In the opening concert of JPEC’s inaugural concert series, Canadian jazz legend and Order of Canada winner, Oliver Jones, was joined by his trio on stage at the Glenn Gould Studio on November 14, 2009. The first-class 330 seat venue was packed for this much anticipated performance.
With bassist Dave Young and drummer Norman Marshall Villeneuve, the trio performed plenty of standards including a George Gershwin medley, some Oscar Peterson classics and Oliver’s composition “Dance Again, Diana” (which he was commissioned to write for Diana Krall). Throughout the performance, the agile pianist was impeccable with his extraordinary genius and Young’s instrumental solos were lyrically stellar. Oliver took to the mic a few times during the evening to speak to the audience – such a humble man for an extraordinary talent. The audience also had the opportunity to make song requests. It was truly an evening of delicious music and a memorable celebration of style and precision – absolutely the best in jazz.
Dianna Reeves, Ingrid Jensen, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Bill Charlap, Renee Rosnes are upcoming acts on the JPEC’s season lineup. Tickets are $70 for VIP (includes a pre-concert reception and post-concert meet-and-greet with the artists), $45 for general and $20 for student/rush. For more info go to www.jazzcentre.ca