The TD Toronto Jazz Fest Kicked off this week creating a vibration throughout the city’s core. Sure to be a festival highlight, The Preservation Jazz Band brought all the sensibilities of a bonafide party atmosphere to the Concert Hall Saturday night.
New Orleans is a city synonymous with the word jazz. Many musical families reside there and have fleshed out talent over generations. The Preservation Jazz Band is a testament to the city that keeps on giving when it comes to musical integrity and creativity. When NOLA comes to T.O. you need to be there!
The host and emcee for the evening, Ronnie Littlejohn whose radio show Gumbo Kitchen on CJRT 91.1 showcases the kind of music and talent I am referring to. Wearing A James Booker t-shirt, Ron announced the opening act, Toronto’s very own Big Smoke Brass Band. Clearly influenced by the Big Easy, Big Smoke Brass brought the spark that would ignite the fiyo on the bayou.
With the crowd ablaze and ready for the heat, Preservation Jazz Band took to the stage. If you have ever been to the birthplace of jazz you will know there are some quintessential songs that conger up the imagery of hot steamy nights at a juke joint in the Crescent City. For a few hours on Saturday night, The Concert Hall facilitated a means of transportation to The 504.
The band included Kyle Roussel, Clint Maedgen, Revon Andrews, Branden Lewis and the longest tenured member on drums, Shannon Powell. They performed a list of hits. Parading through classics like Big Chief, Go To The Mardi Gras, Tootie Ma Is A Big Fine Thing and a medley that included Little Liza Jane, Walk Right In and Bald Head.
I’ve said it before, when New Orleans comes to Toronto, you owe it to yourself to show up and get your groove on. I certainly left with a smile on my face.
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Be sure to check out the Toronto Jazz Fest website for more information on all things Jazz Fest!
