Avaatar (Ontario)

Avaatar

Avaatar is the brainchild of Toronto saxophonist and composer, Sundar Viswanathan, a refined and seasoned blend of some key musical interests and elements, including classical Indian music, modern jazz, Brazilian lyricism, atmospheric textures and ambiance, Javanese gamelan, and contemporary improvisation. Notable in the mix are soaring, wordless vocals by Suba Sankaran, which blend in delightful unisons and harmonies with Viswanathan’s elegant-toned alto saxophone lines. Avataar was a recipient of the 2016 TD Special Projects Award from the Toronto Jazz Festival, and is continuing its development with its first international tour, in South Africa, the same month as their performance in Guelph. The superb band lineup features internationally recognized players, with numerous Juno and other notable awards to their names: Michael Occhipinti (guitar), Justin Gray (bass and bass veena), Ravi Naimpally (tablas and percussion), and Max Senitt (drums).

Saturday, 15 September, 5pm, Market Square Stage, free

Sundar Viswanathan website

Listen on YouTube