DARREN SIGESMUND plays the Al Green Theatre, Miles Nadal JCC (750 Spadina), Wednesday (April 27), 8 pm. $25 (students, seniors, artists $20). See listing.
Toronto jazz trombonist and former chef Darren Sigesmund is in the middle of a European tour, test-driving his newly cooked-up compositions. He’s getting set for a special concert skedded for the Al Greene Theatre featuring New York heavyweights Mark Feldman (violin) and Gary Versace (piano and accordion).
The Galaxie Award-winning composer and player is no stranger to collaboration. Rolling Stones saxophonist Tim Ries appeared on 2009’s Juno-nominated Strands II.
Sigesmund’s new songs include a brisk accordion piece with an Afro-Cuban groove and a touch of tango, an odd-metred tune inspired by Balkan music, and a Brazilian-guitar-influenced ballad featuring voice and violin. Improvisation remains at the heart of his work: “We try to make it a little different each time,” he says, “and tell a story every time we solo.”
Award-winning Venezuelan-Canadian vocalist Eliana Cuevas is playing an increasingly prominent role in the group. “I don’t want her to scat-sing,” says Sigesmund. “I want her to bring her own concept to the music. There will be a part where she’ll improvise in Spanish.”
Is it rare for a trombonist to be a bandleader? Sigesmund laughs, “Yes, it is.”
Bassist Jim Vivian adds, “And rarely well done.”
