Part of the residency Peripheral Vision
Southern Cross
Up Next
"Free Spirits: Rebecca Hennessy - Trumpet, Alison Young - alto saxophone, Lauren Falls - Bass, Mack Longpre - Drums, Teri Parker - Piano
Free Spirits, a new quintet led by pianist Teri Parker, features some of Canada’s top young musicians; the group was formed in spring 2019 to celebrate the music of Geri Allen (1957-2017) and Mary Lou Williams (1910-1981). Parker, a longtime fan of both musicians, first put the project together for a multi-night residency at Toronto’s Rex Jazz & Blues Bar, to an overwhelmingly positive response.
In one sense, Free Spirits is about looking back and paying tribute to Allen and Williams, two pianists whose intertwined musical legacies deserve greater appreciation and attention. In another sense, Free Spirits is about looking forward, and honouring the tradition of daring innovation in which Allen and Williams worked. With brand-new arrangements from Parker, Free Spirits plays with intensity and ingenuity, breathing new life into decades-old music and showcasing their own considerable improvisatory gifts.
With Parker at the helm, this Free Spirits hits multiple marks. It is educational, guiding audiences through the work of two historically important women musicians. It is inspirational, showing burgeoning young artists the power and possibilities of creative, improvised music. Finally: Free Spirits is exciting, with a thrilling live show that is just as exhilarating to the casual listener as it is to the most ardent student of Williams and Allen.
Peripheral Vision: Trevor Hogg - tenor saxophone, Don Scott - guitar, Michael Herring - bass, Nick Fraser - drums
Peripheral Vision is a bold and innovative Toronto-based jazz quartet known for its adventurous spirit and deep musical rapport. Led by guitarist Don Scott and bassist Michael Herring, the group blends jazz with rock, classical, and free improv influences to create a sound that is both forward-thinking and deeply grooving. Over 15 years of collaboration, they’ve released six acclaimed albums (including two live recordings), earned a JUNO nomination, and received the Galaxie Rising Star Award from the Montreal Jazz Festival.
Joined by saxophonist Trevor Hogg and drummer Nick Fraser, Peripheral Vision thrives on collective creativity and dynamic interaction, bringing the exploratory energy of ’60s jazz and garage bands to every performance. They are currently performing “We’ve Got Nothing”, a Canada Council for the Arts-funded multimedia video and album release. "