by LEN DOBBIN

It all began on the night of Tuesday, June 14, 1983, when Jim West recorded Oliver Jones "live" at Biddles. The results became the first release on a brand new jazz label, Justin Time (named after Jim's son).

Twenty years later, the label is closing in on its 200th release - not counting those licensed from other sources. Its roster is truly an awesome one. The pianists in the catalogue include Jones, Paul Bley, Wray Downes, Johnny O'Neal, John Stetch (who'll be here for the showcases), Hilario Duràn, D.D. Jackson and Jeff Johnston. There's also a long list of singers, beginning with Ranee Lee. Others include Diana Krall, Jeri Brown, Coral Egan, Susie Arioli and the Montreal Jubilation Gospel Choir. Renowned guitarists Nelson Symonds and Sonny Greenwich are also represented.

Back in 1995, reedman David Murray guested on a D.D. Jackson session, which sparked an interest in the label from U.S.-based musicians. A wealth of material from south of the border began to appear, material by Billy Bang, both Carmen and Curtis Lundy, Hamiet Bluiett, Ingrid Jensen, Russell Gunn, Michael Marcus, Jaki Byard, the World Saxophone Quartet and Murray himself. At the same time, Justin Time's important Just a Memory offshoot label has material by the likes of Oscar Peterson, Brian Barley, Kenny Wheeler and a Michel Donato session featuring Barley and Claude Ranger.

This remarkable roster has translated into numerous awards - five Junos between 1986 and 2001, four Félixes beginning in 1988, French Chocs in 1995, 1997 and 1999, six Jazz Report awards for "label of the year" and a pair of Grammy nominations.

That's quite a list of accomplishments for a 20-year-old! A celebration is in order, so beginning tonight, Montreal's Justin Time label will celebrate its 20th anniversary with three consecutive nights of free showcase jams at Upstairs (John Stetch, Zack Lober and Jim Doxas backing a variety of special surprise guests). Reservations are advised!

I've always felt close to head honcho Jim West (one of the few people I can call on February 23, say, "Happy birthday!" and get a "Same to you" reply). He's exactly 20 years my junior and I wish Jim and Justin Time many more years of good health and great music - keep it coming!

At Upstairs on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Oct. 2–4, 9pm, free

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