Helliwell Hall’s first jazz night was a triumph, pairing a stunning new venue with Brownman Ali’s captivating tribute to Miles Davis’ electric years. A stellar band, an engaged crowd, and an exciting atmosphere made it a night to remember.
The venue Helliwell Hall was new, to me (open since Oct.2025), and the star of the night! Offering craft beer brewed on site, and artisan pizza, both that would satisfy any connoisseurs' tastes. The renovations are very well done, the room looks/sounds great. The glass wall with the beer kettles visible (but containing the smell) is a great touch. According to the organizer Juliet Dunn from Niagara Jazz Festival tonight was the venue's first jazz night...and it's about time! Thankfully (hopefully?) the good turnout should ensure there will be more to come.Brownman Ali gave a verbal presentation on Miles and his history anyone thats read Miles' autobiography would know, but for those in the audience that didn't know these details it was well done. A brief history lesson through Miles' journey with some humour thrown in to prepare us for the experience, rather than just jumping in and playing the music was ideal. Anyone showing up and expecting to hear from (name an album) would be prepared: We are going to be hearing from THIS period of Miles' life. Miles evolved and changed music multiple times. It would take a LOT of people, a much larger venue, and an enormous budget to present Miles' entire life in music. We got a good sample.
The music was an overall presentation of Miles' electric career stylistically bouncing between late 60s/early 70s: the spacey fusion of 'In a Silent Way' to the mid 80s almost contemporary 'Jean Pierre' (which the main melody was woven in throughout the rest of the night as they played). Time was limited they couldn't play every stylistic twist even that Miles took, the setlist was a good representation of how Miles evolved with the times.
Keyboardist Nick Maclean was unknown to me prior to this night but no longer I will be following this guys career. He's won multiple awards and nominated for the Juno for jazz album of the year... and I can see why. Very talented young man I will be looking out for.
Guitarist Sam Dickinson was overall conventional except when he wasn't. A lot of the time he laid back and seemed he was unnoticeable on purpose... but when it came time to take a solo he pulled out some avant-garde chops you didn't see coming. His dad Brian would be proud and surely introduced him to a wide variety of players to draw influence from, and he did! He carried a quiet confidence, though there was still a trace of uncertainty about him through the night.
Drummer Adam Mansfield was solid and kept a steady flow. He cued his bandmates with precision and it was clear he was genuinely having a great time... his enthusiasm driving the band almost as much as his playing did.
The listed bass player was stuck in Montreal and unavailable and had to be replaced for the night... and the guy that sat in for him was *great*! I wish I knew his name. Funky and held the groove. I can't imagine anyone else doing a better job. His solos and slapping were on the money too.
Brownman Ali - New Yorker by way of decades in Canada (Toronto) after being born in Trinidad was a mainstay on Toronto scene for years I had seen many times at Beaches jazz festival and always admired... but he's really stepped up his game! Of course paying homage to Miles on his centennial year you're going to want to kill... and he did not disappoint. As the bandleader you could see he was inspirational to the band, and personable with the crowd.
Overall a crowd of over a hundred enjoyed a very entertaining night. I hope that this fantastic venue brings in more and more live jazz in upcoming months/years to come.
EDIT July 19 2026 : went back last night (sadly before the band came on) and I just had to say:
Chef(s), whoever came up with idea to grate a lemon over a pizza (the mushroom pizza) is an absolute genius. Hats off to you!