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Hilario Durán, David Virelles to Release New Album: ‘Front Street Duets’
Front Street Duets, set for release on ALMA Records on November 4 (October 14 in Canada), is a compelling collaboration of two internationally acclaimed Cuban jazz pianists and composers, Hilario Durán and David Virelles. This collection of piano duets features the virtuosic playing of two musicians in peak form. Durán and Virelles have a musical and personal relationship dating back over two decades, but this is their most extensive project to date.
- The Royal Conservatory Presents: Hilario Durán and David Virelles [Toronto – Oct 13, 2022]
The Toronto-based Durán is a towering figure in Cuban music. Over a career now spanning over 45 years, he has won three Juno Awards and earned a Grammy nomination (for 2006’s From the Heart, by Hilario Durán and his Latin Big Band). His extensive discography includes work as a solo artist, and in duo, small group and big band settings, and he has also achieved distinction in the classical and chamber music worlds.
Now based in New York City after a stint in Toronto, Virelles records as a solo artist for such labels as ECM and Pi Recordings. He has collaborated extensively with such noted musicians as Andrew Cyrille, Bill Frisell, Henry Threadgill, Steve Coleman, and Ravi Coltrane, and last year he won the prestigious Herb Alpert Awards in the Arts.
When ALMA head and album producer Peter Cardinali presented the concept to Durán and Virelles a couple of years ago, both instantly agreed. “This album is very special because I had the privilege to work with David,” Durán explains. “He is the most important Cuban piano player of this new generation, and now he has so much success in the New York City scene, playing with great jazz stars and doing his own projects.”
Thirty years Hilario’s junior, Virelles had long admired Durán’s music. “Growing up in Santiago de Cuba, I knew of him, and then I was introduced to a lot of his records that weren’t available in Cuba through my Toronto friends Jane Bunnett and Roberto Occhipinti.
“As a bandleader, arranger, composer, and pianist, Hilario’s sophistication as a musician is unparalleled and that is something I’ve tried to emulate,” Virelles says. “He has always been a reference point for me and for so many young Cuban musicians. When he asked me to do this I was like, ‘this is perfect!’”
The album is a carefully curated collection of material that features new arrangements by both of traditional Cuban material, original compositions written by Hilario specifically for the project, and a fresh take on a much-loved standard, “Body and Soul.”
Durán says “most piano duets by jazz players come from improvisation, where they make it up in the moment. We have that here, but also a lot of complex arrangements we both contributed.” Both pianists are masterful improvisers, and Durán notes that “having the same background with and knowledge of Cuban music is a great foundation. It is like we have the same musical blood in our veins! It was almost mental telepathy, as we were very aware of each other in the cues and where we were going.” Virelles concurs, noting that “the music we grew up with from the country we share is part of our collective consciousness.”
The resulting album is both musically sophisticated and melodically attractive, and the compositions have a pleasing variety of tempos and tones. Arranged by Virelles, the breezy and bright “La Malanga” has a tropical vibe that can transports the listener to a Cuban beach, while “Santos Suarez’s Memories” is a reflective piece written by Hilario as an homage to the Havana ‘hood he lived in. Another Durán composition inspired by Havana is “Milonga For Cuba,” dedicated to those protesting in the city last summer.
The meditative “Danza Lucumi” features a Virelles arrangement of a tune from his Santiago de Cuba region, while “Guajira For Two Pianos” is a spirited piece featuring shifting rhythms.
“David’s Tumbao” is a thrillingly dynamic tune written by Durán for Virelles in the tumbao form with which Hilario is closely associated (his nickname, ‘Con Tumbao’ inspired the title of his acclaimed 2017 album). “I wrote it when we started the project, as the pandemic started,” Durán says. “David and I decided to put this together and record it online. We then put it online and people went crazy for it, and I think the finished version came out wonderfully.”
Front Street Duets came together over just two days at the renowned Glenn Gould Studio in Toronto last November, with the recording helmed by the experienced tandem of producer Peter Cardinali and Juno/Grammy winning engineer John ‘Beetle’ Bailey.
It is fitting that a studio/theatre space named for the iconic Canadian classical pianist Glenn Gould was employed for the making of an album by two other piano virtuosi. Both Durán and Virelles have a fond earlier memory of the space, as in Oct. 2008, as part of a special celebration of Glenn Gould, each performed original compositions (some inspired by Gould), accompanied by the acclaimed Penderecki String Quartet.
One noted musician with a unique perspective on this exciting collaboration is Juno-winning, Grammy-nominated jazz composer/ instrumentalist/bandleader Jane Bunnett. She explains that “I have had the gift of being able to collaborate deeply with both of these masters for many years and many projects. To see these two visionaries and virtuosos go head-to-head on this marvelous recording gives me inspiration and a profound sense of joy.”
Musical joy does indeed await you with – Front Street Duets.
Content Source: DL Media Music
The nominations for the 55th Annual JUNO Awards are officially in—and they paint a vivid portrait of a Canadian music scene that is both globally dominant and richly diverse at home.
Unveiled by the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) on January 27, this year’s JUNOS feature 248 nominations across 47 categories. The winners will be revealed during The JUNO Awards Gala Presented by Music Canada on Saturday, March 28, followed by the nationally broadcast awards show live from Hamilton’s TD Coliseum on Sunday, March 29. Canadians can tune in across CBC platforms, with global viewers watching via CBC Music’s YouTube channel.
Pop Power and Global Impact
Leading the nominations are Justin Bieber and Tate McRae, each earning six nods—the most either artist has received in a single JUNO season. For Bieber, an eight-time JUNO winner with 32 career nominations, the recognition marks another milestone in an already storied career. Among his nominations is Single of the Year Presented by Sunrise Records for “Daisies,” underscoring his continued relevance and evolution on the global stage.
Tate McRae, meanwhile, continues her meteoric ascent. With 17 previous JUNO nominations and multiple wins last year, her six new nominations confirm her status as one of Canada’s most compelling young exports. A year of chart-topping singles, international touring, and artistic growth has positioned her firmly at the forefront of contemporary pop.
Close behind are Cameron Whitcomb and The Weeknd, each earning five nominations. Whitcomb’s story stands out: fresh off two wins at the Canadian Country Music Awards, he makes a powerful TD JUNOS debut with nominations in major categories including Album of the Year, Single of the Year, Breakthrough Artist or Group of the Year, Country Album of the Year, and TD JUNO Fan Choice. It’s a breakout moment that signals a fast-rising career.
The Weeknd, already one of the most decorated artists in JUNOS history with 22 wins and 46 nominations, continues to expand his legacy. His five nominations this year reinforce his global stature and creative ambition.
Daniel Caesar earns four nominations and will also receive the International Achievement Award during the broadcast, recognizing his worldwide impact. He joins a performance lineup that includes The Beaches—fresh from their 2025 Group of the Year win—and six-time winner Jessie Reyez, who earns three nominations this year.
A Historic First: Latin Music Recording of the Year
One of the most significant developments in 2026 is the introduction of a brand-new category: Latin Music Recording of the Year. This historic addition reflects the growing influence and creative excellence of Latin music within Canada’s cultural landscape.
The inaugural nominees—Alex Cuba, Lido Pimienta, Andy Rubal, Isabella Lovestory, and Mario Puglia—represent a spectrum of sounds and identities shaping Latin music from a distinctly Canadian vantage point. Their inclusion marks an important step in acknowledging the genre’s evolution and impact nationwide.
Celebrating Community and Education
Beyond chart-toppers and global icons, the JUNOS continue to spotlight the grassroots foundations of Canadian music.
MusiCounts, CARAS’ music education charity, has announced five nominees for the MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award, presented by Anthem Entertainment. Educators from Ontario, Quebec, and Alberta are recognized for their outstanding contributions to school music programs. The winner will receive a JUNO statuette, a $10,000 cash prize, and a MusiCounts grant for their school—an investment in the next generation of Canadian musicians.
Hamilton Takes Centre Stage
As the JUNOS return to Hamilton, the city’s own talent is in the spotlight. Waterdown native Josh Ross, last year’s Country Album of the Year winner, earns four nominations following a breakout year. Hamilton icons Daniel Lanois—an eight-time JUNO winner and Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductee—receives a nomination for Album Artwork of the Year, while Brendan Joseph Murphy of Counterparts earns a first nod in Metal/Hard Music Album of the Year.
Adding an intergenerational dimension, 2026 Canadian Music Hall of Fame Inductee Nelly Furtado is nominated for Pop Album of the Year for her eleventh album, 7. With 22 career nominations and 10 wins, her continued presence reflects a legacy still in motion.
A Truly National Celebration
From Francophone Album of the Year nominees Ariane Roy, Fredz, JF Pauze, Lou-Adriane Cassidy, and Pierre Lapointe, to Contemporary Indigenous Artist or Group of the Year contenders Aysanabee, Sebastian Gaskin, Shawnee Kish, Siibii, and Tia Wood, the 2026 JUNOS highlight the artistic breadth that defines Canadian music today.
In total, 65 artists are making their TD JUNOS debut this year—an unmistakable signal of renewal and emergence alongside established legends.
As Ontario’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming Stan Cho noted, the JUNO Awards not only celebrate artistic excellence but also underscore culture’s vital role in driving tourism and economic growth.
On March 29, the country—and much of the world—will be watching as Hamilton hosts a celebration that honours legacy, amplifies new voices, and reflects the ever-evolving soundtrack of Canada.
For the complete list of nominees and artist bios, visit junoawards.ca.
The countdown is on — we’re just one month away from the 2025 Toronto Jazz Festival!
The Toronto Jazz Fest is celebrating its 38th year from June 20 to 29 with 10 days of FREE outdoor performances alongside ticketed shows featuring some of the best local and international jazz artists. With venues across the city, the Toronto Jazz Fest will have neighbourhoods pulsing with music, culture, and community as Toronto reaffirms its place as one of North America’s most vibrant music cities.
OLG Opening Weekend kicks off the Festival’s free admission programming with an incredible diversity of music. From the tap dance of Johnathan Morin to the groove of Soul Stew to David Occhipinti’s chamber jazz and the blues and soul of Dione Taylor, OLG Opening Weekend is a fantastic snapshot of the breadth of the Festival’s programming.
This year’s Sounds Like Toronto series shines a spotlight on homegrown talent. This curated lineup celebrates musicians who are not only building on the legacy of jazz but reshaping it through the lens of Toronto’s multicultural identity. From Waleed Kush Afro-Jazz to Dánae Olano to Lavender Town, Alex Pangman and Jeremy Ledbetter, you’ll get to hear why jazz made in Toronto sounds like nowhere else in the world.
Sidewalk Sessions presented by OLG will bring music directly to the streets, turning the Bloor-Yorkville neighbourhood’s sidewalks into spontaneous stages where passersby can discover some of Toronto’s most engaging musicians. From the Flamenco of Tamar Ilana, the trad sounds of the West End Riverboat Band, the soulful SexBandit or Tania Gill’s bike-powered trio, discover some of Toronto’s most engaging musicians!
For ten days, some of the best musicians in the world will join our lineup. From gospel, blues, soul and civil rights icon Mavis Staples, to forward-looking drummer and producer Makaya McCraven, to the incredible Pakistani vocalist Arooj Aftab and local legends Broken Social Scene, you’re sure to find your musical taste on a Festival stage
Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime concert event, celebrating Toronto’s musical legacy with performances by Jackie Richardson, Molly Johnson, Joe Sealy, Jay Douglas, Joy Lapps and many more.
Catch a stellar series of shows featuring top performers from across North America in an intimate club setting – don’t miss your chance to see these outstanding artists up close!
To learn more, see the full festival schedule, or to buy tickets visit: torontojazz.com
The 2025 Toronto Jazz Festival has been made possible in part by the generous support of OLG; The Government of Canada; the Province of Ontario; the Ontario Arts Council; the Toronto Arts Council; ABCRA; and the Bloor-Yorkville BIA. Community support provided by GYRA. “Sounds Like Toronto” is supported by The City of Toronto Music Office, the Music Performance Trust Fund and the Toronto Musicians Association; Long & McQuade is Presenting Partner for Festival educational initiatives.
Source: Toronto Jazz Fest
For 45 years, the Ottawa Jazz Festival has been a big part of the Canadian jazz community, proudly celebrating the talent and innovation of musicians from across the country. Each year, the city comes alive with the sound of over 350 Canadian artists, transforming downtown Ottawa into a hub of rhythm, creativity, and connection.
This rich tradition continues from June 20 to June 29, 2025, as the Festival once again shines a national spotlight on Canadian jazz with a stellar lineup that stretches from coast to coast to coast. From the electrifying energy of Main Stage headliners to the boundary-pushing brilliance of artists featured throughout each series, the 2025 edition promises an unforgettable musical journey.
Not just performers – they’re award-winning artists, renowned composers, dynamic conductors, and passionate educators from some of the top music institutions in the world. They’re improvisers and innovators defining the sound of Canadian jazz today – and tomorrow.
And the celebration doesn’t stop there. Stay tuned for the announcement of the outstanding free local lineup, featuring some of Ottawa’s finest jazz talent.
Friday, June 20
- Allison Russell – Main Stage, 8:30pm (Opening Night Headliner)
Self-taught singer, songwriter, poet, activist, multi-instrumentalist and Grammy-winning artist from Montreal, redefines 21st-century music with her powerful second album The Returner. - Carl Mayotte Quartet – Main Stage at Confederation Park, 6:30pm
Bassist and grand laureate of the 2020-2021 Radio-Canada Jazz Revelation title, his latest album Carnaval, which is a vibrant tribute to Brazilian and Latin music. - Christine Jensen Quartet – NAC Fourth Stage, 6:30pm
Saxophonist, composer and conductor from Montreal, the Juno award winner for Contemporary Jazz Album of the Year in 2011 and 2014 currently resides in Rochester, where she is an Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies at the Eastman School of Music. - Tanika Charles – OLG Stage at Marion Dewar Plaza (in front of Ottawa City Hall), 7:30pm
A leading voice in Canadian soul, with two Juno nominations and three Polaris Prize long-list nods. - François Houle‘s The Secret Lives of Colour – NAC Fourth Stage, 9pm
A renowned clarinetest and composer who leads a global ensemble of the music world’s top improvisers including Joëlle Léandre – double bass, Myra Melford – piano, Gerry Hemingway – percussion and Gordon Grdina – guitar/oud. - The Bros. Landreth – OLG Stage After Dark Series, 10:30pm
Juno-winning band blending roots, soul, and atmospheric textures. Come Morning reflects the introspection of the pandemic era.
Saturday, June 21
- Peggy Lee with Open Thread – NAC Fourth Stage, 4pm
Renowned cellist, improvisor and composer from Vancouver. Now living in Australia and performing with Open Thread. Together, the group weaves together music with anthemic melodies, diverse rhythmic structures and a broad range of improvised landscapes. - Deborah Davis and Segue to Jazz – Main Stage, 6:30pm
Opening for Mavis Staples, vocalist Deborah Davis explores jazz’s evolution from Gospel to the contemporary era. - Anna Webber’s Simple Trio – NAC Fourth Stage, 9pm
Guggenheim-winning saxophonist and flutist, and co-chair of Jazz Studies at New England Jazz Conservatory. - La Pambelé in collaboration with Axé World Fest – OLG Stage, 10:30pm
A high-energy Colombian salsa dura band featuring members of Canada’s Legaia Salsa Brava.
Sunday, June 22
- Shuffle Demons – Main Stage, 6:30pm
Pioneering indie-jazz fusion band known for their explosive style and early MuchMusic success. - Pony Girl – OLG Stage, 7:30pm
Ottawa artpop collective praised for their sonic depth and genre-bending live performances.
Tuesday, June 24
- Prime Rib Big Band – Main Stage, 6:30pm
Led by trumpeter, composer and musical director Ed Lister, this 12-piece powerhouse brings swinging, feel-good energy to Ottawa. - Peter Van Huffel‘s “CALLISTO” – NAC Fourth Stage, 6:30pm
Latest avant-jazz project from saxophonist Peter Van Huffel, a bass-less quartet that blurs the lines between composition and free improvisation also with Canada’s extraordinary trumpeter Lina Allemano. - Polky – OLG Stage, 7:30pm
Toronto-based group of multi-talented female immigrant musicians offering high-energy performances and distinctive harmonies. - Marc Copland & Roddy Ellias– NAC Fourth Stage, 9pm
American pianist Marc Copland is considered brilliant and Canadian guitarist Roddy Ellias has been described as a genius. Together they bring to their duo a lyric sensibility and harmonic depth second to none. This performance in Ottawa marks their debut as a duo.
Wednesday, June 25
- Canadian Jazz Collective Septet – Main Stage, 6:30pm
Award-winning Canadian jazz artists, take a collaborative approach to the presentation of original Canadian jazz on the international market. The Collective’s repertoire consists of original compositions from saxophonist Kirk MacDonald, and trumpeter Derrick Gardner, and guitarist Lorne Lofsky, all specially arranged for this ensemble. - Tony D – OLG Stage, 7:30pm
MonkeyJunk guitarist returns with Electric Delta, his first solo project in two decades.
Thursday, June 26
- Broken Social Scene – Main Stage, 8:30pm (Headliner)
The legendary Canadian collective, created by Toronto musicians Kevin Drew and Brendan Canning, returns with their ever-evolving, boundary-pushing musical energy. - Carn Davidson 9 – Main Stage, 6:30pm
A chamber jazz ensemble led by William Carn and Tara Davidson, showcasing rich arrangements and dynamic interplay. - Kris Davis Trio feat. Robert Hurst & Jonathan Blake – NAC Azrieli Studio, 7pm
Grammy-winning pianist and Associate Program Director of Creative Development at the Berklee Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice, performs with two jazz heavyweights. - iskwē | ᐃᐢᑫᐧᐤ (short for waseskwan iskwew, meaning “blue sky woman”) – OLG Stage, 7:30pm
Cree Métis artist blending Indigenous sounds with electronic rhythms across a bold, genre-defying catalogue.
Saturday, June 28
- Thanya Iyer – Main Stage, 6:30pm
Experimental pop visionary exploring themes of identity and healing on her new album TIDE/TIED. - Magi Merlin – OLG Stage, 7:30pm
Bold, soulful artist pushing against commercial norms with her latest introspective project A Weird Little Dog. - Utopia Ontario – NAC Fourth Stage, 9pm
Named after a quiet Ontario town, north of Toronto nestled on the Nottawasaga River, their music evokes nature, nostalgia, and introspective calm. - June 29 Jazz Youth Summit – Main Stage, 6:30pm
Nine emerging jazz music students Ottawa’s high schools and universities take the spotlight in an intensive program that runs during the Festival. Many also perform with renowned musicians in the Late-Night Jamming Series at the Lord Elgin Hotel.
Source: Ottawa Jazz Festival
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