Jazz on the Square features jazz festival highlights

Print

I was unable to get to most of the Jazz festival shows this past week, but caught a preview of some of the headlining acts during Jazz on the Square.The Heavyweights BRass Band playing Jazz in the Square, June 13. Photo by Richard Amery


 I arrived at the end of a horn powered blowout by the HeavyWeights Brass band, who played the Slice the night before.

They brought the spirit oThe J.A.M.A.N.I duo playing a tweener. photo by Richard Ameryf New Orleans jazz to the streets, winding down their set with a revamped version of Michael Jackson’s ’80s hit  “Beat It.”


 In between acts, the j.a.m.a.n.i percussion duo played sweet melodies on steel drums, xylophone and a variety of other percussion instruments.


 Lethbridge  jazz/ pop/ R and B group featuring singer Mwansa Mwansa, bassist Paul Holden, drummer Brad Brouwer, guitarist James Oldenburg and Aaron Collier on keyboards had a solid hour long set of a variety of  R and B/ pop hits from today and yesterday, which showcased Mwansa Mwansa’s big beautiful voice.

The mix was a little bass heavy, so it drowned out a lot of the intricacies of the music. One of James Oldenburg and Mwansa Mwansa. Photo by Richard Amerymany highlights of the set was their version of  Jamiroquai’s 1996 hit “Virtual Insanity.”


 After that it was time for a preview of the night’s entertainment. The Calgary Jazz Orchestra played plenty of big band jazz crooner music which they were to play  at the Yates on Saturday night.

There was plenty of horns and a lot of energy that took the audience back to the heyday of Jazz crooners like Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack.The Calgary Jazz Orchestra performing at The Jazz Festival. Photo by Richard Amery


 Just as it started to rain, Calgary horn band Bluesland showed their love for New Orleans jazz and blues and almost blew the clouds away.

The Bluesland horn band performing at Jazz in the Square. Photo by Richard Amery
 They began with a  hot version of Bon Ton Roulet and added an injection of adrenaline and horns to blues classic St. James Infirmary. They were excellent, with a lot of energy and a lot of fun.

— By Richard Amery, L.A. Beat Editor
Share
Last Updated ( Wednesday, 24 June 2015 10:31 )