Having originally trained and performed classical music for decades (The K-W Community Orchestra, Waterloo Chamber Players, the K-W Chamber Orchestra, many musical production pit bands) and concurrently spending 35 years playing with a classical / gospel quartet, Crowning Brass, Paul Fehderau branched into big band and pops while with the Windjammers ensemble.  Paul eventually pursued his passion for jazz, playing with The Deacons of Jazz and, presently, Big Band Theory. 

Paul enjoyed a career in music, first as a college music prof, and then as a middle school music educator with the WRDSB, for many years.

Paul is excited to return to the Jazz Room, this time performing jazz standards and pop arrangements with musical colleagues from a variety of other ensembles:

Personnel:

Paul Fehderau – trumpet / Big Band Theory

Ken Foster – tenor saxophone / Big Band Theory 

Jeff Daniels– piano /

Darren Pries Klassen – vocalist / The Light Fandango

Andy Macpherson – drums / New Vibes Jazz Quartet

Greg Prior – bass / Phoenix Jazz Group

Barry Elmes has occupied a position of prominence on the Canadian jazz scene since
the 1980s and has become internationally respected over the years since, not only as
one of Canada’s most talented drummers, but for parallel accomplishments as a
composer, producer, recording artist, and dedicated educator. His award-winning
work has been documented on over 90 jazz CDs and he has performed all over the
world with many renowned jazz artists including Dizzy Gillespie, Tommy Flanagan,
Charlie Haden, Diana Krall, Joe Henderson, John Abercrombie, Oliver Jones, Cedar
Walton, Phil Nimmons, and Moe Koffman. In 1991 he formed the Barry Elmes Quintet,
featuring a “who’s who” of the best in Canadian jazz. A success from the beginning,
this group has toured internationally and released seven critically acclaimed
recordings. The new CD “Night Flight” showcases Barry’s arrangements of
compositions by a wide range of iconic jazz composers, from Duke Ellington to Charles
Mingus to Keith Jarrett.
At the Jazz Room performance, the quintet will perform selections from “Night Flight”
and from all their previous releases.
.

Personnel:

Barry Elmes (drums/leader)
Brian O’Kane (trumpet, flugelhorn)
Chris Gale (tenor sax)
Lorne Lofsky (guitar)
Pat Collins (bass)

Check out:    “The New Shim Sham Shimmy (with dancer)”   

Denise Pelley has performed with many great artists including acclaimed trombonist Ray Anderson, Gospel/Blues legend Jackie Richardson and Flamenco guitarist Jesse Cook.  She has opened for Aretha Franklin at the John Labatt Centre in London, Ontario.

Denise has performed with symphony orchestras and festivals which have included the du Maurier Downtown Jazz Festival (Toronto), Ottawa Jazz Festival, The Royal Canadian Big Band Festival (London), Bluesfest (London), Waterloo Jazz Festival and Sunfest (London), among others.

Denise also enjoys acting and has been part of The Grand Theatre (London) seasons performing in the Fats Waller musical Ain’t Misbehavin’, Wang Dang Doodle with Denis Simpson and A Streetcar Named Desire.  Denise’s one-woman show, Jazzabel premiered in September 2004 at the McManus Theatre (Grand Theatre), London, Ontario to sold out audiences!  In October 2005 Jazzabel was performed in Washington, DC at the National Museum for Women in the Arts and in February 2006 to audiences in New York City at Urban Stages Theatre.  As well, she was premiered in the February 2006 issue of O (Oprah Winfrey) Magazine.  Denise’s recording credits include seven CD’s.

Personnel:

Denise Pelley-vocals
Nevin Campbell-piano
Larry Ernewein-bass
Greg Mainprize-drums
Ken Foster-saxophone

Check out:         At the Registry Theatre                     a bit of the documentary by the late Philip Bast

This performance is sponsored by DIVA INTERNATIONAL, makers of the Diva Cup,  for the” Women in Jazz Series”

                                            Band photo credit: Ted Haberer

Saxophonist Mike Murley and pianist Mark Eisenman co-lead the 2023 Juno-nominated recording, Recent History (Cornerstone Records).  The internationally renowned rhythm section of bassist Neil Swainson and drummer Terry Clarke complete the quartet.  Murley and Eisenman perform four duo tracks, featuring music from Monk, Strayhorn and two standard tunes. The quartet takes on seven Murley/Eisenman compositions, reflecting the co-leaders’ shared interest in writing new melodies on standard chord progressions (contrafacts). Recent History is mainstream jazz at its best, capturing four of Canada’s most respected jazz artists in top form.

Personnel:

Mike Murley-saxophone
Marl Eisenman-piano
Neil Swainson-bass
Terry Clarke-drums

Check out: “I Only Want”    “Soul Wise”

All About Jazz Review: https://www.allaboutjazz.com/recent-history-mike-murley-and-mark-eisenman-cornerstone-records-inc

“This fantastic big band packs an irresistible wallop of musical entertainment – spirited, talented and fun!” says Grand River Jazz Society’s president Stephen Preece.

Since its inception in October 2011, the band has brought a great variety of programs to their audiences: from Count Basie and the old swing dance classics, to punchy horn bands of the 70’s and 80’s, as well as contemporary big band arrangements by Gordon Goodwin and L.A.’s Big Phat Band. Under the artistic direction of Jim Edwards, BBT has started to feature many arrangements by members of the band, other Canadian musical connections, and of course many by Jim himself.

A highlight in their history has been performing on three occasions with legendary Canadian jazz musician, Don Thompson on vibraphone and can be heard on Big Band Theory’s debut CD Evidence. As well, BBT has performed the music and arrangements of Juno award-winner John MacLeod of the Rex Hotel Orchestra and Juno award-winner Michael Occhipinti. In December of 2018, BBT released their second recording entitled: “A Swingin’ Joy” which features the voices of Derek Hines, Joni NehRita and Randy Lyght.

In June of 2019, Glenn Woodock of Jazz FM 91.1 wrote that KW Big Band Theory was one of 14 bands in North America keeping the sound of big band music alive.

BBT has twice been the recipient of Waterloo Regional Arts Grant, and most recently has produced a very special recording featuring entirely Canadian jazz composers and arrangers which will be very soon on all streaming platforms. The Jazz Room performance on March 14 will feature a number of selections from this exciting project

Check out: The Big Band Theory video on their website

This performance is part of the WOMEN IN JAZZ series, sponsored by DIVA INTERNATIONAL, makers of the Diva Cup.

Soultracks’ 2024 Best New Artist Nominee!

Born and raised in the musical landscape of Boston, Jeliz‘s journey is a testament to her talent, perseverance and passion. Her early years were steeped in the rich musical traditions of gospel and blues. Inspired by legendary artists such as Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, and Donnie Hathaway, she immersed herself in the world of R&B and soul, developing her own unique style.

During her formative years in Los Angeles, Jeliz embarked on a tour as a backing vocalist for Janet Jackson, which led to her mesmerizing vocals being sought after by some of the biggest names in the business. Performing alongside Christina Aguilera and Maroon 5, and lending her talents to recordings for Gladys Knight and Sting, Jeliz established herself as a versatile session singer. Despite success as a backing vocalist, Jeliz’s passion lay in songwriting and storytelling, and she set her sights on a solo career.

In 2022, Jeliz relocated to Toronto to embark on a new chapter. Drawing inspiration from the city’s music scene and cultural diversity, she immersed herself in the creative process, collaborating with local musicians and producers to bring her vision to life. The result of this collaboration is a debut EP of original music to be released in early 2025 – a soulful fusion of R&B, pop and funk influences that showcases Jeliz’s exceptional vocal range and emotive storytelling, inviting listeners on a journey of love, loss, and self-discovery.

Personnel:

Jeliz-vocals
Duffmusiq-guitar
Roger Williams-bass
Isiah Gibbons-drums

Check out:  “Jeliz Trio”    “Good Old Fashioned Love”    “Secret”

Oliver Whitehead is a guitarist and composer, originally from England, who has worked mostly in Canada. His jazz album “Free For Now” was nominated for a Juno Award as Best Jazz Album of 1985. Oliver Whitehead is a guitarist and composer. His compositions include works for orchestra, choir and chamber groups, as well as music for TV, radio, theatre and ballet. He has performed at major jazz festivals including Montreal and Detroit. His recordings include a Juno nominated jazz album. He currently performs with many jazz groups and singers in London

Hilary Welch  has the influences of early Sarah Vaughan and the powerhouse 60’s soul singers.  Hilary showcases her range through the performance of beloved jazz standards and the re-imagination of popular music. The time Hilary spent studying Jazz at the University of Toronto under Canadian greats Phil
Nimmons, Alex Dean and Kirk MacDonald and vocalist Heather Bambrick instilled a great respect and love for the genre. Hilary credits performance opportunities with members of the renowned New York Voices, Oscar Peterson and Peter Appleyard as major influences on her performance.