Current Projects
Photo: Alexandre Mattar
Since first arriving on the scene at the turn of the millenium, the Souljazz Orchestra has never stopped pushing the limits of its signature sound: an explosive clash of soul, jazz and tropical styles, unleashed by blaring majestic horns, dusty vintage keyboards, and an arsenal of earthquaking percussion.
The Prime Rib Big Band is an explosive live jazz ensemble based in Ottawa, Canada led by trumpeter / composer Ed Lister. Comprised of some of the city's top players & educators, the band plays a hearty mix of originals and select compositions which pay homage to many of the great big band leaders including Duke Ellington, Charles Mingus and Kenny Wheeler. Since 2017, the 11-piece ensemble has held a a monthly residency every first Wednesday at Ottawa's legendary live music venue, Irene's Pub.
Like the mythical Lost Continent that gave it its name, the Atlantis Jazz Ensemble's music lies somewhere between the shores of Africa, Europe, and the Americas, influenced by jazz currents stemming from both sides of the Atlantic. Founded in 2013 by Zakari Frantz and pianist Pierre Chrétien of the Souljazz Orchestra, Atlantis explores new directions in modal, spiritual and esoteric jazz music. After two years refining the group's signature sound through residencies at the legendary Le Petit Chicago, the Atlantis Jazz Ensemble recorded their debut LP, "Oceanic Suite", a seven-part conceptual jazz album depicting the sea and other related themes, in 2016.
Photo: Nickolas Chryssos
Agios Lavrentios Brass Band
The Agios Lavrentios Brass Band was born in the mountains of Pilion, Greece in 2013. Every August, saxophonists from around the globe come together in the "Music Village" of Agios Lavrentios. Under the music direction of Hayden Chisholm, these creative instrumentalists from countries like New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Greece, Portugal, Germany, and Italy all come together to learn, explore, experiment, and improvise. Rooted in the global brass band traditions of New Orleans & the Balkans, the ensemble has proudly provided the soundtrack to the all-night celebrations at Music Village.
