“A magnificent evening! Glorious sound and special meaning.”

Deborah Barrett

“Wow! You really outdid yourself this time. What an absolutely fabulous evening! It was a beautifully designed program with great variety and so much to offer. I only have the 2nd concert on record so it was a treat to hear selections from the 1st one as well. I won't pick out anyone for particular mention as they were all so good. However, the three soloists were superb. And you have such a terrific bunch of musicians in the orchestra. What a genius Ellington was to write such music! Many thanks for a great evening.”

Rod Paterson

“I want to congratulate you, your musicians and singers for your spectacular Ellington: The Sacred Concerts performance of Saturday March 27. This, to me, was one of your finest presentations if not your absolute best ever. Duke Ellington would have been proud of the manner in which his music was treated by your wonderful group of musicians. All are to be congratulated for their masterful performance. All the soloists were formidable and if I can be permitted to single out; trumpeter Rick Rangno and drummer Mark Rehder, both absolutely outstanding. But the real stars of the night were you Adrian for putting all this together and Duke Ellington himself for having written such soulful music. Bravo to all forty-eight artists. I'm sure the Duke enjoyed it!”

Jacques Émond, Programming Director, Ottawa International Jazz Festival

“Great music, superb musicians, excellent vocals, ideal setting. An unforgettable evening. Some dancer!”

Terry Hill

“We much enjoyed yesterday evening. It was a great concert. We were particularly impressed with your arrangements/orchestrations, which were brilliant. It was a fascinating combination of instruments and it worked. Christine Fagan was most enjoyable. And there were great solos by Dave Renaud, Zakari Frantz and Rick Rangno. You never cease to amaze us with your inventiveness and creativity. Keep up the good work.”

Rod Paterson

“Wonderful concert last night. Amazing! The precision, colour and dynamics were superb. And it was also a lot of fun. Best one you have put on yet. You must do it again; too good for just one performance. Congratulations to you, Christine and the other musicians.”

Keith Richardson

“Wonderful arranging, playing and singing, and of course, great material!”

Ann Downey

“What a wonderful concert yesterday evening at the Billings Estate! It was a great program superbly played and a real treat.”

Rod Paterson

“The Impressions in Jazz Orchestra (IJO) continues to give Ottawa, Canada, one of its best opportunities to experience both established and contemporary works from masters of both composing and arranging...

Their 16 April program, Masterpieces: Ellington & Peaslee, was a revelation, since Peaslee's name is virtually unknown to audiences raised on Ducal traditions, but the logic of the pairing was soon evident. Both men share gifts for evocative themes, rich tone colors, surprising effects, and imaginative use of instrumentation. Both capitalized on ensemble and solo strengths.

Seattle-based Richard Peaslee's versatility has found outlets in both jazz and classical concerts, as well as music for film, theatre, dance, and television. The pieces for this Ottawa program, Nightsongs and the four-movement Chicago Concert (originally written for Gerry Mulligan), showcased this diversity and gave the orchestra a challenge it met with flair. Filling the Mulligan role admirably was Mike Tremblay on baritone.

The evening's centrepiece, however, was Ellington's Far East Suite, with Adrian Cho - the IJO's founder/leader/arranger/bassist - offering well-researched, brief remarks on the Suite's origins. Without duplicating either style or solo content, some of the IJO's key members nevertheless did credit to the memories and accomplishments of several Ellington stars. The entire Suite was an inspiring ride back into jazz history...

These are great times for music in our capital.”

Lois Moody, jazz columnist for the Ottawa Citizen (1967 - 1992)
Written for Ellingtonia, June 2009, the newsletter of the Duke Ellington Society

“Congratulations on the presentation last night, it was a most enjoyable evening. Again I was MOST impressed with the fabulous musicianship and of course your innovative ideas and leadership throughout. Everyone around me were having a wonderful time and thoroughly into the interactiveness of it all!

I truly think that YOU are a GIFTED teacher, and I'm looking forward to your book publication. Once again KUDOs to you...Well Done!”

Sandy Faux

“Great show - hope there's a repeat!”

Amanda Abdelhadi

“Now Saturday night was the best jazz night we've had for years! Honest!! Right after the show, Helene and I looked at each other and had the same reaction: this is a happening. We were literally blown away! I'll make sure we don't miss any event of that sort in the future…”

Jean Luc Cormier

“I attended the show on Saturday night. Let me first say I am not a musician and not even really all that knowledgeable about jazz. However, Saturday night was probably some of the best pure entertainment I have experienced in a very long time. The imagination, skill and mastery demonstrated by the musician was completely captivating. Equally important was that it was a lot of fun; the musicians clearly were enjoying themselves and so was the audience. Pure entertainment!

IMHO, the format made jazz a lot more accessible to a wider audience. Let's hope Adrian and the musicians do it again.”

Ian Skerrett in response to a post on Peter Hum's jazz blog, Thriving on a Riff

“I'm surprised. I was there saturday night with my wife and our 16 yo son. We're not that much into free jazz to begin with but we enjoyed every part of it. I think there's an important nuance to do between free jazz and improv. This absolutely well organised and structured improvisation experience led to a delightful jazz night which is not even close to those free jazz events where individual soloists often have more fun than their listeners. This was a well-directed, entertainning and genuine musical adventure. Then again I'm always a little surprised to read comments about a show before the fact. Congratulations to Adrian and all the band members. I just can't wait for the next experience of that genre!”

Jean Luc Cormier in response to a post on Peter Hum's jazz blog, Thriving on a Riff

“I had the extreme pleasure of attending the presentation and must say that it sounded nothing like the Zorn performance clip..thankfully! The musicians did what EVERY musician does when they improvise and make music together they LISTENED to eachother and BUILT on the basis of energy and the musical stucture that is being played at the time. The evening was a brilliant teaching experience for those not musical and it was inspirational for those who do have a background. It's too bad you missed out, maybe next time.”

Sandy Faux in response to a post on Peter Hum's jazz blog, Thriving on a Riff

“I also attended the show Saturday. I was excited to go mainly due to the line up of musicians (and the fact that, with 2 kids, I don’t get out much). And then, I heard David Renaud. I was not familiar with his playing. What a great additional surprise. He’s a monster. I counted over 20 instruments on stage and at least 5 were his. The way he moved from bass clarinet, clarinet, sax alto, tenor…I thought his alto solo was just out of this world. Now, I regret not seeing the Benny Goodman tribute.

By the way, shouldn’t free jazz be free of any pre-judgment, especially from overseas. Free jazz is different from the west coast to the east coast or America to Europe. It should be defined by its local musicians and their audience. Isn’t it the idea in general with jazz? And then, you like it or you don’t.

Adrian is one of Ottawa’s best jazz promoters; we need to back him up as much as possible.

In all, I think the majority of the audience would say that the evening was a great success, just had to look back at the audience or listen to the laughter. It was a blast. I think it should be conceptualized and introduce to other jazz cities. “Take it on the road”. Make sure you have a funny man like Steve and it’s a sure thing.”

Francis Legault in response to a post on Peter Hum's jazz blog, Thriving on a Riff

“I attended the show on Saturday night, with some trepidation, I might add. I know very little about jazz, and nothing at all about "free jazz". I went to learn - and I learned, in spades!!! What surprised me was how quickly, over the evening, the musicians became attuned to each other. Once they established that rapport, the evening just flew. Adrian Cho may think that three hours was too much, and maybe it was for the performers. For me, it could have gone on for another three hours. I was enthralled. I have a little experience with music and musical instruments; enough to recognise enormous talent and skill when I hear it. Both were in abundance that night. Any quibbles? The peripherals (slides and cellphone voting) were a little "techie" for my liking (but then I'm almost 70!).”

Terry Hill in response to a post on Peter Hum's jazz blog, Thriving on a Riff

“Thank you very much for keeping the music alive.”

Jacques Émond, Programming Director, Ottawa International Jazz Festival

“Many thanks for a wonderful concert on Thursday. It was a great evening and what a fine band! On this occasion Dave Renaud, Mark Rehder, Rick Rangno and Don Paterson were the standouts. Dave has an incredible feel for the Goodman sound. Jozée Devoua did a great job. It is good to see younger people getting into this music. Also, the two articles in the program by you and Debbie were most interesting and informative.”

Rod Paterson

“I attended the concert, which I had been looking forward to for some time. The program was great, the musicians superb, as always, and obviously you put a great deal of effort in to putting the whole show together.”

Brian Parkin

“Dear Mr. Renaud: very much enjoyed your performance and of course the whole IJO last night!”

Ray Pearmain (sent to David Renaud)

“Good show last night. The whole band was awesome, but you shone like the star that you are Dave. I was thoroughly impressed.”

Colin (sent to David Renaud)

“Just had to tell you what a really amazing concert that was last night. It was breath-taking and thrilling and mesmerizing, and you seemed to play it so effortlessly, and with style and fun too. Anyway, the evening flew by with such wonderful music played by such a talented bunch.”

Diana (sent to David Renaud)

“The IJO concert last night was absolutely fantastic! David Renaud is a HUGE talent! Bravo to you all!, in particular, Adrian - Mille Bravi for organizing, planning, tracking down the music / purchasing / setting the music / rehearsals / sound / venue / publicity / etc. etc. etc. It was a fabulous concert - and so, so well executed. David -- you are a marvel and a great musician. Thank you all so much!”

Floralove Katz

“I had the pleasure of attending your wonderful concert last night. The music and musicians were superb. Congratulations on a great show.”

Elizabeth Sampson

“The musicianship was great and I really enjoyed the concert.”

Alan Wilkinson

“You guys sounded fab! Congratulations!”

Janice Mah

“Thanks so much for a wonderful evening of STELLAR music last night. I was VERY impressed with the program, the presentation and most of all the musicians. You have a dynamic group who are not only technically bang on but I could feel their genuine connection with the tunes. I also picked up on the sincere support everyone has for each other which in turn translates into FUN to the audience and all the folks I were sitting near were thoroughly enjoying the moment!”

Sandy Faux

“What a great concert last evening! It was lovely to have a vocalist with the orchestra too and Jozée did a wonderful job, we all thought.”

Karen Oxorn

“Your band is AMAZING. Great energy.”

Jozée Devoua

“Congratulations on the concert tonight Adrian! Your programming is so creative, it's amazing! And the orchestra sounds great.”

Olivier Henchiri

“Congratulations on a full house last night, and a great concert!”

Ron Sweetman, jazz writer and radio producer

“CONGRATULATIONS !!! That was an excellent concert with so much variety. You have big dreams and are beginning to realize them without having to compromise and do something smaller. Keep those marvellous ideas coming!”

Signi Damus

“What a fabulous evening. Your approach is so refreshing and the programming looks wicked.”

Melanie Scott, Editor, WHERE Ottawa

“I just wanted to thank you for a terrific time at your concert last night. The kids really enjoyed themselves and talked about the experience the whole way home. We really appreciated your meet and greet since it gave them the chance to talk to the musicians who play their instruments.”

Lee Hayes

“Let me congratulate you on what was an outstanding concert. Everyone we knew who was there was knocked out by what you and your great band accomplished. Everybody was talking about attending your next concert. Most of these people were not big band fans. They are now.”

Bill O'Hara

“I LOVE IT! Your work, vision, and love of music are an incredible gift to the world!”

Michelle McKernan

“Thank YOU so much for all your incredible work!!! It was SUCH a thrill for me, really and truly, and I will look forward to October very much!! The other shows look and sound AMAZING, so congrats again with the whole project!!!!!!!!!”

Lina Allemano, trumpet soloist

“Your orchestra is superb - I heard the music truly come to life thanks to their passionate and skilful playing.”

Ian Farthing, Artistic Director, St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival

“We were both extremely impressed by the show. The venue, the atmosphere, and all the little extras only complemented the quality of the performances. The pairing of music and acting made for a complete package and a very unique experience.”

Sandra Stockley

“This was a brilliant show. We enjoy baroque music and jazz - it was amazing to have them brought together like that. I've been a bardophile for years, so it was a real treat to hear music express characters. We usually feel that modern settings and costumes don't work for Will S's plays, but the jazz sure did. What a great group of musicians - we'll be keeping track of their gigs.”

Judy Benner

“A brief note to congratulate you and your musicians for your wonderful performance last night. I thought it was beautifully put together and executed.”

Jacques Émond, Programming Director, Ottawa International Jazz Festival

“Congratulations on a fabulous show last night! All ensembles were awesome and it was apparent that everyone was having a great time, enjoying both the readings and music.”

Sonia Dimitrov

“Sweet show! The music was so tight. I loved it as did the gang that accompanied me.”

Mary Catherine Jack

“Just a note of thanks to you and to all of the IJO team for the wonderful evening Tuesday. This was my first chance to hear the orchestra and I was bowled over by the precision and vibrance of the playing - fantastic achievement. The whole conception of the evening was a revelation to me. This is the kind of cross-cultural synergy that is so needed but so seldom encountered. Looking around me, I couldn't find a single face that was anything less than animated throughout the evening.”

Bob Reid

“The concert was spectacular and the audience was very appreciative. What you are doing is like a breath of fresh air in Ottawa; we are blessed with some great musicians and you have given them a high class focus for their talents.”

Keith Richardson

“Congratulations on Tuesday's performance! Everyone at my table was ecstatic; none had heard the IJO before and all said they'd be at future concerts.”

Ron Sweetman, jazz writer and radio producer

“A very enjoyable evening, the playing was great, the sound was great, the dancers were hot! Good fun. It's great to hear attention to detail in big band playing which you don't often hear these days.”

Stephen Rowat

“All of the musicians were excellent, and you could tell how much they were enjoying playing this very challenging music.”

Christine Fagan

“Another super concert. Way to go. Great program notes too.”

John Haysom

“Congratulations to you, the members of IJO, and of course Lina for an absolutely extraordinary musical evening.”

Bill O'Hara

“It was a wonderful show, congratulations. That was the third time I saw the IJO, and I'm more impressed each time.”

Elizabeth Sampson

“The concert the other evening was wonderful. It provided an opportunity to hear a live presentation of a recording that has found its way to my player many times over the years, and I was so moved to hear the actual instruments directly. The project was an ambitious one for the band, and each member executed their parts brilliantly. Thank you to everyone involved for bringing this music to Ottawa.”

Susan Galvin

“I thought the evening was splendid, the setting was inspiring and the band was awesome.”

Mick Collins

“Thank you for putting on such a great concert. I never imagined that I would ever be able to see a live rendition of this music.”

Dave MacDonald

“The Genius of Gil Evans concert was my first exposure to the Impressions in Jazz Orchestra. It was the most enjoyable and satisfying jazz performance that I've experienced in a long while. The previous evening I was enthralled by Mahler's 2nd Symphony at the NAC. I was equally enthralled with the Gil Evans concert.”

Brian Parkin

“It was exciting to hear Gil's incredible music live! An extremely talented and capable group of players...the high quality of the concert speaks volumes about their individual and collective ability to rise to the occasion and produce a most memorable evening. Thanks Adrian and the IJO for bringing Gil's music to life for me.”

Lloyd Hiscock

“The Gil Evans evening was the most enjoyable live music I have heard in a very, very long time.”

Ken Laprade

“A wonderful concert. You did Gil Evans proud.”

Jack Chambers

“It was very powerful and very moving. Everyone did a wonderful job, and you should be commended for this huge undertaking.”

John Steele

“I should just like to tell you how much we have enjoyed the three concerts we have so far attended. The standard of the music is first rate - you have some superb musicians working with you. The section work in the large orchestra has been really great and your productions have been most innovative.”

Rod and Anne Paterson

“I THOROUGHLY enjoyed today's show. It was fabulous and clever beyond belief.”

Judy Keen

“Thank you so much for your most enjoyable concert yesterday. Everyone enjoyed it so much. Robert, of course was once again so impressed with your approach to his favourite - the jazz genre. I loved it all of course but was especially impressed with your use of technology for the opening visuals.”

Sandra Lawn

“What a treat!! Firstly, the music of Ellington and Strayhorn was brilliant, well rehearsed and joyful. Secondly, the dancers were wonderful, supple and held the complete attention of all the children in attendance. The story was pushed along with the use of two large screens projecting computer images. What an innovative way to enhance and tie together the story line, along with the storyteller. All in all, well worth the price of admission.”

Sue Galvin

“I love you guys! And I'm telling all my friends.”

Tracy Morey

“A big congratulations on a very successful show by many metrics. We had a full house, an ambitious theme, and great execution. Good job on the whole production. I'm glad that you were audacious enough to attempt it, and very happy that it worked so well!”

Byron Alley, Director, Swing Dynamite

“Great concert on Sunday. The audience loved it and you must have been pleased with the turnout. It was an ambitious show. The band was in good form and the extra numbers you added to the suite fitted in well.”

Keith Richardson

“The music was superb. I loved the beginning with the IJO sound etc. Very cute! Great show.”

Meg McManus

“It's been such a zoo this week I haven't managed to write to tell you how much I enjoyed the Canuckracker. Wonderfully imaginative. I was sitting in the front with a bunch of children and just watching them was all I needed to see to understand that it works. Well done.”

Robert Cram

“It was great hearing top notch jazz and musicians again and it was great to see the the sparkles in my kids eyes.”

Francis Legault

“It was a standing-room-only show for the most innovative Nutcracker I've ever seen... The music, of course, owed its heart to Tchaikovsky and the Ellington-Strayhorn team, but for relevant background, when some of the excellent dancers took the stage, Adrian Cho turned to some other themes from the Ellington library. It all flowed together beautifully, just as if the Duke and Billy's version of the suite had always been this way.”

Lois Moody, jazz columnist for the Ottawa Citizen (1967 - 1992)
Written for Ellingtonia, March 2008, the newsletter of the Duke Ellington Society

“Congratulations! Great show, especially the second part.”

Mario Poirier

“Congratulations Adrian, you played a storm tonight. More intensity, more music that I have every heard from you!”

Brett Delmage

“I wanted to thank you for the concert last night. I really enjoyed the arrangements and performances.”

Mikela McGettigan

“That was a fabulous, fun concert - I think the most enjoyable of the ones I attended so far!”

Signi Damus

“We thoroughly enjoyed last night's concert. Thank you for introducing us to such a talented group of musicians. We're hooked!”

Bob & Claudia Beaudoin

“Thanks very much for the very entertaining and interesting concert last night. I found it very exciting to see and hear the familiar themes and show tunes played live by such a good band.”

Ross Mercer

“The concert was a lot of fun and, as usual, the guys played great.”

John Haysom

“A total triumph. I thought it was the musical equivalent of a 7th game Stanley Cup final.”

Bill O'Hara

“Congratulations on your wonderful performance of last Friday. The musicianship was exceptional and the arrangements just great, with lots of great playing by all.”

Jacques Émond, Programming Director, Ottawa International Jazz Festival

“What a fabulous concert!! Great musical selections. I hope to attend many future events!”

Leah Barlett

“I haven't shut up about your concert on Friday. What a great performance.”

Adrian Butts

“Congratulations on a great artistic success! Brilliant in concept and execution.”

Ron Sweetman, jazz writer and radio producer

“Suite Freedom was a tremendous jazz extravaganza with its superb writing, arranging, and playing by some of the best musicians around.”

Jacques Émond, Programming Director, Ottawa International Jazz Festival

“Thanks for your magnificent concert. The combination of the music you have picked for the concerts and the recreation of the historical performances is wonderful and also unique in my experience. I find that the educational side of it really adds to the joy of the music itself.”

John Wiseman

“You pulled off a truly magical evening last Saturday with “Suite Freedom.” Kudos to all involved. The program with its extensive notes also heightened the listening experience and makes an excellent reference material. You pulled off a prodigious body of work and it was clear that we all enjoyed a very special experience.”

Janice Kelly

“Suite Freedom was both conceptually and technically ambitious, and fully delivered on its substantial promise. It was a unique musical experience that entertained and moved throughout the entire evening. The “Impressions in Jazz” series should be a major and permanent feature of the Ottawa jazz landscape - let's get the word out and make it so!”

Duncan Baird

“We were so excited that we went out to capture the original recordings that inspired Adrian's Impressions in Jazz show. I really wish I had told more of my friends about this concert. The series is the best kept secret on the Ottawa jazz scene.”

Christina Harrison

“This was, without a doubt, one of the finest concerts of this year's festival.”

Jacques Émond, Programming Director, Ottawa International Jazz Festival

“Thanks for the fabulous concert on Friday. Wow. I go to classical and jazz concerts and this was very special. Loved the Duke Ellington music and stories. You directed wonderfully with amazing story telling.”

Fred McGregor

“I heard your smaller group at last year's festival and was looking forward to hearing more of the same and I have to say I was not disappointed with the Friday concert in the NAC Studio. I felt that the audience enjoyed all of the soloists... I also have to comment on the dialogue with which you so eloquently introduced each piece giving interesting historical anecdotes about the original composers as well as the creators of these excellent adaptations of this music...”

Gord Price

“Congratulations for your very ambitious, dynamic and educational concert Friday night. The highlights of my Jazz year have been Maynard Ferguson's big band and your group. We couldn't believe that a local group would attempt to play Kenton's Cuban Fire in public. Spectacular!”

Gene Sollows

“I was totally “blown away” by the high calibre of the musicians on stage... The succinct anecdotes describing the creation of these various pieces provided a colourful perspective in which to enjoy them. The low key direction by Mr. Cho appeared to give the musicians free reign to enjoy themselves on stage while still exacting perfection.”

Helen Wygoda (written to the Ottawa Citizen)

“Great show last night. I enjoyed myself all the way. Adrian, your commitment and knowledge kept the audience with you right through the evening.”

Robert Cram

“I was extremely impressed by the quality of musicianship in the group. ...to see local musicians having such a good time playing technically difficult music that does not get heard very often with such style and crispness was a real treat.”

“I really enjoyed that you gave information about the pieces and some placing of the music in time. I thought it was wonderful to see some really talented musicians in Ottawa get some limelight playing very cool classy jazz music.”

Jenny Kendrick

“I thought it was a great performance...a superb job”

Jacques Émond, Programming Director, Ottawa International Jazz Festival

“Cho’s intentions were clearly to educate as much as entertain, and he succeeded on both fronts.”

John Kelman, All About Jazz

“Adrian, you are to be congratulated for your very ambitious and successful concert on February 12th. It was truly a magical evening, one of the more memorable jazz experiences of the winter season. Your group was highly professional, very tight and really classy! The programme notes themselves were worth the price of admission. We thank you very much for this tremendous effort on your part and look forward to the next concerts in your series. If this first concert is an example of the next, they are not to be missed by any Ottawa jazz fan.”

Dick and Pauline Williams

“Let me say that was an amazing concert on Saturday night. The music, the musicians and the accompanying booklet were all fabulous. For someone like myself, who didn't see this music when it was first played, you have provided all of us with an unforgettable experience.”

Gerald Bailie

“This was jazz of the highest order and extremely well received by the audience.”

Jacques Émond, Programming Director, Ottawa International Jazz Festival

“Cho a cool guide to hot jazz”   “You couldn't have asked for a better guide to the music at yesterday's Connoisseur Series concert than Ottawa bassist Adrian Cho.”

Alex Hutchinson, Ottawa Citizen (July 3, 2005; City Section, Page 9, “Cho a cool guide to hot jazz”)