Critical Math
The multitalented, multitasking John Mighton—writer, philosopher, brainiac By Alec Scott
This biannual fest of Yiddish culture continues with another day of bands that blend traditional Jewish music and jazz. Brooklyn-based Andy Statman is a virtuoso multi-instrumentalist: while his clarinet playing can invoke both klezmer great Dave Tarras and John Coltrane, it’s his mandolin work that is most transcendent. Travelling a terrain that includes the American South and the Mediterranean, Statman has collaborated with figures as diverse as violinist Itzhak Perlman and jazz banjoist Béla Fleck. Sept. 1. Enwave Theatre.
Another highlight is New York’s Deep Minor. Led by Russian-born clarinetist Alex Kontorovich, the band presses its traditional sources toward free jazz, with propulsion provided by bassist Reuben Radding and drummer Aaron Alexander. Brandon Seabrook thickens the mix with oriental-sounding banjo and abrasive electric guitar. Sept. 1. Lakeside Terrace.
Romanian-born, Vancouver-based violinist Lache Cercel and the Roma Swing Ensemble combine Middle Eastern rhythms and melodies in a happily exotic band that emphasizes the violin and guitar palette of Django Reinhardt’s Hot Club of France. Sept. 1. Sirius Stage.
From the opposite end of the country, Halifax’s Gypsophilia claims similar musical roots, compounding Parisian gypsy jazz and cabaret with tango and klezmer, and a mix of acoustic guitars, accordion and violin. Aug. 31. Toronto Star Stage.—Stuart Broomer
Soprano saxophonist Jim Galloway is a talented advocate of Duke ...
Drummer Aubrey Dayle is a master at fusing world, funk ...
The improvising Toronto trio Odradek plays found, refashioned and invented ...
Few musicians have had the impact Wayne Shorter has on ...
The New Jersey–based saxophonist Tim Ries is likely best known ...
The multitalented, multitasking John Mighton—writer, philosopher, brainiac By Alec Scott
How the modern dance guru, whose company performs at Harbourfront this month, would spend a single perfect day. Toronto on ... By Amy Verner
December 1, 2008
The Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People presents this kiddie-friendly production based on a story ...