Grammy-nominated jazz pianist and ECM recording artist Kristjan Randalu returns to Toronto joined by Juno-winning saxophonist Mike Murley.

Please see below for COVID-19 policy and venue information.

Estonian pianist Kristjan Randalu performs music from Absence – a striking album of his own rigorous-yet-lyrical music. As an improviser of prodigious technique, once described by Herbie Hancock “a dazzling piano player”, Randalu’s affinities are with the jazz musicians, but the forms and dynamics of his pieces also reflect a discerning sense of structure. Absence was recorded in France and produced by Manfred Eicher.

Kristjan Randalu belongs to the most sought-after piano players of his generation, carrying the torch in both the improvised world of jazz and the traditional realm of classical music – Herbie Hancock, the piano master himself, considering him “a dazzling piano player”. Between creating his own original blend of contemporary jazz as a leader and collaborating with several generations of respected musicians, from the likes of fellow ECM recording artist Trygve Seim to saxophonist David Liebman, Randalu has brought his music to some of the world’s most renowned jazz festivals and concert halls. At the same time, he is viewed as an esteemed interpreter of a broad spectrum of contemporary and classical music, performing alongside internationally acclaimed ensembles of the stature of the London Symphony Orchestra and the Tallinn Chamber Orchestra on the one hand and esteemed conductors like Kristjan Järvi and Dennis Russell Davies on the other. His over 40 album-strong discography has won him several awards, including “Jazz Artist of the Year” and “Jazz Composer of the year” in Estonia.

MIKE MURLEY

An engaging, lyrical saxophonist, Mike Murley is one of Canada’s most celebrated and well-respected jazz artists. Currently active as a leader in various formations from duo to septet, Murley also maintains a busy schedule as both a sideman and an Associate Professor at the University of Toronto Jazz Program. He has played on fourteen Juno Award-winning recordings since 1990, seven as a leader or co-leader, seven as a sideman. His most recent Junos include The North (2018), Metalwood’s Twenty (2017) and his trio’s Test of Time (2013).

Since moving to Toronto from his native Nova Scotia in 1981 Murley has enjoyed a career that has spanned a wide stylistic spectrum. Recordings with legendary Canadian artists such as Ed Bickert, Guido Basso, and Rob McConnell showcase the saxophonist’s talents in the mainstream standard repertoire. On the more contemporary side, Murley has collaborated frequently with the younger generation of improviser/composers including pianist David Braid and guitarist David Occhipinti. He is also well known for his work with the three-time Juno Award winning electric jazz group Metalwood. In addition he has recorded and performed with numerous other Canadian and international artists including John Abercrombie, David Liebman, Paul Bley, John Schofield and Kenny Wheeler.

COVID-19 POLICY

For your safety and the safety of your fellow concert-goers we will continue require proof of vaccination to be shown and masks to be worn upon entry. Please let us know about should you require exemption by contacting emw@vemu.ca.

VENUE INFORMATION

Toronto Heliconian Club (35 Hazelton Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M5R 2E3)

By TTC: Take the Cumberland exit at the Bay subway station. Cross the pedestrian crosswalk on Cumberland Street. Walk north along the pedestrian walkway to Yorkville Avenue. Cross Yorkville Avenue and continue on Hazelton Avenue, where you will see The Heliconian Hall on your right-hand side just after Scollard Street.

Parking: The Bloor-Yorkville BIA keeps an up-to-date map with prices of pay parking lot options in Yorkville. It can be viewed here: bloor-yorkville.com/directions/

There is also Green P parking available on most of the streets in the neighborhood, and free parking on Hazelton, though it is often at capacity and is limited to one hour before 6 pm. There are temporary loading zones in front of and adjacent to Heliconian Hall, but they are actively patrolled by bylaw officers, and unless you are visibly in the process of loading, the chances of getting a ticket are high in these zones.