Jazz Lives In Toronto; The 2013 Beaches Jazz Festival

Jazz music is alive and well in Toronto. Although we do not have our own, distinct character such as New Orleans or Chicago, I am always amazed at the wide variety of talent and diversity on the Toronto jazz scene.

This week saw the start of the annual Beaches Jazz Festival. I went down to Woodbine Park last weekend to catch some of the opening acts for the Festival, including Tia Brazda and Eddie Bullen and Friends.

Toronto chanteuse Tia Brazda, with her sassy songs and unique voice, whipped up the crowd at the TD Main Stage with her popular song, Cabin Fever. She sings a variety of vintage jazz\blues as well as modern, danceable tunes.

Tia Brazda sings at the Beaches Jazz Festival Main Stage

The great Eddie Bullen gave a sterling perfomance at the Trinidad and Tobago stage. He is one of Toronto’s best jazz artists and directors, having produced over 150 Jazz albums. He has also worked with world-renowned jazz artists such as Dee Dee Bridgewater, SWV, Deborah Cox. I was mesmerized by his hit song 416. Listen to this great tune here.

Eddie Bullen on stage at the Beaches Jazz Festival, 2013

To me, there is no better music than Jazz when it comes to creativity, feelings and lifting the human spirit. Someone once asked Miles Davis What is Swing and why do you like it? This is what he said;

“What’s swinging in words? If a guy makes you pat your foot and if you feel it down your back, you don’t have to ask anybody if that’s good music or not. You can always feel it.” Miles Davis

This coming weekend Toronto jazz lovers will be back at the Beaches Jazz Festival again, the Streetfest version along Queen Street. Try it.