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Check out the grassroots monthly poetry journal Open Heart Forgery. I have contributions in the March and June issues.
Lots of new music and ideas percolating from Banff – check out the Shows to see…
I’ll be attending the Banff Centre’s Workshop in Jazz and Creative Music from May 17th-June 5th. If you happen to be in Banff make sure to check out the concert schedule.
2010 Faculty includes: Dave Douglas, Clarence Penn, Matt Brewer, Donny McCaslin, Jeff Parker, Roberto Rodriquez, Myra Melford, Ben Monder, Darcy James Argue, Michael Bates, Gerald Cleaver, Matana Roberts, Ravi Coltrane, Drew Gress, Luis Perdomo, E.J. Strickland, Mary Halvorson, Giorgio Magnanensi, and Hank Roberts.
Attending this workshop was made possible through the generous support of federal and provincial arts funding programs.
This Weather Honest has been nominated for Best Jazz Recording at the 2010 ECMA’s – taking place in Sydney, Nova Scotia, March 4-7 2010.
Click here for a full list of nominees.
“This Weather Honest” will be released November 21, 2009 featuring a sound simultaneously folksy and modern. The title track introduces the mellow, groove-based ensemble vibe. Esbjörn is an uplifting dedication to the late jazz pianist and bandleader Esbjörn Svensson (of the trio EST), an important influence for Torbert. Skipping Stones sets the etherial against the funky (and both win), while the trio feature Are You Going Where I’m Going? builds from a simple melody and bass part into a rocking trio improv. The through-composed Tired Affair utilizes the orchestral possibilities of the ensemble to sparkling effect, with just a taste of acoustic drum ‘n’ bass. Ignoring the Moral Magpie rocks from start to finish. Nothing But the Wind is an improvised ‘mountain’prelude with melodica and low-tuned double bass, while Mountain Valley is a haunting evocation of the Cape Breton Highlands, featuring steel string acoustic guitar and fiddle. The entire record is a perfect balance of brilliant and creative musicianship, appealing but challenging compositions and an engaging positive spirit.
