Saulter Suite
Colleen Allen, Jim Gelcer, George Koller, Fern LIndzon
Saulter Suite is a new collective formed by four vibrant veterans of the Toronto jazz scene. The group began as weekly socially distanced sessions during the slow rebound from months of isolation. Their repertoire is a salty sweet mixture of original material and deep dives into rarely performed Canadian compositions, and is as diverse and captivating as the performers playing it.
Alberta born Colleen Allen plays all saxes, flute, and clarinet. She is a top call in Toronto for live shows, festivals, and recording projects. Colleen is considered one of the most cherished musicians on the Canadian music scene. A dynamic solo performer and flawless ensemble musician, Colleen is known for her gorgeous warm tone, soulful style, and brilliant soloing. Colleen is a world-class musician whose musical talents have touched many audiences around the globe.
Jim Gelcer is a prolific recording artist, and sought after sideman, performing with the who’s who of Canadian jazz. He is at home in an eclectic range of genres, from jazz and rock to Klezmer and Kirtan, and an accomplished composer with numerous credits in television and film. Gelcer’s most recent recording “Jim and Paul Play Glenn and Ludwig” hit #1 in Canada on both the jazz and classical charts. He is also renowned in the world yoga community for his meditative mantra music recordings.
JUNO nominee Fern Lindzon is a multi-faceted pianist/vocalist/arranger. Fern possesses a technique WholeNote Magazine called ‘breathtakingly beautiful’, respected jazz critic Mark Miller wrote ‘is secure in her sense of herself, her art, and her craft’, New Canadian Music described as ‘one of the most adventurous and accomplished vocalists, pianists, and songwriters on the T.O. jazz scene’, and Montreal critic Irwin Block lauded as ‘a rare and fascinating talent’.
Personnel:
Colleen Allen-saxophone
Jim Gelcer-drums
George Koller-bass
Fern LIndzon-piano
Check out: “Live at Jazz FM”
Photo credits are as follows: Jim pics: Patrick Ross George pics: Lloyd Smith Colleen pics: Marie Byers Fern pics: Yanka van der Kolk
