Live Wire

I’m sure many of you have an extensive collection of CDs, and probably even – dare I say it, vinyl. We walk around plugged into our ipods, downloading singles and albums and tuned into Jazz FM. But as wonderful as all that accessibility is – there is still nothing to compare to a live concert experience.

I have been privileged to see and hear many of the biggest names in jazz – and of course a few of those memorable experiences happened at the Long and McQuade space for the Live to Air broadcasts. You could actually reach out and touch such luminaries as Diana Krall, Jamie Cullum and Harry Connick Jr., Russ Little, Dave Young, Diana Panton and on and on. In actuality, it was the audience who was touched by these talented individuals.

Therein is the raison d’etre of live shows – the opportunity and ability to experience spontaneity, audience interaction – the feeling that anything can happen and often does – no recording, even if it is a live show can reproduce that certain something. Particularly for jazz which is often dubbed the “sound of surprise” – going out to clubs and concerts is very important.

I can’t tell you how amazing it’s been to hear live some of my favourite performers – Kurt Elling, Ray Anderson, P.J. Perry, Sun Ra Arkestra, J.J. Johnson, Max Roach, Betty Carter and on one magical night in New York the delightful Blossom Dearie. That’s just a mere fraction of some, ahem, almost 30 years of concerts. Of course for the artist it also provides direct feedback – how the listener is getting into what they’re playing and in many cases, feeds into the energy to bring the best out in them. For some performers as well, the recorded version never quite captures that mysterious essence, their electrifying quality.

Although many of us attend festival events what really matters is sustaining that attendance throughout the year – there are a number of fine venues to listen to music – to hear established, up and coming musicians. In my experience some of the most fun outings I’ve had have been visiting “names” playing with local and particularly younger musicians – enjoying themselves and also challenging themselves. We always have a stellar lineup for the Sound of Toronto series, if I may toot our own horn.

Of course, you can find out what’s going on in the clubs through the website and from the hosts, through club websites, newspapers - venues like the Rex, Gate 403, the Pilot, the Reservoir, Quotes, The Old Mill. Check out the post secondary schools for concerts as well – Humber for example has great concerts featuring their students and guest artists. Also jazz concerts are featured at noon through the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts – free in the William Bradshaw Amphitheatre.

Really in our hyperconnected world – you have no excuse, people!

So I’ll save you a seat, meet you there – wherever great live jazz is played.