JPEC Gala - Jazz Goes to the Movies

Last night provided the opportunity to combine two of my favourite passions – jazz and movies and also support a great cause – the Jazz Performance and Education Centre. The brainchild of the Ray and Rochelle Koskie (president and Gala Chair, respectively) and fuelled by numerous volunteer board and committee members, the organization showcases the best of established jazz musicians and of course my favourite topic – the next generation. Their mandate is described as “dedicated to the preservation and continued development of jazz in Canada…..through performances, education, workshops, recordings and a Hall of Fame and Archive of Canadian and International Jazz History”. Lofty and worthy goals.

Now on to the music. Let’s start with the JPEC Orchestra under the direction of Denny Christianson featured the likes of Don Thompson, Terry Clarke, Brian Dickinson, Pat Collins, Ted Quinlan, Mike Promane, William Carn, Shirantha Beddage and our own Heather Bambrick as the host with the most…she also managed to squeeze in singing a couple of numbers, including the opener from “Oklahoma” – “Oh What a Beautiful Morning”. The band covered instrumentals on “Anatomy of a Murder” and “Take the A Train”.

Up next, the sublime, liquid satin vocals one of my faves – Mr. Denzal Sinclaire with “The Way You Look Tonight” performed by that other smooth operator one Fred Astaire in “Swing Time”. Interestingly his other two numbers of the evening were originally performed on film by another fine dancer – one Gene Kelly – “Singin’ in the Rain” an interesting trio with Mike Murley and Terry Clarke and “I’ve Got Rhythm”- that great Gershwin classic “An American in Paris”.

Francois Mulder – one of my main reasons for attending – swung “That Ole Devil Moon” from “Finian’s Rainbow” and a gorgeous “Misty” from “Play Misty for Me”. I first met Francois when he came in for “Jazzology” as a Humber Student, many moons ago. I could tell he was something special and was so happy to hear him last night. What would any movie and music evening be without a little Cole Porter – Francois kindly obliged on “I Get a Kick Out of You”.

The incomparable Jackie Richardson weaved her spell on “That Old Black Magic” and a tender “Alfie” and later got us in the groove on “Miss Celie’s Blues” from “The Colour Purple”.

Mario Romano’s Quartet opened the second set with that classic “Green Dolphin Street” – which little old me didn’t realize was a movie – and now I realize I have to investigate further. The quartet consisted of Pat LaBarbera, Mark Kelso and Roberto Occhipinti along with Mario and soothed the audience with “Autumn Leaves” and the lovely “Some Day My Prince Will Come” from that Disney treasure “Snow White”. Speaking of which do check out the new TV show “Once Upon a Time”….very interesting..

Alas it was a little too late for me to partake of the Dessert Reception..but I did get a lot of sweetness otherwise from the evening…I did note that Tom Harrell is coming on March 16..so just a heads up on that…it’s been years since I heard him last and I’m looking forward to that one.

For more information on JPEC, its activities and how you can contribute visit www.jazzcentre.ca