Alex Harding & Lucian Ban - "DARK BLUE" Toronto Release Concert

Dates: Friday April 3 and Saturday April 4 at 918 Bathurst.

Detroit-born baritone saxophonist Alex Harding and Transylvanian-born, New York City–based pianist Lucian Ban - an ECM recording artist and two-time nominee for Best European Jazz Musician - are longtime collaborators and leading voices in contemporary jazz. Over more than two decades, they have founded multiple projects together, released acclaimed recordings, and performed extensively across the U.S. and Europe.

DARK BLUE (Sunnyside Records) is a celebration of their musical brotherhood—a duo exploration blending original compositions and improvisations shaped by jazz, blues, and European chamber music. From avant-blues and spontaneous improvisations to lyrical ballads and Sun Ra–inspired atmospheres (Harding is a frequent collaborator with the Arkestra), DARK BLUE captures two master musicians in deep, intuitive dialogue.

As legendary tuba player Howard Johnson writes in the album’s liner notes:
“Lucian and Alex have been honing their duo craft for some years. Now they have become one voice when they want to and still manage to complement each other.”

Lucian Ban – Piano
Alex Harding – Baritone Saxophone & Percussion

Interwoven into the program are special tributes to jazz piano visionaries Ahmad Jamal (April 3) and Bill Evans (April 4), seamlessly connecting their enduring legacy to the duo’s expansive, contemporary sound world.

Featuring guest artists:

Doors: 7:00 PM / Concert: 8:00 PM
Advance Tickets: $40 / Door: $50
Both shows advance: $60
Location: 918 Bathurst Centre for Culture, Arts, Media and Education