biographical info
Arkana Music is noted for its creative risk taking and virtuosity.
Russ Cooper of Panpot.ca described their debut album, Hyprovisation as
"a truly gorgeous discovery packed with remarkable musicianship," and
John Book of da bookman's blog said "these guys know how to play with
the kind of tenacity which comes from not only knowing your instrument,
but knowing how to play music."
Arkana Music is a Toronto
based modern jazz quintet focused on improvisation and creative music.
All compositions are by Ali Berkok and each piece is written in order
to create a different environment, without relying on existing jazz
vehicles and devices.
Since its inception, Arkana has
performed in many of Toronto's established venues such as the Rex
Hotel, Cameron House, Tranzac and the Trane Studio, and newer clubs
like the Central and Concord Cafe. Arkana has received airplay on
international radio and podcasts, reaching as high as #1 on Calgary's
CJSW jazz chart. As well, the band was recently featured as the
soundtrack to Deartoronto.com coverage of Toronto's "Nights of Fire"
event.
The beginnings of the band date back to collaborations
between Ali and saxophonist Mark Laver, which took place at the Banff
Centre For The Arts in 2005. Here, Ali and Mark were introduced to a
world of techniques outside of the mainstream. Shortly thereafter,
while working in Hong Kong, Ali started working on the initial pieces
for the band. Arkana Music first appeared in May 2006 at the Concord
Cafe in Toronto.
lineup
Ali Berkok leader, composer, pianist
Mark Laver saxophone
Jake Oelrichs drums
Gord Mowat bass
Tom Richards trombone
influences
Dave Douglas
Ornette Coleman
Thelonious Monk
Vijay Iyer
Craig Taborn