Avataar - Worldview (Friday, October 29th on InSound Records)

Avataar is an award-winning world-jazz group featuring a cohort of some of Toronto’s finest jazz, world, funk, and pop musicians. The music is inspired by the deep musical traditions of India, Africa and Brazil, and is rooted within the framework of modern jazz. In an innovative marriage of ancient and modern, driving grooves intersect with cinematic atmospheres and soaring melodies, creating a fresh sonic experience.

The music in Worldview represents a logical artistic evolution for its leader, Sundar Viswanathan. The album is a musical commentary on the state of our world, on the pandemic, and on the inability of our leaders to lead with integrity, honesty, and compassion. While the actions of our leaders affected so many, some of the songs started as gut responses to the treatment of children, our most valuable and vulnerable citizens, and act as vehicles of catharsis for the composer. Song Song explores ideas of childhood nostalgia and memory, and the homesickness and saudade one feels when trying to recollect that song that’s just out of  our memory’s reach. Little Kurdi (for Alan Kurdi) is a lament and memorial for three-year-old Syrian boy Alan Kurdi, who washed up on an Italian shore, a victim of human trafficking; and Innocents (12/14/12) is a dedication to all those who were murdered in Sandy Hook in 2012, tragic victims of gun violence. Together these pieces comment on the honesty and fragility of children faced by a world of uncertainty and confusion created by adults.

Isolation during the COVID lockdown presented not only challenges but an opportunity for a great deal of introspection. The time spent alone offered a potential for creation and self-discovery, and a chance to see things from many perspectives. The fundamental message of this album is that all should have a place of safety, physically and emotionally.

1. Worldview 4:49

2. Ekkriis Spirito (Reclaimed Spirit) 8:34

3. Chrysalis (Emergence) 4:31

4. Innocents (12/14/12) 8:39

5. Song Song 6:15

6. Blue As It Ever Was 7:15

7. A Safe Space For Children (For All) 5:46

8. Little Kurdi (For Alan Kurdi) 10:03

Sundar Viswanathan - Alto and Soprano

Saxophones, Bansuri, Vocals

Felicity Williams - Vocals

Michael Occhipinti - Electric Guitar

Justin Gray - Electric Bass

Ravi Naimpally - Tabla

Max Senitt - Drums & Percussion

Aaron Lightstone - Oud (4)

Todd Pentney - Piano, Synth, Rhodes (1, 2, 4, 6, 8)

Worldview will be released worldwide on Friday, October 29th on InSound Records.

Amos Hoffman & Noam Lemish - Pardes (2018)

Internationally renowned jazz guitarist and oud virtuoso Amos Hoffman and world-class pianist/ composer Noam Lemish have teamed up to release Pardes, an enchanting album offering an inspired blend of jazz, north african and latin rhythms as well as melodies that come from various Jewish communities across the Middle-East and Eastern Europe.

For years, Hoffman and Lemish have been collecting Jewish melodies from different parts of the world including Kurdish, Yemenite, Moroccan, Russian, Central Asian, and Israeli songs. In Pardes they team up with a stellar Toronto-based rhythm section featuring Justin Gray on bass and Derek Gray on drums & percussion to present vibrant reimaginings of these beloved melodies. 

Hoffman and Lemish, both of whom have roots in Israel but have spent much of their adult life in North America, began collaborating in January 2016. Lemish is deeply rooted in jazz and classical music and Hoffman is equally well-versed in jazz, Arab classical music, and North African vernaculars. Together they create a refreshing and compelling sound, filled with vibrant sonorities, unique instrument combinations and compelling arrangements. 

Pardes will be released internationally on Friday, June 1st and will be celebrated with a tour of Ontario, Quebec and New York State.

1. Adon Haslichot  4:44

2. At Telchi Basade  4:08

3. Dror Yikra  5:27

4. Eshal Elohay  2:46

5. Dalale Dalale  4:06

6. Äji Tü Yormä Äji  5:53

7. Harbi Meir  5:45

8. Argaman  2:50

9. Tchol Hamitpachat  4:14

10. Ets Harimon  4:31

Amos Hoffman - Guitar & Oud

Noam Lemish - Piano

Justin Gray - Bass

Derek Gray - Drums & Percussion

with

Pedram Khavarzamini - Tombak

Jacob Gorzhaltsan - Clarinet

www.HoffmanLemish.com

Justin Gray & Synthesis - New Horizons (2017)

Justin Gray and Synthesis’ debut album, New Horizons, features a collection of original compositions, which feature the bass veena performed alongside an inspiring lineup of artists from around the world. Bandleader Justin Gray designed and co-created the bass veena, a multi-stringed instrument, which combines the fretless bass with elements inspired by various Indian stringed instruments. The music draws inspiration from Justin’s wide range of musical influences, including Indian classical, jazz, western classical, electronic and R&B music. Gray’s compositions synthesize these musical traditions with a unique combination of captivating melodies, rich sonic textures, and exotic grooves.

SHORT BIOGRAPHY

Justin Gray & Synthesis is a contemporary world jazz ensemble that explores a captivating cross-cultural blend of Indian and western music. The ensemble features Justin Gray on Bass Veena & Electric Bass, Ted Quinlan on guitar, Drew Jurecka on Violin, Ed Hanley on tabla and Derek Gray on drums, percussion & Tibetan singing bowls. Bandleader Justin Gray is an award-winning bassist, composer & producer based out of Toronto, Canada.

In 2010, Gray designed and co-created the bass veena, a multi-stringed instrument, which combines the fretless bass with elements inspired by various Indian stringed instruments. Justin is the first artist to perform on this instrument worldwide. Justin Gray and Synthesis’ debut album, New Horizons, features a collection of original compositions, which feature the bass veena performed alongside an inspiring line up of global artists.

The music draws inspiration from Justin’s wide range of musical influences, including Indian classical, jazz, western classical, electronic and R&B music. Gray’s compositions synthesize these musical traditions with a unique combination of creative melodies, rich sonic textures, and exotic grooves.

New Horizons features a number of exciting guest artists, including: Dhruba Ghosh (Sarangi), Trichy Sankaran (Mrdangam), Alam Khan (Sarode), Steve Gorn (Bansuri), Joy Anandasivam (Guitar), The Venuti String Quartet, Naghmeh Farahmand (Persian Percussion), Demetrios Petsalakis (Oud), Gurpreet Chana (Hang Drum), Todd Pentney (Piano), Joel Schwartz (Resonator Guitar) and Jonathan Kay (Esraj). 

Justin Gray and Synthesis have recently been presented in feature concerts across Ontario, including: Aga Khan Museum (2016), Dundas Square (Massey Hall 2016), Toronto Centre for the Performing Arts (JPEC 2016), The Aga Khan Museum (2016), Toronto Jazz Festival (TD Jazz 2016), Richard Bradshaw Theatre (Canadian Opera Company 2016) and Princess Margaret Hospital (Jazz for the Soul 2016/2017).

Bass Veena / Justin Gray

Guitar / Ted Quinlan

Violin / Drew Jurecka

Tabla / Ed Hanley

Drums / Derek Gray

www.justingraysynthesis.com