(Chas Da Man)
What a terrific, transcendental Friday evening spent in the company of the only be bop maestro from the ’60s still goin’ strong at 75! A show that 99.9999% of Edmontonians missed. A veritable aural banquet for true aficionados.
New York’s Tolliver plays ‘outside’ so 99.99999% of music listeners would not be remotely interested in his music. There is nothing conventional or predictable about it. He plays all possible notes on trumpet and then many you have never heard. A true virtuoso of the instrument.
His sidemen were strong especially young, Afro-haired Devin Starks and full-court-press Darrell Green on drums. Tolliver gave ample room for his quartet to air out their own significant chops.
The evening was a love-in; Charles had an awesome, cool time as did the locals. The Yardbird continues to deliver with some of the best retro jazz acts still alive and available the past five years. The club has a very pleasant ambience since its reconstruction-makeover. Seating is thoughtfully varied and volunteer service remains gracious. And the popcorn baskets are still the best in town. Ticket prices continue to be very modest considering the legendary talent ($30 last night). If you have not been to Edmonton’s Yardbird, you are missing out from a lot of good music and many remarkable, pleasant evenings.