Vocalist MJ de Waal kicks off the JazzYYC Canadian Festival late night series at Lolita’s Lounge with an evening of tunes from her YYC Music Award nominated album, ‘Sophisticated Lady’, as well as many of her favourites from Billy Strayhorn, Dave Frishberg, Mel Tormé and more…
MJ de Waal (Vocals) - MJ is a devotee of jazz and the Great American Songbook. Her focus is on the neglected, yet beautiful songs from their back pages. Her recent album, “Sophisticated Lady”, was a nominee for the YYC Music Award in the jazz category.
Mark Limacher (Piano) - Composer-pianist Mark Limacher is an active member of the local music community in many styles and genres. A prominent member of the Calgary jazz scene, he performs regularly with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, the Calgary Creative Arts Ensemble, and many freelance small groups. He served as apprentice to composer Bunita Marcus in Brooklyn, NY, and is a graduate of New School University in New York City. He co-hosts the weekly radio program Unprocessed on CJSW, 90.9 FM with violinist Laura Reid.
Eric Friedenberg (Sax/flute) - Eric graduated from U of C music program. Over the years, he has played with and contracted bands for Dizzy Gillespie, Bob Brookmeyer, Paul Horn, Pepper Adams among others. He lead the Saturday Pro Big Band that recorded for CBC for many years. He is currently with the Prime Time Big Band and various jazz ensembles.
Rob Hutchinson (Bass) - Rob recently relocated to Calgary after spending the last 12 years living and working as a bassist in London, UK. He played regularly on a range of musicals in London’s West End and performed with both symphony and chamber orchestras in the UK, Spain and Canada, as well as numerous big bands, small jazz groups and cabaret acts. In addition, Rob has played on numerous orchestral, Jazz and Pop recording sessions for films, television shows and commercials for BBC Films, Miramax, BBC Television and Radio, Nike, Stella Artois and others.
John de Waal (drums) -John de Waal has played with such international artists as Rosemary Clooney, Sheila Jordan, Marian McPartland, Rob McConnell, Bobby Shew, Maria Schneider and Bill Watrous, among others. Besides performing, he has maintained a full student roster at de Waal Music Studio which he has owned and operated since 1979.
www.mjdewaalmusic.com
Facebook @mjdewaalmusic
Twitter @MariJodeWaal
