Ottawa Jazz seen

Photographers need to eat too. Please respect their copyright, which applies to all photos on OttawaJazzSeen.ca. Photographs may be downloaded and saved offline for personal use. Any reproduction and public presentation, including on a website (including Facebook, myspace and all others) or on printed materials requires prior written permission of the photographer.

Queen opens July Jazz nights at Café Nostalgica

©Brett Delmage, 2010

For the first time, Café Nostalgica is continuing to run its jazz nights over the summer (except for two weeks' closure at the beginning of August). Steve Berndt (vocals), along with Eric Disero (keys) and Alex Mastronardi (bass), will be there every Wednesday in July trying out new material.

At their opening show, the three saluted the Queen for her intent attention to the music, despite the brutal heat that drove both the band and the rest of the audience out onto the porch to cool down between sets.

The Roddy Ellias Organ Quartet

Kirk MacDonald listens to Roddy Ellias play. ©Brett Delmage, 2010 The Roddy Ellias Organ Quartet featuring Kirk MacDonald (sax), Daniel Thouin (organ), and John Fraboni (drums) played an excellent show at Café Paradiso on 2010 May 8. The insistent beat of the organ contrasted and underlined the explorations on sax and guitar. The almost-full restaurant enthusiastically received the music.

The show was the final show in Roddy Ellias' 2010 concert series.

See the original event listing

Mash Potato Mashers officially open the 30th Jazz Festival!

Mike Essoudry's Mash Potato Mashers Marching Band and the "Dancing in the Street" dancers officially opened the 30th Jazz Festival at 5 PM on June 25. They surprised and delighted the public as they marched down Elgin Street and the waiting audience when they arrived in the Park.

Ottawa Jazz Scene's earlier story about the Mashers is here.

Renée Yoxon and Francois Gravel have the Crimson and Blues every Monday

The sooner you fall behind, the more time you have to catch up! Vocalist Renée Yoxon and keyboardist Francois Gravel help listeners catch up on their live music early in the week with Crimson and Blues at Bar 56. OttawaJazzScene caught up with them on May 3 at Bar 56 (below the Mercury Lounge) in The Market. It was a lively evening with Linsey Wellman (alto), Richard Page (bass clarinet), and Craig Pedersen (trumpet) joining in.

Ottawa JazzWorksGala - Jazz Camp photos

JazzWorks is holding its annual JazzWorksGala fundraiser on May 6, 2010 at Arts Court. There will be five hours of entertainment and tickets are still available.

The funds raised will help support JazzWorks' annual jazz workshop, which provides intensive training and master classes by professional musicians over an extended weekend in late August. OttawaJazzScene.ca publisher Brett Delmage photographed the 2008 Camp. Learn more about what happens at Jazz Camp by viewing Brett's photographs of combos, master classes, the Big Choir, meals, jam sessions, the faculty concert, and more.

Carleton U Music Showcase features Guitar Ensemble

The Carleton University Guitar Ensemble performs in the Carleton University Music Showcase on April 5. They will play at Café Paradiso on Monday, April 19.