Here is Ashante Infantry's review of Norm Amadio's new CD as it appears in the Tuesday December 29 Toronto Star.  Norman is a friend and a musical collaborator with my wife, jazz vocalist Julie McGregor.

(3.5 out of 4 stars)

Esteemed pianist Norm Amadio called in a few worthy pals (vocalists Marc Jordan and Jackie Richardson, saxophonist Phil Dwyer, Guido Basso on flugelhorn) for his latest project. The result – anchored by bassist Rosemary Galloway and drummer Terry Clarke – is one of the year's top albums. Timmins native Amadio, into his sixth decade of performance, has an extensive resumé that includes collaborations with Miles Davis, Judy Garland and Mel Torme. One of Canada's underrated players, he's innovative and resonant on sprightly tunes penned by producer Andrew A. Melzer that have an air of familiarity; and veteran arranger Peter Cardinali delivers a big band's punch. The disc also includes three clanging but intriguing 1966 recordings of Amadio's celebrated trio with bassist Bob Price and drummer Stan Perry.

Top Track: Amadio has a dreamy solo on "My Love Can't Wait."

Click here for the Toronto Star page.

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Labels: jazz, Julie McGregor, music, Norm Amadio, review

My photography in Arta Gallery's Light of Winter exhibition received a nice mention in an article by Mandi Hargrave that appears in today's Examiner.

Here is a snippet:

When you walk through the doors to the gallery, Bret Culp’s black and white photo of an old castle commands your attention. Appropriately titled, 'The Transience of Power' captures your gaze and locks you in. Whether it’s the size of the photo or its overall beauty, something about it won’t let you look away until you’ve fully taken in its natural charm.

Click here to be taken to the full article.

Labels: Arta Gallery, bret culp, distillery district, exhibition, group show, press, review