TD Toronto Jazz Festival 2013 Wish List

Back in 2011, Josh Grossman the Artistic Director of the TD Toronto Jazz Festival requested the publics input as to whom they wished to see performing at the 2012 version of the festival. I submitted a rather bulky list and thought nothing further about it.

Then in the spring of 2012 I received a post that indicated Grossman had a comment on the lists submitted. On his blog he explained why some performers on the wish list were not coming and who on the list were set to perform in Toronto. I was thrilled to see two or three from my wish list had made the cut.

Mr. Grossman did the same thing this year and I submitted my list as below. If I could program some jazz concerts or take on a fantasy role as an artistic director, these would be some of my picks to entertain in and around the Toronto area. Keep in mind that plenty of local talent would be called up to perform as opening acts, so I have not included any local artists.

The idea is to pick some international artists and I would have themes too, like a “Guitar Summit”, note that the first four artists are guitarist’. A “Master’s Series”, any musicians over “65” can be included in this group. The musicians “90” and over are Icons and would be included in the “Masters and Educators Series”. No festival is complete with out the “Diva Series” this would include some of the top female pop and jazz vocalists in the world. The “Battle of the Big Bands Series”, The “Avant Garde” series and the “Solo Piano Series” throw in a bit of rock, rhythm and blues, soul and a pile of money and you have a festival that should prove to be entertaining.

The artists are:

Jim Hall, Kenny Burrell, Julian Lage Group, Jonathan Kriesberg, Kenny Wheeler, Toots Thieleman, Dave Holland, Christian McBride Big Band, Kenny Garrett Quintet, Joshua Redman Trio, Helge Lien Trio, Miguel Zenon Quartet, Steve Coleman Quintet, Brad Mehldau Trio, K.D Lang, Neena Freelon, Dianne Reeves, Claire Martin, Diana Krall

Norma Winstone, Cassandra Wilson, Terri Lyne Carrington, Tierney Sutton, Charlie Haden & Quartet West, Tuck & Patty, Keith Jarrett, Mingus Big Band, Lorraine Desmarais Big Band, Stevie Wonder, Clapton/Windwood Band, Robert Plant Band of Joy, Rufus/Chaka Khan, Anthony Braxton, Clare Chase, Han Bennink, William Parker Sextet, Milford Graves and Peter Brötzman.

Did I leave your favorite musician out of the wish list? Let us know who you would like to see performing in the Toronto area. We will make sure the various artistic directors of the summer festivals are enlightened.

Paul J. Youngman – January 2013