Variations In Time A Jazz perspective

What is Jazz? Jazz fans and critics alike have struggled to define this constantly-evolving musical form. Andy Williams, veteran DJ and compiler of the new Variations in Time: A Jazz Perspective fundraising compilation on the Canadian label Public Transit Recordings (PTR), has a few words for the music: Colourful. Passionate. Soulful. Electrifying. Witty. Raw. Heavy. Off-kilter. Deep. The 13 artists Andy handpicked to grace Variations do more justice bringing the essence of the “Great Black Music” to life. Whether hip hop, spoken word, soul, free or funky, the diverse artists on this PTR compilation share common ground in the Nile of jazz. Andy’s been embracing and linking music for more than 30 years through experiences in Jamaica, England, West Africa, Montréal and Toronto, and he curates PTR’s first deep jazz compilation for those who know - and need to know. All proceeds of the CD compilation will go to a cause that inspired Andy, the Tyndale St. George’s Community Centre in Montréal. Some of the highlights on Variations in Time are Avram Fefer Trio’s “Loss (for Flo)"a slow rimshot groover, featuring Avram’s saxophone floating over top of smooth chord changes. Vibes and saxophone pop playfully on the upbeat “Ra-Monk” by Juno award-winning Eval Manigat, reminiscent of the jazzy Caribbean of greats Ernest Ranglin and Monty Alexander. Guitarist Rainer Weins and Afrobeat outfit Follow Follow contribute the insistent groove of “Forks of the Wa.” Rainer lets the funk loose in a track that mixes a little Fela with some prime Gary Bartz.