Recently honoured with a 2023 Ontario Arts Council grant, the Sean Stanley Quintet is one of the most active Jazz bands in Toronto. The grant accolade empowered the group of beloved live performers to release a full-length album last month called Quintest-isms, a unique collection of original tunes including the sentimental song “Scrapin’ By”, the contemplative melody of “Blues for Kwe”, and the deeply personal sound of “Scarborough Stomp” – an homage to the suburb where Stanley grew up and developed his passion for music.
As a self-taught musical artist of Ojibwe/Pottawatomi and Acadian descent, Sean says about his unique position in the local musical landscape: "I take immense pride and gratitude in being one of the few 'Indigenous' Jazz musicians in Toronto. My musical journey diverges from the typical path of Jazz musicians. It is the antithesis, offering inspiration and an added layer of authenticity, engagement, and appeal to the music that cannot be replicated or feigned by other musicians."
In terms of entertainment acts, the Sean Stanley Quintet is as authentic as they come – not to mention consummately professional and just plain fun to watch perform! Read on to learn more about Sean’s love of Jazz music, his commitment to the craft, and how he knows when he’s connected with a crowd – and check out this exclusive playlist Sean has created for your next Swinging Soiree.
What do you love about Jazz music?
Jazz, or any good music, is all about connection, love and community. Sharing with listeners and each other as a band is, for me, one of the most rewarding experiences in the world. In regards to Jazz and Blues specifically, though it was born in the African American & Indigenous communities, it doesn't have any race, colour, age or gender barriers. It can connect with all the people of the world because it has aspects of nearly every culture in it, and is by nature more accepting of the "new" – unlike European classical music, for example. And I don't mean to put down Classical music in any way, but again, this is why Jazz speaks to me and for me and in my opinion, is more representative of our continent today.
Though the popularity of Jazz has waned in the eyes of the public for a long time, there is absolutely a renaissance happening right now in cities like Toronto, Chicago, New Orleans and of course, New York City. People of all ages are swing dancing; the clubs are competitive breeding grounds for the musicians; and there is a huge faith that one day our music will be the popular form in North America (Turtle Island) again. And if not, those of us who love it will just have to love it that much more.
What do you enjoy about performing?
So many things! The feeling of connecting with my instrument, the vocals, and the songs themselves; recalling memories and meanings attached to songs; the sense of pride, and confronting fears or emotions while on stage; and maintaining focus and enabling other people – bandmates and the audience – to have fun.
I also enjoy witnessing the actualization of one's vision being manifested in the physical by an instrument, from thought to hands to ear, and sometimes to the dance floor. I also love to dress well to play – not as a character or caricature, but with a real sense of pride, professionalism, attention to detail and importance. I believe if we look good, are having fun and the music is swingin', that the audience will enjoy it.
How do you know when you've connected with a crowd?
They usually tell us verbally after the performance or with applause, smiles, foot tapping, dancing and tips – we also often get private or performance requests. Hearing questions like ‘Will you play at my wedding?’ or comments like ‘That song reminded me of my Grandmother and I was tearing up’, are when I know I connected with someone on a deeper level.
Bella Vista Entertainment is proud to have this outstanding musical act on our roster and we look forward to hearing from you should you be interested in including them in your next event