Departure returns to Canada

Departure is a newly formed group with a long history. Toronto natives Jamie Reynolds and Matt Stevens began writing music and performing together in their early teens, and continued to work together even as Stevens left Canada to study guitar at the Berklee School of Music. They have both recently relocated to New York City with the help of grants from the Canada Council for the Arts, where they are continuing their studies, Reynolds with Fred Hersch and Stevens with Rez Abbassi.

Their most recent collaboration has resulted in Departure, a genre-bending instrumental group dedicated to new compositions and sonic exploration. In addition to guitarist Stevens and pianist/keyboardist Reynolds, the group is co-lead by Jon Maharaj, one of Toronto's most virtuosic and in-demand bassists, and Boston drummer Eric Doob, who performs regularly with latin-jazz star and Grammy-winner Oscar Stagnaro.

The sound of Departure combines rhythmically and harmonically complex modern jazz concepts with sonic elements of pop and electronic music. All four members contribute highly contrasting tunes that are linked by intense forward motion and rhythmic edginess. Departure's live performances are marked by high energy and audience reactions more akin to rock concerts than jazz shows.

The band is currently recording a debut album, to be released in late 2006.

Departure will be in Canada from April 25th to April 29th, 2006. Dates and locations are as follows:

Tuesday, April 25th at the Rex Hotel (hosting the weekly jam session), 9:30 PM. (www.therex.ca)

Wednesday, April 26th at the Red Guitar, 9:30 PM. (www.theredguitar.com)

Thursday, April 27th at Etobicoke School for the Arts (concert and clinic), 12:00-2:00 PM.

Friday, April 28th at Manhattan's Jazz Club (in Guelph, Ontario), 8:00 PM. (www.manhattans.ca)

Saturday, April 29th at the Rex Hotel, 9:30 PM (www.therex.ca)