Concert Review of CJO's Romance Concert

The Calgary Jazz Orchestra performed a selection of popular love songs on Sunday, February 10, 2013 at River Park Church. Calgary, Alberta. The programme featured t

he music of Nat King Cole, Tony Bennett, Michael Buble, Diana

Krall and more.

Special guests included Johanna Sillanpaa and members of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra.

The E.P. Scarlett Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Jonathan Bell, kicked things off with a Duke Ellington classic, "Moon over Cuba." This lively number featured the clarinet, piano and trombone. This was followed by "Jitterbug Waltz" by Fats Waller, which featured the vibraphone, piano and drums.

Members of the Calgary Philharmonic Join the CJO for an Evening of Romance

"The music is all over the map," said Calgary Jazz Orchestra Director Johnny Summers at the start of the first set. This was the first CJO concert that included a string octet, comprised of members from the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra.

The first song performed was the love theme from Superman, "Can You Read My Mind", composed by John Williams. A cymbal roll swelled dramatically until the rest of the ensemble came in. The strings played the head, while the piano, flutes and clarinets added flourishes here and there. Al Muirhead's trumpet solo was melodic and motivic.

Another highlight was "Let's Stay Together" by Al Green. Drummer Greg Baker sung this classic R & B hit. Dr. Jeremy Brown's saxophone solo looped and climbed, leading us higher and higher still, until Johnny Summers' trumpet solo came in, played in the high register. This gave way to Rich Harding's sax solo, which weaved around, leading us back to the final verse. This number garnered several whoops and cheers from the audience.

Before performing the final number in the first set, the CJO did a quick plug for the May concert, which will feature pop hits and favourites arranged by members of the Calgary Jazz Orchestra. Johnny Summers encouraged patrons to email, Facebook or Tweet the CJO with song requests.

Vocalist Johanna Sillanpaa joined Johnny Summers to sing "Exactly Like You" to close the set. This light-hearted number is one of the tracks on Johnny Summer's new CD, Piano Sessions Volume 1. The strings augmented the playful lines the duo weaved. This number featured impressive solos by Johnny Summers on trumpet and Egor Ukoloff on piano.

Two more songs were performed in the first set, including Paul McCartney's "My Valentine". Johanna Sillanpaa was featured in Gus Kahn's "Dream a Little Dream of Me".

The CJO Performs Classic Love Songs and Logs in Some FaceTime to Maui

Johnny Summers shared with the audience what a learning experience it was to write for strings at the concert's second half. He reminisced with CPO Concertmaster  Donovan Seidle about their student days at the University of Calgary.

Then, he tried to introduce the first number. However, various members of the CJO heckled him, describing it as "Great...slow...awful." On the other hand, Johnny described Jimmy McHugh's "It Had to Be You" as "one of the most romantic songs of all time."

The strings opened with a mysterious tremolos before the clarinets joined them. This number features solos by Kodi Hutchinson on bass and Shane Statz on sax. Despite Johnny's complaints over his cold, I'd have to say that it really injected more "oomph" to his lower vocal range.

One memorable moment from the second half was "You are So Beautiful", which featured Brian Walley on trombone. Several bars in, Johnny Summers stopped the performance to inquire where Brian's sweetheart was. When Brian replied, "In Maui," Johnny reached for an iPad and said, "Let's FaceTime her!"

Yours truly held the iPad in the front row so that Brian's fiancée could be serenaded. Special thanks to the gentleman who sat beside me who assisted me in positioning the iPad to give Karen a good view of Brian and the stage.

The CJO's Chet Baker cover of "My Funny Valentine" was dedicated to a couple in the audience who recently got engaged. This year's arrangement opened with a solo piano introduction. The rest of the ensemble came in layers. This lovely arrangement featured Johnny on vocals and trumpet as well as Egor Ukoloff on piano:

The second half of CJO's concert featured three more romantic songs, including Victor Young's "Beautiful Love" and Michael Buble's "Everything" (an audience member's request). Johanna Sillanpaa returned to the stage to sing Whiting & Moret's "He's Funny that Way".

About the Calgary Jazz Orchestra

The Calgary Jazz Orchestra is a 17 piece big band founded by Johnny Summers in 2004. This performance included Rich Harding, Keith O'Rourke, Dr. Jeremy Brown, Shane Statz and Sarah Matheson on saxophone. Johnny Summers, Jay Michalak, Gord Wilhelm and Al Muirhead comprise the trumpet section. Brian Walley, Dean Yeats, Tim Embree and Dave Reid from the trombone section.

The string section was comprised of Donovan Seidle, Diane Lane, Jeremy Gabbery and Melanie Leonard on violin; Carl Boychuk and Megan Singer on viola; while Andrea Case and David Morrisey filled out the octet on cello. Arrangements for "Romance" were written by Greg Baker and Johnny Summers.

The Calgary Jazz Orchestra and guests presented a delightful jazz concert on Sunday, February 10, 2013 at the River Park Church in Calgary, Alberta. The supportive audience began applauding even before the final song drew to a close and quickly stood up to give a standing ovation as soon as the last note was played. The addition of a string section welcome addition for audience members and CJO members, adding a refreshing spin on these classic love songs. All in all, a successful Calgary event.

Johnny Summers - Piano Sessions Vol. 1 Album Review

Johnny Summers' third album, Piano Sessions Volume 1, showcases his versatility as a musician and presents a diverse mix of musical genres. From swing to ballad and from honky-tonk to blues, there is something for every music aficionado to enjoy.

The album also features Chris Andrew on the piano and several special guests, including a capella group The Polyjesters, Jason Valleau (bass/vocals), Sheldon Valleau (ukulele/vocals), Shane Statz (tenor sax), Johanna Silanpaa (vocals), Kodi Hutchinson (bass) and Al Muirhead (trumpet).

Johnny Summers is a Calgary-based vocalist and trumpeter. He is also the founder and music director of the Calgary Jazz Orchestra. Johnny  runs Summertime Music.

Piano Sessions Volume 1 Highlights

The opening track, "I Wonder, I Wonder" is an easygoing swing number. A short introduction is played by Chris Andrew, Jason Valleau on bass and Sheldon Valleau on ukelele before the rest of the ensemble joins in. The Polyjesters' "oohs" add a touch of doo-wop to the mix. Chris' weaving lines and shakes on the piano dance playfully around Summers' smoky vocals. Summers' trumpet solo ebbs and flows as gently as the Pacific Ocean while watching a peaceful sunset at the beach.

Chris Andrews opens "Folsom Prison Blues" with a slightly dissonant chord and shakes before steadily gathering steam as the train (er song) pulls out. Johnny Summers and Shane Statz add some train whistles sounds on the trumpet and tenor sax respectively.  They take a slower pace than Johnny Cash does. The slightly slower tempo enables the ensemble to deliver a more soulful interpretation and bend the notes more. The transition from the sax to the trumpet solo is seamlessly done.

"Simple Song" is simply stunning. From the tender opening laid down by Chris Andrews, this ballad unfolds one layer at a time. The heartfelt lyrics start gently and gradually grow in passion. For claiming to not be as fancy as Shakespeare or Van Gogh, it's downright eloquent. Gentlemen, this is the perfect song to play for the special woman in your life on Valentine' Day:

Vocalist Johanna Sillanpaa joins Johnny in singing a playful arrangement "Exactly Like You". Their vocals blend together beautifully in this delightful jazz standard. Kodi Hutchinson and Chris Andrew provide catchy, rhythmic comping throughout.

The final track "Going Home", is based on the second movement theme from Antonin Dvořák's New World Symphony. Johnny Summers' phrasing on the trumpet is smooth and soulful. Chris' solo nails the melancholy tone of this beautiful theme.

Piano Sessions Volume 1 Track Listing

1. I Wonder, I Wonder - Cecil Gant (3:41)

2. She Thinks I Still Care - George Jones (5:51)

3. Maybe This Time - John Kander, Fred Ebb (5:36)

4. Dream a Little Dream of Me - Fabian Andre, Wilbur Schwandt, Gus Kahn (3:22)

5. Folsom Prison Blues - Johnny Cash (3:53)

6. My Baby Just Cares for Me - Walker Donaldson, Gus Kahn (3:16)

7. Simple Song - Johnny Summers (4:21)

8. Exactly Like You - Jimmy McHugh, Dorothy Fields (2:41)

9. You Don't Know Me - Cindy Walker, Eddie Arnold (5:44)

10. I'm an Errand Boy for Rhythm - Nat King Cole (4:09)

11. Going Home - William Arms Fisher, Antonin Dvořák (4:30)

Genres: jazz, blues, gospel, funk, swing, ballad, honky-tonk Label: Summertime Music Cover Design by FLIPP.ca Photography by Michael Stellmach

Piano Sessions Volume 1 Review

The balance and sound quality on Piano Sessions Volume 1 album is just beautiful. Not one voice is out of balance. Superb. The variety of musical styles represented gives new listeners a taste of each style, without offering too much of any one genre. The musicians all work well together, that is, they sound good together and complement one another. That's the byproduct of everyone involved having worked together before.

If anything, this album makes me excited to hear more of Johnny Summers' original works. If they are like "Simple Song", I can't wait for the next release.

Johnny Summers Piano Sessions CD Release

The CD release for Piano Sessions Volume 1 is on Saturday, March 16, 2013 at 7:30 p.m. at the University of Calgary in the Eckhardt-Gramatte Hall, Rozsa Centre. Tickets go on sale February 15 at the U of C Campus Ticket Centre.

To purchase an advance copy of Piano Sessions Volume 1, come out to a Calgary Jazz Orchestra performance on Sunday, February 10, 2013 or Saturday, February 23, 2013. Alternatively, you may contact Johnny Summers at Summertime Music.

March 11, 2013 update:

Johnny Summers' upcoming release, Piano Sessions Volume 1 recently won two Global Music Awards for Best Male Vocalist and Best Listener Impact. The album is currently available on CD Baby and will be available on iTunes on March 16, 2013.

Concert Review of CJO's An Evening of Romance

The Calgary Jazz Orchestra performed a selection of popular love songs made famous by Billie Holiday and Chet Baker on Sunday, February 12, 2012 at River Park Church. Calgary vocalists Johanna Sillanpaa and Johnny Summers heated up the stage with their sultry vocals.

The E.P. Scarlett Big Band kicked things off with “Happy Go Lucky Local” (Duke Ellington), an medium swing number. This was followed by a funky number called “There's the Rub” (Gordon Goodwin). The E.P. Scarlett Big Band of Calgary is directed by Jonathan Bell.

Johanna Sillanpaa and Torch Songs Featured in CJO's Opening Set

During his patter, director Johnny Summers, explained the inspiration for the change. Last month, the CJO had the opportunity to work with Grammy winning musician Maria Schneider. These arrangements are the first to bear the fruits of their time with Schneider. “We're just scratching the surface,” said Summers. “Stay tuned. It's gonna get crazy up here!”The CJO with two arrangements for small jazz combos. The group welcomed guest artist Johanna Sillanpaa of Calgary to the stage to bring some of Billie Holiday's memorable love songs to life. “My Man” (M. Yvain) featured Gerry Hebert on clarinet, Al Muirhead on trumpet, Sarah Matheson on bari sax and Willy Joosen on the piano. “Crazy He Calls Me” (C. Sigman), a sultry love ballad, featured  Jeremy Brown on sax, Johnny Summers on trumpet, Willy Joosen on piano, Kodi Hutchinson on bass and Greg Baker on drums. The other members of the Calgary Jazz Orchestra came on-stage for the remainder of the first set. From the opening bar of F. Andre's “Dream a Little Dream of Me”, it was apparent that something was different. The group got in to the music a little more, while the solos by Al Muirhead and Jeremy Brown were melodious and featured new licks. This number gave Sillanpaa a chance to showcase her rich, warm low register. The Brahms' “Lullaby” quote at the end was a nice touch.

“He's Funny that Way” by R. Whitting and “What a Little Moonlight Can Do” by H. Wood rounded out  the first half. Whether singing in a small combo or with the entire jazz band, Johanna Sillanpaa's strong and sultry voice projected clearly, seemingly without effort.

Billie Holiday and Chet Baker Love Songs and Surprise Guest Raffi in CJO's Second Set

The second half of “An Evening of Romance” also featured small combo arrangements before moving on to big band music. “You Go to My Head” by F. Coots, a soulful love ballad, featured Shane Statz on tenor sax, Kodi Hutchinson on bass and the vocals of Johnny Summers.

Raffi and CJO (Photo by R-M Arca)

Children's entertainer Raffi surprised the audience when he stepped up from the audience to sing “A Wonderful World”. Chuckles and cheers resounded when he sang “I see friends shaking hands, saying, 'Yo what's up?” Raffi did a quick plug for a cause close to his heart, the Centre for Child Honouring.

A nice trumpet solo opened “Let's Get Lost” (J. McHugh) before switching off to saxophone. This medium swing number featured soulful solos by Al Muirhead, Shane Statz and Willy Joosen, along with the vocal styling Johnny Summers.

The programme drew to a close with the sexiest version of “My Funny Valentine” that I have ever heard. The very sultry introduction featured Willy Joosen on piano and Al Muirhead on flugelhorn and Greg Baker using softer mallets on percussion.  One could imagine smoke wafting through a jazz club on a hot summer's night during Al Muirhead's solo.

Three more numbers rounded out the second half: “You'd Be So Nice” (Cole Porter), “The More I See You” (H. Warren) and “Isn't It Romantic” (R. Rodgers).

About the Calgary Jazz Orchestra

The Calgary Jazz Orchestra is a 17 piece big band founded by Johnny Summers in 2004. Arrangements for “An Evening of Romance” were written by Johnny Summers and Greg Baker.

The fresh arrangements and easygoing demeanour of the Calgary Jazz Orchestra members at “An Evening of Romance” left me with two impressions: 1 – I must buy some music by Maria Schneider and 2 – I can't wait to hear what the CJO is going to do next.

In September, the CJO presented a concert featuring swing, Latin and Cuban music. In December, the big band performed Christmas hits made famous by Frank Sinatra.

Jazz lovers will have two more opportunities to hear the Calgary Jazz Orchestra in the 2011/12 season. On February 25, 2012, the CJO will perform at 18 Degrees of Jazz. Proceeds from this fundraiser go to benefit the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and Area. Blues tunes and numbers written by CJO members will be featured at the May 6, 2012 concert.  You can buy concert tickets on the Calgary Jazz Orchestra website.

(c) Rhona-Mae Arca, Musespeak(TM), Calgary, AB. All rights reserved.