Magical Monsoon

I wanted to sing "In the Wee Small Hours" when my friend Michele and I went for a martini at this lovely below ground thai restaurant and bar at 100 Simcoe Street, www.MonsoonRestaurant.ca We were the only people in the place... Russell our wonderful and accomdating bartender/host assured us the kitchen could rustle...(okay bad pun) something up for us...a nice Pad Thai, some spring rolls even though they were technically closed as there were no more reservations that evening...it was after 9. How often is it that you get to feel like celebrities? Our handsome chef produced the delectable selections for us and we enjoyed the signature martinis...I plan to return of course. Now that's what I call service fit for goddesses....

Heeere's Ron!

You will see Ron's smiling face if you happen to come down to the station most weekday mornings...I wrote a little blog post on him a couple of days ago but didn't have a photo..I remedied that today... Speaking of which I still need to figure out the functions on the Canon Power Shot...like night shots in clubs and close ups.... Patrick Boyle, that talented denizen of Newfoundland had the second of his DMA recitals at Walter Hall, U of T tonight...I thought about calling it "Music from The Rock"..but maybe people would assume I was talking about the former wrestler, turned movie star. "The Rock" being of course, Newfoundland... Patrick even presented a composition in honour of that province's 60th anniversary of joining Canada called "Well Enough Alone"...the sometimes ambivalent union with our country...The opening tune was an interesting choice...a little Dylan "The Times they are A Changing" a duet with Tom Van Seters (also a "Jazzology" guest) on piano. Brendan Cassidy on sax and clarinet, Mike Downes and Jon McCaslin (another J guest) added their talents to the evening. Switching continents, "Raga Puriya Kalyani" was completely hypnotic with Ed Hanley of Autorickshaw on tabla. Patrick explained he had the opportunity of studying Indian Music in New York recently with Zakir Hussain (the composer of this piece ) among others . Of course, most amusing and pleasing for me was seeing everyone in suits and ties. Patrick was the first student in the history of "Jazzology" who wore a suit and tie!

Bedding Plants and Bop

These green beauties are awaiting their new home in the community garden plot. It seems the weather will cooperate tomorrow. There is a lovely lemon basil and several varieties of heirloom tomatoes, purchased yesterday at Urban Harvest. Can't wait... Checked out Kollage at the Pilot yesterday afternoon and it first it seemed like Bikram jazz...a little overheated in there...the musicians were certainly getting a workout.. Archie is always a gentleman and a delight - he's such a treasure - loving the music, holding his own and more on the drum kit and going strong. Brian O'Kane on trumpet and Kelsey Grant on trombone were welcome additions yesterday. Of course, Mr. Botos his usual stellar self...does the man ever have an off day? Last night I watched "Yes Man" with Jim Carey...a good message to say "yes" to life and funny. Off to Whitby for a birthday celebration...my Lily Frost post is up on Jazz FM and this week it's Gate 403, The Rex and a couple of U of T recitals...

Gardening in the mud

At least that's what I'm anticipating as it's raining on and off here today...however, need to work the newly delivered compost into the plot and get some seeds/plants. I likely won't be jazzing until Monday when I go to Gate 403 to hear Courtney Quebec Desloges - York student, pianist/vocalist with lovely strawberrry blond, pre-Raphaelite curls along with Andrew Pacheco on bass...former "Jazzology" guests. More on the Jazz FM blog. Tuesday is Patrick Boyle's recital at Walter Hall U of T at 7:30. I have already blogged about this charming trumpet player from Newfoundland - should be a great concert and it's FREE, people! Then onto the Rex for the Jazz Jam...hosted by Justin Gray...

Thank you so much Ron!

I should have taken his photo too today....next time... Ron is an important person at Jazz FM - holding down the reception desk several mornings a week. He also has excellent taste in selecting gifts for his wife...I think he should conduct seminars for men. When Ron is not at the station he is golfing, renovating or travelling - having been to France, Hawaii and Arizona to name a few. I am so jealous! Ron is also a wonderful cheerleader for my blog! For all you do, thank you so much Ron!

Jazz Royalty and Motion Sickness

Here is a candid of Jake Koffman and Larry Green at the station this morning.

Jake was taping the last "Jazzology" of the season and reminiscing about his famous grandfather, Moe...( who taught Larry briefly).

Jake is a charming and talented young man I'm sure will go far.

Tonight I am going to hear Lily Frost, live to air - blogging on Jazz FM.

Would love feedback on my blog from my visitors...good, bad or indifferent...apparently the name of the blog causes nausea??!! I say, why not feel good about yourself and feel like a goddess whatever you do!

Sophie Millman Live to Air

Just a quick note - tune into Jazz FM tonight at 7 on Brad Barker's "Dinner Jazz" to hear a live to air session with lovely chanteuse Sophie Millman.