Avalon Motel: an evolutionary branch on the jazz tree

Understated, interesting and sensual, Avalon Motel incorporates the influences of traditional and mainstream jazz artists with musical influences of their generation. The group represents a branch in the evolution of jazz and a style all their own. Together since 1992, the group has performed in Montreal, Eastern Canada and Alaska at festivals, clubs and concerts as well as engagements as far away as Japan and South Korea. After two successful performances at the Festival International de Jazz de Montreal the group followed with numerous television and radio appearances, and invitations to perform at Canada’s premier jazz clubs and other festivals around the country.

Jointly led by vocalist Louise Thibault and seven-string guitarist Jon Gearey, the group also counts as founding member tenor saxophonist, Frank Lozano.
Formerly known as Avalon, their debut CD, The Whispering Breeze , released in January 1997, received very favourable reviews. A special Christmas project entitled, Where Sleigh Bells Swing was released in December 1998 nearly selling out of its initial pressing. Both recordings were released under the group’s previous name, Avalon. A third CD, reflecting the group’s name change and entitled simply Avalon Motel, proved their most popular disque to date.
Avalon Motel’s varied repertoire ranges from updated arrangements of jazz classics, the Brazilian songs of Antonio Carlos Jobim which Louise delivers flawlessly in Portuguese as well as original music composed by the various members of the group.

The group has direction and a maturing sound. Audiences are brought into the music through Louise’s ability to get inside the lyric and convey the mood and meaning of a piece; through the thoughtful arrangements and 7-string guitar work of Jon Gearey and through Frank’s inventive use of reed instruments and his big tenor sound.

A cross-Canada tour is being planned for this summer’s jazz festival season. Check back here for dates in your city.

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