The compositions by Cat Toren's HUMAN KIND are inspired by both the free form jazz of the 1960’s and a personal expression of the resurgent civil rights movement that is upon us. Jazz has always been music of expression and of the people. In the late 60’s, as John and Alice Coltrane and their contemporaries were bringing jazz to new levels of experimentation and cross-culturalism, the sociopolitical climate was fraught with tension. There were benefits held for the Congress Of Racial Equality (CORE) at the infamous Five Spot Cafe, Nina Simone was singing “Mississippi Goddam” at Carnegie Hall and producer/concert promoter Norman Granz was demanding that venues adhere to mixed seating for his Jazz at the Philharmonic tours which featured artists such as Dizzy Gillespie and Ella Fitzgerald. America has come a long way, but this recent regression is a wake up call that the work is far from over. Some feel uncomfortable as liberal values creep into their communities (when you’re used to privilege, equality feels like oppression - anon.) while others don’t see civil liberties as a primary issue. In keeping with tradition, this album will benefit organizations that fight for civil liberties and human rights.

Featuring:

• Xavier Del Castillo - Saxophone
• Brian Prunka - Oud/Guitar
• Cat Toren - Piano/Compositions
• Jake Leckie - Bass
• Matt Honor - Drums

More About Cat Toren:

atherine (Cat) Toren is a jazz pianist, improviser, and composer. Originally from Vancouver, Canada, Cat has studied classical piano and theory at the Royal Conservatory of Music and holds a Bachelor of Jazz Studies from Capilano College in Vancouver. She has been a valued participant at the Banff Centre’s Big Band Workshop and Jazz and Creative Music Workshop with funding from the Canada Council for the Arts.

At the 2010 Vancouver International Jazz Festival, Cat was awarded the prestigious Galaxy Rising Star Award for her work with the quintet Pugs and Crows. This group has received high acclaim in the Canadian creative music scene, having performed coast to coast and shared bills with artists such as Bill Frisell and Jill Barber. They are nominated for Instrumental Album of the Year in the 2013 JUNO Awards. In 2011, Cat was honoured to be selected as the recipient of the Denis Jackson Endowment Fund while at The Banff Centre. Also in 2010, Cat had the privilege of performing in the Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver.

https://cattorenband.bandcamp.com/