Earth, Wind & Fire Tribute by The Runaway Five Review

It was standing room only at The BeatNiq in Calgary when The Runaway Five and vocalist Jocelyn Alice performed on Friday, December 30, 2011. They presented a tribute to the American rhythm and blues, soul jazz and funk band Earth, Wind & Fire.

Grammy Winner and Hall of Fame Inductee Earth Wind & Fire

Founded by Maurice White of Chicago in the 1970's, Earth, Wind and Fire (EWF) is a group that has endured the test of time. Incorporating African rhythms, soul jazz, gospel and funk, EWF has played a major role in shaping R&B and pop music.

Earth, Wind and Fire has won numerous awards through the years. The group has earned Grammys and AMA Awards and nominations from 1975 all the way up to 2005. In 2000, EWF was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.

That's The Way of the World and More Soul Jazz in The Runaway Five's Opening Set

The stage looked very cozy when vocalist Jocelyn Alice and 12 of the members from The Runaway Five stepped on-stage at The BeatNiq. The first set featured hits from Earth Wind and Fire's That's the Way of the World (1975) and The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire, Vol. 1 (1978) albums.

The group got the crowd fired up with “Got to Get You Into My Life.” This Beatles classic featured catchy and rhythmic solos by Oliver Miguel (tenor sax), Brett McDonald (alto sax) and Carl Lundgren (trombone).

The pace slowed down with “Reasons”. Brett McDonald performed a passionate solo on soprano sax against the soulful undertones played by Sarah Matheson on bari sax.

“Sing a Song” was a cheerful number which featured a virtuosic and rhythmic solo by Brendan Swanson on piano. Brett McDonald's solo on sax was extremely melodic and covered a wide range.

“I don't even need to tell you what it is,” said band leader Brendan McElroy when setting up the final song of the set. When the horns played the opening notes of “September”, everyone in the room excitedly exclaimed, “Oh!” before bopping to the music.

Throughout the first set, people continued to walk in, attempting in vain to find a seat. Other numbers performed in the first set included “Shining Star”, “Jupiter” “That's the Way of the World”.

“Boogie Wonderland”, “Fantasy” and More R&B and Funk Hits at the Earth, Wind and Fire Tribute

The Runaway Five and Jocelyn Alice opened the second set with “In the Stone”. This funky number showcased the baritone sax and soprano sax.

After some prodding from the band, members of the audience stood up and began to dance while “Boogie Wonderland” was played. This number was one of several that demonstrated how tight the group's playing was. Synchronization was excellent throughout the tricky rhythmic passages.

Things slowed down with the popular ballad “After the Love Has Gone”. This featured a beautiful opening by André Wickenheiser on flugelhorn and a great dialogue between Oliver Miguel and Brett McDonald. Jocelyn Alice also shone in this number, showing off her wide range and her earthy, sultry tone.

The final song was “Fantasy” from EWF's 1978 album, All n' All. This featured a soulful melody on soprano sax. As the final note died away, the audience quickly rose to its feet to give The Runaway Five and Jocelyn Alice a standing ovation.

Other songs played in the set included “Let's Groove”, “Mighty Mighty” and a piece by Brett McDonald dubbed "Horn Break". For an encore, they reprised “Shining Star”.

At the request of The BeatNiq management, the group reprised two more numbers, “In the Stone” and “Sing a Song”. The musicians really cut loose with some rapid-fire, rhythmic and mind-blowing solos. The saxophone solos explored the entire range of the instrument, while the piano and percussion solos featured a great deal of syncopation and complex African-Latin rhythms.

About the Video Game Jazz Group, The Runaway Five

Founded by Brendan McElroy, the Runaway Five performs jazz music arrangements of classic video games, including Super Mario Bros., Final Fantasy and Zelda. In 2008 and 2009, the group performed at Massey Hall in Toronto during the Video Games Live tour.

The Earth Wind and Fire tribute featured André Wickenheiser (trumpet/flugelhorn), Leanne Paisley (trumpet/flugelhorn), Carl Lundgren (trombone), Brett McDonald (alto sax/flute), Oliver Miguel (tenor sax), Sarah Matheson (baritone sax/bass clarinet), Brendan McElroy (bass), Carl Janzen (guitar), Spencer Chenye (drums) and Luis Tovar (Tabera percussion). Guest artist Jocelyn Alice is a Calgary-based singer/songwriter.

The Runaway Five is based in Calgary and Toronto. Arrangements are written by Brendan McElroy, Brendan Swanson, Brett McDonald and Alex Goodman.

There were just a couple of glitches to an otherwise stellar performance (audio feedback and balance issues between the vocals and instruments at times). The arrangements were catchy, with punchy rhythms. The group gelled together very well, while the solos contained funky melodies and rhythm that kept the audience tapping and clapping throughout.

The Runaway Five and vocalist Jocelyn Alice performed a sold-out performance on Friday, December 30, 2011 at The BeatNiq Jazz & Social Club. They performed a tribute to the legendary R&B, soul jazz and funk band Earth, Wind & Fire, playing a selection of the band's greatest hits, including “Shining Star” and “September”.

Originally published on Suite101 on January 3, 2012. 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.

Friday Fun Link #5

When checking the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra’s website for concert information today, I noticed a link titled “Musician Demos”. What a treat to find short video clips of various orchestra members talking about their instruments. For instance, did you know that there are over 1,000 “noise-makers” in their percussion section? What made the treat extra special is that I know some of the musicians in those clips.