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Canadian CD Reviews
courtesy of The Jazz Report Magazine

D.D. Jackson Anthem BMG 6306-2
Anthem is probably Jackson's most accessible group recording to date giving more attention to compositions for the most part which are quite tuneful. The opening " Spring Song" rotates between a two chord vamp propelled by the electrifying drumming of Jack DeJohnette. Violinist Christian Howes and bassist Richard Bona nearly steal the thunder but Jackson remains centered throughout.


Chris Mitchell Quintet Spectrum
Justin Time JTR 8482-2
Winners of the Prix de Jazz du Maurier at the Festival International de Jazz de Montreal, the Chris Mitchell Quintet is a fire breathing ensemble comfortable at any tempo or varied set of chord changes. Saxophonist Kirk McDonald contributes three of the most exhilarating pieces including the scorching opener " The Torchbearers". Mitchell swings between alto, bari and soprano sax cleanly executing every phrase with unconstrained grace and clarity.


Joe Sealy & Paul Novotny Blue Jade
Sea Jam 1006-2
Bassist Paul Novotny eagerly digs into the classic standard "Alone Together" with a vamp closely reminiscent of the major -minor sequence found in Ahmad Jamal's jewel "Poinciana". The band spins back and forth between tasteful smooth jazz motifs and slightly more blues/folk/gospel and funk offerings. The crux of soloing is handled by saxophonist Mike Murley.

Peter Leitch Blues On The Corner
Reservoir RSR CD160
Prolific guitarist Leitch may one day have more recordings under his belt than Louis Armstrong and Miles Davis combined. Never short on ideas or tunes, Leitch leaps into every song with reckless abandon clawing away chord changes as if minor obstacles while riding the rhythmic motion like an economy class passenger upgraded to front cabin seat. Bobby Watson, Renee Rosnes, Billy Hart, Dwayne Bruno all shine.


Dawn Aitken Be Cool
Oh my, whatever happen to Phoebe Snow? Well, I think I've got a lead...could it be British Columbia vocalist Dawn Aitken. A long time first call recording studio veteran who's voice has been heard on numerous radio and television commercials. Aitken gives a brilliant read of the Hoagy Carmichael classic " The Nearness Of You." Her voice is warm, convincing, and perfectly suited for sultry ballads. Joni Mitchell's "Be Cool" alone, would give the composer good reason to rejoice!


Peters Drury Trio When Old Met New
It's good to know there's a vibrant jazz scene in Canada's great North Western reaches. Whitehorse natives, Jesse Peters and bright-eyed counterpart Caroline Drury share vocal duties on this collection of familiar jazz standards with trumpeter Ingrid Jensen and bassist Rick Kilburn making guest appearances. Peters favors Sinatra while Drury sounds a bit like Astrid Gibrelto in the lower register. It's only when she attempts the octave leap the voice hardens. Nice start to a promising career for both.