Welcome to the Artistic Director's Guide

The Artistic Director's Guide is our way of taking you "beyond the bio". Here you'll find audio and video clips, and I'll describe what I like about each artist and suggest why he or she is important to the scene. So dive in—use the menu options above to find an artist, and let's seek to answer "What's so good about...?"

Josh Grossman, Artistic Director
Toronto Downtown Jazz

What's so good about Karrin Allyson?

Submitted by Josh Grossman on Mon May 14 5:11pm
Artist: 
Karrin Allyson

When I was a student at the University of Toronto, I remember one of my teachers suggesting that a good singer does more than just sing well - he or she is also a great band leader and has a clear idea of what he or she wants to happen on the bandstand. Add to that package a background in classical piano and a total mastery of the voice as an instrument, and you've got Karrin Allyson.

What's so good about Matt Andersen?

Submitted by Josh Grossman on Fri May 11 8:12am
Artist: 
Matt Andersen

Some artists must be experienced live in order to get a true appreciation of their talent. Matt Andersen is one of those artists.

That's not to say Matt's musical ability does not, somehow, come across on record or on YouTube. He is a powerhouse musician - a huge voice, an excellent guitarist, and a passionate performer - and that becomes clear no matter how his music is being heard. But to truly understand why Matt's such an incredible performer, you need to be there in person.

What's so good about The Bad Plus?

Submitted by Josh Grossman on Mon Apr 30 4:26pm
Artist: 
Bad Plus

I've been lucky enough to see The Bad Plus perform live a couple of times, and I have this to say: when a band is truly operating as a unit, it's as if the music is being made by some magical force. The musicians don't seem to be communicating; there are no obvious visual or aural cues being passed back and forth. Everything just kind of...happens. The Bad Plus is such a unit.

What's so good about Janelle Monae?

Submitted by Josh Grossman on Mon Apr 23 3:55pm
Artist: 
Janelle Monae

I'll be perfectly honest. I have absolutely no idea what to expect when Janelle Monae takes the stage.

Okay, that's not entirely true. Based on her 2010 release The ArchAndroid, I expect an awesome blend of soul, funk, R&B, pop, disco and even punk - and an unstoppable energy evident in the smash single "Tightrope." If you haven't yet heard the tune, check it out:

What's so good about Nikki Yanofsky?

Submitted by Josh Grossman on Wed Jun 22 5:42pm
Artist: 
Nikki Yanofsky

17-year-old Nikki Yanofsky stands out in a world of American Idol-fueled pseudo-talent - she is the real deal. Since her debut at the Montreal Jazz Festival at the age of 13, she has proven again and again - with performances at venues like Carnegie Hall and the Olympics, sharing the stage with artists like Herbie Hancock, Marvin Hamlisch and Wyclef Jean - that hers is a true musical gift. She performed in Koerner Hall last year to a standing ovation, and I'm excited to see her this year on our mainstage.

What's so good about Jacky Terrasson?

Submitted by Josh Grossman on Tue Jun 21 5:09pm
Artist: 
Jacky Terrasson

I got to see Jacky Terrasson perform live at the Zinc Bar as part of Winter Jazzfest in New York back in January. It was a standing room only crowd, and he did not disappoint - with his trio mates he played a solid 40 minutes of music: I don't remember any breaks, and I don't remember any talking until the end of the set. The audience was entranced - he moved from the keyboard to the inside of the piano and played inside and outside of harmonies...we never knew what to expect.

What's so good about the Count Basie Orchestra?

Submitted by Josh Grossman on Wed Jun 15 2:19pm
Artist: 
Legendary Count Basie Orchestra directed by Dennis Mackrel

I've mused in past Artistic Director's Guide entries on the concept of swing, and how it's difficult to explain - it's really more of a feeling. Or, in the case of the Count Basie Orchestra, it's everything that happens between the beginning and ending of every performance of every tune.

What's so funky about Bootsy Collins?

Submitted by Josh Grossman on Thu Jun 9 6:01pm
Artist: 
Bootsy Collins

I'm going to suggest that everything you need to know about Bootsy Collins' funk pedigree can be summed up in two words. Well, one name, really: James Brown. I would think that touring with the "hardest working man in show business" might teach a musician a thing or two about funk. But, in case more proof of Bootsy's funkiness is required, I point you to his multiple gold and platinum hit records with George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic.

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