I don't hate Mondays anymore...
The warm atmosphere of Le Petit Chicago in Gatineau is the perfect setting for the newest and coolest jazz jam session in the area, featuring a quartet led by the wonderful saxophonist Brian Asselin. He is ably supported by Jake von Wurden on bass, Jeff Asselin on drums and Steve Boudreau on piano. These guys are the best young talent the area has to offer, so come out and support them.

Go West, Young man...
The Brookstreet Hotel in Kanata is also featuring jazz on the weekends in their stylish Options Bar. The Steve Berndt Quartet has been spotted there, as well as various other local acts. Check out the listings!

Ottawa's favourite...
Those who remember good times at the now-defunct Claire Du Lune listening to the Hugh O'Connor groups are pleased to find out that Hughey's back ! Just down the street at Chez Lucien, you can hear Ottawa's sax legend accompanied by the uber-tasteful Mark Ferguson.
They appear there on Sunday afternoons.

What's going on here... ?
Vineyard's manager Bill Gordon isn't used to gangs of people phoning for reservations to hear the duos he has so faithfully supported... Vineyard's low-key atmosphere has always proved to be a winning one, featuring warm surrounding complimented by live background jazz. That is, until the world started discovering one of the musicians he employs there, ace saxophonist Nathan Cepelinski. Then the phones started ringing! We hope you support all the musicians at Vineyard's, but make sure you catch Nathan when you can. This little puddle can't hold that big frog for long !

A perfect match...
There's nothing like a real piano. Especially in the hands of the master, Brian Browne. That's exactly what you'll hear on Thursdays at Cafe Paradiso. Luckily, Brian doesn't take the piano home when he's done, so musical director Gerry Shatford will play it for you too, with the various interesting groups he puts together. Again, check the listings !

That's all for now, but I'll be trying to keep you updated a little more often. As always, we encourage you to get out there and support live jazz in the Ottawa area. Maybe you'll see me there !

-Justin Tonation