Midnight Taiko Drummers at the Calgary Japanese Festival

The Midnight Taiko Drummers are always a treat to listen to. I've heard them perform at Otafest as well as at the Calgary Japanese Festival. I didn't realize until I spoke with Jenny Zhao that taiko drumming is a relatively young art:

And here's their performance clips:

Midnight Taiko website

History of the Taiko

Calgary Japanese Festival

Honens ProAm Piano Competition for Amateurs 2011 Review

This unique piano competition held Saturday, October 15, 2011 in Calgary, Alberta raised over $100,000 for the 2012 Honens International Piano Competition.

Four amateur pianists went head-to-head on Saturday, October 15, 2011, 7:30 p.m. at Theatre Junction GRAND at this unique music competition. Nearly every seat was full when Daniel Yang, Andrew Hoffmanns, Colin Edie and David Dixon performed their solo recitals.

Amateur Musicians Perform for a Good Cause at Honens ProAm

The Honens ProAm Piano Competition is the brainchild of Calgary-based philanthropist Jenny Belzberg. This unique event is a fundraiser for the Honens International Piano Competition. The first year the ProAm was held was in 2008.

This music competition is open to recreational pianists who play at a high-calibre. In other words, all competitors must have careers outside of music. Each of these amateur musicians performed a 15-minute recital from memory.

In addition to their recital preparations, they strove to raise a minimum of $25,000 each. Prior to the event, they collected pledges from family, friends, employers, colleagues and music aficionados.

The competitors were judged by three music experts: Bob Clark, Charles Foreman and Mélanie Léonard. Clark is a performing arts writer for the Calgary Herald. Foreman, a Professor Emeritus at the University of Calgary, has performed around the world as a solo pianist and chamber musician. Maestra Léonard is currently the resident conductor for the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra.

The Honens International Piano Competition Searches for the "Complete Artist"

Out of the many prestigious piano competitions throughout the world, the Honens is unparalleled in two areas. First, competitors must perform solo and chamber recital programmes in addition to a movement of a piano concerto. Jurors are tasked with finding the “complete artist”.

Secondly, Honens Laureates participate in an extensive artistic and career development program. This is above and beyond the prize money they receive. Some of the benefits include assistance in booking engagements, recording CD's and developing press kits.

The Honens was the brainchild of the late Esther Honens. She was a Calgary-based philanthropist who endowed $5 million dollars in 1991 to launch an international piano competition in Calgary.

All proceeds from the Honens ProAm goes towards the Seventh Honens International Piano Competition. The next Honens will take place in Calgary from October 17 to 26, 2012.

ProAm Competition 2011 Contenders Deliver Four Exciting Performances

The 2011 ProAm got off to a colourful and romantic start with Daniel “Marathon Man” Yang's performance. Yang, sporting a purple tux, opened with Prelude in b-flat minor, op. 28, no. 4 by Polish composer Fréderic Chopin. He then delivered a sensitive interpretation of Edvard Grieg's Notturno. This was followed by another popular Chopin piece, Nocturne in E-flat Major, op. 9, no. 2. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's “Rondo alla Turca” from his Sonata no. 11 in A Major, K. 331 rounded out the programme.

Yang is a Reservoir Specialist for Canadian Natural Resources and the CEO of Borealis Geopower. He holds a Ph.D. In Natural Sciences and studies with Calgary-based piano instructor Ann Davidson.

The second ProAm contender, Andrew “Dutchie” Hoffmanns, hails from the Netherlands. He moved to Calgary last year and works as a financial analyst for Shell Canada Limited. He studies piano with pianist, teacher and clinician Gabriella Jonas of Calgary.

Hoffmans performed two contrasting works which showcased his warm, rich tone. He began with Sergei Rachmaninov's Prelude in c-sharp minor, op. 3, no. 2. He concluded his programme with selections from Kinderszenen (Scenes from Childhood) by Robert Schumann.

Colin “Jock” Edie drew loud cheers when he strode confidently on stage in his light grey-blue tux and matching hat. That confidence rang through throughout his entire recital programme, in which he demonstrated a strong tone, good phrasing and balance.

He first performed “Allegro moderato” from Sonata in E-flat Major, No. 62 Hob. XVI52 by Franz Joseph Haydn. This was followed by La Cathédral engloutie by Claude Debussy. For his final work, Edie performed Chopin's Revolutionary Etude.

Edie works for Encana Corporation as a Petroleum Engineer. He has his Grade 10 certificate from the Royal Conservatory of Music and studies with Allen Reiser, a Calgary-based piano teacher, writer, performer, adjudicator and clinician.

The evening drove towards a dramatic climax with David “Big Band” Dixon's performance. This jazz fan performed two challenging works: La Danse de Puck by Impressionist composer Claude Debussy and Frederic Chopin's Scherzo in E Major, op. 54, no. 4.

Dixon, a Reservoir Engineer at Nexen Inc., displayed a strong command of the piano. His technique was solid, while his phrasing and dynamics were well balanced. He elicited a standing ovation from the audience.

David recently earned his ARCT Diploma from the Royal Conservatory of Music. He studies with pianist, teacher, adjudicator and clinician Linda Kundert-Stoll in Calgary.

Honens ProAm Competition 2011 Declared a Resounding Success

The fundraising goal for this year's Honens ProAm was $100,000, which as exceeded. This year's Top Fundraiser Award went to Daniel Yang, who raised $43,000.

The audience was concurred with the event's jurors. David Dixon was declared the Audience Choice Prize winner and the 2011 Honens ProAm Champion. He won a gift certificate to the seafood restaurant Catch, the entire Honens CD library and a weekend residency at the Banff Centre for the Performing Arts.

The 2011 Honens ProAm Competition for Amateurs was held at Theatre Junction GRAND on Saturday, October 15, 2011. With four dynamic performances delivered to nearly a full-house and the fundraising goal surpassed, this original fundraiser for the 2012 Honens International Piano Competition is a resounding success.

Originally published on Suite101.com on October 18, 2011. Updated May 13, 2013. All rights reserved by Rhona-Mae Arca.

Review of Johnny Summers – Piano Sessions Vol. 1 CD Release Concert

Calgary multi-instrumentalist Johnny Summers and friends delivered an intimate and passionate performance on Saturday, March 16, 2013 at the University of Calgary's Rozsa Centre. The event was a CD Release Party to introduce Summers’ third jazz album, Piano Sessions Vol. 1.

The Calgary event also featured Chris Andrew on piano, Al Muirhead on trumpet, Jason Valleau on bass and vocals, Sheldon Valleau on ukulele and vocals and finally, Shane Statz on tenor sax. Johnny Summers performed on vocals, trumpet and flugelhorn.

Swing, Ballads and Blues Featured in Johnny Summers' Piano Sessions Vol. 1

The concert opened with "She Thinks that I Still Care". Unlike with George Jones' original country stylings, this interpretation was injected with a "hot summer's day in New Orleans" feel.

The dramatic pauses at the ends of key phrases set a playful tone to the number. The trumpet and piano solos were longer than they were on the album, giving Johnny Summers and Chris Andrew an opportunity to really expand on their ideas.

Between numbers, Johnny explained some of his inspirations for recording this jazz album.  Listening to great crooners such as Harry Connick Jr. and Tony Bennett, as well as instrumentalists Bill Evans, Chet Baker and Paul Blaine instilled the idea of an album featuring piano and voice. "That's beautiful to me," he said.

"You're extremely exposed," he divulged. Johnny added, "You have to have a good sense of time."

During the recording sessions, four additional songs were recorded, which didn't make it onto the album: "I'll Be Home for Christmas" and "Winter Wonderland", "Look for the Silver Lining" and "Mood Indigo." The classic Christmas songs were bundled together in Winter Wonderland.  The other two made it onto Saturday's programme.

Jerome Kern & B.G. DeSylva's "Look for the Silver Lining" was made famous by Chet Baker. This medium swing song had a light, breezy feel to it.

Chris' solo was peppered with syncopated rhythms and impressive runs. In contrast, Johnny's solo on his brand new Yamaha flugelhorn was tender and warm, gradually blossoming into each a high point. Partway through, the groove became more animated and the two traded 4's.

The ballad "Maybe This Time" has been recorded by many artists, including crooner Tony Bennett. Johnny shared some of his memories of hearing Bennett sing live in concert. "He walks on stage...and you feel the electricity...When he sings, he fills you."

Johnny's interpretation was soulful and wistful, with an unhurried tempo throughout. That made the climax more impassioned. The piano shakes were performed in a dreamy fashion.

Jason and Sheldon Valleau of the band, The Polyjesters, lent their talents to "My Baby Just Cares for Me". This jazz standard by Walter Donaldson and Gus Kahn has been considered the signature piece of Nina Simone.

This medium swing number featured a soft, easygoing piano solo by Chris. The crescendo towards a soft, fermata in Johnny's trumpet solo was a short reprieve before the melody shot up to the instrument's upper register. The lyrics were delivered with a cheeky and humourous flair. The impromptu "doo-doo-doo" at the end of the tag was by Sheldon was a nice touch.

Variety, Extended Solos and Delightful Surprises at Johnny Summers CD Release Concert

One of the highlights in the second set was Nat King Cole's "I'm an Errand Boy for Rhythm". After a slow introduction on voice and piano, the mood shifted to a lively upswing. The interlude featured a rhythmic piano solo, followed by Al's elegantly shaped phrases. In contrast, Johnny's trumpet solo weaved and raced to the top with rapid runs. The trumpet dialogue between Al and Johnny was playful. At times, it sounded just like scatting. Other times, it sounded like a car race.

This interpretation of Duke Ellington's "Mood Indigo" had shades of Nina Simone. It featured solos by Shane Statz on tenor sax, Johnny on trumpet and Chris on piano.

The final song of the evening was a rousing performance of Johnny Cash's "Folsom Prison Blues". One of the most delightful things about music is that you never hear the same performance twice. This was especially true in this case.

The piano intro was extended for the live performance, gathering momentum just as a train does when it pulls out. The sax solo was grittier, exploring the lower range of the instrument. In contrast, Al's solo was lighter and higher, much like birds chirping. Chris' solo featured a  healthy dose of "crunchy" chords and driving rhythms, while Johnny's trumpet solo spun and shot up - higher - and higher.

Jason performed a percussion solo on his bass before Johnny and Jason scatted. Jason's surprise trumpet-like squeal led to various instruments being imitated.

The entire audience rose quickly to give everyone a standing ovation. The ensemble performed one encore, "St. James Infirmary."

Six more songs were performed at the Piano Sessions Vol. 1 CD Release. Four more other songs were performed in the first set: "Dream a Little Dream of Me", "You Don't Know Me", "Going Home" and "Exactly Like You". The second half also featured "I Wonder, I Wonder" and "Simple Song".

Piano Sessions Vol. 1 Concert Review

From the opening line, the balance between the voice and piano and later, the remaining instruments, was nothing short of perfect. The ensemble made full use of the acoustics that the Rozsa Centre offers, delivering a crisp and clear sound. They definitively demonstrated that the album's Global Music Awards for Best Listener Impact and Best Male Vocalist are well deserved.

Technical proficiency, when coupled with artistry, is a winning combination. What more could a performer or listener ask for? Well, perhaps for the lead vocalist to not have strep throat, perhaps.

The live performance offered listeners different type of performance. Feeding off the energy from the audience and the ensemble can push a musician to new heights of artistry. This manifested on Saturday into spontaneous moments of brilliance that lead to new directions for improvisation. Yes, live was slightly different from the album, but just as beautiful in its own right.

About Johnny Summers

Johnny Summers is a Calgary-based multi-instrumentalist who performs jazz, soul, gospel, blues and almost everything in between. He's a singer and songwriter, as well as a trumpet and flugelhorn player. As the director of the Calgary Jazz Orchestra, he serves as composer, arranger and band leader.

Piano Sessions Vol. 1 is currently available on CD Baby and iTunes on March 16, 2013. Click here to read my album review.

Calgary Wind Symphony Presents Music of Mysteries, Legends & Ritual

Mystery, legends and rituals are on tap when the Calgary Wind Symphony  performs on Sunday March 3 at 2:30 PM. 

"Music of Mysteries, Legends and Ritual" will showcase the Canadian première of Concerto for Saxophone composed by Kenneth Fuchs. Featured soloists for this concert include Dr. Jeremy Brown (saxophone) and Terri Shouldice (flute). Wendy Freeman will take to the podium as the guest conductor. The programme will also feature La Fiesta Mexicanais and Poem by Charles Griffes.

The Calgary concert will be held at  Eckhardt-Gramatte Hall, Rozsa Centre, University of Calgary. Tickets are $15/adult and $/students & senior. You can buy concert tickets on the Calgary Wind Symphony's website and Eventbrite.

The Calgary Wind Symphony is a 60-member ensemble, directed by Dr. Jeremy Brown of the University of Calgary. Formerly known as the Calgary Concert Band, the ensemble has been active in Calgary’s musical community since 1947. The band went on a European tour in 2011, performing to enthusiastic audiences in Italy and Austria.

In the summer of 2012, the CCC changed its name to the “Calgary Wind Symphony”. The CWS operates under the Calgary Concert Band Society.

Earlier this season, the Calgary Wind Symphony presented "Hilarious Holidays". This was a highly entertaining and festive concert. Click here for my concert review.

Johnny Summers "Piano Sessions Vol. 1" CD Release Party March 2013

If you love jazz and you live in Calgary, come out to Johnny Summers' upcoming CD release party. Deets as follows: Date: March 16th 2013

Calgary CD release concert for Johnny's new recording "The Piano Sessions Volume 1"

featuring Chris Andrew, piano

Special guests Al Muirhead, Shane Statz, and The Polyjesters Jason and Sheldon Valleau!

Tickets will be on sale soon.

Johnny Summers is the director of the Calgary Jazz Orchestra.

Here's my CD review.

Here's a video of Johnny in performance: