Jazz Lab

This little big band brings together the top players from Montreal into one exciting, dynamic ensemble that swings hard while probing the corners of contemporary jazz with a never ending vitality and sophisticated creativity.

In April 2002, Alain Bedard approached several composers, asking each of them to compose and arrange one original piece. These would then be united into one collection and performed by an eight-man ensemble. An innovative idea, born of a desire to create an unconventional meeting of musical minds. It’s a very open-ended concept, hence the name JazzLab!

Alto king Remi Bolduc is widely considered one of the finest sax men in Canada and last appeared at JazzFest in 2003. He is a professor at McGill University.

Reed man Frank Lozano plays tenor and soprano sax as well as bass clarinet and flute in this ensemble. He is well known in Montreal jazz circles and also teaches at McGill.

Alexandre Cote was in town last year with the No Name Jazz Sextet. He plays baritone sax in this group and is also busy as an arranger and music director of various projects.

Joe Sullivan, from Northern Ontario plays trumpet and has studied at Berklee and the New England Conservatory of Music. He’s also a faculty member at McGill.

Richard Gagnon is one of the most active trombonists on the Montreal jazz scene and has been with JazzLab since 2004.

Pianist John Roney has been to Medicine Hat several times over the years. Originally from Toronto and now living in Montreal, John is a side man for countless artists including Remi Bolduc and Chet Doxas.

U.S. native Isaiah Ceccarelli spent several years in Europe before settling in Montreal to become a regular drummer with a variety of groups. He joined JazzLab in 2004.

Alain Bedard is president and founder of the Effendi jazz record label and has produced more than 40 CD’s for the label. He plays bass with the JazzLab.

Captivating compositions, exciting improvisation and hard swing are the order from this eight-piece ensemble that sounds like a big band. This will be another of those late night gems.

Listen

Saturday, June 28
10:30 PM
$18 & Esplanade S/C
Tickets available at Esplanade Tixx Outlets