jazz winnipeg & the university of manitoba jazz studies program present

The 5th Annual

Canadian Jazz Summit

Friday, February 6 & Saturday, February 7

Since it's inception in 2020, the Canadian Jazz Summit has welcomed esteemed guests from across Canada to lead masterclasses, workshops, concert presentations and more at the Desautels Faculty of Music.

Join this year’s guest artists - saxophonist Tara Davis and vocalist Alex Samaras - for masterclasses and workshops Feb 6 & 7, and a grand finale concert on February 7 at the Deautels Concert Hall.

Finale Concert

Saturday, February 7

7:30 pm at Desautels Concert Hall

Join us for the Finale Concert of the Canadian Jazz Summit, a standout evening featuring Canadian jazz superstars Tara Davidson (saxophone) and Alex Samaras (voice) at the stunning Desautels Concert Hall. On February 7 at 7:30 p.m., they’ll share the stage with professors and students from the University of Manitoba’s Jazz Studies program, including the dynamic University of Manitoba Jazz Orchestra.

About the Guest Artists 

Tara Davidson is a JUNO Award–winning alto and soprano saxophonist who has performed internationally at venues including Carnegie Hall, the North Sea Jazz Festival, the JZ Jazz Club in Shanghai, and the Kennedy Center. A prolific bandleader and collaborator, she has released eight albums—six of them JUNO-nominated—and contributed to more than forty recordings, earning additional nominations and a 2020 JUNO Award as a member of Ernesto Cervini’s Turboprop. Davidson has received numerous honours, including selections for the Canadian National Jazz Orchestra, the European Youth Jazz Orchestra, and finalist recognition in both the Mary Lou Williams saxophone competition and the Toronto Arts Foundation’s Emerging Jazz Artist Award. Beyond jazz, she maintains a versatile freelance career across woodwinds with major theatre companies and orchestras, performing with artists from Oliver Jones to the Yellowjackets. She teaches at the University of Toronto and York University and is a Yamaha Artist.

Alex Samaras is acclaimed as one of North America’s leading vocalists in jazz, experimental, and new music, having performed with the Meredith Monk Vocal Ensemble, Beverly Glenn-Copeland, Jackie Richardson, and Marvin Hamlisch. He leads the vocal ensemble GREX, exploring the outer edges of the human voice, and has toured nationally with celebrated groups such as A Sondheim Jazz Project and The Queer Songbook Orchestra. Under the name TRYAL, he released his debut solo album in 2017 and has since appeared at festivals across Canada, premiering new operas, originating roles in musicals, and contributing to numerous recordings. His interdisciplinary work includes collaborations with prominent choreographers and a dedicated movement practice. A committed educator, Samaras teaches at the University of Toronto and Humber College, works with national music camps, conducts a 200-voice student chorus, and founded the PAL Chorale for seniors in Toronto.

Masterclasses

Free and open to the public, these masterclasses will take place at the Desuatels Faculty of Music at University of Manitoba*

*exact times and location TBC

With Tara Davidson

The Linguistics of Jazz: How is the assimilation of jazz vocabulary similar to the process of language acquisition? An investigation on how verbal communication (language) relates to the non-verbal communication language of instrumental jazz, and what jazz improvisation can teach us about ourselves on a physiological level. (A Listening Lecture)

Harnessing the Creative Voices of Joshua Redman, Dick Oatts, Kenny Garrett, and Christine Jensen for Jazz Nonet: How I took inspiration from some of my musical heroes and composed new works that pay tribute to them. (A Composition & Listening Lecture)

All of My Favourite Things: In this session I will share all of my go-to routines for Saxophone/Woodwind Sound, Technique, and Repertoire Development. (An Interactive Saxophone Masterclass)

With Alex Samaras

Evolution of an Artist: Betty Carter: In this session we will explore the evolution of the great jazz vocalist, Betty Carter. Betty Carter's artistry will be explored from her records from the straight-ahead big band of the 1950's to her exploration of form and improvisation in the 1970's through her years as a mentor to young jazz artists in the 80-90's. This will be a listening/lecture session!

The Body as instrument: breath and function: In this session we will explore elements of the body that affect our breath and our functional movement. As musicians, our body is the engine of everything we do. Alex is a singer/pianist and has worked with many musicians to help them feel more connected to their voice/body and instruments. This work is derived from Alex's personal study of Alexander technique, Pilates and functional movement. His teachers include, Susan Sinclaire, Jennifer Swan, Christine Wright and Chris Kelly. This will be an interactive workshop!

Singing rounds as a springboard for improvisation: In this session we will do some vocal exercises /games and then sing rounds that will lead us into improvisation and listening deeply as a group. This work will give everyone a sense of connection and freedom within their voice and ears. The goal is to hopefully bridge this playful energy into any other forms of music making. Bring your instruments if you want. This will be an interactive workshop!