June 21 - What You Need To Know

Welcome to the 2012 TD Ottawa International Jazz Festival!!!

We have 11 days of incredible music and fun. Don't forget to check in everyday and I will give you a brief description from my point of view of what's going o, where to go, what to see and what to expect.

So here we go:

The weather in Ottawa is hot and beautiful. Bring your sun screen and drink lots of water!

On this thursday things begin with:

12pm @ Rideau Center (free)

Doug Martin Quartet - from bop to ballads this band featuring original music from his latest CD inspired by Doug's travels in Europe.
Doug Martin – alto & tenor sax
Tom Denison – acoustic & electric bass
Jeff Asselin – drums
Yves Laroche – piano

6pm @ Main Stage - Great Canadian Series

Phil Dwyer a Canadian Songbook with Special Guest: Laila Biali

Phil Dwyer made his name in Toronto in the 80's through the 2000's as a saxophonist, pianist and arranger/producer. He is one of Canada's most inspired saxophonists, truly respected amongst musicians. This Juno Award winning project also features Laila Biali, the Brooklyn based, Toronto singer/pianist who is welcomed back this year.

7pm @ NAC's Fourth Stage

Luca Ciarla Quartet featuring
Luca Ciarla – violin
Vince Abbracciante – accordion
Nicola Di Camillo – double bass
Francesco Savoretti – percussions
This is a cool World-influenced jazz group from Italy frontedby Luca the violinist.

7pm @ Brookstreet Hotel

Search Engine featuring:
Jeff Asselin – drums
Brian Asselin – tenor sax
Eric Disero – piano
Alex Mastronardi – bass
Local young band seasoned by a few years playing every monday night at Le Petit Chicago... these guys are really fun, playing a combination of standards, originals and their own interpretations of new standards

What better way to start the festival than with the roots of jazz: the blues!

7:30pm @ Concerts Under The Stars - Main Stage Confederation Park

John Mayall the legend himself will take main stage with a four piece band. Mayall is on his 57th album and you may know him as the founder of John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers - a band that included Eric Clapton and Mick Fleetwood amongst others. Here is a great historical video of John Mayall with Albert King:

9pm @ Concerts Under The Stars - Main Stage Confederation Park

Robert Cray is one of my favorite blues artists. He has extensive roots in blues, roots, world music and jazz that all seem to meld into a cohesive blues based artist. He has a very unique voice and an equally identifiable guitar style... very much looking forward to this show.

10:15pm OLG Late Night - opening set

Jack Pine Fire
I love this local band - bluegrass/country based, very creative and super fun!

11:15pm OLG Late Night - main show

Barr Brothers - These guys are taking over. I first met them in Ottawa when they were visiting Chris Bartos, a great musician that met them in Boston's Berklee College of Music. In the past few years the brothers transplanted to Montreal and have put together a really great self-titled project. They are getting major support from the industry and are definitely on the up and up.

And if you are itching for more check out the Jam Session at Arc The Hotel