|
Stamina onstage The Jefferson/Grant Quintet swing at L'Air du Temps by DAVE COON
Saxophonist Kelly Jefferson and trombonist Kelsey Grant began playing together in 1988 in the McGill Jazz Studies program. In 1993 they left Montreal to spend a year and a half in New York, putting an edge to their sound at the Manhattan School Of Music. During that time Kelly was honoured with the 1994 Downbeat student music award for outstanding instrumental soloist. When they returned to Montreal, they quickly became two of the busiest sidemen in town but were still initially hesitant about striking out on their own as leaders. Jefferson acknowledges that pairing up has made it easier. "It's great to be able to share the load," he says, "and it gives us more time to concentrate on the music." When the two horn players started to search for a rhythm section, they didn't have to look far. The combination of 25-year-old pianist Guy Dubuc's compelling sense of swing, the friendly funk of bassist George Mitchell and the gutsy intensity of Martin Auguste on drums clicked right away. "We're all close friends and think in a similar musical direction," explains Grant. "It's a top-quality rhythm section--you can put anything down in front of these guys and they're able to take off with it right away." The comradeship and commitment is exciting to see in such a young group of players, in which stamina seems a prerequisite for membership. The five are constantly urging each other on, grunting and cursing as the energy builds and pushes each tune into a new domain. The band has that special ability to raise the intensity of their playing without just simply playing louder. Both Jefferson and Grant say the group is looking forward to the four-night stand at L'Air du Temps. "It will give us a chance to work through some new material in front of a crowd," says Jefferson, with Grant adding that he is also eager to play for the appreciative crowds that regularly hang out at the club. "There's a big difference," says Grant, "between playing for an audience and playing with an audience." I'm sure the Expos would agree. The Jefferson/Grant Quintet play L'Air du Temps Thursday, May 29 to Sunday, June 1. 10pm, 191 St-Paul W., 842-2003 |
Montreal jazz musicians and baseball players are a lot alike. They both go out night after night playing their asses off in front of small but dedicated crowds and get minimal recognition. So when the Jefferson/Grant Quintet takes the stage at L'Air du Temps this week, Montrealers should not be surprised to discover that the Expos aren't the only talented young guys around town who swing hard and play with an aggressive, daring style.