Staff Picks: October 2018

Here’s what the staff at Jazz Winnipeg are listening to right now:

Takuya Kuroda, Rising Son (Blue Note Records, 2014)

“I found out about Takuya through José James' channels. Takuya is a Japanese trumpeter on Blue Note with a really cool vibe, blending classic melodies with modern beats and interesting production. I feel like Murakami would discreetly place him into one of his novels.” - Michael Falk, Artistic Director

Dinah Washington, The Ultimate Dinah Washington (Verve/Universal, 1997)

“Whenever I fantasize about an alternate reality where I am a singer with a heartbreaking, deeply evocative, unforgettable voice, I listen to this Dinah Washington compilation. You know those songs that make you stop what you're doing because you can't let them go by without your full attention? Dinah Washington: ‘Greater Love.’” - Lynne Stefanchuk, Executive Director

Joseph Shabason, Aytche (Western Vinyl Records, 2017)

“Aytche is evocative, dark, textured, and entrancing. Based on the album cover and the mood of the record, I imagine it to be the soundtrack to a grown up version of Where the Wild Things Are. I could listen to ‘Belching Smoke’ forever.” - Victoria King, Marketing and Communications Manager

Dinah Washington/

Quincy Jones, The Swingin’ Miss D (EmArcy Records, 1957)

“I think this album captures what jazz was in the 1950s so beautifully, not to mention Dinah Washington is one of my favourite jazz singers ever. It's mellow, engaging, and just reminds me what real music is.” - Alexa Potashnik, Volunteer Coordinator