SWING! CUBA! Calgary Jazz Orchestra Concert Review

The Calgary Jazz Orchestra performed a varied and entertaining programme to an enthusiastic audience on Sunday, September 25, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. At Calgary's River Park Church. The concert featured swing jazz as well as Cuban and Latin American music.

Opening Act University of Calgary Jazz Ensemble

The U of C Jazz Ensemble kicked off the evening with four numbers, starting with the Wayne Shorter number “Speak No Evil”. The band switched gears with Maria Schneider’s “Baytrail Shuffle”. “Don't Know Why” featured the sultry voice of Ellen Doty and the rhythm section. The UCJRE wrapped up the set with Gordon Goodwin's “There's the Rub”, which had audience members bopping in their seats.

Under the direction of Dr. Jeremy Brown, the UCJRE performs music that spans the entire time-line of jazz. The jazz band performs regularly throughout the year both on and off-campus.

With just three rehearsals together, the group performed extremely well together. The violin and guitar added a freshness to the numbers.

Nate Waters, Joanna Skrajny, Josh Burton, Steve McNeilly and Kayla Koshynsky make up the saxophone section in the jazz band. Andrew Rodrigues, Jonathan Craik, Jory Wutzke and Andrea Journault make up the trumpet section. Dylan Martin, Casey McLary, Scott Tkaczuk and Josh Kay comprise the trombone section. The rhythm section is comprised of Si Rim (bass), Hannah MacGillivray (bass), Krishan Power (piano), Ian Tullis (drums), Jamison Ko (drums) and Colin Adikary (drums).

Rounding out the ensemble are vocalist Ellen Doty and violinist Jeremy Gignoux. The group was joined by Calgary guitarist Ralf Buschmeyer as well as CJO members Greg Robertson, Kim Beacham and Johnny Summers.

Swing Jazz Featured in Calgary Jazz Orchestra's First Set

“We've downsized,” quipped CJO Director Johnny Summers while the UCJRE traded places with the CJO. The group, sporting matching icy blue ties, performed hits and hidden gems from the Big Band Swing era.

First up was “Harlem Airshaft” by Duke Ellington. This upbeat number showcased the technical and creative talents of Jeremy Brown (saxophone), Johnny Summers (trumpet) and Tim Embree (trombone), drawing the first of many cheers and whistles from the audience.

Glenn Miller's “Sun Valley Jump” featured strong solos by Kim Beachum on trumpet, Greg Baker on drums and Jeremy Brown. Brown's solo, packed with runs and trills that spanned the entire range of the saxophone, drew appreciative cheers from his fellow band mates.

“The Man with the Golden Arm” is an original composition by Johnny Summers for the upcoming film Burlesque Assassins. This musical preview gives the audience a taste of what the soundtrack will be like. This catchy number featured trumpets, trombones and the rhythm section. It is easy for the listener to be transported to the era of “Batman” and “Mission Impossible” when listening to this.

Three other numbers rounded out the first half. “Goodbye” is a ballad by Gordon Jenkins. “Black and Blue” by Fats Waller, which has been covered by another jazz great – Louis Armstrong. The group closed the first half with “Air Mail Special” by C. Christian. This upbeat number has been performed by the likes of Ella Fitzgerald and Glenn Miller.

Sizzling Solos, Afro Cuban and Latin Jazz in CJO's Second Set

The CJO set the mood for the second set by sporting hot red ties. The group was joined by drummer Brent Van Dusen on Latin percussion. “Cachao, Creador Del Mambo” is a mambo by Bebo Valdes. This featured dramatic solos, featuring cross-rhythms, syncopation and chromatic runs by Kim Beachum, Tim Embree, Gerry Hebert and Egor Ukoloff.

An exception to the theme was made with “Dulce Amor” by Poncho Sánchez of Mexico. This slow number featured dreamy fills and lyrical solos by Rich Harding and Al Muirhead.

The final number on the programme was “Párraga” by Orlando Valle. This bright number, like all the upbeat numbers on the programme, had members of the audience tapping their toes, bopping and swaying to the music. This featured solos by Egor Ukoloff, Brent Van Dusen, Greg Baker, Jeremy Brown, Kim Beachum, Brian Walley, Sarah Matheson and Johnny Summers.

Three more numbers rounded out the second half. “Ecuacion” is a guaracha/mambo) by Bebo Valdes. “Cuban Afro” is an original composition by Greg Baker. “Quierreme Mucho” is a sexy bolero, which featured the saxophone section performing on clarinet.

About the Calgary Jazz Orchestra

CJO Director Johnny Summers founded the Calgary Jazz Orchestra in 2004. This particular concert showcased 15 of the jazz band's members: Gerry Hebert, Rich Harding, Jeremy Brown, Shane Statz and Sarah Matheson on saxophone/flute/clarinet. Johnny Summers, Kim Beachum, Gordon Wilhelm and Al Muirhead formed the trumpet section. Brian Walley, Tim Embree and Greg Robertson performed on the trombone. The rhythm section was comprised of Egor Ukoloff on piano, Kodi Hutchinson on bass and Greg Baker on drums. Music for this performance was arranged by Johnny Summers and Greg Baker.

Jazz lovers will have four more opportunities to enjoy some high-calibre performances by the Calgary Jazz Orchestra this season. On October 29, the CJO will perform at The Al Capone Charade, a gangster Halloween party. Upcoming season concerts include A Perfectly Frank Christmas, the music of Billie Holliday and Chet Baker and finally a concert featuring blues tunes and numbers written by members of the Calgary Jazz Orchestra.

The Calgary Jazz Orchestra's 2011/12 season got off to a lively start on September 25, 2011 with SWING! CUBA!. This concert featured impressive solos, as well as a diverse mix of swing jazz hits, Latin American music and Cuban grooves that had members of the audience tapping and bopping long after the performance ended.

Originally published on Suite101.com on September 28, 2011. Updated July 13, 2013.

Celebrating the Calgary Stampede - Doggie Style

Earlier today, we attended a pet-friendly Stampede pancake breakfast with some of our friends from Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir. The event was hosted by Oops-a-Dazy Rescue and Sanctuary Society in Calgary. The parking lot was abuzz with dogs, as well as a few cats and potbelly pigs.

Maestro wasn't sure what to think of his doggie pancake at first:

It didn't take long before he was sold!

Maestro was also treated to a mini massage by Pamela Porosky of Ashbury Cottage. She's a Canine massage Practitioner, Aromatherapist and Reiki Master.

He really enjoyed it and it definitely improved his mobility. Definitely a therapy to keep in mind for arthritic dogs.

Exploring Stillness Through Photography

Last week, I went to Halifax for a music teachers' convention. I hadn't been to Nova Scotia since I was in elementary school, so I was looking forward to the opportunity to simply explore. Stillness can be attained in many ways, I find. Sometimes, traditional meditation just doesn't work. Active meditation, such as martial arts, crafts or in this case - photography - works. At least, for my family, it does. We have several talented amateur and pro shutterbugs in our family.

Some of these photos were from my solo jaunts through this very hilly city. While others are from a boat tour and walk I took with a friend/colleague:

A Look at Virtual Choir 4 - Fly to Paradise

On July 11, 2013, our latest Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir project went live. Our world premiere was for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth at the Coronation Festival.

Here it is:

It's stunning. Sure, some people don't like the dubstep or the electronica and some are disappointed because they couldn't find themselves. Regardless, it's a beautiful piece of work. The beauty of hearing nearly 6,000 voices in sync - it's just magical. Peaceful. Awe-inspiring.

If you visit Eric Whitacre's website and scroll down to "Videos from the Choir", you'll find our very own Maestro with his Tenor "submission" to VC4. You can also check him out here:

Finally, one VC member suggested we come up with a blooper reel, while another painstakingly put them together. I'm towards the end:

You can check out my Virtual Choir 4 experience with my students here and my own reflection of VC4 here.

FUNimation, Media Factory's Soul Eater Part Two DVD Review

Soul Eater might have gotten off to a slow start in Soul Eater Part One, but the action shoots forward in Soul Eater Part Two. The second installment of this popular supernatural shonen series includes episodes 14 - 26.

About Soul Eater the Anime

Soul Eater is based on the long-running manga created by Atsushi Okubo. The story centers around three meister/weapon student teams who attend the Death Weapon Meister Academy. There's hardworking Maka, a scythe-meister and her "stay cool" partner Soul. Their closest friends include Black Star the stage hog martial artist and his partner, the sweet and cooperative Tsubaki, as well as the symmetry-obsessed Death the Kid and his partners, the vain Liz Thompson and her childish sister Patty. These students and their classmates develop the skills and knowledge needed to slay monsters who are on the path to becoming a dreaded kishin. Supporting the main characters are Shinigami-sama (Lord Death), Maka's "pervert father" Spirit, stoic Sid the Zombie, the dissecting-obsessed Dr. Stein and the sexy kitty/witch Blair.

Soul Eater the animated series is directed by Takuya Igarashi (Japanese) and Zach Boulton (ADR). The original Japanese version is produced by Bones/Square Enix (Fullmetal Alchemist and Cowboy Bebop), while the ADR producers are FUNimation/Media Factory.

A Look at Soul Eater Part Two

Part 2 starts off on a light-hearted note. "The Super Written Exam" displays each main character's quirks hilariously as they study. "The Legend of the Holy Sword" introduces audiences to Excalibur's theme song (which will stay in viewer's heads for hours after hearing it), while "The Death Scythes Convene" introduces viewers to three Lord Death's eight Death Scythes.

The tone quickly sinks into the dark depths of madness as the story progresses. The witch Medusa's plan is revealed and viewers learn more about Crona, who was introduced in Soul Eater Part One. By episode 26, viewers have experienced the team's biggest fight so far and learn more about the kishin.

Soul Eater Part 2 DVD Extras

Like Soul Eater Part One, Part Two includes FUNimation trailers, textless versions of the intro and outro themes, the Late Night Show clips and audio commentary for one episode (Episode 23); provided by FUNimation voice actors Vic Mignogna (Spirit), Chuck Huber (Stein) and Luci Christian (Medusa). The audio commentary is fine to listen to in the background while doing something else. It's filled with just as much ego-stroking as the Episode 7 audio commentary in Soul Eater Part 1. Even the Late Night Show clips get stale after a while. However, the sticker of Black Star is a nice bonus.

Soul Eater Part Two DVD Information

Directors: Takuya Igarashi Writers: Akatsuki Yamatoya, Megumi Shimizu, Yoneki Tsumura Format: Color, Widescreen, NTSC, Import Language: Japanese (with English subtitles), English Number of discs: 2 Studio: Funimation! Unidisc Release Date: March 30, 2010 Running Time: 320 minutes ASIN: B0030ZOYKY

Available locally at Future Shop or your local geek store and online at Amazon,ca , Amazon.com , the

RightStuf , JList and CD Japan

.Soul Eater Part Two

- An Enjoyable Watch Time and Time Again

The quirky animation style is on par with the discs from Soul Eater Part 1. Vivid colors jump out from the screen. The fight scenes are exciting to watch and well-drawn, especially on the second disk.

The music for Soul Eater, as the voice actors have commented on repeatedly, is downright catchy. The background music meshes harmoniously with the tone of the dialogue and fighting.

Then there are the characters. Viewers learn more about Maka and Soul as well as Black Star and Tsubaki as they try to work through their personal issues. Liz and Patty's past and early days with Death the Kid are also revealed. Their quirks, their motivations and support of each other engages viewers.

Voice dubbing? Viewers whose introduction to Soul Eater was in Japanese may still be cringing over FUNimation's English casting for Black Star, Death the Kid, Soul Eater and Stein. That is, if discussion forums, such as the one on My Anime List are any indication. It's just not the same. Soul needs more soul! Stein needs more creepiness. Black Star is too girly and Kid is just too....arrogant sounding.

The voice actors did a good job though. Those lines aren't the easiest thing to say, especially since they have to match lip flaps precisely. It isn't their fault if things got lost in translation from Japanese to English or if the director decided to take a different approach.

Dubbing aside, Soul Eater Part Two, like its predecessor, will draw viewers and buyers to it (and bring them back for a second, third or 30th viewing) for its characterization, music and animation. It's smart, it's funny and it handles the mood swings from funny to serious as fluidly as Soul transforms into a scythe.

Soul Eater Part Two gets 4/5.

Originally published on Suite101.com on May 31, 2010. Updated July 13, 2013.