News
Toronto Bassist Roberto Occhipinti Presents New Album: The Next Step
Modica Music is delighted to announce the release of Roberto Occhipinti’s latest record The Next Step on March 4, 2022. Joining Occhipinti to explore a tightly synthesized collection of influences from his diverse career are two musicians with roots in the Toronto music scene – pianist Adrean Farrugia and two-time GRAMMY winning drummer Larnell Lewis.
Bassist Occhipinti is an established presence on both the Canadian and International jazz scenes. A five-time Juno Award recipient, Occhipinti is in demand across an astounding range of contexts. The latter part of his career has seen Occhipinti recording with a number of Cuban musicians, on projects with Hilario Durán and Jane Bunnet in particular, but there are few formats Occhipinti hasn’t been involved in, from playing bass in Canada’s top-rate orchestras, to cutting-edge contemporary music, to Latin American performances, and work with top musicians from Africa and Asia. Performing credits span from John Cage and Terry Riley to Stevie Wonder, Tony Allen and Damon Albarn.
The Next Step, Occhipinti’s sixth release as leader, looks to synthesize his diverse collection of musical interests via a classic jazz format. During the pandemic, Occhipinti was fortunate to keep recording (he owns a recording studio, and heads up Modica Music). That precious time was used to consolidate the projects he was involved in, and move into a new creative space of his own – the piano trio: “I decided I would concentrate my own efforts on doing a piano trio project, one my favorite musical combinations.” This is Occhipinti’s first trio project as leader, taking inspiration from a host of the jazz greats. “It’s always been a favorite form of mine, from the time I started playing bass after hearing Ray Brown in the Oscar Peterson Trio, then moving on to the classic Bill Evans trio with Scott LoFaro, and finally in my work with the Hilario Duran Trio.”
It’s an important contribution to the world of bass-led trios, to which Occhipinti adds his own individual colorings. “My other recording projects were for larger ensembles with winds and strings. For The Next Step, I would be the string section, using techniques I learned in my career playing classical and contemporary music.” The result is a thoughtful, thorough synthesis of elements from a diverse and successful career.
The album opens with title track “The Next Step”, written as a memorial to recently departed friends, which introduces Occhipinti’s core sound – expressive bow-work and lightly textured string overdubs. Adrean Farrugia balances the roles of supportive accompanist and thoughtful soloist with ease, and the track breaks out into a loose jazz waltz, packed full of misty extended harmonies.
Every year on August 1st, Occhipinti celebrates “Emancipation Day” in Owen Sound, Ontario at the terminus of the Underground Railroad. Opening with Lewis’s expectant drums, the track has a Tony Allen-esque Afrobeat flavour, another chance to hear the twisting, turning piano trickery of Farrugia. “The Peacocks” is a ballad by Jimmy Rowles, to which Occhipinti adds atmospheric overdubs to his tenderly expressive solo work.
Though the record was partly an opportunity for Occhipinti’s solo delivery to shine, there is equal space for pianist Adrean Farrugia too. Occhipinti wrote Il Muro (The Wall) for him: “In a challenging year, he was always enthusiastic about playing, always wanting to move forward.” There are hints of Mulgrew Miller in the inlaid counterpoint and flowing piano; Lewis too throws himself into his solos in what becomes a sequence of open-hearted contributions.
“O Cessate Di Piagarmi” sees Occhipinti reach for another of his multitude of influences. The piece was originally written by Alessandro Scarlatti in 1640, and takes shape in a cool ballad featuring singer Ilaria Corciani’s voice, inventively arranged and reharmonized by Occhipinti.
Where O Cessate began as a film commission, “Three Man Crew” responded to a different brief – Occhipinti was challenged by collaborator Manuel Valera to write a piece in 30 minutes, and threes run through the track – triple time, three bar phrases, and performed, in its refined version, by the trio. It lilts along, Lewis and Farrugia sensitively accompanying Occhipinti’s dynamic touches, before settling on a groove that Lewis tries his level best to break out of.
“Opus Pocus” is Occhipinti’s hat-tip to Jaco Pastorious (“a major influence on my musical aesthetic, not only for the bass playing but also his composing and breadth of musical interests.”) It creeps along with a slinky beat, as a twisting folk melody works its way round the ensemble, moving into a grooving, blues-rock track closer to a Weather Report or Herbie cut. “Steveland” is another dedication – to Stevie Wonder, whom Occhipinti got to work with on his legendary Songs in the Key of Life tour. A tender Stevie-esque melody emerges after a quieter and freer opening, and there are clutches of Wonder-ish harmonic language scattered throughout.
Another foundational piano trio Occhipinti managed to see in the flesh was that of the great McCoy Tyner. “A Tynerish Swing”, the closing track, is a joyous tribute to the Real McCoy, a jaunty end to an album that covers a lot of ground and sees a new trio in sparkling form.
Source: Lydia Liebman Promotions
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
Meditation in Motion: Remembering the Healing Flow of Abdullah Ibrahim
This article captures a 2012 Guelph Jazz Festival performance by the late Abdullah Ibrahim at the River Run Centre, incorporating...
Sonny Sounding So Sweet: A Tribute
Sonny Rollins passed away on May 25, 2026, at his home in Woodstock, New York. He was 95. With his...
John Coltrane and the Paradox of Dance
The Room Upstairs is a sold-out, critically acclaimed production — and that tells you something. The Winchester Street Theatre was...
Audrey Ochoa: The Trombone as Storyteller in Contemporary Canadian Jazz
A Voice Beyond Boundaries In the evolving landscape of Canadian jazz, few artists embody creative freedom as vividly as Audrey...
Ariacne Trujillo at Jazz Café in Escazú, Costa Rica
Too Darn Hot! In eager anticipation of a live performance at the renowned Jazz Cafe in Costa Rica—quite close to...
A Defining Year for Canadian Music: 2026 JUNO Award Nominees Announced
The nominations for the 55th Annual JUNO Awards are officially in—and they paint a vivid portrait of a Canadian music...
Marta Elena – Por Amor
Set for release in April 2026 on Lulaworld Records, Por Amor finds Toronto-based Cuban-Canadian singer Marta Elena delivering her most...
A a | a B : B E N D
Ambrose Akinmusire and Aszure Barton = BEND | Bluma Appel Theatre, Toronto — December 5, 2025 | The prospect of...
MJ the Musical at the CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre in Toronto. Oct 25, 2025
MJ the Musical debuted on Broadway on February 1, 2022. It was directed and created by choreographer Christopher Wheeldon. The...
The Vaudevillian at the 2025 Markham Jazz Festival
Sunday, August 17, 2025—On a sunlit afternoon at the 2025 Markham Jazz Festival, amid the constant flow of festivalgoers along...
