Robi Botos

ROBI BOTOS has been hailed as one of the most diverse multi-instrumentalists of this generation. From the hard-bop style of Bill Evans and Herbie Hancock, to the swing of Oscar Peterson and the heartfelt melodic expression of Mulgrew Miller and Cedar Walton, Robi has managed to master the technique of his idols, all while showcasing his musical expressions in a voice that is purely his own. While Robi is known for being a strong player in the traditional jazz and funk fields, he always incorporates an element of the music he grew up listening to into his playing. Says organist, trumpeter and pianist Joey Defrancesco: “Robi is one of the most swingin’, soulful, funky, world class players I’ve ever heard, and he has a technique like you can’t believe. Definitely one of my very favorite players!!!” 

Born of Romani descent in Hungary, Robi taught himself first to play drums as a young child, and got his first taste of being a professional musician working throughout Budapest. When he turned 20, Robi decided to move his wife and children to Canada to further pursue the career he was born for. Now 20 years later, Robi has solidified himself as one of the most sought-after pianists in the country, and holds 2 JUNO Awards, as well as countless global prizes including the International Association for Jazz Education (IAJE) Award, and 2 nominations in the Canadian Screen Awards. 

In 2018, Robi released a brand-new record that pays homage to his Hungarian upbringing, the early days of his career, and the music that he has dedicated his life to. “OLD SOUL” sees Robi not only venturing into a number of different genres (jazz, funk, soul, gospel and more!), but he also plays on a number of different instruments including the Harpejji. Robi is joined by some familiar faces such as longtime collaborators Mike Downeson bass and Larnell Lewison drums, as well as Seamus Blake on saxophone. Also joining them for the first time is Cory Henry (Snarky Puppy), Ingrid Jensen, and Lionel Loueke). Robi’s ability as a composer is (once again) highlighted on this record with a majority of the tracks being his original material. “Old Soul” pays tribute to his homeland as he takes you down memory lane with visions of his childhood neighbourhood and through some of his favourite spots in his hometown. This record makes you feel like you have a personal connection with one of the most diverse and eclectic artists of our time. Robi is the 2019 JUNO Award-winner for Jazz Album of the Year: Solo for OLD SOUL.

Joanna Majoko

For many Canadian music fans, the name Joanna Majoko is a familiar one: the Toronto-based vocalist, composer, and bandleader has established a reputation as one of Canada’s most exciting young singers. Majoko has been a regular presence on the bandstand with some of the country’s top musicians, including Jane Bunnet and Maqueque, David Clayton-Thomas, of Blood, Sweat and Tears, and Larnell Lewis, of Snarky Puppy. She has performed at some of the world’s biggest festivals, such as the Montreal Jazz Festival, France’s Jazz sur son 31 Festival, and Switzerland’s Internationales Jazz festival Bern, where she participated in a week-long residency with Maqueque. Majoko has also been the recipient of a number of notable accolades, including Emerging Jazz Artist at the 2021 Toronto Arts Foundation awards, Jazz Artist of the Year at the 2019 ByBlacks People’s Choice Awards, major grants from the Toronto Arts Council, the Ontario Arts Council, the Canada Council, and FACTOR, and has been a master class artist at Humber College and the University of Toronto.