Hello Jazz Lovers!

February was a good month and ended with a bang. I got a call after my last newsletter went out to play at The Salty Dog for their Tuesday night jazz series hosted by drummer Greg Pilo. As it turns out, it was the last jazz Tuesday after a run of nine and a half years. The room was packed, as it always is for these events, and we were joined by Ted Quinlan on guitar and George Koller on bass. Pianist extraordinaire Bernie Senensky showed up and played the first set with us. The band was smokin’! This event has got to move to a nearby venue because it’s just too popular to let go of. Thanks to John Greville for the above photo. 

The very next night we burned it up the Home Smith Bar Wednesday night jazz party, Old Mill Toronto, with Peter Hill, Chris Banks, and Glenn Anderson stoking the boiler. Sheri Weldon and Zoe Chilco sang with us. We had a good room with lots of clarinet fans in spite of the snowstorm.

March is busy, though a lot of it is private work. Here are my public gigs, so far:

On Wednesday March 18th, Jim Galloway’s Wee Big Band under the direction of Martin Loomer returns to the ARTS AND LETTERS CLUB, 14 Elm Street. We’re showcasing Duke Ellington and the Blues and we play from 7:30 to 10:30pm. This is a stellar big band and is not to be missed.

On Saturday March 21st Alex Pangman and her Hot Three return to 120 Diner. The band is Drew Jurecka on violin, Reg Schwager on guitar, and myself on bass saxophone; and of course Alex Pangman on vocals. We play from 6:00 to 8:00pm. 120 Diner is located at 120 Church Street.

On Wednesday, March 25th I’m hosting another jazz party at Home Smith Bar at the Old Mill Toronto. The fabulous band this month has Mark Eisenman on piano, Pat Collins on bass, and Daniel Barnes on drums. We welcome fellow musicians to sit in with the band so you’re always in for a magical evening. 7:30-10:30pm!

As always, things come in at the last minute so please watch my Facebook page for updates and remember, spring is coming.

All the best, JM