Gray Matter feat. Ingrid Jensen and Eli Bennett

Wed, Mar. 12 - Workshop @ Humber College - 12 pm (www.humber.ca)
Thurs, Mar. 13 - The Rex Hotel - 9:30 pm (www.therex.ca)
Fri, Mar. 14 - Workshop @ University of Toronto - 12 pm (www.music.utoronto.ca)
Fri, Mar. 14 - The Rex Hotel - 9:30 pm (www.therex.ca)
Sat, Mar. 15 - The Jazz Room (Waterloo) - 8:30 pm (www.kwjazzroom.com)

Ingrid Jensen - trumpet 
Eli Bennett - tenor sax
Todd Pentney - piano
Justin Gray - bass
Derek Gray - drums/percussion

Gray Matter – the contemporary jazz group co-led by brothers Justin and Derek Gray – is set for a Southern Ontario Concert Series. The bass/drum duo of Justin – bass and Derek - percussion were born and raised in Toronto’s east end. They will share the stage with Grammy® award-winning trumpeter Ingrid Jensen (www.ingridjensen.com), Vancouver’s rising star tenor saxophonist/film composer Eli Bennett (www.elibennett.com) and Toronto-based pianist Todd Pentney (www.hitektodd.wix.com/todd).

Gray Matter brings a unique blend of modern jazz and groove-based music, with influences ranging from John Coltrane to James Brown. The band will be playing two-nights at Toronto’s Rex Hotel, a Saturday feature performance at The Jazz Room in Waterloo, and holding workshops at Humber College and the University of Toronto – aiming to connect with all generations of Canadian music lovers.

For more information about Gray Matter, please visit: www.graymattermusic.com

Learn more about the Gray brothers at www.derekgray.ca and www.justin-gray.com

Israeli Jazz Showcase w. David Buchbinder

Toronto Downtown Jazz and the Consulate General of Israel, in association with the Ashkenaz Foundation and with the support of the Canada-Israel Cultural Foundation, is pleased to present the Israeli Jazz Showcase on Thursday, March 6th, 7 pm at The Rex Hotel in Toronto. Three outstanding groups will take the stage in one evening of exciting jazz, showcasing talented musicians from Toronto and abroad, as part of the Spotlight on Israeli Culture.

The evening kicks off at 7 pm with the David Buchbinder Ensemble and their unique, multi-cultural take on Israeli jazz and folk music. Joining the acclaimed trumpeter will be John Johnson (saxes, clarinet, flute), Dave Restivo (piano), Dan Fortin (bass) and Derek Gray (drums).

Acclaimed Gilad Heksleman then performs with his trio, demonstrating why he is becoming an important player on the international jazz stage. He’ll be joined by Joe Martin (bass) and Marcus Gilmore (drums). They’ll be performing music from his fourth album, This Just In, released in 2013.

Wrapping up the evening is The Shai Maestro Trio. The pianist in bassist Avishai Cohen’s band for many years, since going solo Shai has quickly developed a reputation as a musician of particular importance. He’ll be joined by Jorge Roeder (bass) and Ziv Ravitz (drums).

For complete information please visit www.spotlightonisraeliculture.ca/portfolio-item/israeli-jazz-showcase and follow twitter.com/israelspotlight (#IsraelSpotlight).

"Live and Interactive" Series feat. Francois Mulder

The second “Live and Interactive” evening will feature Francois Mulder (vocalist/song writer/educator). On Sunday, February 23rd at 9 pm, Francois will join me to talk about his experience as an artist, his upbringing in South Africa, as well as his plans for the future. Francois will share his music, joined by soulfully talented guitarist Heather Crawford. For more info about Francois, please visit:https://www.facebook.com/3francoismulder

In preparation for the evening, I asked Francois Ten Questions – about art, life, adventures, and more. Please take a moment to reflect on his responses – attached below. 

I am so very excited to have Francois Mulder for the February installment of “Live and Interactive” at the Emmet Ray. I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to himself and Heather for their passion and excitement in preparing for this event. Also, special thanks to Andrew Kaiser (owner/manager of the Emmet Ray) for offering the intimate, back room for this ongoing series.

Please join us on Sunday, February 23rd at the Emmet Ray as we engage in what will surely be an interesting, meaningful discussion.

Peace and love,

Derek

  

Community Drum Circle @ MCC Toronto

Drumming is good for your spirit — expressing yourself in a free-form, non-judgmental, improvisational environment like a drum circle can allow you to tap into a very strong spiritual connections. Creating music and rhythm with drums can even be a form of meditation. It’s primitive. It’s basic. It’s as close to us as our heartbeat. Drums and other percussion instruments provided. Come make a joyful noise! Who knows, we might even dance! Limited to 20 participants.

Date: Sunday, Feb. 23 Time: 2:30 – 4:00pm
$15.00
Facilitator: Derek Gray

For more info, please visit: www.mcctoronto.com

Roarshaq Pre-Recording Dates

Click here for more info: www.roarshaq.com