Concert #15 - Bowen Island - End of tour party!

Today I go to Bowen Island to perform a set for 20-some people at Christine Fedina’s home. She has a huge garden where guests will spread out to enjoy a short set of music which I’ll post here later.

it is officially the end of my tour, although I have one more performance scheduled in Vancouver. More on that later…

Today’s concert honors the memory and spirit of Melissa Langer, who just passed away a couple days ago, after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer. Her husband is a wonderful musician and incredible human being. So, Christopher, I’m thinking of you and Melissa as I play today.

I am playing at the house that Christine Fedina and Ken Pickering built. Ken’s spirit has been with me during my long journey across Canada, and I feel blessed to have had such a wonderful mentor and friend. Christine as one of my dearest friends. An arts lover and supporter, but also a real person’s person, Christine plans to open her home more regularly for musicians to visit and perform. Today represents the first of what I hope will be many visits, concerts, and special encounters with colleagues from all over the world!

As the jazz festival didn’t happen this year due to covid, I think today’s performance is symbolic of what the artistic community means to all of us, that our lives are enriched by the arts and the people who make it possible for artists like me to do follow and share our passion. Thank you Ken! Thank you Christine for having me play there today.

Isolation Tour 2020 - concert #14 - KELOWNA - with Darren Williams

Today’s concert in Kelowna is dedicated to a few individuals who are in the midst of dealing with the harsh realities of cancer; Jason Hall, Christopher Langer and his beautiful and courageous wife. I also want to salute the indomitable Charles Barber, who succeeded twice to beat this terrible disease.

http://jasonhall.ca/music/covid-19-facing-the-music/

please donate to my fundraising efforts for cancer research

links at the bottom of the blog (keep scrolling all the way down )

we performed duos, and trips with a helicopter hovering nearby! It reminded me of Stockhausen’s Helicopter Quartet performed by Arditti String Quartet! Birds got into it as well once the helicopter ran out of fuel. We didn’t! 🤣

On a happier note, I get to perform with Darren Williams today! Concert is at an undisclosed location in Kelowna, at 7pm. Text me on Facebook Messenger if you’d like the details…

Darren Williams is the high priest of extended techniques on the tenor saxophone and bassoon, often using circular breathing and multiphonics (playing two or more notes simultaneously) to devastating effect.  Williams has worked with many world renowned musicians including Eugene Chadbourne, Chad van Gaalen, Mats Gustafsson, and has performed at the Vancouver International Jazz Festival, the Casse-Tête Festival of Experimental Music, and the Fake Jazz Festival.  Audiences can expect to be mesmerized by Darren’s formidable range of saxophone techniques as composition, improvisation, and physical endurance are explored within performance.  Williams is based in Kelowna, BC, where he and Michael Woodworth operate the Skin And Bones Music Series dedicated to the presentation of experimental music in the Okanagan by performers both local and from abroad.

https://darrenwilliams.bandcamp.com

Isolation Tour 2020 - concert #13 - June 29 - SLOCAN PARK, BC - with Emily Denison

When driving back to Toronto after two years living in Vancouver, Joe Sorbara stopped by Slocan Park, BC to visit his old friend and inventive trumpetist Emily Denison, who’d relocated there with her husband. he was so blown away by the beauty of the place that he told me to contact Emily to see if I could make a stop there on my way to Vancouver. Emily responded enthusiastically to me visiting them. I stopped near Nakusp for a cold night of camping, before heading south to Nelson to visit this lovely town. Not only do I have the pleasure of travelling through the Kootenays to visit, I get to play with Emily for the very first time!

link to fundraiser

Emily, Anthony and I. 3 thumbs up to our good friend Ellwood Epps

Emily Denison is a trumpeter, fiddler, composer, arranger, bandleader, and improviser. She has performed, toured, and recorded with many ensembles including Bellwether4, the improvising duo Doit!. Hofbauer/Denison/Kruger, Mike McCormick's Proxemics, Nick Fraser's New Quartet, Ken Aldcroft's Convergence Ensemble, and her own Emily Denison Septet. Emily released a solo trumpet cassette in 2016 entitled Kindred under Hamilton-based HAVN records. She holds a bachelor's degree in Jazz Trumpet Performance from the University of Toronto and is currently studying to become an accredited music therapist.

Isolation Tour 2020 - concert #12 - June 28 - Banff, AB - Tunnel Mountain, Banff Centre for the Arts AND Moraine Lake (Lake Louise, AB)

Having lived in Banff for most of two years, in 1984-95 and 1987-88, this place holds so many fond memories. My first time there was the first year away from my native Quebec. I found myself surrounded by mountains, wilderness, and lots of fantastic musicians! The friendships built over my time there are still alive today, with the likes of extraordinary people such as Jean-David Coen, Bryan Pezzone, David Travers-Smith, Sue Gould, Brenda Fedoruk, Don Ross, to name but a few who have helped me find my voice as a musicians. And then the incredible winter sessions at The Banff Centre, organized by the Rolston family (Tom and Isobel) and Robert Aitken. Thanks to them I got to meet and work with a who’s who of the music world; Iannis Xenakis, Toru Takemitsu, George Crumb, Mauricio Kagel, Menahem Pressler, Alan Hacker, Mario Bernardi, and many more.

Since then I’ve been going back several times, almost on a yearly basis, to do residencies at The Leighton Artist Colony, the music program, as an artist and also as faculty. More recently, Kyle Brenders was responsible for having me there working with composer Linda Bouchard and my trio with Gordon Grdina and Kenton Loewen..

Heading out of Banff, I made an extra stop at Moraine Lake, one of the most iconic places in Canada. If you look at an old Canadian $20 bill, you’ll know what I’m talking about! This was the location for R. Murray Schaffer’s Princess of the Star, and where the whole of Alan Hacker’s clarinet class played Mesomedes of Crete’s Hymn to the Sun, in the summer of 1984. I revisited with that memory so fresh in my mind,. I played for a bunch of tourists from Iran, China, Japan, and other Canadian provinces.

Isolation Tour 2020 - concert #11 - June 27 - Jasper, AB / Columbia Icefields

Today on my way to Banff to play on Tunnel Mountain tomorrow morning. Kyle Brenders has gone camping with his family and won’t be back in time to join me, which is too bad because I was so looking forward to a rowdy duo at this location.

I decided to drive through the Columbia Icefields to toot a bit of my clarinet at the foot of the glacier. I was there for the first time in 1984. The glacier has receded by so many meters since that you can’t even see the glacier from the 1982 marker, in comparison to the 1992 marker. The rate of melting has increased by several meters when you compare the distance between these two markers and the the distance between previous decades Global warming? Most likely…

BUT…

An engine warning light turned on as I arrived in Jasper! The closest mechanic repair shop is way back in Hinton, where I left from this morning! First hiccup of the trip after more than 3500 kms…Dennis Mazur, expert mechanic, fixed Lazio and got him purring like a kitten!!! I did end up stopping at the Icefields for a short video.

on other fronts;

I did a fun interview for Radio-Canada. Here’s the link;

https://ici.radio-canada.ca/premiere/emissions/culture-et-confiture/segments/entrevue/186825/francois-houle-traversee-jazz-cancer

Isolation Tour 2020 - concert #10 - June 25 - EDMONTON, AB - Solo livestream on July 10, 7pm

As I make my way through Saskatchewan and Alberta, the breathtaking view has a very calming effect. Ian simply blown away by the beauty of the prairies, the stillness and solitude. After a week on the road, playing and meeting with friends after 3 months in Quebec, I can’t help but think how hopeful and positive everyone is, and that ultimately we will have learned a lot from this current pandemic situation.

about tonight;

I met Chenoa when I began my involvement with the Vancouver New Music Scene in the early 90’s. We hired Chenoa several times to perform really difficult music with my new music ensemble Standing Wave, which I co-founded with cellist Peggy Lee, pianist  Laytuan  Tan, and percussionist Laurie Lyster. We went on to collaborate on several occasions until she had the great idea to fall in love with composer Ian Crutchley and move to Edmonton! Since then the two of them have been reenergizing the Edmonton New Music scene, and organizing concerts and festivals.

I will be presenting a streaming concert at the Yardbird Suite Club! The performance is this evening to an empty club, but the video will air on July 10 at 7pm (MDT). I want to thank her and Ian and everyone at New Music Edmonton, and a special shout out to Nico Anáez for helping with connecting the two organizations to host me and planning the live streaming of this concert.

July 10 streaming video link:

link to fundraiser

(Please find links to all fundraising efforts at the very bottom of this page)

Chenoa Anderson

Nico Arnáez

Isolation Tour 2020 - concert #9 - June 24 - SASKATOON, SK - with Helen Pridmore

As I’m working my way through Manitoba and Saskatoon, I can’t help but reminisce about the last week, at how wonderful it is to see old friends, play and share music with folks who have not heard anything “live” in weeks!

I am thrilled to be performing duos with the ever so creative singer Helen Pridmore this evening in the park w/ sculpture/statue installations just off a walking trail on the U of Sask campus. Its behind the Education building.  Please come say hi and listen to our duo premiere if you’re in town!

and please remember to make a donation to my fundraising campaign for cancer research!; buttons at the very bottom of this blog! Or try;

http://donate.bccancerfoundation.com/site/TR?fr_id=2800&pg=personal&px=2726897

Helen Pridmore enjoys a career focused on contemporary scored music, experimental music and improvisation. She has performed at Carnegie Hall (with the American Symphony Orchestra), and at many venues in the US and Europe, Mexico, and Japan. In Canada she has performed from St. John’s NL (Sound Symposium) to Victoria BC (Open Space Gallery and Aventa Ensemble). Helen has premiered works by Michael Finnissy, Martin Arnold, and many others – including her own solo voice work Sor Juana and the Silences (2018).

Helen performs with the voice/electronics duo Sbot N Wo, which has toured in Canada and Europe.  Sbot N Wo’s CD Songs was released in 2015.  Helen also has two CDs on the Canadian Music Centre’s Centrediscs label:  Janet, for solo voice, and …between the shore and the ships… with clarinetist Wesley Ferreira, which won the 2013 East Coast Music Award for Best Classical Recording. Get updates at www.helenpridmore.ca!

Franky’s Cross-Canada Isolation Tour 2020 - day 6 & 7

After a few days of back to back concerts, I hit the road to work my way from Guelph all the way to Saskatoon!!! I have to be there by tomorrow afternoon for my concert with Helen Pridmore!

the concert in Toronto at Joe Sorbara’s place was so much fun! Thank you Joe, and all who came to listen (shout out to Nick Fraser and Bea Labikova for coming out!). We live-streamed the concert on Facebook! (Video below)

Before heading out, I met with this extraordinary man, Sean van Sluys, director of Musagetes Foundation, who regaled me with stories of his recent trip to the Brazilian Amazon.

My drive took me up highway 69 and hwy 17 all the way to Wawa. Once there I couldn’t find a motel, and camping was out of the question as thunderstorms were rolling in big time! So I slept in my Mini Cooper! As it turns out, it was quite comfortable, if I didn’t move and made sure the hand break didn’t kill my hips!

Today I headed north along Lake Superior all the way to Kenora, making tomorrow’s tight schedule feasible!

I took some short breaks to stretch my legs at beautiful sights along the way;

The Big Nickel in Sudbury

Terry Fox monument in Thunder Bay

Kakabeka Falls West of TB

Sleeping Giant Park, TB

I will be driving straight through Manitoba as visitors are not allowed to stop except for essential needs such as fuel and food.

Please share this blog with your friends and family, and encourage anyone to donate, even if it’s a modest amount, to my fundraising efforts for the BC Cancer Foundation, in honor of my big brother Yvon. (Links below)

Isolation Tour 2020 - concert #8 - June 21 - TORONTO, ON - with Joe Sorbara

For Toronto, I’ve decided to connect with my great friend, wonderful human being, and killer musician Joe Sorbara. It was a tough choice as there are so many amazing musicians in the Toronto area I would have loved to connect and play with, including Jean Martin, Nick Fraser, Kevin Turcotte, Tim Posgate, Lina Allemano, Rob Clutton, to name a few. I would say that the scene there has blossomed at an incredible pace towards more open forms of music, while retaining an incredibly inventive jazz and world music scene. Maybe I should move here!!!

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there! Today, as part of my fundraising campaign, I pay tribute to my dad. He passed away from cancer at the young age of 51. Ever since I turned 51 myself, there is not a day when I don’t think of him, how he would have loved to see his sons find their places into the world. So, I imagine his spirits witnessing all that we do, he enjoys watching our children grow. I have conversations with him still. I ask him for advice. Every time I get dressed in the morning, I think of the rituals he had, shaving, combing his hair, putting on a tie, always looking sharp. It’s the sum of all these little memories that keeps him present in my life. His battle with cancer was short, just over 6 months. But he never gave up. He kept saying “I’ll beat this thing”. In a way he has, because today his memory and spirit are honored. Please consider a donation to my BC Cancer Foundation Fundraiser. Links below.

About Joe;

I got to play with Joe when he and his family moved to Vancouver a few years ago. We put together a trio with James Meger, with a few tunes recorded and ready for release in July on Bandcamp (Afterday Audio). Immediate chemistry. I would consider Joe one of the most sensitive drummers I know, always looking to lift the bandstand while keeping time and textures as a focal point of his playing. Please visit his website to witness the sheer scope of his activities. www.ovalwindowmusic.org

We also had some fun with a video session at The Gold Saucer space in 2018.

Isolation Tour 2020 - concert #5 - June 19 - NIAGARA FALLS

This was my first time ever seeing Niagara Falls. On this trip, I hope to take the time to stop and see iconic Canadian places such as this, to remind me of what it’s like to be living in such an amazingly beautiful country. The sound of the falls created a powerful backdrop for a simple melody that popped into my head, as I was thinking about my family, my brother, and all the friends I’ve seen so far on this trip. My spirits are high on account of all that.

Isolation Tour 2020 - concert #6 - June 19 - Zula Presents! - Hamilton, On

I was happily surprised to hear from Cem Zafir on Friday morning to invite me to perform in his backyard That very evening! I trust this man implicitly. He’s always been so supportive and generous with his energy and hard work, organizing concerts in Hamilton, and for years in Vancouver (Rimes was one of the best live music venues in town for years!). Thanks to him and Donna for having me play last night and organize food and a great bunch of friends and neighbors!

Isolation Tour 2020 - concert #7 - June 20 - GUELPH, ON - IISCI

Ajay loves his espresso machine!

The first time I met Ajay Heble, Artistic Director of the Guelph Jazz Festival at the time, I knew I had found a kindred spirit, a sonic adventurer, a scholar, and super lovely person to hang with. Him and his wife Sheila are the kindest people you’ll ever meet. Just ask their dog Braxton and he’ll tell you all about them just by the look in his canine eyes! I got to know Ajay more and more over the years, including working in Gaspé with him as part of the Coin-du-Banc En Folie Summer Improvisation Camp (see photos).

Ajay is also the founder of the International institute for Critical Studies in Improvisation, an amazing resource and think tank for everything concerning improvisation and communities. If that wasn’t enough, Ajay spearheaded the development of the first ever improvised music PhD program at the University of Guelph! Thanks to IISCI and Ajay, I get to visit Guelph to perform at the University of Guelph’s Arboretum.

Coin-Du-Banc, Percé, Qc

Jesse Stewart, talking about home made instruments to the participants at Coin-du-Banc

Isolation Tour 2020 - concert #4 - June 18 - HAVELOCK, ON

Making new friends and visiting new places are the spices of life. With a connection to the west coast, Susan Woollam agreed to welcome me to her farm roughly halfway between Ottawa and Toronto. The drive to Havelock was dedicated to listening to the Hugh Fraser’s music with the legendary Vancouver Ensemble of Jazz Improvisations. (VEJI),

With my heart full of gratitude for the time I shared with the wonderful musician and friend Hugh Frazer, yesterday marked his return to spirit. He was one of the most dynamic and energetic jazz musicians I had the pleasure of hearing and worked with.

A true legend, leader, bigger than life all around beautiful person. Judging by the many tributes on Facebook and the press, he had an incredible ease with people, always supportive and encouraging. He fought his battle with cancer valiantly and with great courage, playing on despite his body being ravaged by this terrible disease. Today I dedicate my performance to his memory. Long live HUGE FRASER!

Isolation Tour 2020 - concert #3 - June 17 - OTTAWA, ON - with Ellen Waterman

Looking forward to reconnect and play duets with one of the most impressive woman I know. Ellen Waterman is a true renaissance woman!. Scholar, musician, improviser, mother, gardener, etc. Ellen’s distinctive musical practice blends flute and vocalization. She has performed at national and international festivals and venues including Open Ears Festival of Music and Sound, the Guelph Jazz Festival, the Suoni Per Il Popolo, and the Onassis Stegi in Athens. Ellen has also been artist-in-residence for several festivals, including The Art of Immersive Soundscapes (U. Regina), Sound Travels Festival (Toronto), and the Chicago Creative Music Workshop (Chicago Jazz Festival). In 2014 and 2018 she participated in the Koumaria Residency in Sellasia, Greece. In the 1980s and ‘90s she performed in a number of R. Murray Schafer’s Patria series of environmental music theatre works and he composed the solo flute pieces Aubade and Nocturne (1996) for her. Ellen is represented on premiere recordings of works by Brian Ferneyhough (CRICD 652), R. Murray Schafer (CMCCD 8902, MW72) and ~spin~ duo with James Harley (ADAPPS 15001). Her current projects include the improvisation duo Pama with Michael Waterman (theremin and invented instruments). Ellen holds the Helmut Kallmann Chair for Music in Canada at Carleton University.

We performed in her garden, which she and husband Michael have been really digging into since cover-19 provided them with lots of time to indulge. Obviously they have some seriously green thumbs! Thanks to all who cam to hear us play! And the dinner was fantastic!

Isolation Tour 2020 - concert #2 - Montreal, QC - June 14, 2020 - with Hamin Honari

I am thrilled to be performing with Hamin Honari in his backyard in the Parc X area of Montréal. Hamin, who relocated to Montreal after many years in Vancouver, is one of the finest percussionist on the Canadian and international music scene. He is the artistic director of Vashan Society, and performs, presents, organizes world music concerts in BC and around the world. He performs regularly with the Vashan Persian Music Ensemble,Qualandar, Itamar Erez, Gordon Grdina’s The Marrows, as well as supporting young musicians with masterclasses and special clinics. Hamin comes from the most amazingly talented musical family.