East Meets West: Connections
Released Feb 7 2025
The Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra’s eighth album release features new works by Canadian composers Fred Stride and Jean-Nicolas Trottier. A key goal of the WJO is fostering connections between jazz performers and composers across Canada. Several years ago, the WJO approached Montreal-based Trottier to propose a collaborative commission. Without hesitation, he suggested Vancouver-based Fred Stride, whom he had met in more than a decade back, when Stride was presenting masterclasses at the University of Montreal. The collaboration resulted in the stunning nine-movement suite featured on this album. Fred and Jean-Nicolas are prolific jazz composers and the WJO is thrilled to bring them together on this project.
Praise for the WJO’s February 2024 release Tidal Currents
- Downbeat Editor’s Pick for 2024, 4 Stars
- Textura Top 30 Jazz Albums of 2024
- “Featuring sweeping, evocative harmonies and memorable soprano saxophone solos, Tidal Currents: East Meets West is extraordinary, vibrant original work, highly recommended especially for big band jazz connoisseurs.” – Midwest Book Review
- “…a terrific ensemble whose seventh release maintains the high standard set by its predecessors… The four pieces form a half-hour suite whose rewards are plentiful, thanks to the playing of the ensemble as well as the quality of the material the composers provided to them… a splendid addition to the group’s discography.” – Ron Schepper, Textura
- “This is a stellar release by a superb ensemble, with thought-provoking compositions from the featured guests. Multiple listening sessions will reveal new layers each time.” – David Reed, The Belleville Intelligencer
Personnel
Neil Watson – Alto Sax
Jonathan Stevens – Alto Sax
Niall Cade – Tenor Sax
Monica Jones – Tenor Sax
Kyle Wedlake – Baritone sax
Jean-Nicolas Trottier – Lead Trombone
Jeremy Duggleby – Trombone
Karin Carlson – Trombone
Joel Green – Trombone
Isabelle Lavoie – Bass Trombone
Shane Hicks – Lead Trumpet
Jonathan Challoner – Trumpet
Matthew Walden – Trumpet
Richard Gillis – Trumpet
Andrew Littleford – Trumpet
Will Bonness – Piano
Karl Kohut – Bass
Fabio Ragnelli – Drums
Victoria Sparks – Vibraphone
Larry Roy – Guitar
Tracks