Bloomin Untidy Musician

G'daye, abientot, failte,

Having spent too many years running the proverbial rat race near the fair pastures of Elgar's homeland, i have finally come to my senses and decided to dig my way to Toronto using my trusty garden trowel. Being a little bit nervous and ignorant of the "big smoke", i was wondering if you could suggest some excellent Jazz bars/clubs so i can lubricate my soon to be aching limbs. I would be particularly grateful if you have any knowledge of a good jazz trumpeter to listen to during my stay (Last two weeks of March). Is your Orchestra playing any good brassy pieces during this time? If so, i might pop along, so long as you promise not to split too many notes. OK! Thanks for taking the time to answer my question.


Bonjour champignon!


(P.S. I might also be popping into Montreal, do you know any good Jazz clubs there as well?)

amtrpt

Hi Bloomin,
I have to be honest and tell you that I just don't go to many Jazz clubs here in Toronto. I'm sorry I can't be more helpful with your question.
As far as jzz trumpet players in the area, there is Chase Sanborn and Guido Basso. Both are very well thought of around here.
As for the TSO we we are playing very lite stuff at the end of March. If you are interested you can go to Toronto Symphony Orchestra for more information.
Have a great trip.
Andrew

jjt

Check out The Rex Hotel Jazz & Blues Bar. The Rex is one of Toronto's best known jazz clubs. A couple of other great player's: Lina Allemano, and Kevin Turcotte.

Brekelefuw

Hello. I am going to give you advice. This advice will be the most important advice I can give you about seeing live jazz in Toronto.

If you are in Toronto on March 31st you HAVE TO go to the Rex and see John Macleod's Rex Hotel Orchestra.

They are a big band of some of Canada's finest players who assemble once a month to play John's charts. John is my favorite trumpet player on the planet, and also my favorite arranger. You can not find a better band playing live these days, especially for the $10 cover charge.

You will not regret seeing this band. I can not speak highly enough of them.

Bloomin Untidy Musician

Nanoo, Nanoo!!!

Gentlemen, thank you VERY much for the advice. As this is my first time transatlantic, you can understand that i want to make the best possible use of my time. Being a rather absent minded soul, i forgotten to mention another wife tormenting toronto venture. Is there any good music/brass shops in Toronto/Montreal?

Andrew i see that you are playing one of my favourite symphonies the day after i leave; Mahler 5 !

Good luck



P.S. Hope my quirky sense of humour didn't scare you too much!

Happy Canuck

The two that will have the most inventory in Toronto to try should be:

St John's Music, 109 Vanderhoof Ave
Toronto, ON M4G, Canada
(416) 785-5000
If you are a brass bander ask to speak to Ted Sparks (of Sparx mp fame) he is a great player and a great guy

Long & McQuade
925 Bloor St. W.
Toronto, Ontario
M6H 1L5
(just west of Ossington subway, on the south side of Bloor.)
Tel: (416) 588-7886

brem

In Montreal,

For Brass and Woods

Twigg Musique
Bienvenue chez Twigg Musique
1230, St-Hubert
Montreal (Quebec)
H2L 3Y7

Boutique du Musicien
L'atelier et la boutique du musicien
1427 rue Amherst
Montréal, Qc
H2L 3L2

For anything else:

Steve's Music
Steve's Music Store, more to play, less to pay
51 St. Antoine O.
Montreal, QC
H2Z-1G9

They're in Toronto also
415 Queen St. W.
Toronto, Ontario
M5V 2A5

Bloomin Untidy Musician

Super stuff, thanks once again