Jazz @ The Playhouse - A New Jazz Series This Fall

A New Series Featuring Jason Marsalis, Kurt Elling, Marc Jordan, Nikki Yanofsky, Coco Montoya and more at the Diesel Playhouse
Tickets on sale now!

Toronto ’Äì Toronto Downtown Jazz (TDJ) and Diesel Playhouse are pleased to introduce a new series, JAZZ @ THE PLAYHOUSE. Featuring seven intimate concerts for the 2008 Fall / Winter Concert Season at the Diesel Playhouse, this series will feature Jason Marsalis Trio, Nikki Yanofsky, Coco Montoya, Jane Bunnett, Kurt Elling, Marc Jordan and Tuck & Patti. Tickets are on sale now at all Ticketmaster outlets and through the Diesel Playhouse box office.

Jason Marsalis Trio - Thursday, Nov. 6
Jason Marsalis hails from a truly gifted musical family. With brothers Wynton, Branford, Delfeayo and father Ellis, the Marsalis' are the venerable first family of jazz. Having made his professional debut on drums at the age of 12, Jason has often been described as having perhaps the strongest voice on his instrument in his generation. An active and visible part of the New Orleans jazz scene for a number of years, Jason has two recordings under his own name as well as a number of recordings with other musicians including the Marcus Roberts Trio. Joining Jason will be Stephen Riley and Neal Caine.

Nikki Yanofsky - Saturday, Nov. 8
At just 14 years old, Nikki Yanofsky has accomplished more than most teens her age. This past February, Nikki performed at Carnegie Hall with the New York Pops Orchestra under the direction of Marvin Hamlisch. Her long anticipated debut album, Ella’ĶOf Thee I Swing, currently sits atop the jazz charts. A Toronto crowd favourite, do not miss this young vocalist as tickets will sell out quickly.

Coco Montoya - Sunday, Nov. 16
From his early days as a drummer to his current status as one of the top drawing guitarists and vocalists on the blues-rock scene, "Coco Montoya is the real McCoy" (Billboard Magazine). Known for his explosive guitar playing combined with soul driven vocals, Montoya honed his chops for 10 years with the legendary Bluesbreakers, proving to be a guitar master in one of the most renowned blues bands in existence.

Jane Bunnett - Friday, Nov. 21
Celebrating the music from her latest release, Embracing Voices, Toronto soprano saxophonist, flutist and bandleader Jane Bunnett, will take listeners on a musical journey with songs sung in English, Creole and Spanish. With special guest appearances on the album from vocalists such as Molly Johnson and Kellylee Evans, Embracing Voices is a departure from Jane's traditional mix of Cuban music and jazz.

Kurt Elling - Thursday, Dec. 4
Kurt Elling is the preeminent male jazz singer today. The New York Times describes him as "hugely talented." With a four-octave range and a rich baritone voice, Elling displays astonishing technical facility and emotional depth. Often regarded by many as the natural heir to jazz pioneer Jon Hendricks, Elling is the contemporary voice in vocalese ’Äì the art of putting words to improvised solos of jazz artists. Most recently, Elling was the recipient of Male Vocalist of the Year in the DownBeat Critics Poll for the ninth straight year in a row.

Marc Jordan & Friends - Friday, Dec. 12
Best known for penning top-charting hits, Marc Jordan's resume reads like a list of who's who in music today having written for Rod Stewart, Cher, Natalie Cole, Bette Midler, Bonnie Raitt and Diana Ross. A Juno Award winner and the first recipient of Male Vocalist of the Year by the Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards, Marc has also carved an impressive career as a singer-guitarist. Frequently praised for the emotional and poetic quality of his lyrics, Marc is back with another release, Live at El Mocambo +1. Join Marc and special guests for this performance.

Tuck & Patti - Friday, Dec. 19
For over 25 years, this husband and wife duo has relied on the textures of only guitar and vocals to create their sound. With more than ten albums to their credit, their blend of jazz, pop, R&B, gospel, folk, rock and Brazilian genres has contributed to their success. Join Tuck and Patti this December as they play music from their latest release, I Remember You, their first complete recording dedicated to the Great American Songbook.

JAZZ @ THE PLAYHOUSE
Jason Marsalis Trio ’Äì 11/06
Nikki Yanofsky ’Äì 11/08
Coco Montoya ’Äì 11/16
Jane Bunnett ’Äì 11/21
Kurt Elling ’Äì 12/04
Marc Jordan & Friends ’Äì 12/12
Tuck & Patti ’Äì 12/19
Diesel Playhouse, 56 Blue Jays Way
Tickets are on sale at:
Ticketmaster ’Äì 416.870.8000, www.ticketmaster.ca
Diesel Playhouse Box Office ’Äì 416.971.5656, www.dieselplayhouse.com
All performances begin at 9pm
**3 PACK SPECIAL: purchase tickets for any three shows and receive a 20% discount**

For more information please visit www.torontojazz.com or www.dieselplayhouse.com