ZULA Presents
DECEMBER 2005 AT RIME
(Click here to download the calendar in PDF)
Appearing at Rime every Tuesday in December as our Artist in Residence (AIR), clarinetist, composer François Houle has been active, in several musical spheres over the last decade, including musique actuelle, new music, and more recently chamber music and world music. A founding member of Standing Wave, Safa, and the Turning Point Ensemble, François has also collaborated on several projects with some of today’s leading international performers, improvisers and composers.He has appeared on major Festivals across Canada, Europe, and the United States and has released several recordings of his own music on Canadian labels such as Spool, Songlines, Red Toucan, as well as Germany’s between-the-lines label. In 2001 and 2004 he was listed by Downbeat magazine as “Talent Deserving Wider Recognition”. He is a West Coast Music Awards and Juno Awards nominee, among others. He has toured extensively and played with a “who-is-who” of creative music around the globe.
Thu, Dec 1/ Penny Lang with Dave Clark (9 pm, $10)
Singer, songwriter Penny Lang has been bringing her special brand of song and humour to audiences for more than 30 years with a voice that caresses, strong and true. Lang is revered by audiences and fellow performers alike as a joyful, grounded performer and person.
“A superb singer of sardonic folk material… hugely entertaining.” – Toronto Star
The Montreal Gazette calls acclaimed folk guitarist Dave Clarke “one of Canada’s most accomplished and tasteful acoustic guitarists.” He is co-founder of the noted roots/country outfit Steel Rail and has a solo CD out called Guitar Songs. He is also well known to Canadian audiences for his work with David Francey.
Fri, Dec 2/ Spygirl (10 pm, $5-10)
Spygirl delivers slow-burning pop songs from the world of wonder. Koralee Tonack vocals, guitar; Jane Gowan Fender Rhodes, trumpet; Jon Roper guitar; James Ong keyboards; Al MacInnes bass; Eduardo Ottoni drums
Sat, Dec 3/ (aft) Rojas/Cole/Magnusson Trio(3 pm, by donation)
Rojas/Cole/Magnusson Trio uses the classic jazz guitar trio sound as a starting point upon which to touch on surf, rock, ambient and free-improv textures in their adventurous mix of originals and interpretations. Alvaro Rojas guitar; Josh Cole bass; Mike Magnusson drums
Sat, Dec 3/ (eve) Pepe Danza’s Drum Prayers & 50th Birthday Bash! (9 pm, $5-10)
Multi-instrumentalist extraordinaire Joseph “Pepe” Danza & Drum Prayers bring together the rich and varied tapestry of sacred traditional forms of percussive music. The group draws from South American and African styles, but the repertoire is entirely original and broad in its scope, bringing the modern and the ancient together. Their dynamic performance on drums from around the world is enriched by the use of movement, voice and unusual melodic instruments. Come celebrate Pepe’s 50th year of spreading joy! Happy Birthday, Amigo!
Sun, Dec 4/ (aft) Jack Duncan’s Kutapira (3 pm, by donation)
First three Sundays in December, percussionist Jack Duncan (Shango Ashé) directs an emerging ensemble of teens in a project that blends Latin rhythms and Zimbabwean-inspired marimba music. Taking their cue from the traditions of the African diaspora, Kitapira brings percussion skills and youthful energy to this series of open rehearsals.
Sun, Dec 4/ (eve) NOW Saxophone Quartet (9 pm, $5-10)
The NOW Saxophone Quartet is comprised of the saxophone section of the internationally acclaimed NOW Orchestra. They will perform a mix of totally free and structured improvisation. Sure to be an evening of surprises, passion, and humour … with saxophonists Bruce Freedman, Coat Cooke, Graham Ord, and Saul Berson.
Mon, Dec 5/ Rime Open House (no cover)
First Monday of each month, we offer complimentary appetizers & drink specials, for those folks still not familiar with Rime (is it possible…?) and as a thank you to our neighbours & a howdy to industry folks. DJ Nils is our designated groove-master.
DJ Nils has been connecting with and guiding dance floors in BC and around the world since the early 90’s. In that time he has been on the same bill with such DJ luminaries as Cheb i Sabbah, Toby Marks, Adham Shaikh, Shakatura, and Bluetech. Never predictable, he has an uncanny ability to read the mood of a room and give it just what it needs. He’s as happy playing reggae at sunset as he is playing deep ethno-ambient at sunrise. Aside from being a DJ he is also an event organizer, with the legendary “Faeries & Fools” Costume Carnival on the Sunshine Coast being his signature event. He is a Sagitarius, a mystic raconteur, and a founding member of the Beats Without Borders Collective.
Tue, Dec 6/ AIR: François Houle Trio & Quintet with Amy Denio (9 pm, $10)
First set tonight will feature the 15 year Reunion Party for François Houle Trio with clarinetist François Houle, guitarist Tony Wilson and drummer Dylan van der Schyff. This exciting unit’s first gig together as a trio in almost 10 years! For the second set, to join his burning quintet, François has invited a very special guest from Seattle: Composer, singer, multi-instrumentalist (guitar, sax & accordion) Amy Denio! They will play tunes by François, Amy & Tony. François Houle Quintet consists of François on clarinet, guitarist Tony Wilson, violinist Jesse Zubot, bassist Tommy Babin and drummer Dylan van der Schyff
Wed, Dec 7/ Sukha Trio (9 pm, $5-10)
Sukha Trio brings together diverse musical backgrounds in an improvising chamber ensemble with a focus on texture, form, and a refined timbral aesthetic. The trio searches to find a music which balances disciplined listening and free expression, melody and texture, form and abstraction. Clyde Reed bass; Colin MacDonald saxophones; Jared Burrows guitar
Thu, Dec 8/ Remembering John Lennon: Looking Through a Glass Onion (9 pm, $5-10)
For pop historians and John Lennon fans, Dec 8, 1980 was a dark day … the day he was taken from us. Guitarist Ron Samworth and his friends want to celebrate the life of John Lennon with an evening of words and music by the “late great Johnny Ace”. Ron is joined by Pete Schmitt on bass, Skye Brooks on drums and vocalists Elizabeth Fischer, Jason Michas, Kate Hammett-Vaughan, Kevin House plus a few suprise guests. Wear your moptop wigs…
Fri, Dec 9/ Sweet Papa Lowdown (9 pm, $5-10)
Post-modern, retro-fusion, Afro-American, hokum jazz & blues…Sweet Papa Lowdown is a unique ensemble of hot, syncopated musicians, dedicated to bringing a contemporary vitality to classic vocal jazz & blues tunes of the 1920s & 30s. The group combines the raw intensity of country blues with the sophisticated horns of New Orleans style jazz. Jeff Shucard guitar, vocals; Dan Smith slide guitar, mandolin; Lloyd Arntzen soprano sax, clarinet; Kris Bowerman trombone.
www.edjackson.ca/sweetpapalowdown
Sat, Dec 10/ (aft) Rojas/Cole/Magnusson (3 pm, by donation)
See Dec 3 for more info.
Sat, Dec 10/ (eve) Mitchell’s 9th Annual Christmas Luau (no cover)
Mitchell Kezin knows how to throw a good Christmas Luau. Just ask hundreds of folks who’ve been to them over the past 9 years. As always, he’s put together a great jazz band with saxophonist Ross Taggart, guitarist Bill Coon, & bassist Darren Radtke & others. Limited space is available for folks without an invitation.
Sun, Dec 11/ (aft) Jack Duncan’s Kutapira (3 pm, by donation)
See Dec 4 for more info.
Sun, Dec 11/ (eve) Sudan’da plus Microscopic Orchestra (9 pm, $5-10)
Sudan’da is built around the music of Aladeen Abdalla, a singer and oud player from Sudan, who performs his own songs, along with traditional songs & other works by Sudanese composers with Earl Peach guitar; Jane Kalmakoff accordion; Andreas Kahre percussion.
Microscopic Orchestra is equal parts Aaron Joyce (weissenborn guitar, Alvaro Rojas electric guitar, Meredith Bates violin and Neal Dhillon tabla and percussion – playing original compositions and spontaneous improvisations. If Danny Elfman, John Zorn and Bela Fleck got together to carve a pumpkin, it might look like this band.
Mon, Dec 12/ Trudel/Bagnell/Lachance/Sawyer/Samworth (9 pm, $5-10)
Following up on her unforgettable performances at Rime in June, Montrealer, pianist-extraordinaire Marianne Trudel joins Vancouver friends, who happen to be local greats, for another special evening for the books, with Carol Sawyer voice; Ron Samworth guitar; Steve Bagnell reeds; André Lachance bass
Tue, Dec 13/ AIR: François Houle with Amir Koushkani & Sal Ferreras plus Guests (9 pm, $5-10)
Amir Koushkani (tar, vocals), François Houle (clarinet) and Sal Ferreras (percussion) were brought together by good fortune, a deep love for music and the art of improvisation. Inspired by the profound passion of their Persian repertoire, drawn into the realm of memory, evocation and delight, these three individuals bring to us contemporary improvisations and neo-traditional settings that unfold in rhythmic play and timbral contrasts.
Wed, Dec 14/ Orquesta Goma Dura (9 pm, $10-20)
The 20-piece Orquesta Goma Dura is one of this continent’s largest salsa orchestras and one of the most exciting ensembles anywhere. OGD featuring an all-star collection of Vancouver’s salsa and latin-jazz communities with multiple singers, four percussionists, eleven horns transform any room into party central… it will be impossible to sit still!
Susana Abreu, Danay Sinclair vocals; Jack Duncan congas; Martin Romero, Phil Belanger timbales; Edgar Romero bongos/coro; Allan Johnston bass/coro; Lou Mastroianni piano; Ross Gregory, Derry Byrne, Kent Wallace trumpet; Dennis Esson, Rod Murray, Jeremy Berkman, Brad Muirhead trombone; Bill Runge, Mike Braverman, Graham Ord, Daniel Miles Kane saxophones; John Korsrud director
Thu, Dec 15/ Ancient Sunlight (9 pm, $5-10)
Had Nana Vasconcelos & Keith Jarrett taken in some Vancouver air & hipness, they might’ve put together a project as beautiful and poignant as Ancient Sunlight.
Miles Black piano; Dave Say saxophones; Laurence Mollerup bass; Pepe Danza percussion
Fri, Dec 16/ David P. Smith’s Dad’s Juice plus Zoox Coby (9 pm, $5-10)
What does David P. Smith, one of Victoria’s finest, have for us? The raw energy and emotion of old-time country and western and rhythm’n’ blues, articulate, visceral lyrics, the majesty of the accordion, noise, and your drunken uncle’s dinner table humour. He is joined by Scott Henderson, who’s a member of the Show Business Giants (Tom Holliston, Keith Rose, Ford Pier, John Wright) & plays a 1968 Fender Jaguar guitar and a raunchy Made in China banjo through a record player tube amp and wide array of pedals. He also plays the euphonium.
Singer Zoox Coby, brings his original “Bopnik Beat” scat stylings and lyrical zwing-delivery to the evening, in tandem with the ever-museful, jazzy antics of Peter Fleming, on guitar.
Sat, Dec 17/ (aft) Rojas/Cole/Magnusson (3 pm, by donation)
See Dec 3 for more info.
Sat, Dec 17/ (eve) Bughouse 5 (9 pm, $5-10)
“In the dark, smoky corners of clubs and bars, the story unfolds like this: ‘Vancouver’, ‘Rockabilly’, ‘Blues’, ‘Soul’, and then that name, again and again, with the same reverent tone no matter the speaker- “Bughouse Five, you’ve got to see The Bughouse Five” – Tamara Bunnel, The Grindstone Review, Los Angeles, CA
An East Van Christmas variety show with the fabulous Bughouse 5 — vocalist Butch Murphy, guitarist Joe Rotundo, bassist Kevin Grant, drummer Taylor Little and infamous friends dropping in as guests.
Sun, Dec 18/ (aft) Jack Duncan’s Kutapira (3 pm, by donation)
See Dec 4 for more info.
Sun, Dec 18/ (eve) Trudel/Lachance/van der Schyff (9 pm, $5-10)
We’re pleased to present the fabulous Montreal pianist & composer Marianne Trudel again. This piano trio of kindred spirits consists of intelligent, soulful players stylistically able and willing to cover a large segment of the jazz spectrum, from tasty bopish outings to all out beautifully improvised music. André Lachance bass; Dylan van der Schyff drums
Mon, Dec 19/ John Korsrud’s Latin Quintet (9 pm, $5-10)
Some members of Orquesta Goma Dura come back for seconds this week to keep the Latin glow going. Nice way to shake things up on a Monday with band leader John Korsrud trumpet; Andre Abreu piano; Chris Trinidad bass; Chris Haas drums; Martin Romero congas
Tue, Dec 20/ AIR:François Houle New Quartet & WX Brothers (9 pm, $5-10)
The WX Brothers is an electronica extravanganza with François Houle and virtuoso multi-instrumentalist Peter Hannan, both on wind midi controllers! This is a new duo created for the singular purpose of annihilating the boundaries of improvisation, composition, and all other genre-restrictive definitions of new music…should be adventurous, surprising, and totally zany!
Clarinetist François Houle’s New Quartet is composed of JP Carter on trumpet and two relatively new additions to the Vancouver creative music scene; young drumming sensation Issah Contractor and East Coast ex-pat Tommy Babin on double-bass. For this new group François is writing a new songbook rooted in the classic two-horn front lines tradition. With influences ranging from Jelly Roll Morton to Anthony Braxton, this ensemble promises to be forward looking, shifty and surprising.
Wed, Dec 21/ Uncle Ray (9 pm, $5-10)
Uncle Ray takes its name from the spirit of the late great Ray Condo. Both Jimmy Roy (vocals/steel guitar) and Stephen Nikleva (guitar) worked with Ray for his last ten years spreading the gospel of Rockabilly and Western Swing around the globe. Linda McRae (vocals/bass) is familiar to audiences for her brand of heart-wrenching country-twang and her work with Spirit of the West. Local guitar maestro & vocalist Paul Pigat (Cousin Harley) lays down the beat on his acoustic. Together they provide a modern adaption of 30’s Western Swing. Toe-tapping songs with scintillating solos. As Ray used to say ‘Swing Brother Swing’…
Thu, Dec 22/ Frieze of Life & Almost Transparent Blue (9 pm, $5-10)
Seattle’s Frieze of Life is a unique ensemble that effectively combines elements of creative improvisation with subtle, complex compositional designs to create a sound that is exciting, spontaneous, and thought-provoking. With inspiration coming from such diverse sources as Jimmy Giuffre’s chamber jazz ensembles, the jazz-based innovations of Anthony Braxton and George Lewis, the harmonic languages of Bela Bartok, Arnold Schönberg, and Gyorgi Ligeti, and the textural landscapes of Pierre Boulez and Luciano Berio, Frieze of Life offers a fresh, original take on the avant-jazz scene.
Greg Sinibaldi composer, tenor saxophone, bass clarinet; Mark Taylor saxophones; Jay Roulston trumpets; Chris Stover composer, trombone; Geoff Harper bass; Byron Vannoy drums
They’re back! After a long hiatus, while Kelly Churko is back from Japan for a short stint, Almost Transparent Blue, the burning avant-jazz/improv phenomenon featuring
Masa Anzai on saxophone, Kelly Churko on guitar, and Skye Brooks on drums will blow the roof off of Rime. Don’t miss this special band that’s been playing together for over 5 years!
Fri, Dec 23/ Terminal Station (9 pm, $5-10)
This monster blues-rock band tore the roof off of Rime in September during Steel-Fest. Terminal Station takes the traditional blues sound and kicks it into high gear with a raw and exciting sound – full of fat bass lines, propulsive drumming, sleazy harmonica, and risk taking guitar solos. Scott Smith vocals, guitar, pedal steel; Jeremy Holmes bass; Liam MacDonald drums have been key players in Vancouver’s blues and roots scene for the better part of a decade, having played with such Vancouver artists as Bughouse 5, Bottleneck, Michael Kaeshammer, Bocephus King, Jim Byrnes, Pete Turland, Jack Lavin, Luke Doucet and Cousin Harley. Guıtarist supreme Gord Grdina will also join them.
Sat, Dec 24/ (aft) Rojas/Cole/Magnusson (3 pm, by donation)
See Dec 3 for more info.
Sat, Dec 24/ (eve) DJ (no cover)
Sun, Dec 25/ CLOSED for nap time
Mon, Dec 26/ Rime First Year Anniversary Bash with Surprise Guests (no cover)
Looks like we made it!! …It’s good to be alive & well after our first year in operation… We’d like to thank all of the artists, our neighbours, our staff & YOU, our beloved customers & music lovers for your support & encouragement over the past year. So drop on in to check out some music and some tasty treats…
Tue, Dec 27/ AIR:François Houle with Danielle Hébert & Special Guests Francophone Year end party (9 pm, $5-10)
Joining François Houle on his final night as Artist in Residence at Rime is none other than French-Canadian, sensational singer, songwriter Danielle Hébert, who blends effortlessly French song, improvisatory music, jazz and techno beats in her exciting, fresh music.
Wed, Dec 28/ Moritz Behm Trio (9 pm, $5-10)
The Moritz Behm Trio, featuring Moritz Behm on violin, Jesse Pinner on drums, and Billy D. on bass, play music based on a mix of Celtic, rock, and classical influences, launching into improvisational new directions at the drop of a hat.
Thu, Dec 29/ Corbin Murdoch & The Nautical Miles (9 PM, $5-10)
Songs of memory & distance, hovering between humour & melancholy with Corbin Murdoch vocals; Tim Tweedale dobro, pedal steel, tumpet; Tyson Naylor organ, accordion; Simon Rotheisler bass; Lucas Schuller drums
Fri, Dec 30/ C.R. Avery Band (10 pm, $5-10)
“Search this man out, C.R. Avery is terrific.” – Tom Waits
Commercial Drive’s pride & joy, life of the proverbial party, human beat box, slam-poet-extraordinaire, multi-talented C.R. Avery & his killin’ band come back to Rime to set the freak-horde straight… CR Avery harmonica, piano, vocals; Noah Walker guitar, vocals; Paul Surjadinata bass, vocals; David “Doctor” Herbert drums, vocals
“Imagine if Neil Young was inspired by hip-hop, and then you have C.R. Avery.” – Vancouver Sun
Sat, Dec 31/ (aft) Rojas/Cole/Magnusson (3 pm, by donation)
See Dec 3 for more info.
Sat, Dec 31/ (evening) New Year’s Eve Bash (9 pm – 4 am, $25)
5 killer bands, 19 outstanding musicians, over 7 hours of beautiful, diverse music to ring in the new year…really, any excuse…no excuses… so be there!
Bon-Bon & Rose (9 pm)
Combining gospel, blues & cabaret tunes with bluegrass and swing interpretations of traditionals and originals, these two well-loved gals of Ukranian heritage met while playing in the Turkish Gypsy band Something About Reptiles and have built a bond to create music that moves from dramatic, dark storytelling to hip-slingin’ swing. Ana Bon-Bon accordion, vocals; Amelia Rose fiddle, vocals
Blind God (10:15 pm)
Is there a more beautifully raw & powerful duo or unit in town with a huge New York sound a la Morphine than Blind God? You decide… Vampire-Delta blues… music you already know deep down…best band you may never have heard before! Dave Olajide steel guitar, banjo, vocals; Ray Garroway drums
Golden Wedding Band (11:30 pm)
Infectious kitchen sink music from the 20’s through to the present … covered styles include: country-swing, rhumba, tango, calypso, dixieland, jazz & blues with Edgar Bridwell violin; Doug Kellam guitar, vocals; “Perfesser” Chris Dean banjo, tenor guitar, vocals; Andrew Burden trombone, vocals; Colin Maskell soprano sax; Clive “Pops” Jackson bass; Matt Belbin drums
The Breakmen (1 am)
Providing a refreshing take on traditional bluegrass, The Breakmen slide from smoky 1920’s Delta blues to swinging originals with ease. Archie Pateman banjo, guitar, vocals; Lee Watson guitar, vocals; Ben Rogalsky mandolin, vocals; Matt Lawson bass, vocals
Inhabitants (2:30 am)
From melodic to minimalist, from deep groove to all out noise; this quartet inhabits the nether regions of Vancouver’s music underground… JP Carter trumpet; Dave Sikula guitar; Pete Schmitt bass; Skye Brooks drums
ZULA Presents 