Brenda carol Renaissance jazz fair

2011 Brenda Carol Renaissance Jazz Fair

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2011

The 2011 Brenda Carol Renaissance Jazz Fair will take place SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2011. The fair is held at Remarks Bar & Grill, 1026 Coxwell Avenue, Toronto, ON. CANADA Cost: $20.00 at the door. The event is by Pre-ordered Ticket only. All Ages Family Event. Please Email: darwynrecords@yahoo.com for more information and to pre-order tickets.

Up-and-coming young jazz artists featured include singers/songwriters: LARRA SKYE, BIG RUDE JAKE, BRENDA CAROL, PAT MURRAY, JACKY BOUCHARD,
BILL MACLEAN & pianist BRIAN STEVENS in B2, pianist STEPHEN GARDNER, saxman ROB CHRISTIAN, with bassist JON MEYER and Amhed Mitchel - drums.

The series is presented by noted jazz artist Brenda Carol and Long & McQuade’s JON LONG.

ABOUT THE 2011 FEATURED ARTISTS:

Larra Skye

Larra Skye is a songwriter with a sweet, musical voice tinged with jazz and folk. In June 2006, Canadian music retailer HMV took her album The World Disappears nationwide, and Larra became their #1 best selling independent jazz artist. She has performed in Canada and the U.S, and is working on a new album of original folk-pop material, due in fall 2011. www.larraskye.com

Big Rude Jake

My name is Jake.

I’m a singer/songwriter and musician with a diverse array of influences. A few people may have tried to pigeonhole me as a swing guy – but those are folks who haven’t listened to most of my music!

I was born in the smallish Canadian city of St. Catharines a long time ago. When I was a teenager, my parents got sick of the suburbs and we all moved to a farm outside of Niagara Falls, Ontario.

For a long time, nothing happened. I played some guitar, ‘chipped in’ at the family business, and got some education. I worked in England and studied in France, where I was asked to front a punk band and translate their lyrics into english – since I was the only one who spoke it! Ah. Bon temps… Then one day, back in Toronto, I had this idea. About the band I wanted to create.

I thought, “the sound of this band should combine my interest in traditional jazz, jump blues, rockabilly and punk. And the lyrics should express the love I have for all of my favourite power-house song-writers, like Tom Waits and Bertold Brecht.”

And I became Big Rude Jake.

After that, things went nuts. I’ve built a career around that crazy idea, and it has taken me around the world and back, drawn me into lots of adventures and sometimes a lot of trouble. It has been the source of almost all of my pleasures in life and most of the pain. And I still keep doing it. Clearly, I am insane.

The Backstory

The tale of Jake’s rise to infamy has been told and re-told to the point of becoming mythic. Over 20 years ago, Jake was drawn to the jazz tradition for its passion and sensuality and lamented the rise of the stuffy “jazz intellectual.” He dreamed up a plan to bring jazz back to its street-wise, rough-hewn roots. His stage persona evoked strident passion and longing. In the first few years of his career, Jake actually avoided playing in jazz venues altogether. Instead, he performed his own jazz and swing influenced compositions in rock venues and blues bars across Canada, where he found kindred spirits who could appreciate his dream of a “Bawdy House Jazz” revival.

Originally billed as “alternative music,” Jake’s vision caught the attention of media and critics across the country. His independent recordings were sold in the “rock,” “punk” and “alternative” sections in music stores, and he proved that Jazz and Swing, with the right attitude, could have as much street credibility as any rock, soul or hip-hop act in the country.

After the rise of such U.S. bands as Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and the Squirrel Nut Zippers, Jake was swept into the neo-swing movement that was all the rage across North America. Understanding that he needed to develop a more international profile, Jake moved to New York. There, Jake signed with Roadrunner Records (now known for the success of Nickleback and Megadeath) and began touring Europe and the United States.

He returned to Toronto. Unfortunately, around this time, tragedy struck. In the middle of the night while riding his bike home from a gig, Jake was hit by a taxicab. Due to his injuries, he was forced to cancel a national tour of an independent album he had only just completed, and was left with few options but to take some time off.

This, along with other circumstances, led Jake to consider the possibility that it might be a good time to leave the industry for a while, to heal and regroup. He went into semi-retirement. The years away from the recording industry did him good. He is in better physical shape then he has been since high school. He’s also more relaxed, having pursued his interest in Buddhism with vigor. His return is marked by the release of Quicksand in late 2009 – yet another departure, inspired by Americana, Ragtime, Roots, Gospel and Folk. Stand by, as 3 other new BRJ albums are in various stages of development. http://www.bigrudejake.com

Pat Murray
“While many lead vocalists can have an impressive voice, few can emote as Patricia Murray does, which is the difference between a singer and an artist."  Toronto Promoter: Anya Wilson

A 10 year resident on the Toronto Jazz scene, Pat has carved out a faithful and eclectic following.  Prior to her move here, Pat spent the previous 10 years as Kingston’s most popular and active jazz, pop and R&B vocalist. “I choose songs that move me, period, regardless of the genre from which they hail”.  Pat moved to Toronto to teach drama at an inner city high school and to pursue her vocal career. With a pair of CD's under her belt, and this one just released, Pat has evolved into a consummate singer and performer capable of capturing any audience with her intelligence, her heart, her emotion and her talent. In addition to singing, Pat is an accomplished arranger, songwriter, actor, director and playwright; she has earned a reputation as a dramatic interpreter of lyric and highly original creator of harmonies and grooves.

Born in Orillia and raised in Montreal, Pat moved to Kingston with her family in 1967. Her mother was a prominent jazz singer in the 40's and 50's in Montreal. Her father was a Jazz guitarist who played with Oscar Peterson and taught Gordon Lightfoot how to play guitar. A graduate of Drama from Queen's University, Pat was encouraged from the age of three to sing and perform. Some theatre credits include: Kate in The Tarragon Theatre production of Finnegan's Wake, while at Queen's she performed in Outside and in the Cold, a one-woman musical docudrama, and Olive in The Female Version of The Odd Couple.  Since her time here Pat has worked with some of Toronto’s most respected musicians: George Koller, Robi Botos, Bruce Cassidy, Ted Quinlan, and Paul DeLong to name a few. Pat can be seen at local jazz clubs: The Rex, Ten Feet Tall, The Old Mill and The Downtown Jazz Festival.

Toronto Publicist, Leslie Clark wrote: “Patricia Murray has a unique voice and point of view, that deserves to be heard, and I would very much like to be a part of that process…”  And about her new album Leslie wrote: “I am very excited at the opportunity of working on an international media outreach with this exceptional artist.  Patricia Murray has created a highly musical, original recording that re-imagines beloved compositions from The Beatles…”. www.patmurray.ca

Suzanne Mallet (Photo by Greg King 2010 BCRJF)
Suzanne Mallet is a singer/songwriter who has been performing at festivals, church, school, community and private events all of her life. Her lower vocal range has been applauded by listeners of all genres of music ranging from heavy rock and folk to New Age and soft jazz. She is a key member of Toronto Artists for a Better World and has received recognition for her community work as an artist who supports goodwill and humanitarian events.

Jacky Bouchard is singing all the time - ask her family! She began in theatre, was enticed into opera and dabbled in musicals. Ultimately jazz beckoned. Jacky found encouragement in her first jazz teacher, Brenda Carol as well as with Howard Rees and Rita di Ghent. Jamming has also been a great joy, notably Lisa Particelli’s Girls’ Night Out and Anthony Abbitangeli’s Desoto’s Jam. Performances at the Annex Live have rounded out the picture to date.

The Resistance - Bryant Diddier - bass, Rob Christian - sax, Mitchel - drums
Rob Christian is an amazingly talented, award winning, jazz flute sax and piano player, who has been performing extensively in the Toronto area for over 7 years. Rob's cool interpretations cause people to do a double take, when they realize it is such a young person performing. His technique, musicality and stage presence stop people in their tracks! Seeing (and hearing) is believing! Rob has an extensive repertoire of jazz, swing, latin, funk, classical and popular standards as well as original material. Rob also works with jazz/soul vocalist Marisa Lindsay, plays sax and flute with the Quincy Bullen Band and is a member of Ninja Funk Orchestra. Rob has performed at the Beaches International Jazz Festival, Toronto Jazz Festival, Montreal Jazz Festival, Ottawa Jazz Festival, Markham Jazz Festival, Parti Gras at the Distillery District, several other jazz and street festivals in southern Ontario as well as many other Toronto area events. He is also in demand for private and corporate functions. www.robchristianjazz.ca

Bill MacLean
Bill MacLean is a Toronto vocalist who is new to the American Songbook repertoire, coming as he has from years as a folk singer. He credits his late mother for inspiring him to sing in the style of such greats as Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Andy Willilams, and Michael Bublé. He discovered these performers... and this music... after inheriting his mother’s CD collection. “It’s almost as if she’s looking over my shoulder saying,’You need to try this!’” MacLean says.

Brian Stevens
Brian Stevens has performed throughout Canada, New England and the Caribbean. As musical director, he has over 100 productions to his credit.  He has worked with theatre Festivals throughout Atlantic Canada and has also been heard in concert on CBC Radio’s, “All the Best”. Brian’s musical passions include liturgical music, jazz, composition and baroque improvisation.

B2 is the name of Toronto’s newest jazz duo, consisting of Bill MacLean on vocals, and Brian Stevens on piano. B2, has been performing house concerts and club dates in the Toronto area for just over a year, and are looking forward to recording in the new year.\

Brenda Carol
Currently Brenda Carol is working on her third jazz album which includes some original songs, and a solo folk jazz CD in which she plays guitar in addition to singing. She looks forward to further collaborations with stimulating musicians, to exploring songs from a variety of sources, and to future performances. With her beautiful voice, creative explorations, and joyful desire to continue stretching the boundaries of jazz, Brenda Carol promises to be a major force in modern music for many years to come.

more to be announced... _________________________________________________

About the jazz fair

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2011
2011 BRENDA CAROL RENAISSANCE JAZZ FAIR:

The 2011 Brenda Carol Renaissance Jazz Fair will be taking place Saturday, February 5, 2011. The fair will be held at Remarks Bar & Grill 1026 Coxwell Avenue, Toronto, ON. Cost: $20.00/Adults Children attend free. Please email: darwynrecords@yahoo.com to pre-order tickets or for more info Call: 416-467-7959. The event is by pre-ordered tickets only and please ask to have your name put on the guest list.

This is a small grass roots festival that features young up-and-coming artists. All proceeds go to local charities here in Beaches/East York and the many artists who perform in this fine festival. Our generous sponsor Jon Long of Long & McQuade, Brenda Carol Vocal Lessons and Gardner Piano & Guitar Lessons make this all possible for this our FIFTH year. Thanks also to all the media for your support.

2011 FEATURED PLAYERS:

Backing Musicians:
Stephen Gardner - keyboard
Rob Christian - tenor saxophone/flute/keyboard
Jon Meyer - bass
Amhed Mitchel - drums

MAIN FEATURED PERFORMERS INCLUDE:

Brenda Carol - vocal/percussion/guitar/songwriter
Suzanne Mallet - vocal/harp / tba - guitar)
Larra Skye - vocal/guitar/songwriter
Jacky Bouchard - vocal
B2 (Bill MacLean - vocal/ Brian Stevens - keyboard)
Pat Murray - vocal/songwriter
Big Rude Jake - vocal/guitar/songwriter
The Resistance - Bryant Diddier - bass, Rob Christian - vocals/sax,
Amhed Mitchel - drums

MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED.

Please listen, attend, appreciate and purchase as much independent music as you can, always!

In The Past:

Past artists at the Brenda Carol Renaissance Jazz Fairs have included: Carin Redman, HALEY SMALL, Blues Element, Lisa Particelli, Shannon Butcher, Kyle McGregor, The Masies, Kate Schutt, Carlo Berardinucci, Sophia Perlman, Brownman, Max Sennitt, Tom Ionescu, Jen Sagar , Larra Skye, Christine Bougie, Tyanna Nikitta, Nicole Rampersaud, Sarah Jerrom, Ilana Waldston, Cindy Doire, Margot Roi, Layah Jane, Ori Dagan, Geordie Haley & Brandon Valdivia, Arnold Faber, Melissa Pisarzowski, Tina Nodwell, Alexis Cole, Vanessa Hanson (Ptarmigan) and more... I am indebted to these incredible artists for sharing their talent of music with everyone.

Up-and-coming young jazz artists featured include singers: JANICE HAWKE, SUZANNE MALLET, HALEY SMALL, JEN SAGAR, MELISSA LAUREN with guitarist NATHAN HILTZ, bassist GEORGE KOLLER, pianist STEPHEN GARDNER, saxman ROB CHRISTIAN, trumpeter BROWNMAN, guitarist MARK SEPIC, percussionist RICK SHADRACH LAZAR and BRENDA CAROL. The series is presented by noted jazz artist Brenda Carol and Long & McQuade’s JON LONG.

BC Renaissance Jazz Fair Master Class

Our Sponsors & Media Support

Long & McQuade
Long & McQuade Event Page
Yorkville Sound
Audix Microphones

Bill MacLean of The Beach Metro Community News
Eye Weekly
Now Toronto
Toronto.com
LiveWithCulture.ca (great article on Larra Skye)
All About Jazz.com
Gary 17 of To-nite Magazine
CIUT 89.5 Take 5 with Andy Frank
CHRY 105.5 Some Experiences In Jazz with Rob Fogle
91.1 Jazz FM
CBC Radio 2
Makeup by Victoria Dixon
Hair by Daniel Nguyen
Videographer Chris Jemmett
Kerry Doole - Tandem Magazine
Louise Peacock - Indietalent.ca
Norm Nelson of The East York/Riverdale Mirror
The Wholenote Magazine
Thanks, Dr. Hands - VOX CURA
Glen Sutherland/ Rhonda Martin - hearforlife.ca
Roger Humbert - The Live Music Report
Greg King - Photographer
Mike Colyer - Photographer