An Evening of Native Jazz: Songbirds and Nightingales of Turtle Island Vol, 2
By Brian Wright-McLeod
TORONTO—What is Native Jazz? So many questions surround Native music, as often queries inundate our very existence in every other aspect. But Native jazz is not new, and in some cases, it is pure jazz – sounds that have been derived from traditional roots.
The historical groundwork created by Indigenous luminaries Mildred Bailey, Lee Wiley, Kay Starr, Big Chief Russell Moore and others, represent the indelible contributions Native artists have made to the world of jazz.
An Evening of Native Jazz brings a unique opportunity to cast light on this little-known fact of music history and its contemporary impact.
The second Evening of Native Jazz is set to hit the stage Wednesday, October 24 at Toronto’s Lula Lounge, a respected live music hot spot. The program featured three Native divas featuring headliner Cheri Maracle (Mohawk), Gerri Trimble (Anishinaabe) and Lori LaMarche (Anishinaabe), backed by Brendan Peltier on piano; Walter McLean on drums; and Kenny Kirkland on saxophone.
“It’s time to celebrate our contributions to the jazz form and the continuing presence of the Native influence on jazz music,” proclaimed Wright-McLeod, the show’s host/co-producer.
The featured artists include Cheri Maracle, a Gemini award nominated actress/singer/ songwriter from the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory, Ontario. Cheri’s original compositions, derived from a well of sultry blues seasoned with a flair jazz standards, have set the tone for her musical arc. She has performed across Canada, the United States, Germany, India, and Norway, and accrued an extensive list of television and stage credits. In 2017, she was featured in the National Film Board of Canada film, The Road Forward. She has received three nominations for Best Female Artist at the Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards in 2007; Best New Artist, and Best Songwriter from the Aboriginal Peoples’ Choice Music Awards; and, Best Song, and Best Pop Album at the Indian Summer Music Awards. Her independently released albums include Ache of Love (2014), If I Am Water (2013), and Closer to Home (2006).
From Ottawa, Ontario, Anishinaabe jazz vocalist/songwriter Gerri Trimble is known for her inviting voice and personal singing style. Her original compositions are direct, emotive and adventurous, but steeped in the traditional elements of classic jazz vocal forms. She has performed across the country backed by a selection of prominent jazz musicians.
New to the Toronto jazz scene, Cree singer Lori LaMarche possesses a voice with an operatic range that enhances her sultry vocal style. She has performed across Canada including the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, Ontario Place in Toronto, and The London Western Fair. Lori also performed the Canadian and American national anthems for the Toronto Blue Jays games at Toronto’s Rogers Centre and Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.
An Evening of Native Jazz – Songbirds & Nightingales of Turtle Island Vol. 2 on Wednesday, October 24 at the Lula Lounge, 1585 Dundas Street West. Doors open at 7pm, concert begins at 8pm. Tickets are $25 in advance; $30 at the door.
To reserve and guarantee seating, be sure to call: 416-588-0307 or e-mail: info@lula.ca.
For further media information, please e-mail: brianwrightmcleod@yahoo.com or call: 647-504-6286