The TDJ News Corps

Toronto Downtown Jazz (TDJ), producers of the annual TD Toronto Jazz Festival, announces the second annual TDJ News Corps, an initiative geared towards post-secondary students who are interested in writing about jazz. Successful applicants to the TDJ News Corps program will be given full media accreditation for the festival, granting them unprecedented access to the festival – attending and reviewing concerts for free, interviewing artists and experiencing the festival from behind the scenes. In addition, TDJ News Corps members are assigned a mentor – an experienced music journalist.

Check this page during the festival as the TDJ News Corps members post their articles – concert reviews, artist interviews and other editorial content.

The 2012 TDJ News Corps is:

Cookin’ at The Winchester Kitchen with The Worst Pop Band Ever

Submitted by Mike DeiCont on Wed Jul 4 3:39am

The Worst Pop Band Ever is the total package - great compositions, unique covers and standup-worthy comedic banter. Deserving of better attendance, the group’s two-set night at The Winchester Kitchen was a highlight of the festival. With Tim Shia on drums, Chris Gale on tenor sax, Adrean Farrugia on keys, and Drew Birston on electric and upright bass, the band showcased the players’ unique ability to jump from jazz to hip-hop flavoured rock with minimal effort.

Tedeschi Trucks Band bring the blues to the jazz fest

Submitted by Mike DeiCont on Wed Jul 4 3:37am


The Nathan Phillips Square mainstage tent seemed to be packed beyond capacity as husband-and-wife blues duo, Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi, hit the stage. Accompanied by trumpet, trombone, tenor sax, organ, bass, two drummers and two backing vocalists, the Grammy-winning pair had no trouble connecting with the enthusiastic audience at the June 29th concert.


Toronto's Brass Band Connection

Submitted by Mike DeiCont on Wed Jul 4 3:29am

By Mike DeiCont
 
It was with much excitement that Toronto welcomed two world-renowned brass bands from New Orleans last week, despite having a vibrant traditional jazz sector of its own.  

Toronto’s rich history of such ensembles has lately been pulled to the forefront of the local music scene due the ascendance of The Heavyweights Brass Band which released a well-received debut album and scored several high-profile gigs, including opening twice for hip-hop stars The Roots, since they launched in 2009.

The Becca Stevens Band: A Review and Interview - June 30th, 2012 at The Horseshoe Tavern

Submitted by Marika Galea on Sun Jul 1 7:27pm

The Becca Stevens Band (sans accordionist Liam Robinson) played an intimate show at The Horseshoe Tavern Saturday night that pleased seasoned fans and new listeners alike.

The set included original songs from her two records, Tea Bye Sea and Weightless, as well as some covers and new material. Her cover of Canadian songwriter Joni Mitchell’s "Help Me" was a crowd-pleaser on the eve of Canada Day.

Joan Osborne — Smooth, Sultry Soul

Submitted by Erica Rae Chong on Sun Jul 1 6:37pm

The atmosphere around Nathan Phillips Square’s mainstage took on a more intimate vibe Saturday evening. Previous nights’ flashy guitar solos and booming bass notes were replaced by smooth piano melodies and equally smooth vocals as Joan Osborne delivered her blend of blues and soul.

The Anchorage native, best known for the Grammy-nominated single “One Of Us”, kicked off the night with an unrecorded track titled “This Is Where We Start”.

Spalding was great, but Parlato was better

Submitted by Mike DeiCont on Sun Jul 1 6:09pm

Esperanza Spalding's sold-out Nathan Phillips Square show was the most anticipated event of the 2012 TD Toronto Jazz Festival.



Spalding, 27, has managed to break into mainstream territory unimaginable to most jazz musicians. As the first jazz artist to win a Grammy Award for "Best New Artist," beating out Justin Bieber in the process, and with late night talk show appearances and Banana Republic ads, the Oregon native is flirting with pop icon ranking.




Kneebody: A Review - June 29th at Rivoli

Submitted by Marika Galea on Sat Jun 30 8:22pm

NY-based quintet Kneebody hit the stage at Rivoli Friday night, marking their first performance in Canada. The set featured music from a number of albums – fruits of their 12-year collaboration.

The musicians remained relaxed as they pulled off metrically complex songs. The various tempo changes, signalled by musical cues, were seamless.

Retrocity— ‘80s Revival


Submitted by Erica Rae Chong on Sat Jun 30 4:43pm

By Erica Rae Chong


Retrocity performing at Nathan Phillips Square

Supporters and curious passersby braved the blistering heat Friday afternoon, filling up the seats and crowding around the stage to watch eight-member a cappella group Retrocity perform at Nathan Philips Square.

Myriad Preview: An Interview With Chris Donnelly

Submitted by Marika Galea on Fri Jun 29 4:38pm

Myriad is a local trio consisting of University of Toronto alumni Chris Donnelly (piano), Dan Fortin (bass) and Ernesto Cervini (drums). They performed Friday night at the Cherry St. Restaurant. I had the opportunity to speak to Chris about the group’s recent Alberta/B.C. tour, the upcoming album, and what makes Myriad unique.

Q: Most groups only rehearse when they’ve got a series of dates coming up, but I’ve read that Myriad rehearses regularly. What is the significance of rehearsing regularly for this group?

Alysha Brillinger: The Next Amy Winehouse?

Submitted by Erica Rae Chong on Fri Jun 29 3:38pm

By Erica Rae Chong

Five years ago, Alysha Brillinger stumbled into the Reservoir Lounge and landed an impromptu gig. The first year Humber College student had performed at a bar opposite the popular Wellington Street East venue and was packing up to leave when she was approached by a scruffy–looking older man.

“Hey do you play that guitar?” he asked.
“Yeah,” she replied.
“Do you sing?”
“Yeah.”
“You should come over to this club and sing a song.”

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