JAZZ.FM91 - Canada's Premier Jazz Station

Terence Blanchard onstage at Humber; the saxophonist is Humber student Eli Bennett

When Brad Barker called me and asked if I'd be able to introduce Terence Blanchard at Humber College on behalf of JAZZ.FM91, my immediate response was "ABSOLUTELY!" I've been following Blanchard's music and his remarkable and inspiring career ever since I was first introduced to his playing on the station around the time we first launched our 24/7 all-jazz format. With the entire radio station devoted to jazz it became possible to discover the many gems in our large library. Terence Blanchard emerged as one of the big guns very quickly.

Tramore Beach

One thing that never fails to make me smile is the JAZZ.FM91 listener and his or her enthusiasm for having found this jazz oasis. I have received email from not only around the corner in Parkdale, but around the world in the most unexpected places.

The band in full swing at Azure

I like to think of it as a little bit of New York – jazz in an elegant hotel bar. I recently discovered this place through the magic of Facebook – drummer Dan Bodanis leads the house trio here every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night from 5:30 – 10:30 On the two occasions I have been in the audience, Bernie Senensky was on keyboard and Steve Wallace on bass – no lightweights in the realm of jazz those two. Last night, the wonderful Kieran Overs on bass and the gorgeous playing of Lee Wallace on guitar – one of our up and comers (er, and son of Steve Wallace).

Humber music students

Coming up: a great opportunity for budding Don Thompsons, Rob McConnells and Jane Bunnetts on Tuesday, February 16th and Wednesday, February 17th. I always love an excuse to head out to Humber College and hear music; I've been to numerous concerts and recitals and I'd say it's one of the best deals for jazz in the city. The festival is a regional qualifier for MusicFest Canada which happens in Ottawa in May.

Who can solve it's mystery, wondered the great Cole Porter. Well, not me...nor would I want to...I just thought it was timely since February has that special date between the 13th and 15th beloved of florists, greeting card manufacturers, chocolatiers and restaurants everywhere. I am not being cynical, as I am a hopeless romantic who can watch "When Harry Met Sally", "Truly, Madly, Deeply" and "Working Girl" over and over...