THE ELEMENT CHOIR PROJECT

(ONTARIO / QUÉBEC / VANCOUVER)

This Toronto collective, led by Jean Martin and Christine Duncan, presents The Element Choir Project, their most ambitious project to date. More than 60 choir members and musicians join forces for an improvisation project in the stunning setting of the Saint-Viateur church. From the most mysterious solo to an apocalyptic tutti, this unusual orchestra promises to make us experience every possible emotion.

Christine Duncan, choir conduction

Montreal Elements - 60 chorus singers

Jesse Zubot, violin

Bernard Falaise, guitar

Eric Robertson, casavant organ

Jim Lewis, trumpet

Jean Martin, drums

EXClaim By David Dacks - APR 07 2011

Barnyard Records, one of Canada's most respected labels for free jazz improvisation, once again turns to an all-star Parker to help launch three new CDs this Saturday (April 9). Last year, Barnyard corralled bassist William Parker for their slate of releases, this year they call on legendary British improviser Evan Parker to celebrate their new offerings.

Over Parker's four-decade career, he has become synonymous with non-idiomatic improvisation (a term coined by his colleague Derek Bailey) and is widely considered to be one of the most important musicians in the field. He has worked with Peter Brotzmann, David Sylvian and Jah Wobble, among many others.

Barnyard's most ambitious release features Parker with the AIMToronto Orchestra, entitled Year of the Boar. The orchestra represents the cream of Toronto's improvisers and has previously performed and recorded with Anthony Braxton (father of ex-Battles member Tyondai).

A more intimate recording comes from the trio of Parker, Wes Neal and Joe Sorbara, dubbed At Somewhere There, referring to its live recording at one of Toronto's most notable spots for free improvisation. The third CD is Halcyon Science 130410, by label boss Jean Martin, Nicole Rampersaud, Wes Neal, Tomasz Krakowiak and Evan Shaw.

Over the past several years, Barnyard has carved a solid niche in the international network of free improvisation. Much like Jesse Zubot's Drip Audio label in Vancouver, Martin acts as chief recordist and takes an active, creative hand at the mixing board.

The triple-CD release featuring Parker is co-presented by Toronto Downtown Jazz and takes place at Toronto's 918 Bathurst Centre for the Arts on Saturday. Barnyard Records is distributed in Canada by Montreal's DAME distribution, which is responsible for bringing much of this country's jazz extrapolations to market.

Friday, 24 February - Edmonton, The Yardbird Suite, www.yardbirdsuite.com

Saturday, 25 February - Saskatoon, The Bassment, www.saskatoonjazzsociety.com

Tuesday, 28 February - Calgary, Cantos Music Foundation, www.cantos.ca

Wednesday, 29 February - Vancouver, The Cellar, www.cellarjazz.com

Thursday, 1 March - Nanaimo, Wellington High School (private workshop)

Friday, 2 March - Victoria, Reynold’s High School (private workshop)

Friday, 2 March - Victoria, Hermann’s Jazz Club, www.hermannsjazz.com

Saturday, 3 March - Penticton, BC, Opus Café Bistro, www.opuscafebistro.ca

Monday, March - Nelson, BC, Selkirk College (show and workshop),