By Tim Reinert
The Vancouver International Jazz Festival has been associated with the trumpet since Miles Davis played the very first festival back in 1986. The piano was also well represented at that festival by incredible performances from legends like Cedar Walton and Mal Waldron. The festival’s relationship with both instruments continues to this day, with strong representatives of both at this year’s version.
Kate Wyatt
Ocean Artworks
June 25, 8:30PM
Wyatt has worked her way to the top shelf of the current crop of Canadian jazz pianists, as shown by a rousing December show with Adrian Vedady at Frankie’s Jazz Club. She’ll be joined by Vedady for her upcoming Jazz Festival gig, alongside some of Montreal’s finest: Lex French on Trumpet and Jim Doxzas on drums. Tickets for this show are $10 at the door.
Joanna Duda
Revue Stage
June 30, 9:00PM
Though Polish pianist Joanna Duda is often thought of as a solo artist, her 2020 Trio record Fumitsuke has changed that narrative quickly. She’s one of the most interesting performers on the contemporary European scene, and she’ll be collaborating with countryman Ksawery Wójciński on bass and two of Vancouver’s most exciting improvisers: JP Carter on trumpet, heard recently with Kenton Loewen on 2021’s It Becomes Us, and Dylan van der Schyff on drums, who has spent most of the past several years in Melbourne. Tickets are $25 plus service fees.
David Hazeltine
Frankie’s Jazz Club
June 30, July 01, 8:00PM
Pianist Hazeltine has been at the forefront of New York’s contemporary jazz scene for over 25 years and we’re lucky to get periodic visits from this icon thanks to his long-time friendship with local impresario Cory Weeds. He’ll be Weeds’ special guest for two nights at Frankie’s Jazz Club, along with vibraphonist Atley King, bassist Ken Lister & drummer Jesse Cahill.
Thomas Marriott & Ray Vega
Frankie’s Jazz Club
June 23/24, 8:00PM
This is an absolute can’t miss show if Jazz trumpet is your thing. Two of the most versatile horn players in the US are teaming up for a one night only performance with Roy McCurdy, a true jazz drumming legend known for his many years of service in the Cannonball Adderley band. They’ll be joined by Victoria’s John Lee & Vancouver’s Tilden Webb for these two special shows at Vancouver’s preeminent jazz club.
Feven Kidane
Various Performances
Kidane has been one of the busiest young trumpeters on the Vancouver scene in recent years, selling out shows at clubs all over town. Her influences range from Woody Shaw to Jaime Branch and that versatility is put to the test by the various collaborations she’s forged with musicians from all genres and generations. At this year’s festival she’ll be playing with Tony Wilson’s See You Now project on June 23, hosting a late night jam session later that night, and performing on June 30 with Rush Hour, her digital groove project with long-time musical partner Gordy Li. All performances are free.
Listen to more on this topic from The Infidels Jazz Show on Mixcloud.
