Live Music at The Jazz Room
Featuring International jazz acts that play the world’s top clubs (the Saturday program features artistic direction from Mark Kelso).
Please note that only Grand River Jazz Society events are shown below.
Personnel:
John McLelland – Keyboards
Photo Credit Sean Story
Joanna Majoko and her quintet bring a vibrant fusion of contemporary jazz, rich vocal harmonies, and global influences to the stage. Rooted in the jazz tradition while embracing modern innovation, her music blends soulful melodies, intricate rhythms, and dynamic improvisation.
A sought-after vocalist and composer, Joanna has collaborated with some of today’s most celebrated musicians, including Larnell Lewis (Slice of Life, JUNO-nominated), Laila Biali (Wintersongs, JUNO-nominated), and Curtis Nowosad, as the featured vocalist on his newly released single I’m Learning To Be Kind, ahead of his highly anticipated album.
This Jazz Room performance is particularly special, as Joanna will be premiering a couple of unreleased songs she is developing for her next recording project—offering audiences an exclusive first listen into her evolving sound and creative journey.
- Joanna Majoko – Vocals & Caxixi
- Chris Pruden – Piano & Nord
- Andrew Marzotto – Electric Guitar
- Jonathan Chapman – Acoustic & Electric Bass
- Jinu Isac – Drums
Listen to Joanna in “Where You are” “Body and Soul” “Softly as a Morning Sunrise” “Very Early“
This performance is part of the WOMEN IN JAZZ series, sponsored by DIVA INTERNATIONAL, makers of the Diva Cup
Throughout Top Pocket’s 33 year storied history the band has endured an early change of focus (from R&B to Jazz), one break up, one reunion (that has lasted 15 plus years to the present day), a few members leaving to be replaced by the two current members, an expansion from 4 members to 6, then settling on 5 with the addition of a guitarist (Frank Koren out of Hamilton, followed by Alex Showdra and now Ralf Buschmeyer). Throughout the long history that is Top Pocket, two of the 5 current members (Michael Bergauer and Don McDougall) remain, having been in the band from the very beginning. Another focus change happened when Paul Stouffer joined the band and they went from playing standards to focusing on performing and recording their own original material. This was strengthened even further when Robin Habermehl joined in 2011; bringing in even more original material. The band now performs 100% original material both in live performance and on record [2011’s “11:11” and 2016’s “rocket in my (top) pocket”]. This evening should prove to be a very special one as the band will be recording a new live album featuring 80% material that has never been previously recorded including two tunes written by Don McDougall ( I know…a drummer) and his writing partner Alex Showdra, a number of tunes penned by Ralf Buschmeyer, and one song that appeared on the band’s previous album “Rocket…” but has been totally rearranged for this recording. They claim to have “finally got it right” with this arrangement.
Personnel:
Check out: “Dancing to the Rhythm of Life”
also Here is a clip from the Waterloo Jazz Festival….
Photo by Cesar Ochoa
Alto saxophonist Tevet Sela is a Montreal-based saxophonist and composer who brings a wealth and breadth of influences to his playing that few musicians possess. The adept and dexterous post bopper’s music is often drenched in heavy blues, klezmer and Middle-Eastern inflections. His music is full of wisdom, emotion and storytelling.
“His music gives a new meaning to the word “original”. The reason for this is Mr Sela is, first and foremost, a storyteller who forms musical narratives based on ideas rather than melodic hooks and gratuitous gestures”. Raul De Gama, That Canadian Magazine
“A recording which should have jazz fans around the country taking notice…An undeniably adventurous feeling underpins this album and gives it the kind of glow emanating from late 50s jazz releases as Sela’s fine compositions unfold” Rod Nicholson, London Scene Magazine
“A beautiful alto sound to be savored slowly, with a precision that sides the quality of his compositions“ Christophe Rodriguez, SortiesJazzNights.com
Personnel:
Tevet Sela-saxophone
Pierre Francois-piano
Mike Downes-bass
Mark Kelso-drums
Check out: “Lying Sun” “Omaya”
Check Out: “Lament” “This Masquerade”
Photo Credit: Nick Moreland
Equipped with an impressive body of original compositions on albums like “Vonnegut” and “Cold Coffee”, Ballantine also displays a great reverence for the jazz tradition through the inclusion of standards like ‘My One and Only Love’, ‘East of the Sun’ and an entire double album dedicated to the music of Thelonious Monk released September 2021. “In the vein of fellow guitarists like John Scofield, Bill Frisell and Julian Lage, Ballantine reconciles his educational background in jazz with the stylistic background of his instrument. He approaches the gratifying tonal and harmonic language of rock/roots with the groove, ambition and improvisational focus of a jazz musician” – (JAZZIZ MAGAZINE)
After releasing two solo albums Ballantine was able to attain global recognition with his award winning third album “Life is Brief: The Music of Bob Dylan” which ALL ABOUT JAZZ named in their top ten jazz albums of the year. “From the opening bars of “The Times They Are a-Changin’” it is clear that something special is happening” – (ALL ABOUT JAZZ)
“Befitting a guitarist from America’s heartland, Charlie Ballantine mixes jazz, folk-rock, surf/instro, blues, pop, and country into a simmering pot of guitar sound and style.” – Vintage Guitar Magazine
Personnel:
Charlie Ballantine-guitar
Paul Wells-drums
Quinn Sternberg-bass
Check out: “Strange Idea” “Con Alma”
Join Selena Evangeline for an intimate evening where music meets memories and Soul. This performance is a celebration of the songs and sounds that have shaped her journey—blending smooth, soulful jazz, pop and R&B vibes with timeless melodies. Along with fresh takes on well-loved classics, Selena will also share some of her original songs, each inspired by music that influenced her along the way.
It’s a night of nostalgia, connection, and inspiration—exploring the music that has shaped Selena’s sound, and hopefully, will resonate with you as well.
Selena is joined by her incredible band—Michael Shand on keys, Austin Gembora on drums, and Calvin Beale on bass— each bringing their own magic and groove to the night. And together…bringing the music to life in a way that only they can.
Personnel:
Selena Evangeline-vocals and guitar
Michael Shand -keys
Austin Gembora -drums
Calvin Beale-bass
Robert Fekete is a Canadian Jazz pianist who has been performing throughout the province of Ontario with various artists for the past 36 years. He is a graduate of the Master of Music degree from the University of Toronto. Robert is a composer with two self-titled releases: “Ternary”, and “Transition”, and has composed for television as well as other forms of media.
He has also performed in Great Britain at Ronnie Scots in Birmingham and the Cardiff Bay Jazz Festival in Whales. Robert has performed in Holland in the cities of Amsterdam and Groningen as part of a Jazz fusion tour. Robert has performed with Canadian singers Heather Bambrick, and Avery Rachel.
When he is not performing Robert teaches Jazz at The Faculty of Music at McMaster University and Mohawk College in Hamilton.
Personnel:
Rob Fekete-piano
Mike Felice-tenor and soprano saxophone
William Sperandei-trumpet
Clark Johnston-bass
Kevin Demsey-drums
Check out: “Mood Swing Demo” “Darn that Dream”
“Winner of the International B-Jazz Competition and Winner of Best Solist Prize. The Philippe Lemm Trio is continually proving to be one of the most exciting and electrifying jazz trio’s around today. Led at the helm by drummer Philippe Lemm, the group met in New York in 2011, and after one session together, realized that their undeniable chemistry was one that needed to be taken and shared with the world.
Comprised of three musicians with exceptional command of their instruments, the group’s repertoire draws heavily from re-imaginations of jazz standards in a way that both defies genre and corresponds to any modern jazz fan. The group uses their trust and understanding of one another’s musical tendencies to create passionate musical soundscapes, which range from traditional jazz to the progressive rock/classical-influenced music. Hearing the trio is a special and unforgettable experience, and you will be captivated after listening to one piece.”
The trio has performed on stages like: North Sea Jazz Festival, Blue Note Note NYC, Kennedy Center, Ronnie Scotts, Pori Jazz Festival and Concertgebouw
Personnel:
Phillipe Lemm-Drums
Sharik Hasan-piano
Jeff Koch-bass
Checkout; “The Kiln” “When You Wake Up” “Caffeinated Souls-Live at the Blue Note”
Kitchener’s homie, Fred Smith and his old pals from the hood, “The Freeloaders” come to The Jazz Room.
Sharing the stage with Paul Stouffer – Keys, Tom Nagy – Bass and Donnie McDougall – Drums, he’ll bring a variety of flavourful jazz tunes.
Come on out and enjoy some originals, standard swing, bop and some funkin’ great groove tunes; a little something for everyone. “Freddie and the Freeloaders” are looking so forward to playing for you at The Jazz Room.
Fred Smith is a versatile musician and singer, grateful for the many opportunities in his satisfying career. Performing for over 40 years, he’s backed names including Bobby Curtola, Jack Scott, Del Shannon, Frankie Ford, Leslie Gore, The Drifters, Ben E. King, The Supremes, Lou Christie, Sam Moore, The Coasters, Spencer Davis, The Platters, Bowzer (Sha Na Na), The Fifth Dimension, Peter Noone, The Platters, Gary U.S. Bonds, The Chi-Lites and The Mamas and the Papas …to name a few!
Kitchener’s “Fred Smith Studio” opened in the 1980’s where Fred produces his own music, corporate voice-overs, commercial music, radio commercials, bands and singer-songwriters. He enjoys working with award winning actors in post-production for TV and film. Renowned actors such as Colm Feore, Christopher Plummer, Brian Dennehy, Cynthia Dale and Stephen McHattie have made things interesting in his studio. Recently, Fred has worked many on shows such as, House of Cards, Umbrella Academy, Good Sam, Titans, Pretty Hard Cases, The Next Step, Son of a Critch, Essex County and Murdoch Mysteries.