Rocking Out With Musicians in Ordinary

John Edwards and Hallie Fishel aka Musicians in Ordinary

You know what I like about Musicians in Ordinary? Everything. They're talented, funny, and they unselfishly share the stage with equally gifted guests. Watching lutenist, John Edwards and soprano, Hallie Fishel perform tonight's programme, His Perfections Like Sunbeams, with guests Christopher Verrette, and Justin Haynes, I remain impressed with their abilities and the intimate mood they continually create at their concerts.

Tonight's programme was a tribute to Henry Frederick, Prince of Wales (1594 - 1612) with music composed by the musicians he welcomed into his household. Hallie has an embracing soprano with spot-on diction, no matter what language she sings in. English pronunciation has changed a lot over the centuries, add the high vocals in the singing mix, and it can be tricky to follow, but not so when listening to Hallie; she's done her homework and it shows. With her, the voice is always charming and captivating without being simpering or too precious, as she with  There is a Garden in Her Face (Robert Jones) and Come My Celia (Ferrabosco). Above all, I adore her clear Italian and  the emotions she expresses in Notari's Ahi, che s'accrease and Vol vedet"il mio mal and Ciaccona (both credited to Notari, but unconfirmed).

Thankfully taking the starch out of chamber music with his humourous comments and facts about the period and music being played, John Edwards never misses a beat as he effortlessly transitions from the lute to the 6-foot theorbo, from solos (Sturt's Prelude-Mrs. Hoffmans Alman), to duets (Ciprano di Rore's Ben si qui mostra il Ciel), to trios (Ford's Unto the Temple of Thy Beauty), and quartets (Notari? Ciaccona). His casual sure-handedness belies the deftness of fingers and the trained ear needed to play the pieces MIO selects for their concerts. 

Guests, Christopher Verrette and Justin Haynes were welcome additions to tonight's concert. Verrette is Verrette is a member of Tafelmusik's violin section, and has played with MIO in many concerts. The man is a storyteller on the violin. I don't know how else to put it. Each time I listen to him play, he takes me on a journey. He plays with none of the keening, emotionally manipulative tricks that less talented violinists try to pass off as "feelings". I especially loved the way his playing worked with Hallie's voice on  Romanesca (Notari?) and with John on another possible Nortari's piece, Ruggiero. Complementing Justin Haynes tonight was his very eye-catching dragon-headed viola da gamba (which he made). I found myself rocking out to his three part solo by Ford: Three Lyra Viol Pieces: and if you doe touch me ile crie-Forget me not, A pill to purge melancholie. The spotlight was on him and he shone brilliantly.

If you are at all intimidated by concert halls, then give Musicians in Ordinary a try, and start with their Helliconian Hall Series. The Hall looks like a tiny church and is situated right behind Hazelton Lanes, on 35 Hazelton Avenue, just north of Yorkville Avenue. No dress code in effect, just come and enjoy some great music with several laughs from John in between selections. Ticket prices are a reasonable $25/$20 students and seniors.

Want to learn more about Musician in Ordinary (MIO), including why they have such a strange name? Check out their blog: http://musiciansinordinary.blogspot.ca/ and/or http://www.musiciansinordinary.ca/

Love Your Radio! Win a Trip to London, England!

Please share your love of radio and the arts by making a donation to in support of The More the Merrier (TmTm) during CIUT 89.5 FM's Spring Fundraising Campaign (April 11-17). Donate now via credit card or PayPal at www.ciut.fm or call 416-946-7800, toll free 1-888-946-7800. If you choose the PayPal method, the station will send you an email asking you what show you want to support. Please tell them The More the Merrier. Thank you for continuing the legacy of listener-supported radio!

My love of the arts inspired me to create a show where no one would feel intimidated or left out listening to discussions about various aspects of the arts; hence the name, The More the Merrier. TmTm has a heavy film slant because you, the listener, told me that you loved hearing me talk about film (and the many film festivals Toronto hosts) with my guests. As a past drama student, I have to include theatre coverage on TmTm. I like to mix it up with performances on the small stages as well as the more commercial stages. I even throw in some additional flavour with Théâtre français de Toronto plays (they have English surtitles for some of their performances). Book and music lovers are not forgotten either in my programme planning. Author readings, discussions about why to keep reading poetry post-high school, and call in shows about what you are reading are all scheduled with you in mind. The music I play is heavy on the Canadian side, but CanCon doesn't mean a lack of diversity. From urban flautist, Jef Kearns to a variety of African and Latin artists, and yes, even the classics as performed by Lutenist, John Edwards and Soprano, Hallie Fishel of Musicians In Ordinary, are all part of The More the Merrier's mix.

How to Donate: Online (secure site): www.ciut.fm By Phone: 416-946-7800, toll free 1-888-946-7800 In Person: 7 Hart House Circle, 3rd floor (U of T Campus) Directions: http://harthouse.ca/contacts#address Donations of $25 or more will get a tax receipt and a chance to win a trip for 2 to London, England.

Listen to the LIVE fundraising show on Saturday, April 16th, 1-2pm. Special guests, giveaways and music. I'll be waiting to hear from you!

The Lute Player Was a Spy! John Edwards on the Musicians in Ordinary

Musicians in Ordinary
Who knew that the world of lutenists had a history of espionage. John Edwards hasn't been investigated by CSIS, but he does play a mean lute. Edwards and soprano Hallie Fishel are Musicians in Ordinary (MIO). John was on the May 10th show to promote MIO's concert on Sat. May 17th (A Defence of Ryme: Poetry by Thomas Campion and Samuel Daniel).

During the course of our conversation, it was revealed that a couple of lutenists were suspected spies--Alfonso Ferrabosco and Nicholas Lanier. Because musicians in ordinary (lutenists and vocalists) were allowed into very private places, they were privy to very confidential information! Learn more about the rivalry between Campion and Daniel and hear some saucy lyrics at this concert at the Heliconian Hall,35 Hazelton Ave. (near Bay Subway) at 8PM, Single tickets $20 / $15 students & seniors.


Foresight: Speculative Fiction in Canada

Thanks to my second guest, Wendy Banks, Communications Officer for the Toronto Public Library for introducing me, and hopefully some of you, to hard and soft SF/Fantasy novels and poetry.

Presented by The Canada Council Heritage Series, Foresight features author-readings and book signings until the end of May. If you love the genre, Lillian H. Smith has the largest SF/Fantasy collection in North America.




Inside Out Toronto Lesbian and Gay Film and Video Festival (May 15-25)
Last Saturday, I spoke with Scott Ferguson, Executive Director of Inside Out. We discussed the festival's attempt to find quality films to appeal to the diversity within the Queer community.

The Focus on Australia brings back an old favourite of mine, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, and there are some big stars this year like Julianne Moore in Savage Grace.

I have also had the opportunity to screen some Black focus documentaries films that are worth checking out:

One of my favourites is The Believers, the story of a transsexual choir. Each of the people in this film could have had a feature of their own, but combined their stories are powerful, hopeful, and genuine. How do you reconcile being a Christian and gay when some in the queer community have been damaged by the Church and distanced themselves from the institution; how do you integrate trans-sexuals into the Church of Christ, and how do you create a harmonious sound with voice effected by hormone levels?

U People
This film is the behind the scenes footage of music video shoot. This gathering of Black women (straight, gay, trans) leads to celebration and frank discussions about gender roles and sexuality. The documentary drags a bit, but the diversity of Black women on screen shocks you into realizing how rare these images are. We will sometimes see a Black woman on screen, but outside of Da Kink, how often do you see Black women in their infinite variety on the small or large screen?

On the Downlow
Join me on Saturday, May 17th for an interview with director, Abigail Child as we discuss the subjects of the film, African-American men who are "on the downlow" and honest enough with the camera to speak about their dual sexuality.

TICKETS: http://www.insideout.on.ca/18Annual/boxoffice.htm or for tickets: 416.967.1528 or in person at The Manulife Centre, 55 Bloor Street West, enter off Bloor.