In the squeal of a saxophone, Edmonton's seventh international jazz festival is upon 'JS. The good 'imes are about to roll again for Canada's first established major jazz festival. Put together originally as an outgrowth of the Edmonton Jazz Society, the events of the past six years have featured a number of artists and a standard of music which is staggering to say the least. That all of this has taken place in a city of our size and on an -amazingly low budget is a tribute to the devotion that so many Edmontonians have toward this music we call jazz. And with all due respect to those hardworking volunteers of pastevents~this festival promises to be one of the first truly befitting the term 'festival'. With a variety of sounds represented which span the entire history of the music and a larger than ever line up of outdoor concerts tied in with other cultural events, this will be ten days that river city has seldom topped for an al1-round experience in sight and sound. The festival is also much earlier in the summer than it has been for the previous six years and for some very sound reasons. Firstly, all the major festivals throughout North America are held in late June and early July. Tour routes and booking schedules make it much easier to hook up with artists as they fly between dates, not to mention the expense saved. Then there are the other music and entertainment events with which Jazz City has overlapped in previous years, events which have comr)eted for publicity space, audience attendance, ticket sales, and available venues. Thankfully, ln averting these scheduling problems with earlier dates, Jazz City '86 may be one of the most successful years yet for this annual feast of spontaneous musical abandon. Certainly at the time of writing, reports of ticket sales were good. If you've yet to decide on what you would like to attend, this feature is intended to serve as a background to some of the lesser-known artists who will be presented, as a general guide to the festivities over-all, and as a tie-in to CJSR's own special programming during the festival. The Artists The Count Basie Orchestra, Edmonton Convention Centre, Saturday, July 5, 8:00 p.m. When Count Basie passed away in 1984, many assumed that was it for his band as well. But this was not to be the case. These days the Basie band is still made up of original players and is now led by Thad Jones. It's good to know that the music of the Count lives on as evidenced by the glowing reports the band gets wherever it tours. This is a chance to catch one of the most experienced and influential big bands in jazz history. Paul Bley, solo, at the Library theatre, Friday, July 4, 6:00 p.m. One of the more enigmatic masters of the piano, Paul Bley brings to his career a wealth of past experience with the likes of Charlie Parker, Charles Mingus, Ornette Coleman, and Sonny Rollins. This is a rare chance to hear one of the most influential keyboard players of our era. Jane Ira Bloom, Library theatre, Thursday, July 3, 6:00 p.m. Jane Ira Bloom was too busy trying to find out about the greats of jazz history to spend much time studying the major masters of her own chosen instrument, the soprano sax. Listen for a fresh approach that she says has as much to do with the influence of vocalists as anyone. Fred Hersch, part of her most recent quartet recording, will join her on the piano. Equinox on "Jazz Street", Saturday, June 28, from 2:00 p.m. and at the Yardbird Suite, June 27 and 28. Five young men from Sweden, award winners in their homeland, whose sound on record is tight and sophisticated beyond their years. They will be playing the Yardbird with Nexus, another group from Sweden. The Benny Goodman Alumni Band, Citadel Shoctor Theatre, Monday. June 30, at 8:00 p.m. When Benny Goodman died just as this magazine was being put together, public tributes were cropping up ail over. Here, some of the best players of his previous bands get together to show what his music is all about. A true jazz immortal, Goodman is still very much alive in his music ◄ Steve Lacy Sextet, Library theatre, Wednesday, July 2, 6:00 p.m. A master of the soprano sax, Steve Lacy's musical genius is less well known in North America than it should be - perhaps because of the time he has spent on the road around the world and in residence in Paris. A veteran who has worked with the likes of Cecil Taylor, Gil Evans, and Thelonius Monk, Lacy began to form the nucleus of his own group in the late sixties. The fact that the core members of this sextet have been playing together ever since suggests something about the level of communication and the intensity of expression we can expectto hear in a live performance situation. Likely to be one of the highlights of this festival. Peter Leitch on "Jazz Street", Thursday, July 3 and Sunday, July 6 with Wayne Feschuk. A Canadian artist recently transplanted to New York, Peter Leitch was garnering a lot of critical favour even before he made it to the Big Apple. Maybe you are one of the fortunate who caught him at a previous Jazz City. Wynton Marsalis, Citadel Shoctor Theatre, Sunday, June 29, 7 & 9:30 p.m. Does any more really need to be said about Wynton Marsalis? At press time both performances were sold out - indicative of the kind of popularity he finds wherever he goes these days. No word yet on who he is bringing in tow. Bobby McFerrin, Citadel Shoctor Theatre, Friday, July 4, 8:00 p.m., also Mike Nock. . One cannot say enough about Bobby McFerrin. He is simply one of the best things to ever happen to jazz vocals, though that label is in itself too limiting for the amazing range and inventiveness that he brings to a variety of musical genres. If you're not already familiar with him, you owe it to yourself to check out The Voice that other jazz vocalists autor'nati- 4 • AIRtight, June, 1986 RED HOT JAZZ CITY '86 HEATS UP by Roger Levesque obvious. Having started out as street musicians two years ago they've since been to Europe and back and will release their first record shortly before the festival begins. Look forward to hearing a variety of musical ideas brought together in a unique off-the-wall manner. Bill Smith and David Prentice Phoenix theatre, Monday, June 30, 10:30 p.m. Canadian musicians of a truly international stature, Bill Smith and David Prentice have been working together for some years to create challenging improvisational music. Montreal musicians John Howard and Yves Bouliane play percussion and bass respectively. T-he Edmonton Jazz Ensemble with special guest Kenny Wheeler Library theatre, Saturday, July 5, 6:00 p.m. Directed by trumpeter Sean McAnally the EdJE makes it's debut at Jazz City this year. Regulars at the Yardbird Suite will be familiar with the high caliber of local players represented in this group. Special guest Kenny Wheeler has recorded in a number of confexts for the ECM label and most recently visited Edmonton last y€ar as a member of the Dave Holland Quintet. Tony Williams Quintet Citadel Shoctor theatre, Thursday, July .3, 8:00 p.m. If Tony Williams' career had ended after his work with the Miles Davis Quintet during the 1960's that alone would garner him a place as one of the most influential drummers of modern jazz. That he went on to experiment in a number of highly respected fusion endeavours, and more recently has put together a new band to showcase his own strong compositional talents suggests that he is one artist not to be missed. This last minute arrangement to fill a spot vacated by Steps Ahead is a major addition to ttie festival. cally mention when talking about the future of the human instrument in jazz music. This solo concert will open with a performance by Australian pianist Mike Nock. Nexus on "Jazz Street', Friday, June 27, from 2:00 p.m. and at the Yardbird Suite. June 27 and 28. This quartet, along with Equinox, are one of two groups of interesting young players from Sweden. Originally formed in 1971, they have worked together with Italian trumpeter Enrico Rava, Dave Liebman, Pepper Adams, and others. Paul Plimley Octet, Phoenix Theatre, Monday, June 30. 10:30 p.m. Cutting the line between the intimacy of a small group and the lush textures of a big band. this octet b·rings together musicians from a variety of musical backgrounds playing primarily original compositions. Plimley, from Vancouver, is featured on the vibes and piano. Tito Puente, Latin Dance Party at the Chateau Lacombe. Saturday, June 28, 9:00 p.m. One of the highlights of last year's festival, 'the King', returns for an evening of salsa music and this time it's in a venue where you can dancel You can just feel the energy pouring off this man and his group. Reg Swager Trio on "Jazz Street'. Wednesday, July 2, from 11 :45 a.m. and at the Phoenix Theatre, Thursday, July 3, at 10:30 p.m. Originally born in Holland, this Toronto guitarist started playing gigs at the age of 18, sounding much older than anyone expected. At the age of 23 ~e has toured European festivals and continues to carve out a Jigger 'lame for himself and his group. Shuffle Demons on "Jazz Street", Sunday, Tuesday, and Friday, June 29, July 1 and July 4 respectively, and at the Phoenix Theatre, Saturday, July 5. at 10:30 p.m. The Shuffle Demons are a real fun bunch of guys. If their outside ► apparel doesn't suggest that, their music will make it more than AIRtight, June. 1986 • 5 Justin Time Records Present A Celebration of Canadian Jazz Citadel Shoctor theatre, Canada The Festivities Jazz Street is the center of outdoor activity during the festival. All - kinds of musicians will be featured over ten days of free concerts in Sir Winston Churchill Square. Three shows run daily from noon until 1:30 p.m., from 4 to 6:00 p.m., and from 6 until 7:45 p.m.. Additional shows take place from 2:00 p.m. on June 27 and 28, and on July 1, 5, · and 6. And as if free outdoor jazz concerts were not enough Jazz Street happens concurrently with ... The Works A presentation of over 250 Canadian artists working in all kinds of visual media with art exhibitions, workshops, and an artists market. It all happens in and around Sir Winston Churchill Square and Rice Howard Way. Blockorama Jazz Street goes Carri bean for the day of Sunday, June 29 from noon until 10:00 p.m. Check out the sounds of steel and brass bands, dancers, and still more jazz. Jazz City Summer Jazz Camp for those who manage to register in time this first annual jazz camp gives young players a chance to participate in workshops with some of the finest musicians visiting the festival. 6 • AIRtight, June, 1986 Day, 8:00 p.m. This fledgling jazz label was founded only three years ago in Montreal and already they've released over a dozen albums of talented new players on high-quality pressings, including most recently: Alex Dean, Toronto Saxophonist; the Karen Young/Michael Donato duo (vocals and bass); and most notably several albums by the popular artist Oliver Jones. These and other Canadian artists who have recorded with the label will make up this special evening in celebration of our national birthday. An evening with Windham Hill Citadel Shoctor theatre, Wednesday, July 2, 8:00 p.m. This increasingly popular label known in most circles for "new age" music is beginning to come out of the woodwork with lively, powerful groups like Montreaxand the Scott Cossu Group. Groups which involve artists not content to merely imitate other styles of music, they're interested instead in creating hybrids of various musical genres. Montreux received a very warm welcome when they brought their particular brand of jazz/bluegrass to the Yardbird Suite last winter and for good reason . Scott Cossu's Group brings together jazz and classical ideas with a pastoral atmospheric quality. "The voice", Bobby McFerrin T I The Blues Bash with Albert King, Koko Taylor, and Little Ed and the Blues Imperials at the Edmonton Convention Centre, Sunday, July 6, Koko Taylor 8:00 p.m. The festival ends with a chance to check out the roots of jazz, updated by three top-quality acts out of Chicago. Guitarist Albert King and vocalist Koko Taylor are among the few true greats in their respective areas. Little Ed and the Blues Imperials are one of the hottest new bands on the scene gaining a lot of response for their captivating stage show. Jazz City '86 on CJSR 88.5 FM CJSR is pleased to bring you more regular jazz programming than any other station in Edmonton. Tune in every weekday between 3 and 5:00 p.m. for the Jazz Show with a different host each afternoon. Occasional live interviews with local and visiting jazz artists are featured. On Sunday night Jazz Is! brings you 3 hours of a wide variety of jazz-oriented music, new jazz releases and occasional interviews and features. Off The Wall brings you ninety minutes of the blues every Wednesday at 9:00 p.m. During Jazz City '86 CJSR-FM will bring you special daily programming coverage of the artists and events that make up the festival. Listen in for schedule updates, reviews, interviews with artists when available, and a wealth of background information and music to enhance your enjoyment of the concerts happening each day. Jazz City Today Friday, June 27, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. Opening Day Saturday, June 28, 5:30 - 6:00 p.m. Sunday, June 29, 12:00 midnite - 1:00 a.m. Monday, June 30, 4:30 - 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 1, 4:30 - 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 2, 4:30 - 5:00 p.m. Thursday, July 3, 4:30 - 5:00 p.m. Friday, July 4, 4:30 - 5:00 p.m. Saturday, July 5, 5:30 - 6:00 p.m. Sunday, July 6, 12:00 midnite - 1:00 a.m. Wrap-up Also tune in to Off The Wall, Wednesday, July 2 at 9:00 p.m. for coverage of the Blues Bash Artists. AIRtight, June. 1986 • 7 ity. 1don't think some of the people in Jamestown even realize that we write our own songs. It gets down to that. We do have an avid following. When we play in Jamestown, we can get five or six hundred people to come. wtiich is good, it's better than any other band has ever done there, but that's now. In the early days it was a struggle. In fact, as I was saying, Jerry's from Buffalo and he was my favorite drummer from our whole region. He was in another band. He's our tenth drummer. We went through nine drummers in Jamestown who all quit us because they thought we stunk and were embarrassing to play with. They joined other bands that were so absurd, spandex clothes. They're still doing Lynyrd Skynyrd and stuff like that. It's strange. AT: The future plans for the band are to get back in the studio? JL: Yeah , get into the studio. We're going to do another little short tour in the east. We're going to take, at the end of this tour, about three weeks off and try and solidify some of our musical ideas. Then we're going to go on the road for aboutthree or four weeks and perform mostly all the new songs just to tighten them up and figure out tempos and that kind of thing. Then we go into the studio, probably in July. Some of us are trying to talk everybody into California. AT: Working in LA? JL: We prefer the Bay area, San Francisco ... it's beautiful there. I wouldn't be averse to LA. Many people have preconceived notions, but we've had a fairly pleasant time there. In our band we're all different. Some of the people want to do it in a rural setting, one of these country studios, very pastoral. A couple of us would be bored to tears. A few of us wantto do it in a big city. There's some people in the band who can't stand being in the city because it's just too overwhelming. Everything we do is a compromise. We're just hopeful. The record won't be out for awhile. There is some talk about putting out a live EP, just three or four songs to keep the interest going. AT: I think definitely the interest in the band is there and it only has to grow. JL: We're so happy about that. It really is a dream come true. None of us ever expected it. It's just a wonderful feeling that people not only know who you are, but like what you do. It sounds corny, but being able to bring a lot of satisfaction and joy into people's lives is something that... bands always did that/or me. I was a huge fan. I always went to concerts. I know what it's like to stand outside in the rain waiting to have them sign your programme. I still have the drumstick that Buffin of Mott the Hoople threw at me. I am a huge fan. Just to be able to meet some of these people now that have been my heroes for my entire life is an indescribable feeling . We're all just really thankful that it's happened. ' ~:.;::::: .· ·.·. • ·. 103U86Ave. in Old Strathcona Doors: 7:30 p.m. 432-7166/0428 June 17-21 Guitari::.t, Concord Recording Artist, ·HERB ELLIS June 27 - July 7 VARDBIRD SUITE CE~EBRATES·-·--·-·-··----- Postscript: Rumours Dispelled Dept.: Robert Buck, the other 10,000 Maniacs guitarist, is not the brother of R.E.M.'s Peter Buck. Apparently the rumour was started by some New York writer who never got around to printing a retraction . The Maniacs have opened for R.E.M. on numerous tours and the two Bucks have gotten together to trace back lineages. They have reached the conclusion that they are not related in any way. 7:30 p.m. - 2:00 a.m. 10 days of a variety of bands and guest artists! I> -July ISSUES INTERVIEWS INSIDE STORIES CJSR wants to know the whole story. Do you? If you can commit a few hours a week to investigative, insightful reporting on news, social issues and current events, come on in to Room 224, SUB on the University of Alberta campus. Tell us what you'd like to see and do for our public affairs coverage. · It's Your Alternative ... Use it! Guitarist 9-12 ROB CARROLL TRIO Guitarist 16-19 JOHN ABERCROMBIE - EDMONTON JAZZ SOCIETY on,.' :e • • • • wllh lhe ..i.tance ol lhe Alberta Foundation lot the Performing Arla and ...,_ Canada .__., (Alberta Division) AIRtight, June. 19d6 • 11 □o[fu□OITTJTI@ O 'A Ll 1 Time SUNDAY MONDAY ffi eclectlc(ek-lek'tic), adj./liberal and _ _b_roadin _tasteor_belief TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY - - i SATURDAY 7a.m. Side One Side One Side One Side One Side One Ba.m. New Morning OnCampus 9a.m. 10a.m. The Third Side Ml,!IIC:a Folk and Country Nova 11 a.m. Noon 1 p.m. 2p.m. 3p.m. Jazz • 4p.m. • ' Catch the ._ !Sp.m. OS,..-88 Side Two Side Two Side Two Side Two Side Two 6p.m. 1800 7p.m. Bp.m. 1900 lnThe Tradition Deprogram 2000 9p.m. 2100 10p.m. 2200 11 p.m. WaltUntl OM1l 2300 Kinetic enw- Midnight 2400 1 a.m. 0100 Jazzlel 2a.m. 0200 " ,! !;~;,,m'.,':.:~: ::.,,,:. w~ :,: ==:---~:::-:-':"'.:=~~ 0300 -•··••-•••-·• AHOY: 12 • AIRtight, June, 1986 CJSR's 1986 entry in the Sourdough Raft Race the HMCS Stewart M. Young needs your help. We need the assistance of a large truck and crane for loading the raft, and transporting itto and from the North Saskatchewan River July 19, 20, and 21. Be part of the glory. Leave a message with us during office hours and we'll fill you in with the details. In The Tradition 7:00 p.m. Level Vibes 9:00p.m . Newscasts · An hour of traditional folk music from Europe hosted by Roddy Campbell. CJSR p resents major newscasts every weekday at 8 :00 a.m . and at 5:00 p .m . We also have 2minute news updates at 7:30 a .m ., 8 :30 a .m. and at 5:55 p .m . in addition to a Noon news/weather/ sports update. We also have newscasts Saturdays at Noon and Sundays at 11 :00 a .m . with an update at 10:00 Your cool reggae show. Host Bally C. plays the latest and greatest on wax. Walt Untll Dark ,10:00 p.m. When night falls Tara• Is on with two hours of new noise from foreign lands. a .m . Jazz Isl Midnight Side One 7:00a.m. Begin y our day with Side One, CJSR's morning news and new music program. Some regular features include: The Once Over - a daily review of records, books, movies and theatre; The Alternative News Report and Altered States - a collectively-produced politicallyoriented program. All that and much more on Side One. weekday mornings from 7 to 9. Be-bop, big-band, free form. fusion, hot and cool - all those sounds we call Jazz. Three hours of music, artist profiles. and Interviews in the spirit of spontaneity with host Roger Lev-que. [ij] © [M [Q) ~YI ------------- The Chinese Connection 6:00p.m . At 5 o 'clock we flip you over to Side Two -an hour of news and music halfway through our programming day. Regular features include: Spectn.,m - CJSR's weekly science program; The Ride Exchange and our arts and entertainment magaz i ne - Arte Week . That's between 5 and 6 on Side Two. The Chl~e Connection is organized by the Chinese Student"s Association at the U of A. Every week host Dennie Lam will bring you popular music direct from Hong Kong as well as Information on Chinese student groups on Campus (broadcast In Cantonese dialect) . Deprogram 7:00 p.m. ------------ The Third Side 9:00a.m. The Third Side is CJSR's two-hour weekend news and music program. Our regular feature is Talk to Me - a half-hour program focusing on the written and spoken word with interviews, reviews and readings from poetry, novels and plays. Spend your Sunday mornings on The Third Side. The Press Box 11:00a.m. With the wen ther warming and sumnJer here. it's time for b a s et ,1 11 and football . Fo llo w the Trappers a nd the Eskin 10s as well as a ll the oth er happen ings in spo rts . Si xty minutes of o pinio ns. inte rviews and spec ial s u rp n st.~s fr0m_The Press Box. Alternative Countdown Noon A countdown of CJSR's current top 20 albums and top 10 singles or EP's. Zig-Zags 3:00p.m. A program featuring music from France, French Canada and other French-speaking countries. Zig-Zega has guests for interviews too and presents community announcements. Hosted in French by Isabelle Douvia!. Opus&e 4:00p.m. Join host Mark Antonelll for three hours of the best in alternative classical music from the 11th century to the present. Host Richard Makowski invites you to enjoy a variety of Polish music, news, information from Poland. public service announcement for the Polish community. and the request line. Broadcast in Polish. The Black Experience In Sound 7:00p.m. SldeTwo 5:00p.m. ~[lJJ[M[Q)~Yf Pollsh Showcase 6:00p.m. Host Norm Frizell features Import releases from New York, Jamaica, Britain and points beyond (Saturn?) . Travel the airwaves with Deprogram and leave your baggage behind. Departures 9:00p.m. Join Marcel Dion e very Mondny rnght for what's new and wha t" •~ o ld u, elec troni c music Kinetic Environs 11:00p.m. It's the same name and format. It's at a different time and has a new host. It's an hour of information and entertainment. featuring music by independent bands from demo-tapes and records. Join Daryl Richel for a passage through Kinetic Environs. An extra-terrestrial experience inside a life force movement, the Black Experience In Sound with the General Overseer, Teddy. Be there, Off The Wall 9 :00p.m . CJSR's blues concentrate. Host Doug Langlffe packs the whole spectrum of blues into 90 minutes each week, covering heavy electric urban blues to nice vegetarian country blues, with layovers In the Jump and pre-war genres. There will be weekly features on artists, regional styles, or labels. Magical Encounters 1:00a.m. Engulf yourself in the feather-bed softness of ecstatic dreamland music with Adil Oureahl. ¥[}=(][1JJ[pJ~[Q)~Y/ _ _ __ Caribbean Hour 6:00p.m. Listen for profiles of different Caribbean Islands as well as news and music each week on the Caribbean Hour. Land of a Thousand Dances 9 :00p.m. Mind Compression Midnight Join host David M-nz each Thursday night as he explores the early days of Ryhthm and Blues, Soul, Gospel and Rock 'n' Roll. -Why waste time looking for heavy metal anywhere else? Listen to Edmonton's only metal show where Mike Berry features the best In domestic, import and alternative metal. Remember. you heard It here first. Splral Scratch 10:30 p.m. ¥~~~[Q)~Yf _ _ _ __ Join Alain Oueifetta as he presents a half hour feature on dlffereni alternative artists each week. Tune in for details on special features. Hispanic Hour 6:00 p.m. Host Enrique Reye• invites you to enjoy an hour of Spanish and Latin American folk and popular music, commentary, timely news stories and events of interest to Edmonton's hispanic community. The last Tuesday of each month features the "Top Five songs in Spain" directly from the Spanish Radio Network. Rotation 1:00a.m. Every week you will be faced with a different DJ and his/her concept of late-night radio. Themes, specials, strangeness, scariness, the sublime and the ridiculous. Expect surprises. more Bright Moments on pg. 14 AIRtight, June, 1986 • 13