Co-op Place Calendar

Born in Italy and now based in New York City, 30-year-old guitarist Pasquale Grasso has developed an astounding technique and concept informed not by jazz guitarists so much as by bebop pioneers like Bud Powell, Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie...

Born in Italy and now based in New York City, 30-year-old guitarist Pasquale Grasso has developed an astounding technique and concept informed not by jazz guitarists so much as by bebop pioneers like Bud Powell, Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie and the classical-guitar tradition. Hailed by guitar legend Pat Metheny as, “The best guitar player I’ve heard in maybe my entire life,” Grasso is catching the attention of the jazz world in an astounding way.

Grasso’s playing might be thought to evoke the likes of guitarist Joe Pass, but on deeper listening, his virtuosic playing is equally akin to piano titan Art Tatum, so astounding are his technique and rhythm.

Grasso was born and raised in Ariano Irpino in Italy’s Campania region. Along with his older brother Luigi, a gifted alto saxophonist, they grew up hearing their parent’s jazz and classical recordings, and being taken to events like Umbria Jazz, rather than watching TV at night.

Pasquale has already won several awards and spends his time now teaching and gigging around New York, including frequent solo performances at the popular Greenwich Village haunt, Mezzrow.

It is an honour to have Pasquale at JazzFest this year. Joining Pasquale will be Paul Johnston on bass and Jonathan McCaslin on drums.

Thursday, June 27 7:00 PM
Esplanade Terrace $46.25
(Lobby as back-up)
Tickets available at the Esplanade and tixx.ca

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Avataar is a world-jazz group led by saxophonist/flutist/vocalist Sundar Viswanathan. Earmarked by JAZZFM91 as one of the ‘Best 25 Albums of 2021’, the band’s sophomore album Worldview won the 2022 JUNO Award for Best Jazz Album (Group). The music is inspired by the deep musical traditions of India, Africa and Brazil, rooted within the framework of modern jazz. In an innovative marriage of ancient and modern, driving grooves intersect with cinematic atmospheres and soaring melodies, creating a fresh, emotive sonic experience. Band members share an eclectic range of musical expertise – hardbop, pop, rock, electronica, free improvisation, world and R&B/Soul filter into the interpretations of the tunes. Both Worldview and Petal (Avataar’s debut CD (2016)) received critical acclaim internationally from publications including DOWNBEAT, JAZZIZ, allaboutjazz, Jazz Weekly, and worldmusiccentral.com.

The band’s original compositions are informed by artists including Shakti, Jarrett, Oregon, Jan Garbarek, AC Jobim, Robert Glasper, Snarky Puppy, Kenny Garrett and Ornette Coleman, and at their core are imbued with an intent toward political and social change and a spiritual focus that transcends the sound.

Other members of Avataar are, Laura Swankey on vocals, Michael Occhipinti on guitar, Rich Brown on bass, Max Senitt on drums and Ravi Naimpally on tabla.

Thursday, June 27 7:00 PM
Esplanade Terrace $46.25
(Lobby as back-up)
Tickets available at the Esplanade and tixx.ca