Guest artist Q&A: Jazz saxophonist Colleen Allen
Guest artist Colleen Allen joins Tafelmusik musicians for Haus Musik: Fantasticus at Burdock Music Hall on May 23. We chatted with Colleen to learn more about how baroque and jazz music intersect, and some of the other ensembles she plays with around Toronto.
Haus Musik: How did you come to be involved with this Haus Musik concert? Have you performed at Burdock Music Hall before?
Colleen Allen: (Networking!) I was recommend by a couple of friends—both of whom are wonderful vocalists/composers - who are affiliated with Tafelmusik.
I've played at Burdock several times, with quite a variety of projects: a big band, and guitar based band with electronics and improvisation, a chamber group with unusual instrument parings, my sax quartet - and I've attended a variety of shows there as well.
It's a great listening room—beautiful stage, excellent sound people, and awesome craft beer!
HM: Do baroque and jazz music share any characteristics?
CA: The first things that come to mind are the concepts of ornamenting melodies and improvisation, especially the figured bass lines.
In jazz music we read chord changes, and expand (and expound) upon existing melodies. We use ornamentations to personalize our interpretation of a melodic structure; simultaneously bass players create a moving, fluid, romp though the harmonic structure of the piece.
My understanding of baroque music is that figured bass lines were improvised - and of course the melodic emphasis, with ornamented melodies is another way that we jazz musicians can relate.
HM: How will you, on jazz saxophone and flute, be integrated into the Fantasticus Haus Musik concert?
CA: Well, some of those questions will be answered in performance. We are improvisers after all! We are talking about the ideas of "call and response" which are integral to jazz music, and infusing that into some existing Tafelmusik repertoire. As well, there will be some collaborative improvisation - possibly with Baritone sax and Dulcian - how cool is that?!
HM: Tell us about some of the ensembles and arts organizations you play with. Do you have any other appearances coming up you'd like to share with the Haus Musik audience?
CA: I have a pretty varied CV, which is part of my MO. I have an interesting sax quartet, TSQ, playing mostly original arrangements, featuring some incredible players, great music and improvisation. As well I've just finished a recording project with Chelsea McBride's big band - she is a super talented young composer and saxophonist (look out!). My beloved Manteca has just recorded some material for a new recording. If anyone wants to hear something divine, they can check out Carvin Winans with Michael MacDonald (Doobie Brothers!) and Take 6. I was fortunate enough to play a solo on their version of Amazing Grace.
Coming up: Brian Barlow's Tribute to Miles Davis: Jazz Vespers @ Christ Church Deer park May 26th 4:30---5:30pm Sunday May 26th. And check out the Kensington Market Jazz Festival Sept 13/14/15 - 2019.
HM: You are a beloved mentor and teacher of music, now at Humber College. What is the most important value you try to convey to your students as they embark on professional music careers?
CA: Do what you love, love what you do. Perseverance - joyous work - respect - listen - breathe.
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