Ali Hugo Breaks New Ground With Genre-defying Jazz Album 'Jazzalane'��Now Streaming

June 14, 2025

Since making his debut in 2015, singer-songwriter and producer Ali Hugo has become known not just for his eclectic musical journey but also for his ability to adapt, evolve, and lead in an ever-changing music industry. Now, Hugo unveils his boldest project yet: JazzaLane��a full-length jazz album that showcases his evolution as a genre-bending artist and ...

Stefan Hegerat's Bet Against Algorithmic Music

by Lawrence Peryer
June 1, 2025

Stefan Hegerat reached his breaking point with Spotify. Last year, the Toronto drummer and composer made a decision that's becoming more common among independent musicians: he began the process of removing his music from the streaming giant. “I recently read Liz Pelly's book about the evolution of Spotify and that really sealed the deal ...

Beverly Taft

Steve Holt To Release New Album - Impact - On April 25, 2025

April 18, 2025

Celebrated Canadian jazz pianist returns with a fresh collection of original compositions Pianist Steve Holt's latest album IMPACT is a celebration of fresh, original compositions crafted over more than a year, showcasing Holt��s dual passion for composing and playing. This release marks an exciting new chapter in his storied career, blending innovative ideas with a deep ...

Holly Cole: Kiss Me Quick

by John Chacona
February 4, 2025

Hands up everyone who thinks there should be more vibes solos on Elvis Presley covers. Though press materials don't credit the player, they identify Kevin Breit as the guitarist (was there any question?) on this Western Swing-flavored chart of the 1961 Doc Pomus / Mort Shuman song. Holly Cole sings it with just the right proportion ...

Patrick Darwin Smith

Born: September 6, 1995

Patrick Smith is a saxophonist based in Toronto (originally from Ottawa).

He has established himself as a gifted and in demand saxophonist in the Canadian music scene. In recent years he has extensively toured Canada, the US, and Europe with Legends of Motown (featuring Michael Dunston and Gary Beals), My Son The Hurricane, Chelsea Mcbride’s Socialist Night School, and Forever Seger. 

He keeps an active freelance schedule in Toronto and around North America appearing with artists such as Order of Canada Recipient Dave Young, Juini Booth (bassist for Mccoy Tyner and Tony Williams), Yemen Blues, Erez Zobary, Heavyweights Brass Band, Dee Dee and the Dirty Martinis, Eighth Street Orchestra, Dan Pitt Quintet, King Cardiac, Queen Pepper, Kazdoura, and Shout The Band., An active bandleader, he currently leads three projects. His quintet which plays hard hitting original modern jazz. His chord-less trio called “3-Oh” which draws from the spirit of Sonny Rollins and plays music from the standard jazz canon, originals, as well as unique interpretations of more contemporary material. 

Tenshi

Tenshi is a dynamic jazz fusion quartet based in Toronto, delivering a captivating blend of improvisation, groove, and artistry. The band features:

• May Akanuma on saxophone and flute, whose expressive melodies and intricate phrasing bring vibrant textures to the ensemble.
• Spencer Bridgwater, bassist and composer, whose intricate compositions and driving rhythms anchor Tenshi's sound.
• Ben Graffam on drums, whose rhythmic precision and creative energy propel the group’s performances.
• Alex Purcell on guitar, adding a lush harmonic palette and intricate solos that elevate the band's unique voice.

Paul Marangoni

Born: January 28

Paul Marangoni began drumming at the age of 13. Primarily self-taught, he was lucky enough to study privately with some very talented musicians: David Kent (Toronto Symphony Orchestra), Paul DeLong (Domenic Troiano, David Bendeth, Kim Mitchell), Mark Craney (Jean Luc Ponty, Gino Vannelli, Jethro Tull), and Chad Wackerman (Frank Zappa, Allan Holdsworth). Paul has performed and/or recorded with: Jazz Martyrs, Jazz Because, The Trio of Stridence, The Brothers Dimm, Janeen Leah, Freddy Curci, Alex Masi, Phil Naro, The Works, Adrian Davison, Coney Hatch, FM, Zappacosta, Eugene Smith, and David Gibson.

Dan Fortin

Born: January 26, 1985

Dan Fortin was born and raised in Peterborough, Ontario. His eclectic tastes have led to work with a wide variety of artists in the jazz, rock and pop worlds, including Bernice, The Allison Au Quartet, Queer Songbook Orchestra, Emilie-Claire Barlow, Aline’s étoile magique, John Southworth, Serena Ryder, July Talk, Devon Sproule, Mike O’Neill, Laila Biali, Ethan Iverson, Bryn Roberts, Mike Murley, Will Bonness, Jon Gordon, Andy Milne, David Occhipinti, Tara Davidson, Harley Card, Michael Davidson, Alex Goodman, Zoon, and many others.

Dan is a co-leader of the Juno nominated trio MYRIAD3, along with pianist Chris Donnelly and drummer Ernesto Cervini. Together, they’ve released five albums for Alma Records, and have undertaken several tours of Canada, the USA, Europe, and Japan, including performances at the Tokyo Jazz Festival and Ronnie Scott’s International Piano Trio Festival (London, UK.)

Dan Fortin Built 'Cannon' From the Bass Up

by Lawrence Peryer
November 16, 2024

Bassist Dan Fortin recorded much of his album Cannon (Elastic Recordings, 2024) in a Calgary condo during the early months of the pandemic, armed with just an electric bass guitar. What started as sketches for a solo record evolved into a series of remote collaborations with musicians across Canada, including saxophonist Karen Ng, vibraphonist Michael Davidson, ...