By Tim Reinert
The term “Free Jazz” has a specific meaning in Jazz lore, and it usually describes Jazz that is more adventurous, and less beholden to some of the rules that guide traditional Jazz forms. But today’s article deals with Free Jazz of another kind, and that’s the kind that is actually free. That’s right, all of the shows I’m talking about today can be witnessed by you, for absolutely zero dollars. This is courtesy of the fine folks at Coastal Jazz, and all you have to do is read this article, and then show up.
The Peggy Lee Band
I’m not entirely sure, but I think the first time I saw The Peggy Lee Band at Jazz Fest would have been in 1998. Lee has been an integral part of the Jazz Festival since even before that, and has played in different groups literally dozens of times (if not more) over the decades. Featuring some of the heaviest of Vancouver’s heavy hitters, this group has recorded six albums of the some of the finest jazz/folk/chamber music you’ll ever hear in your life.
June 23, 12:30PM
Downtown – Georgia Street stage
Free to attend
Kjetil Mulelid Trio
Kjetil Mulelid has been building a rep as one of the most interesting pianists in Europe right now, which makes his first appearance at our Jazz Festival even more special. His latest album ”Agoja”, is being talked about with the same kind of hushed reverence that the best ECM releases get.
June 23, 1:30PM
Performance Works
Free to attend
Biboye Onanuga
Earlier this year, Edmonton-based drummer Biboye Onanuga travelled to Vancouver for two sold-out shows that audiences are still talking about. One was as part of a Max Roach tribute with local trumpeter Feven Kidane, and the other was Frankie’s After Dark with Chad Galpin and Christopher Fraser. Local audiences get another chance to see why he’s one of the most talked about drummers in the country at Ocean Artworks, where he’ll be playing with Galpin and Fraser again, plus Josh Krushel on keys.
June 22, 4:00PM
Ocean Artworks
Free to attend
Cat Toren/John Korsrud Quintet
Our city has produced so many great musicians over the years, but this supergroup featuring Cat Toren, John Korsrud, Andre Lachance, John Nicholson, and Kevin Romain, feels extra special. All five are bandleaders in their own right, but it’s the Toren and Korsrud, of Pugs & Crows and Hard Rubber Orchestra respectively, who are driving the creative fires here.
June 26, 4:00PM
Ocean Artworks
Free to attend
For more on Tim’s picks, check out this Infidels Jazz podcast episode.
