ORLANDO LE FLEMING

Will Vinson (sax) Mike Moreno (guitar)
Jochen Rueckert (drums)

CHRIS TARRY GROUP

Kelly Jefferson (sax) Pete McCann (guitar)
Henry Hey (piano) Dan Weiss (drums)

HENRY HEY TRIO

Matt Clohesy (bass) Jochen Rueckert (drums)

ANTHONY MOLINARO feat. GREG WARD

Michael Raynor (drums) Cliff Schmitt (bass)

PETE MCCANN

John O'Gallagher (sax) Henry Hey (piano)
Matt Clohesy (bass) Jochen Rueckert (drums)

ADAM KLIPPLE & DRIVE-BY LESLIE

Pete McCann (guitar) Chris Tarry ( bass)
Keith Carlock (drums)

Toronto, which used to be an essential stop on any touring jazz musician's itinerary, has watched its jazz scene all but dry up in the last 5 years. The closing of the Top O' The Senator and Montreal Bistro was made even more difficult to bear when the clubs that opened in their place subsequently closed after barely making a dent. However, the one constant setting where jazz music flourishes in Toronto, is The Rex Hotel. Whether it's the veterans of the city's formerly world class jazz scene or young bands fresh from the city's several top notch university jazz programs, the Rex is a consistent source of comfort in this ever-changing music world. On rare occasion, the Rex brings touring groups from the United States, reminding Toronto that its jazz listeners are enthusiastic and loyal.

Rudder This popular NYC instrumental jazz/jam 'super-group' has been making a splash for a few years now. Notable appearances include the Monterey Jazz Festival, Japan's Sense of Wonder Festival and Brazil's Rio Das Ostras Festival. The band is slated to tour Europe extensively this year and appears in Toronto on the heels of their critically-acclaimed release 'Matorning' -- chosen as one of the top 10 albums of 2009 by the Boston Globe, and one of the top albums of the decade by Downbeat Magazine.

The Chris Tarry Group is one of Canada's most successful jazz groups. With three Juno Awards, countless award nominations, and international tours, they have established themselves as a leading voice in the international jazz community. Led by New York-based and Canadian-born bassist Chris Tarry, the group has forged a sound and identity that has garnered them many fans around the globe.

The Henry Hey Trio Often seen as a guest sideman and composing contributor with many notable artists in jazz, pop, rock music, here Henry Hey leads his trio in their Toronto debut. They will be playing some material from their critically-acclaimed release 'Watershed' as well as new material. "Considering the quality of his sideman appearances, it comes as no surprise when Hey points to the bleachers and quite casually belts one out of the park. . . Hey is a soloist of rare perception and imagination."

The Pete McCann Group an integral part of the NYC scene and no stranger to Toronto, Pete McCann leads his group with a body of original music from his new album 'Extra Mile.' "Pete McCann may try to fly under the radar, but his powers as a superhero guitarist are certainly revealed on this exceptional album."

Will Vinson, a native of Great Britain, has been turning heads since his arrival in NYC. Joshua Redman said of him, "The first time I heard Will Vinson, I was totally blown away -- so much so that I started trying to play alto again. An ill-fated attempt. But I'm still listening to Will every chance I get. And each time, I'm even more inspired, humbled, and, quite frankly, terrified." Will shall perform music from his newly recorded album 'The World Through My Shoes.'

Orlando Le Fleming has quickly emerged as one of NYC's leading bass players and has been the bassist of choice for the bands of David Sanchez, Ari Hoenig, Joey Calderazzo, and Jeff 'Tain' Watts to name a few. Now, Orlando steps forward to lead his own band featuring original music from his recently recorded 19-8 debut.

Adam Klipple's organ quartet Drive By Leslie has drawn comparisons to "The Meters' laid back funk and the more sophisticated, insinuating grooves of Herbie Hancock's Headhunters." Adam makes his Toronto debut featuring music from his latest CD, 'Blackjack.'

Anthony Molinaro has rapidly established himself as one of the world's most versatile and exciting young pianists since winning the prestigious Naumburg Award in 1997. Acclaimed for his "edge-of-the seat brilliance" and "musically imaginative mind", Anthony's recordings range from Bach's Goldberg Variations to a highly praised live album with the harmonica virtuoso Howard Levy. He has appeared as soloist with over fifty symphony orchestras, and makes his Toronto debut leading a new quartet featuring the gifted young saxophonist Greg Ward.

FEBRUARY 2 - Anthony Molinaro Featuring Greg Ward followed by Rudder

FEBRUARY 3 - Anthony Molinaro Featuring Greg Ward followed by Rudder

FEBRUARY 4 - Adam Klipple & Drive By Leslie followed by Pete McCann

FEBRUARY 5 - Henry Hey Trio (7pm) followed by Orlando Le Fleming followed by Pete McCann

FEBRUARY 6 - The Chris Tarry Group followed by Will Vinson

FEBRUARY 7 - Will Vinson followed by the The Chris Tarry Group

ALL SHOWS ARE AT 8pm and 9:30pm (except for the earlier show on Feb 5)