THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2004
SHAWN NYKWIST
Silver Lining (Indie)
The newest young lions of Ca-
nadian jazz include tenor saxo-
phonist Shawn Nykwist , who
has a big tone, warm sound and
focused attack that's some-
times recalls the Ben Webster-
Coleman Hawkins school.
On this fine release recorded
in January, he gets around his
horn quickly, squeezing out
juicy lines that generate quick
responses from his solid band,
notably pianist Bernie Senen-
sky.
With Jake Langley on guitar
and a power pulse from un-
compromising bassist Steve
Wallace and drummer Frank
Botos, the music often roars, as
on his opening boppish burner
"Home Cooking."
The leader is equally at home
on slow standards like "Stars
Fell On Alabama"(featuring
crafted Langley counterpoint)
and his spousal tribute, the
tender "Song For Lina" that's
delivered with charm, while on
Langley's "Uptown" his phras-
ing is unfailingly elegant. "To
Hear Is To See" by blind saxist
Eric Kloss is a catchy winner
that Nykwist treats with strik-
ing enthusiasm and imagina-
tion in long, outside passages,
one of many treats on this disc.
Geoff Chapman
Shawn Nykwist grew up in the small town of Nanaimo on the west coast of Canada before moving to Toronto in 1990.
Recognized mostly for his performances on the Tenor saxophone, he also plays the Alto, Soprano and flute.
Shawn was awarded a Canada Council grant to study in New York with the international jazz legend George Coleman.
Well-known in the jazz community, Shawn Nykwist has performed in all of Toronto's local jazz clubs (Pilot, Rex, Montreal Bistro, Top of the Senator) and festivals(DuMaurier, Beaches, Toronto Downtown Jazz Festival).
He has also performed internationally in the United States, France, England, Egypt, Austria, Greece and the Caribbean. Shawn Nykwist's unique voice on the saxophone has been requested by various artists. He has had the privilege and honor of making beautiful music with Joey Defransico, Don Thompson, Hugh Fraser, Kenny Wheeler, Lorne Lofsky, Cindy Blackman, Hirum Bullock and superstar; Lenny Kravitz.
Other albums Shawn has contributed to:
Laura Hubert "Half-Bridled" GirlishDays Records 2003
Glen Anderson "Swingin' the Blues" Independent
Norm Villeneuve "jazz message" Independent
Tony Quarington "One Bright Morning" Cordova Bay Records
Andrew Bonniwell Quartet Lydian Sound Inc.
Drew and the Amazing sideshow band Glitter and Stardust recordings
Ken Skinner and the Jazz Mongers Village Jazz Recordings
Aaron Keele Contingent Amaranth Recordings
...guitarist Jake Langley led a fivesome ... off not only his sterling work but the talents of Shawn Nykwist on tenor and soprano sax. ... the artful phrasing and the adventurous forays of Nykwist.
GEOFF CHAPMAN, The Toronto Star.
... on this project are some of Toronto's best jazz players, such as Kirk McDonald and newcomer Shawn Nykwist on saxes, Bernie Senensky and Brian Dickinson on piano, Kieran Overs on bass and Barry Elmes on drums...
JIM KELLY , Canadian Musician Magazine (Showcase section 2002)
"I had wanted to get Shawn Nykwist recorded for a while...I think he's got a great sound and concept...so I had him on this album... ( Tony Quarrington )
MICHAEL BURKE, All About Jazz.
Bernie Senensky
A native of Winnipeg now residing in Toronto, pianist Bernie Senensky has earned the reputation as one of Canada's premier jazz artists. His playing and music has been featured internationally in many great jazz festivals. He is recognized and respected as one of the foremost jazz accompanists in the world.
Bernie has released Twelve albums since 1975, consisting almost entirely of his own compositions. Bernie has worked with many jazz greats: Art Pepper, Phil Woods, Zoot Sims, George Coleman, Bob Berg, Chris Potter, Sonny Stitt, Johnny Griffin, Dizzy Gillespie, Randy Brecker, Chet Baker ,Elvin Jones, Art Blakey,
Jake Langley
WINNER 2004 NATIONAL JAZZ AWARDS GUITARIST OF THE YEAR.
Jake Langley is quickly taking his place as one of Canada's premier jazz guitarists. The CBC has referred to Jake as a "rising star" and a "hot, young talent". The Toronto Life says "... infectious... Langley (is) one of the most notable Canadian musicians to come to light in the past year."
Jake has been gaining international attention while touring as part of the World Renowned Joey Defrancesco Trio and is releasing his third CD "Diggin' In" featuring organist Joey Defrancesco, and Terry Clarke on Alma/Universal. Jake has performed around the globe with his group and was featured at the 2003 IAJE convention and the 2003 Montreal and Toronto International Jazz Festivals.
"Jake Langley is an exciting new voice on guitar with deep roots in the tradition" Pat Martino
Steve Wallace
Steve Wallace may well be the most powerful jazz bassist Canada has seen. He's certainly the most experienced, having received his jazz education while "on the job" in the 1970's with some of music's most famous leaders; including Zoot Sims, George Coleman, Pepper Adams and a host of American and Canadian artists. Steve has been a Concord recording artist, touring the Soviet Union, Europe and Japan. He became the bassist for Rob McConnell's Boss Brass in 1983. In recent years Steve has been a member of the Oscar Peterson Trio and toured Europe. He has played with the Barry Elmes Quintet since its inception in 1991. With D.E.W. East, Steve also contributes his own new compositions.
Frank Botos
Frank Botos was born into a gypsy musical family 34 years ago.
He played and recorded with Hungarian players like; Tony Lakotos, Sakcsi, and Gabor Gado
Since immigrating to Canada from Hungary, Frank has been the talk of Toronto with his solid time and burning swing feel behind the drums. Franks rising notoriety has already landed him gigs with Kirk McDonald, Pat Labarbera, Don Thompson, Joe Sealy, and Mike Murley.
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