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The Rex Hotel Jazz & Blues Bar: December

The Rex Hotel Jazz & Blues Bar
194 Queen St. W. (at University Ave.) • View on map »
416-598-2475

The New Jersey–based saxophonist Tim Ries is likely best known for his Rolling Stones Project, turning out cool, intense jazz versions of Jagger-Richards songs. Here, Ries gets a hand from bassist John Patitucci and drummer Larnell Lewis, Dec. 4. Wayne Shorter’s influence can be felt in the music of tenor saxophonist Frøy Aagre, who combines harmonic daring with the clarity and openness of her native Norway’s folk songs. A consummately lyrical player—she played with trumpeter Kenny Wheeler, another inspiration, at the London Jazz Festival in November—Aagre is joined here by pianist Kris Davis, bassist Michael Bates and drummer Jeff Davis, a group with which she’s toured North America, Dec. 11. Also appearing: The Story, Dec. 3; Kirk MacDonald Quartet, Dec. 5; Don Scott and Michael Herring Quartet, Dec. 12; Tara Davidson Quintet, Dec. 13; Michel Morissette Quintet, Dec. 18 and 19; Rob Campbell Quartet, Dec. 20; Mandy Lagan Quintet, Dec. 27; and Fern Lindzon, Dec. 28.—Stuart Broomer