and rhythm. Souza is an artist in command of her wonderful musical gifts backed by a fine ensemble that performs sunny African rhythms, vibrant Latin soul firmly rooted in the jazz tradition with impeccable phrasing and adventurous exploration.
Official Site | MySpace | Watch: Song for My Father, Sem Valor
Claudio Roditi with "A" Band and NiteCap
October 28, 2011 @ 8 pm $32/$29
Brazilian-born/New York based Claudio Roditi is an exceptional jazz trumpeter who brings the exquisite rhythms of his homeland into his fine repertoire of original compositions and standards. Combining forces with Cap's resident big band, Roditi's classy arrangements will feature the irresistible rhythms of the samba and bossa nova as well as epic trumpet solos. Twice nominated for a Grammy Award in the Latin Jazz category, Roditi's playing has been described as both powerful and lyrical. "He is an original who has combined the Clifford Brown/Lee Morgan idiom with the lyricism of Chet Baker and the magnificent melodies and rhythms of his native Brazil."— Bill Kirchner
Official Site
A Tribute to Dizzy Gillespie
With "A" Band, NiteCap and faculty guests
Musical Direction: Brad Turner ("A" Band) and Réjean Marois (NiteCap)
January 27, 2012 @ 8 pm $32/$29
Our annual tribute concert honours one of the jazz world’s most gifted and definitely 'larger-than-life' characters. John Birks "Dizzy" Gillespie, along with Charlie Parker, has been credited with ushering in the era of be-bop in the American jazz tradition. Iconic for his trademark playing style and his comedic personality, Gillespie was a key figure for establishing the link between Afro-Cuban music and American jazz. A musical ambassador during his era, Gillespie traveled the world bringing his unique sound and much goodwill establishing him as truly one of America's legacy artists.
Official Site
Alan Matheson Nonet - Birth of the Cool & Beyond
February 3, 2012 @ 8 pm $30/$27
The arrangements and compositions made famous on Miles Davis' legendary album Birth of the Cool are revisited by the Alan Matheson Nonet in a concert that will feature some of Vancouver's best jazz musicians. They will be playing arrangements by Gerry Mulligan, John Lewis and Gil Evans along with original compositions by Alan Matheson and jazz classics by Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn and Stan Kenton. A rare opportunity for jazz lovers to hear the classics of the Birth of the Cool era - considered one of the most dynamic and vibrant periods in the history of popular music.
Watch: Live at the Vancovuer Jazz Festival
Jason Marsalis with "A" Band and NiteCap
March 2, 2012 @ 8 pm $32/$29
New Orleans native and kid brother to Wynton, Branford and Delfeayo, Jason Marsalis is a prolific jazz drummer and a vibraphone virtuoso. He is much praised for both: "Just as his drumming is steeped in both modern and New Orleans rhythmic styles, his vibes playing draws on the rich tradition of that instrument... with commendably ardent swing."—Jazz Times. Jason shares the Marsalis' exceptional talent for technique and composition and he has been singled out for developing a distinctive polyrhythmic drumming style. Alongside touring with the Jason Marsalis Vibes Quartet, Jason works on family projects with Ellis and Delfeayo and collaborations with the likes of Shannon Powell, Dr. Michael White and Kermit Ruffins.
Official Site | Watch: Live at the Blue Martini
Diana Panton
March 10, 2012 @ 8 pm $30/$27
Canada has a reputation of producing some of the finest female jazz vocalists and now with Ontario's Diana Panton, a new star is on the rise. Panton's understated delivery, velvet tone and cool sensuality gives her sound a fresh yet nostalgic feel. With three critically acclaimed recordings, Panton has not only impressed the reviewers but jazz royalty too, including Yusef Lateef ("Aesthetically wonderful") and Sheila Jordon ("She's so soulful... I know she means every word she sings"). Her trio features some of Canada's most renowned jazz musicians - Don Thompson (bass, piano and vibraphone); Guido Basso (cornet, flugelhorn and trumpet) and Reg Schwager (guitar).
Official Site | Listen: "So Many Stars"
This performance is made possible in part by a grant from the Ontario Arts Council's National and International Touring program.
Karrin Allyson with "A" Band and NiteCap
April 12, 2012 @ 8 pm $32/$29
Two-time Grammy nominated vocalist Karrin Allyson is one of the most esteemed jazz artists of her generation. She is venerated for her distinctive voice which jazz critic, Gary Giddins, affirms: "Allyson coolly stakes her claim. She brings a timbre that is part ice and part grain... incisive, original, and emotionally convincing." When one listens to Allyson, you hear heart, intelligence, and musical sophistication. There is a literate and engaging connection that honors the great traditions of blues, jazz and roots, expands to the Great American Songbook and embraces French and Brazilian rhythms.
Official Site | Listen: Live on NPR