Jazz Trumpeter Jeremy Pelt Carries the Torch Boldly Forward

Posted on January 18, 2016 by Keith MacLachlan

The Jazz Shed took advantage of a free Saturday afternoon on the calendar of Trumpeter Jeremy Pelt during a two night stint (Jan 8-9) at Frankie’s, the newish Vancouver Jazz venue next to BC Place Stadium, at the heart of this city’s nightlife.

Mr. Pelt took to the stage with some of NYC’s heaviest cats; Bill Stewart on drums, Peter Washington on bass, Steve Nelson on vibes, and Danny Grissett on piano. The Power Quintet cooked up a swinging brew of mostly original tunes with a decidedly post-hard-bop influence. All but two tunes of the two set offering were written by Pelt himself with a few from pianist Grissett. The packed house at Frankie’s, local musicians in abundance, were not disappointed as the band delivered high energy, immaculate, yet often daring variations on the contemporary but ‘feel good’ compositions of Messrs Pelt and Grissett.

In the following interview, Jeremy Pelt shares his thoughts on Jazz music, his plans for the future. Please enjoy, and feel free to comment.

A Conversation with Jazz Impresario Cory Weeds

Posted on January 16, 2016 by Keith MacLachlan

The Jazz Shed sat down with Cory Weeds, Jazz Impresario extraordinaire, at the newly launched Frankie’s Jazz Club in downtown Vancouver, to stretch out and talk all things Jazz. Enjoy this part 1 clip of our discussion where Cory talks about how and why he decided to make a career around playing, presenting and recording Jazz music. Stay tuned for more of our extensive conversation coming very soon.

Bruno Schubert Quartet – Live at The Libra Room

Posted on December 9, 2015 by Keith MacLachlan

Bruno Schubert is a unique and (to me) shockingly delightful surprise on the Vancouver Jazz scene. In fact, I wouldn’t restrict this assessment to just the local Vancouver Jazz microcosm. I have been studying, playing and listening to jazz constantly for 35 years and Bruno is the real thing. Rather than try to explain why I think he is important, I would just invite you to listen to his playing, and indeed his arranging and the way he compels his group (listen to his maraca and tamborin work) through his unique and entrancing treatment of Love For Sale with a deceptive Night In Tunisia intro.

Full Album release is coming soon.

Mike Allen Quartet – Live At CBC Studio 700

Posted on November 29, 2015 by Keith MacLachlan

Mike Allen performed with his quartet at CBC Studio 700 on November 7th as part of the Legacy Jazz Society Series. In this particular instantiation of the quartet Mike was joined by Steve Holy on Bass, Sharon Minemoto on Keyboard and Dave Robbins on Drums.

This is a sneak peek of a longer recording by The Jazz Shed of this performance. More will follow soon.
Special thanks to Dexter Gregoire for the beautiful filmography.

Four Time Grammy winner Stanley Clarke on his music and more

Posted on October 8, 2015 by Keith MacLachlan

Stanley Clarke

I caught up with four time Grammy winner and jazz bass legend Stanley Clarke just before his top-billed performance at the Vancouver International Jazz festival this past June.
Stanley was very generous and gracious as he shared his thoughts on touring in Europe, playing with Chick Corea, the state of the music and recording industry, the language of jazz and more.

Please enjoy and feel free to share your comments.

Interview with jazz piano pioneer Fred Hersch

Posted on September 30, 2015 by Keith MacLachlan

I met Fred Hersch back in 1994 during the Vancouver Jazz festival and interviewed him for Coop Radio. It was exciting to me then as 26 year old to be able to sit down and hear about Fred’s already successful career. I had heard great things about him from Chris McCann with who I had studied drums in the 1980’s.

So, now, over 20 years later, I reconnected with Fred again briefly after his Performance Works gig at the 2015 Vancouver Jazz Fest, and he graciously agreed to an interview, which you can listen to below. We talked about many interesting things including his summer tour, his upcoming gigs, pending Solo live album release, his first Downbeat Magazine cover, finally getting his due recognition at nearly 60! And…lots more. Please enjoy.

Bruno Hubert Trio Live at the Cellar 2008

Posted on September 14, 2015 by Keith MacLachlan

Bruno Hubert

Pianist Bruno Hubert is a local delight and one of the hidden gems of Jazz. I first saw Bruno play here in Vancouver back in 1993 shortly after a cross-Canada permanent escape from Toronto in a loaded down pick-up. Bruno impressed me then with his intensity, emotional commitment, and almost Sage-like aura.

I lost track of Bruno and the Jazz scene in general in the late 90’s but I am now making up for lost time. That quest brought me out to the Emerald Lounge on the edge of China Town earlier this summer. Bruno was leading a funky trio on his, apparently well traveled, Fender Rhodes piano. From this performance, my conviction that this French Canadian transplant was important (not to mention entertaining) was solidified.

I learned that Bruno holds court most Friday nights at The Libra Room where his eminently swinging trio plays the opening set at 7pm. At this groovy perch on the Drive, those attending, lubricated by local libations, marvel as Bruno summons audacious, yet correct, improvised melodies over familiar jazz standards from a tired looking yet shockingly compliant honky-tonk upright.

It seemed a crime to me (perhaps one that I was complicit in) that there was no cover charge (I did tip the optional music fund), and that I sat yet 5 feet from this jazz genius. I would hit the Libra every Friday if I didn’t have other responsibilities, but such is not the case. So I went looking to find recordings of Bruno through the normal channels.

Enter Live At The Cellar, a 2008 recording at the sadly now defunct legendary West Broadway establishment of the same name, featuring Bruno, ubiquitous bassist Andre Lachance and Juno winner (for trumpet) Brad Turner sporting some serious drum chops.

Live At the Cellar, while certainly not new, is, to my listening, representative of the best jazz performances by local musicians and can easily sit on heavy rotation in my jukebox along with any of the jazz greats past and present.

Interview with Vancouver Jazz Master Mike Allen

Posted on September 6, 2015 by Keith MacLachlan

I sat down with Vancouver Saxophone giant Mike Allen just after the Vancouver Jazz festival to find out what’s new with him and to stretch out on the topic of jazz and music. Here is an excerpt of our discussion.

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