Perry planning jazzed up Christmas

Every once in a while, there’s a coming together of a few jazz legends that will create a phenomenal evening of entertainment.

Saxophonist P.J. Perry, pianist Bill Mays, bassist Neil Swainson and drummer Terry Clarke have each earned a platinum-plated reputation as independent musicians. Over the years, their paths have crossed and once again they join forces to groove up the Arden Theatre this Friday with their funky backbeat in Jazzy Christmas.

These congenial partners are on a Canadian tour from the West Coast to Toronto presenting their swinging, be-bop style jazz on classical and seasonal favourites such as Silver Bells, Silent Night, Stuffy Turkey and I’ll Be Home for Christmas.

Anyone who has witnessed them in action knows their improvised interpretations are neither completely nostalgic nor modern. They have an intoxicating rhythmic pulse that gives new meaning to virtuoso.

But because the players are so in-demand at far-flung corners of the continent, it was difficult to find a time when everyone was free. For instance, the Edmonton-based Perry just returned from New York after playing eight months in Come Fly Away at the Marquee Theatre. He was part of an 18-piece jazz band that accompanied the dance revue directed and choreographed by Twyla Tharp around the songs of Frank Sinatra.

The Big Apple loved the tribute to Ol’ Blue Eyes and Perry fell in love with New York. “Everybody takes their lives and what they do seriously. I find it humbling and inspiring at the same time,” says Perry, 69.

Although the musical revue closed in September, Perry hasn’t given up his apartment and plans to return to the city that never sleeps.

“I love the architecture. I love the energy. I love the people who are able to make do and survive with so little.”

One of the big differences he’s noticed about musicians above the 49th parallel is they tend to play a greater variety of styles whereas New Yorkers specialize. “There’s fewer places to play in Canada,” he explains.

Of the upcoming tour, Perry has nothing but praise for his cohorts. “Bill is one of the world’s great jazz pianists. I’ve known him for 15 years and one of our common denominators is Terry Clarke. Did you know Terry just won a Juno Award? And Neil is one of the pre-eminent bassists around.”

But after the tour and before packing up for New York once more, Perry plans to spend Christmas Day with his fairly large extended family, whipping up eggs Benedict at a traditional Perry brunch.

“I loved New York, but the best part about coming back to Edmonton is being with my family at Christmas.”