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Paquito D'Rivera

Contrary to the temperature drop outside there was plenty of heat (and a healthy dose of humour) inside Koerner Hall on Saturday night...provided by 9 time Grammy winner, master of the clarinet and alto sax, one Mr. Paquito D'Rivera.

Moreen Murray

Paquito quickly endeared himself to the audience saying he was proud to be in the land of "Rob McConnell, Moe Koffman and of course the great Oscar Peterson". After the very bold opening, "Funk Tango", the band (which included Alex Brown on piano and Oscar Stagnaro on bass) kept the warmth flowing with "What About That", This samba, composed by drummer Mark Walker, produced a solo by Paquito on clarinet that made me breathless just watching - you could almost sense the swaying of hips in seats. "Prelude No 3" was introduced with an anecdote about Dizzy showing up dressed up gaucho uniform in a Buenos Aires club. I think I know why these two got along so well....

I was delighted to see our own "Frozen Cuban" (as Paquito dubbed him), the charming Luis Mario Ochoa take the stage with his eloquent guitar for "Dansa Characteristica" and the haunting "Siboney Chant".  The songs were enhanced by Luis Mario's soaring, heartwrenching vocals - this tune changed up on a dime from ballad to great jazz licks.

Before the second set was an informal Q and A hosted by Mervon Mehta, Excecutive Director of the Royal Conservatory, who drew out of Paquito more amusing stories - like how he first met Dizzy (via a note written on a paper bag posted on his door) and the differences between jazz and classical (Senor D'Rivera has won Grammys in both these categories). He related not being able to understand Dizzy's pronouncements about tunes at his first gig outside Cuba in Montreal - turns out a fellow bandmate whose first language was English couldn't either.  No matter, as music is the universal language.

Though much joy was found in his love of music and being in his dream location to perform it - New York -  there was also some sadness involved at not being able to see his son for 9 years; the life of the exile. Still, he said it's hard to cry over your "black beans and rice" when you have received ao many other blessings.

More music.  "Borat in Syracuse" - conjure that image up if you will - featured a meaty trombone solo from Diego Urcola (3 time Grammy Nominee and also providing solid trumpet work) and a funky groove.

"I Remember Dizzy/A Night in Inglewood" played off the famous "Night in Tunisia" or as Paquito explained, the best way to "steal" a tune is dedicate it to the composer. For extra fun, a little call and response on a quote of "Salt Peanuts" with the crowd.

How do you cap a perfect evening? By calling on the talents of a "Cubanadian" - treasured pianist Hilario Duran - to lend his beautiful, feather light touch to "Oblivion" and dance the listeners out into the cold, body and soul fortified.