JAMES BROWN, Art Of Anthem Ensemble, Chamber Jazz Reimagined

This group emerged after the recording of James Brown’s album Anthem for Everyone. This engaging and genre-blurring project features an eclectic lineup of Toronto-based musicians, including bassist Clark Johnston, and vocalist/pianist Hannah Barstow.

This unique chamber jazz ensemble features vocalese (wordless singing), violin, piano, acoustic bass and guitar.

The set list includes Brown’s reimagined bilingual arrangement of Canada’s national anthem, “O Canada,” composed by Calixa Lavallée. Other features are tunes with original lyrics and arrangements of music by Joni Mitchell.

Brown’s exploration of the intersection between jazz and classical music is showcased in this group as is his ever growing catalogue of original music.

Artist Background

Born in 1967 in Oakville, Ontario, and raised in Burlington, James Brown began guitar lessons at age 13. He later pursued classical guitar at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto while also immersing himself in jazz through informal jam sessions.

His debut jazz album, First Dance (1998), featured top-tier Toronto players Ernie Tollar (saxophones), Andrew Downing (bass), and John Obercian (drums). Brown went on to release The Home Fields (2002), Sevendaze (2009), and Song Within the Story (2022). Collaborators across his discography include Don Thompson, Mike Murley, Jim Vivian, Anthony Michelli, Mike Milligan, and Quinsin Nachoff.

James Brown guitar Hannah Barstow vocals/piano, Clark Johnston bass