THE LAILA BIALI OCTET

This powerhouse ensemble, which features seven of Toronto's leading jazzmen (and a jazzwoman), combines the talents of players who've established their reputations over the long haul with others who are more fresh to the scene but have already been recognized for their maturity, skill, and passion. Following the octet's recent performance at Nathan Phillips Square for the 2004 Toronto Jazz Festival, a show that was recorded by Jazz FM for future broadcast, Globe and Mail columnist Mark Miller described the group as a "modernish octet with a repertoire of fine original pieces that reveal the leader to have a sense of history as well as a sort of pragmatic creativity that can find more contemporary inspiration in music occasioned by weddings and birthdays."

An impressive front-line of stellar musicians - Brian O'Kane on trumpet and fluegelhorn, Tara Davidson on soprano and alto saxes, Kelly Jefferson on tenor, William Carn on trombone, Pol Cousee on flute, baritone sax, and bass clarinet - is supported by a strong backbone rhythm section with world-renown bassist Jim Vivian and vibrant, young drummer Kevin Brow. In this ensemble, each musician has his own impressive resume, ranging from years of touring and performing with first-class musicians in every genre - from jazz veterans Phil Woods, Clark Terry, Ray Brown, and Rob McConnell to pop sensation Jarvis Church and internationally-acclaimed symphonies - to extensive involvement in the world of jazz education. Several of the band's members are on faculty at either the University of Toronto or Humber College, some frequenting both institutions. This group had its debut performance at the Montreal Bistro on March 3, 2003 and has since performed at the Rex and recorded for CBC's JazzBeat program, which was aired nationally in March 2004. Keep your eyes pealed for upcoming performances by this unique ensemble that you won't want to miss!