What I love about this job is discovering new places to see quality music. Last night my wife and I were invited to see a new musical event happening every Thursday at the Novotel next to Mel Lastman Square on Yonge St. It happens in a restaurant called Trio located at 3 Park Home Ave.
This fine contemporary dining facility seemed to be a perfect spot for the kind of music we were walking into. The layout seemed impeccable for this kind of event. They had dining tables if you wanted to enjoy a beautiful meal. They also had single tables where you can sit and just enjoy a drink, if that is what you wanted. They even had chairs by the stage if you wanted to be close to the music. What a great layout for everybody.
The makeshift stage was in the corner with white curtains and a tasteful light show that worked with the music. They brought in a brand-new sound system that created a pristine sound that would envelop the room with just the right balance of sound. Thank you, sound engineer, for your expertise.
This is the perfect setting for all you couples who are looking for a classy date night out. This is for the weary traveler who needs time to unwind before going back to his room for a well-deserved sleep. This is for people who love a night of classy music. By the way, the staffs here are very accommodating and polite.
This was the second night of this music series, and it truly felt like it has been running for years. I tip my hat to the people who are putting this event together.
Sammy Jackson
On this night’s bill is a singer who seemed to be the superb for this place. Her name is Sammy Jackson, and her style of easy jazz cradled you after a hard day. In fact, I just learned she is a Juno winner. I stole this from her Bandcamp site… JUNO Award-winning artist Sammy Jackson is an emerging Jamaican-Canadian singer-songwriter recognized for her distinct sound, fusing elements of Jazz, R&B and Pop.
The first thing I noticed is how crisp and clean her vocals were. It cuts through the air and into your soul with the beauty of a songbird. There were moments of hearing Sade, but once that passed, I was just happy to be delighted by her presentation.
She mixed up some classic cover songs with original songs from her recordings. One of her personal songs is called, “Take me back”, and had a childlike perspective. In fact, when I was listening to her personal songs, they seem to be a quiet spiritual intervention when life is getting too heavy for you.
Her style of writing and arranging songs seems to be a vignette of moments that hold little life lessons and try to support a deeper meaning for all of us to hold close.
Her choice of cover songs were well thought out and rearranged in tactful way. I loved her version of the Carpenters, “Close to you”. My favourite of the evening was the way she completely turned a Bossa Nova into a surreal romantic movement. It had a hint of Chris Issak’s song “Wicked Game”. This song was called Gingi, and if I had my vote, I think this song should stay in her repertoire for a long time.
She finished the evening off with two personal songs. The first is about a road trip across Canada with her partner. These are the moment when you find out the truth about your partner. If they are a good travel companion things are looking really good. She clearly has a good partner because the last song was an adorable song about her son named Chucky.
This is Sammy Jackson and her band:
I have the schedule for up future shows at the Novotel, here is the link
Novotel Events – Sammy Jackson – Blast Toronto
If you want to learn more about Sammy Jackson here is the link to her website.
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