Welcome to the Artistic Director's Guide

It's not too often that I get to use the words "Canadian" "jazz" and "legend" in one sentence. But when it comes to Peter Appleyard, it's a most apt description.

Peter Appleyard has toured the world, sharing stages with Benny Goodman’s world class band, Frank Sinatra, Miles Davis, Oscar Peterson, Tony Bennett and Mel Tormé. He's an Officer of the Order of Canada and will be named an Oscar Peterson Lifetime Achievement honoree at this year's Montreal Jazz Festival (2012). He's released over 20 albums under his own name and has performed on countless others.

Some artists must be experienced live in order to get a true appreciation of their talent. Matt Andersen is one of those artists.

That's not to say Matt's musical ability does not, somehow, come across on record or on YouTube. He is a powerhouse musician - a huge voice, an excellent guitarist, and a passionate performer - and that becomes clear no matter how his music is being heard. But to truly understand why Matt's such an incredible performer, you need to be there in person.

I've been lucky enough to see The Bad Plus perform live a couple of times, and I have this to say: when a band is truly operating as a unit, it's as if the music is being made by some magical force. The musicians don't seem to be communicating; there are no obvious visual or aural cues being passed back and forth. Everything just kind of...happens. The Bad Plus is such a unit.

What makes a singer stand out? When does it become clear that a particular singer has got the goods? I find it a bit hard to describe, but if I was to try, I would say for me, it's the quality of the voice. The certain something which, from the first note to the last, grabs my attention and gives me shivers. Whatever this certain something may be, Bettye LaVette has got it.