Toronto, Canada 6 October, 2015

We had a day off in Toronto yesterday that unfolded in a relaxed way beginning with an appearance in the gym.  Had a late breakfast in one of my favourite diner’s, Flo’s.  It’s a little walk-up that serves breakfast all day long.  Spent a hour or so walking and gawking, happily buying nothing.

An Italian dinner last night with most of us gathered ‘round the table at the extraordinary Ristorante Sotto Sotto.  The food, wine, service and atmosphere were all remarkable.  It was a dinner that if it hadn’t been in Toronto, you’d have sworn it was Roma.  I ordered grilled sea bream and a side of angel hair pasta pomodoro.  Everybody seated at the table enthused about what they’d ordered.  As with the best Italian food, they prepare it simply and let the food do the rest.  I can’t recommend this one highly enough.  Check out Sotto Sotto here for location, hours and menu:  www.sottosotto.ca    

Tonight’s show was in Toronto’s legendary Massey Hall, home of countless performances since 1894.  One of thousands of notable presentations was Jazz at Massey Hall in May 1953 with Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Max Roach, Bud Powell and Charles Mingus who were among the architects of modern jazz.  This recording has never been out of print since it’s release 62 years ago.  Caruso, Geo. Gershwin, Vladimir Horowitz, Arturo Toscanini, Dylan and The Kinks are just a few of the varied artists that have graced this stage.  We’ve played here in past and it’s always an honour to play music in this venue.

A sell-out 2,750 capacity crowd, it was a good showing by all… the audience, MK and band.  We’re already looking forward to returning to Toronto.  Our time here was short and sweet.  Tomorrow we leave for a show in Montreal where we’ll base for the next few days.

So long,

Richard