Blue Note Epicurious

 Lorne Lofsky and David Occhipinti@Hirut January 21st On perhaps the coldest night of the year, why not warm up with some hot jazz from some legendary guitarists and the warm spice of some great Ethiopian food? Venue: Hirut And don't worry, their injera comes on the side There's at least 7 Ethiopian Restaurants on the strip between Greenwood and Woodbine.  Lalibela and Rendezvous are perhaps the most famously well loved, but only one shop comes with live jazz! A strange sounding pairing at first glance, a small family-run Ethiopian restaurant that showcases some of the city's best jazz.  But, there is a rich history of Ethiopian Jazz, that is absolutely worth a dig.  Check out this great article from the Vinyl Factory if you are curious: https://thevinylfactory.com/features/an-introduction-to-ethio-jazz-in-10-records/ What we have here is a small, intimate, east end venue (steps away from Woodbine station) where you can catch bigger acts play on a much smaller stage....

Alex Dean Quartet at the Rex January 3 Venue: The Rex Another hot Friday night gig at the Rex, and despite being a few days after New Year's, it's hopping. There really is something special in the history of this spot. It's drenched in it really, but still feels casual and unpretentious. Just look at that bar, trapped in time. It would be hard to find a more iconic Toronto institution, home to over 60 performances a week, right in the heart of the city's most iconic street, with streetcars buzzing by; it really does feel special. And who better to grace its stage than Canadian legend Alex Dean and his quartet.  The Band:   Alex Dean - Saxophone Alex Dean is a household name on the Canadian jazz scene. He taught at U of T for years, raising up some of Canada's finest musicians under his tutelage, including some of tonight's band! He has played and recorded with Gil Evans, Kenny Wheeler, Aretha Franklin, Harry Connick Jr., the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and othe...

  Dave Young Quintet at the Rex Dec 27th The Rex really is the quintessential Toronto jazz club. Ask anyone where to find jazz, and you'll hear its name. It's been a fixture of the city's music scene for decades, offering up great music everyday. Though it's seen some updates over the years, it still exudes that old Toronto charm. "Where musicians come to hear jazz" is a fair summation, it reflects the quality of the music as well as the reasonable prices offered. Picture yourself sipping a beer in an old hall with tiffany style glasswork above, the hum of streetcars and the odd ambulance wailing by outside on the city's most iconic street. All of that while listening to great music, what else do you need? It's the perfect setting to catch a legend like Dave Young. The Band: Dave Young - Bass Kevin Turcotte - Trumpet Johnny Johnson - Saxophone Brian Dickinson - Piano Nick Fraser - Drums Dave Young is a Canadian legend. He worked with Oscar Pete...