Photo credit – Sanja Antic
Mark Kelso, the Jazz Room’s Artistic Director requires no introduction. He has performed at The Jazz Room on countless occasions Originally hailing from Belfast, Northern Ireland, Mark has made Toronto his home. Not only is he a skilled musician who plays drums in any style, but he is also a singer, producer, composer and band leader as well. Tonight he appears not in the form of the Fezziweg Project, Jazz Exiles, nor in the guise of Jazz Meets Elvis! Just take a look at Mark’s sidemen and hold on tight! This will be a great night.
Regarding Mark’s most recent recording:
The Mystic Isle Project is three-time JUNO nominee, Mark Kelso’s 8th release as a leader. It’s also his most personal recording to date. The 11 songs featured are all dedicated to various places that Mark remembers fondly from his youth growing up in Northern Ireland. Scenic locales such as the Antrim Coast, Portrush, the Giant’s Causeway and Carrickfergus are all included, as are much more personal locations. Areas such as Duncairn Gardens, where his Mother grew up, Tate’s Avenue Bridge where his Father lived and Ardmillan Drive where Kelso himself was brought home to, as a newborn baby, are all included in song titles. Mark says, “Even though I’ve lived in Canada since I was 9 years old, Northern Ireland has always stayed close to my heart, and through all the visits there over the years, it has remained one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. I’m thrilled to be honoring my homeland at this point in my life”. Joining Mark in his all-star quartet are his long-time compadres, 2023 JUNO nominated Luis Deniz, on alto and soprano sax and two-time JUNO winner, Mike Downes, on acoustic bass. Rounding out the group is up and coming rising star, Ewen Farncombe, on piano.
Personnel:
Mark Kelso-drums
Mike Downes-bass
Ewen Farncombe-piano
Luis Deniz-alto saxophone
Check out: “Giant’s Causeway” “Portrush by the Sea”
