The Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra’s eighth album - Connections: East Meets West - showcases new works by acclaimed Canadian composers Fred Stride and Jean-Nicolas Trottier. A key goal of the WJO is fostering connections between jazz performers and composers across Canada.
Several years ago, the WJO approached Montreal-based Trottier to propose a collaborative commission. Without hesitation, he suggested Fred Stride, whom he had met in 2011 when Stride was presenting masterclasses at the University of Montreal. The collaboration resulted in the stunning nine-movement suite featured on this album.
Both Stride and Trottier are prolific jazz composers, and the WJO is thrilled to spotlight their work in this project. Unfortunately, neither composer will be present at the album release concert.