By Joe Belanger
Originally published September 11, 2019 on The Stratford Beacon Herald
The Forest City London Music Hall of Fame is hosting a jazz and soul concert series featuring four dity bands.
Jazz ‘N’ Soul at the Forks, presented jointly by the hall of fame and the Wood Shed Concert Series will be held at Museum London beginning Sunday at 2:30 p.m. with the Jeremy Price Quartet.
The free concert series also includes the Graham Lear Trio Oct. 20, The Soul Doctors Nov. 24 and Pacanomad Dec. 15.
“It’s part of our mandate to introduce jazz and soul to the community,” said Mario Circelli, chair of the Forest City London Music Awards and one of the founders of the hall of fame.
“Sunday marks the return of (flute player) Jeremy Price to London. He’s been living and playing in Vancouver for the last 15 years and we’re really excited to have him back in London and to have his pianist, Charlie Rallo here, who was mentored by (the late Canadian jazz icon) Oscar Peterson.”
Circelli said the series also marks the return of Lear to performing in London after more than 40 years on the road playing in some of rock’s most celebrated bands: Gino Vannelli, Santana, REO Speedwagon, Saga and Paul Anka, with whom he continues to tour.
Circelli had effusive praise for the soul bands, The Soul Doctors and Pacanomad.
“These are two really hot soul bands and, interestingly, they are both fronted by two very talented women,” said Circelli.
The Soul Doctors, known for fusion of electric jazz, soul and hip hop, is fronted by Somali-born and London-raised singer Fatima Muhamed.
Pacadomad, also known for an eclectic fusion of jazz, soul and RandB, features singer Chantel Rivard.
“This is all about supporting London musicians and introducing them to Londoners, but these really are amazing talents,” said Circelli.