Sherry Kennedy's Little Secret CD Release Concert

Calgary singer-songwriter Sherry Kennedy and friends delivered captivating and electric performances on February 7 and 8, 2013 at the Engineered Air Theatre in the EPCOR Centre for Performing Arts. The event was a CD Release Party to introduce Kennedy's latest album, Little Secret. The CD marks Kennedy's tenth and is her first country album to be released in Canada. Little Secret was recorded at Sound Control Studio in Nashville, TN and she worked with "Magic Man" Mark Moseley.

The CD Release Party also featured Calgary musicians Derek Stoll (bass/musical director), Dave Hamilton (electric guitar/acoustic guitar), Keith Day (keyboards), Gavin Sorochan (drums), Denis Dufresne (acoustic guitar/mandolin) and Barbara Olorenshaw (fiddle). Lisa Ryan, Gemira McClary, Maureen MacDonald and Chris Herard lent their talents as back up vocalists, while Artists Elite lit up the stage with some fancy footwork.

Healing Art of Music Foundation Bursary Recipient Irene Sommerville Performs at Little Secret CD Release Party

CBC Daybreak host Russell Bowers introduced a very special opening act to an appreciative audience, Irene Sommerville. She is the first recipient of a bursary offered by The Healing Art of Music Foundation.

Irene has been diagnosed with Rieger's Syndrome, which has presented her with several health challenges. It doesn't hold her back from pursuing her dreams. She delivered a confident performance of Big Deal and God Bless the Child, which was not only delightful to hear but also an inspiration to everyone in the theatre.

Sherry Kennedy Performs Country, Rock and Ballads at Little Secret's CD Release Party

One highlight of the evening was "Wild Night". This R & B number showed off how tight the ensemble was. Derek Stoll laid down some cool licks, while Gavin Sorochan got into the driving grooves on drums. On stage left, some really neat call and response action was happening between David Hamilton and CCMA Award winner Denis Dufresne. That gave Sherry Kennedy and her back up vocalists free rein to really cut loose with the driving melodies.

Written by renowned country songwriter Richard Fagan, "Here After" is a catchy two-step. It topped the country music charts in Denmark on New Year's. I wouldn't be surprised if it makes the country music charts here in Canada.

Sherry shared with the audience how incredible she found the experience of working with some of the people in Nashville to record Little Secret. She then expressed her appreciation of the musicians who shared the stage with her at the CD release. "I am honoured to be with these players tonight," she said. "They are my 'Sweet Inspiration' ." At the song title, the band launched into this 1968 soul hit single, which featured a funky mandolin solo from Denis.

The ensemble performed another three songs in the first half of the show. "Think of Me" is a toe-tapping two-step. "The Legend of Rainbow Powers", is a ballad inspired by one of the "characters" from Sherry's hometown or Fort Macleod. They closed Part 1 with "Sugar in My Bowl".

Don't Touch Me, Please - Music Video World PremiereFeatured at Little Secret CD Release Party

The second half of the show opened with the "Don't Touch Me, Please" music video world premiere. Shot in Turner Valley, Alberta, the video showcases the breathtaking beauty of rural Alberta in the winter as well as the velvety warmth of Sherry's tone. The refrain contains a beautiful earworm that stuck in mind's of several audience members for hours after the show.

For the second half of the show, Sherry and her back-up singers changed from svelte black to fiery red outfits. This marked a switch to more songs about love and passion.

Dancers from Artists Elite two-stepped, teased and twirled on-stage to "Mama He Treats Your Daughter Mean". Keith Day set the keys on fire during his keyboard solo.

Another highlight was "Do You Love Him". This steamy blues number was written by Sherry Kennedy. The back up vocalists crooned beautifully in support of Sherry's passionate melody.

Part Two featured four more songs, including a rousing' performance of "Sisters Are Doing it for Themselves", "If Only" and the title track, "Little Secret". For an encore, Sherry performed "Don't Touch Me, Please". This featured some wonderfully melancholy strains from Dave and Denis on guitar.

Staging and synchronization was top notch for the show. What you didn't see were the looks of pleasure on the musicians' faces as they enjoyed the music they made together - the little smiles, the nods and looks of appreciation after a well-played lick. You missed how Barbara Olorenshaw improvised beautifully in more than the four songs that called for fiddle and how electrifying the synergy was amongst all the musicians. It was a great show.

About Sherry Kennedy

Sherry Kennedy is a Calgary-based songwriter, recording artist, entertainer, actress and vocal coach with over 20 years in the music business. She's a versatile performer. From musical theatre to jazz, and from R & B to country, Sherry enjoys performing in these diverse musical styles and more.

Her music has been played in over 15 countries and she has been on music charts in Europe for over 15 years. Sherry has toured 12 countries, including Australia, Norway, Japan and the USA.

About The Healing Art of Music Foundation Calgary

An avid painter, Sherry Kennedy has merged her two passions in 2011 with the establishment of The Healing Art of Music Foundation. She has worked with musicians from all walks of life, some, like Irene Sommerville, have blossomed against adversity due to the impact of music. "My intention is to use the knowledge, passion and the skills that I have to assist anyone with the desire to experience the "magic" of music," says Sherry on her website.

Sherry Kennedy's paintings have garnered commercial success. Proceeds from her artwork go towards running the HAMF.

Sherry Kennedy's newest CD, Little Secret is available on CD Baby and iTunes:

Concert Review: Calgary Jazz Orchestra's "Blues & Our Songs”

Variety, impressive licks and smart big band arrangements were on tap at the Calgary Jazz Orchestra's final concert for the 2011/12 season. This concert took place on Sunday, May 6, 2012  at the River Park Church in Calgary, Alberta.

Sir Winston Churchill High School's jazz band opened with  “Alice in Wonderland” (Bob Hilliard), an upbeat jazz waltz which featured solos on piano, electric guitar, saxophone and bari sax.

This was followed by “Pick Yourself Up” from the musical Swing Time (Jerome Kern). Director Judy L. Wishloff got the entire audience singing the refrain. This featured solos on bass, vocals, saxophone and trumpet.

Humour, Charm and Smart Arrangements Showcased in Calgary Jazz Orchestra's Own Works

The first half of the programme showcased works by Calgary Jazz Orchestra's own, a “ smorgasbord collection,” quipped CJO Director Johnny Summers. The opening number, “For PJ” (K. Hutchinson & G. Bane) was written for a colleague and friend who passed away. This upbeat work contained echoes from classic TV shows in the 1960s (e.g. Spider Man, Get Smart).

“For PJ” featured a driving bass line supported by a shuffling drum beat. The solos displayed a wonderful contrast. There was a fast and rhythmic solo by Johnny Summers on trumpet, followed by a sparkling solo on sax by Gerry Hebert in the high register. Gareth Hughes presented a soaring solo that built up to high-energy wails and shakes, while Brian Walley gave listeners a dramatic contrast with his more subdued solo on trombone. Joanna Borromeo, delivered an explosive and highly syncopated solo on piano, while guest artist Russell Broom presented a softer, yet still rhythmic solo on guitar.

“Father's Time” was a last minute addition to the programme. Gerry Hebert wrote this when his first child was born. The shifting meter shows off his “feeling askew” combined with the excitement of fatherhood. This featured solos by Jim Brenan on saxophone, Johnny Summers on trumpet, Gerry Hebert on flute and Joanne Borromeo on piano. This catchy number is from

Gerry Hebert's jazz CD

,

BeatNiq Sessions Volume 2: Constructive Interference

.Drummer Greg Baker described “Riff Knot” as a “young Count Basie type” tune. This medium jazz-blues number featured driving repeated notes followed by catchy licks on piano. This was followed by the trombone section and then the saxes and trumpets together. Sarah Matheson's solo on bari sax created an adventurous weaving line, while Russell Broom's guitar kicked up the energy a notch. Al Muirhead's trumpet solo weaved a line that was as beautiful melodically as it was rhythmically punchy.  John Gray's energetic bass solo segued smoothly into Greg Baker's punchy solo. Shane Statz's solo brought together all the weaving and pushed the ensemble towards the climax.

Three more numbers rounded out the first half. They were “Sudafed Blues” and “Chance Charm” by Shane Statz and Greg Baker's “Just a Memory”.

CJO Performs Music Made Famous by Jimi Hendrix, B.B. King and John Mayer 

From the moment Russell Broom cut loose on his guitar for “Hey Joe”, the entire audience began to bop their heads or tap along to the beat. This arrangement by Greg Baker opened with said guitar solo, complemented by “splashes” from the trumpets, saxes and trombones. Greg Baker was on double duty for this jazz blues number, delivering gritty vocals without missing a beat on percussion. The groove switched to more of a rock flavour, with the ensemble vamping to a climax.

The soundscape leading to the climax of “Hey Joe” featured jaw-dropping guitar riffs and an equally exciting drum solo.  The rhythm section traded bars with each member of the trumpet section before the audience heard one last guitar solo.

“The Thrill is Gone” (R. Hawkins, R. Darnell) is a medium blues number made famous by B.B. King. This arrangement was done by Greg Baker. It opened with Russell Broom on guitar plus the rhythm section. Gradually, layers were added, building up until Greg Baker began to sing. Russell's guitar solo featured beautiful melodies, soulful slides and varied rhythms. This segued nicely into Shane Statz's solo on sax, which shifted the melody to the upper range. The vocals returned with the trombones before being joined by the entire ensemble. The guitar and rhythm section brought the number to a rousing close.

Calgary Jazz Orchestra's Johnny Summers (Photo by R-M Arca)

The CJO ended with a slow number that was high on soul, with a bit of blues, rock and gospel thrown in. This big band arrangement of John Mayer's “Gravity” was done by Johnny Summers. This showcased Johnny's vocal range wonderfully. It featured a dramatic solo by Russell Broom, a strong and an introspective solo by Joanna Borromeo on piano that gradually built up the excitement. The choir walking in from the back midway through the number was a delightful surprise to many.Two other numbers were performed in the second set. These were “Forty-Four Blues” (R. Sykes, H. Wolf, Arr. J. Summers) and “Pride & Joy” (S.R. Vaughan, Arr. J. Summers).

About the Calgary Jazz Orchestra

The Calgary Jazz Orchestra is a 17-piece big band founded by Johnny Summers in 2004. The CJO's “Blues & Our Songs” concert featured Gerry Hebert, Gareth Hughes, Jim Brenan, Shane Statz and Sarah Matheson on saxophones. The trumpet section was comprised by Johnny Summers, Kim Beachum, Al Muirhead and Dave Foley. Brian Walley, Tim Embree, Nathan Gingrich and Greg Robertson make up the trombone section.

The Calgary Jazz Orchestra was joined by guitarist Russell Broom. Based in Calgary, Broom has won awards from the WCMA, Junos and AMPIA and has perfrormed in many concerts in Calgary and jazz music festivals.

The rhythm section included Joanna Borromeo on piano, John Gray on bass and Greg Baker on drums. Pianist Joanna Borromeo made her debut with the Calgary Jazz Orchestra at this performance. Her strong playing incorporated a mix of R&B, jazz-blues and rock that meshed perfectly with the ensemble.

“Blues & Our Songs” concludes the Calgary Jazz Orchestra's 2011/12 season. You can buy concert tickets for the 2012/13 season on the Calgary Jazz Orchestra website.

(c) 2012 by Rhona-Mae Arca,

Musespeak(TM

). all rights reserved.

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.