Parkdale, a once poor and dangerous west end neighbourhood in Toronto, has been experiencing a drastic wave of gentrification. Most famous for the current influx of trendy restaurants, bars, boutique hotels and condo's, Parkdale is also home to my new vintage chair and one of Toronto's most talented jazz pianist's Elizabeth Shepherd.
Shepherd's latest album is named after her current home, Parkdale. She moved to Parkdale after she graduated from school at McGill University in Montreal, a personal favourite. Her record release party was appropriately held at The Gladstone Hotel a few weeks ago. Check out this talented artist by clicking on the YouTube video link (top left corner) where she plays with 2 other dudes as part of The Elizabeth Shepherd Trio.
I was extremely fortunate to see the trio open for Bonobo in early March. Wow! What a show! Even though Bonobo only played a DJ set, it was still incredible and Revival, a former church, was the perfect setting for this transcendental experience.
Shepherd is part of the DO RIGHT! music label which also includes the talented Souljazz Orchestra and Basic Soul Unit. You might be familiar with DO RIGHT!'s funky soul parties that happen every Saturday at Supermarket in Kensington.
The Souljazz Orchestra offer more of a Fela Kuti inspired sound, similar to Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra. They can be seen live at the upcoming Toronto Downtown Jazz Festival on June 28th.
Basic Soul Unit, a.k.a. Stuart Li, is a super sweet guy who specializes in nu-jazz
house music. He recently DJ'ed at a fundraiser art party that I co-chaired. Below is a picture of him from the event, which was held at Charlie Pachter's Moose Factory. 
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