“The Lion, Camel & Child” is the second release from Toronto saxophonist Johnny Griffith’s all-star quintet—a band made up of four of Toronto’s leading jazz lights, along with legendary New York trumpeter Jeremy Pelt. Griffith drew inspiration from the writings of Friedrich Nietzsche—specifically his book, “Three Metamorphoses.” As the reedman explains, “Metamorphoses is concerned with what propels each new phase of human growth, so it seemed fitting to frame this as a suite—each track individual unto itself, yet when listening to as a whole representing the arc of the personal struggle to know more and be more.”
Doug MacDonald’s career as a jazz guitarist and composer has taken him from Hawaii to Las Vegas, Los Angeles to Manhattan, and to Spain, Finland, Estonia and the U.K. Playing in clubs, concert halls and recording studios, Doug has been a featured soloist, as well as an accompanist for some of the greatest jazz luminaries of our time, including Joe Williams, Bill Holman, Ray Brown, Buddy Rich and Ray Charles. For his thirteenth release as a leader, “A View of the City,” he’s back in New York City working in a trio format with bassist Harvie S and drummer Steve Williams.
Also this week, the Toronto Jazz Orchestra celebrates its 20th anniversary by showcasing the composing and arranging work of artistic director Josh Grossman on “20”;
Throttle Elevator Music producer Gregory Howe returns with “Counterweight,” featuring the soaring lead trumpet work of Erik Jekabson;
and and pianist Adrean Farrugia and tenor saxophonist Joel Frahm explore the exciting and intimate world of duo performance with their new album, “Blued Dharma.”