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World jazz comes to Guelph

You might just find yourself wondering where in the world you are at this year's Guelph Jazz Festival - and with good reason. One look at some of the countries and cultures the visiting artists are from, and you'll understand why.

1. World Saxophone Quartet plays Hendrix Experience (France/USA)

Make way for the WSQ - a legendary ensemble in the world of creative music. Known for their free jazz improvisation, the group's Guelph program will feature a new and exciting exploration of the music and inspiration of Jimi Hendrix. Coming to the Festival are David Murray (tenor saxophone and bass clarinet), Hamiet Bluiett (baritone saxophone), James Carter (tenor, alto and soprano saxophone), Tony Kofi (alto saxophone), Jamaaladeen Tacuma (bass) and Lee Pearson (drums).

• Sat., Sept. 12, 8pm
• River Run Centre, Main Stage
• Tickets: $35/$30 (double-bill with The Geggie Project)

2. The Woodchoppers Association with Jah Youssouf & Abdoulaye Kone (Ontario/Mali)

Returning to Canada, Jah Youssouf (voice & kamelan n'goni) and Abdoulaye Kone (n'goni) join an impressive group of key Woodchoppers. Their sound is infused with the musical traditions of their Sahel Desert nation yet open to a Canadian influence from Nick Buligan (trumpet), Dave Clark (drums), Michael Herring (bass), Jason Kenemy (keyboards), Lewis Melville (guitar), Karen Ng (alto saxophone) and Scott Thomson (trombone).

• Fri., Sept. 11, 8pm
• River Run Centre, Main Stage
• Tickets: $30/$25 (double bill with Marilyn Crispell)

3. The Ex & Getatchew Mekuria & Guests (Netherlands/Ethiopia/UK/France/Ontario)

Over the past 30 years, the Ex have experimented with everything from rock and jazz to improvisation and African music. Guest tenor saxophonist Getatchew Mekuria - a legend in Ethiopian jazz - joined the group a few years ago and the results have been electric. Prepare to hear discordant, highly rhythmic guitars, a rolling, almost African drumming style, and an exciting collaboration that never ceases to amaze. Andy Moor (guitar), Terrie Hessels (guitar), Kat Bornefeld (drums), and Arnold De Boer (trumpet & voice), with guests: Brodie West (alto saxophone), Xavier Charles (clarinet), Joost Buis (trombone), Colin McLean (bass), and Melaku Belay (dance).

• Fri., Sept. 11, 11pm
• St. George's Anglican Church, Mitchell Hall
• Tickets: $20/$15

4. Tagaq/Zubot/Martin (Nunavut/BC/Ontario)

The Canadian north, west and east are fully represented in this world-première grouping that assembles some of Canada's most provocative musicians. Tanya Tagaq, best known for her concert collaborations with Björk, comes to us from Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, and will enthrall listeners as she demonstrates a contemporary form of Inuit throat singing she pioneered. She is joined by violinist Jesse Zubot of Vancouver and percussionist Jean Martin of Toronto.

This concert is being recorded for broadcast on September 26 on The Signal with Laurie Brown. The Signal can be heard seven nights a week at 10 pm on CBC Radio 2 (94.1 FM in Toronto, 90.7 FM in Kitchener) and online at www.cbc.ca/radio2.

• Wed., Sept. 9, 8pm
• Macdonald Stewart Arts Centre
• Tickets: $25/$20