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Black History Month YP | 2024 Musical Guests

Julian Taylor
Julian Taylor is a Toronto-based, award-winning singer-songwriter, radio host, and label owner. Over the course of his esteemed career, which spans 20-plus years as the leader of Staggered Crossing, Julian Taylor Band, and his solo work, Julian has established himself as one of Canada's greatest troubadours. His 2020 LP, The Ridge, earned two Juno Award nominations, along with a pair of Canadian Folk Music Awards for Solo Artist and English Songwriter of the Year, five Native American Music Award nominations, plus a nomination for Canada's most prestigious music accolade, the Polaris Music Prize. Julian's new album, Beyond the Reservoir, to be released in October 2022 and preceded by the single "S.E.E.D.S," builds on the soul-folk sound and autobiographical themes first explored on The Ridge.

From the alt-rock of Staggered Crossing to the rock and roll, funk, pop, and R&B fusion of Julian Taylor Band, and, more recently, the soulful folk of his solo albums, Julian is known for his versatility as a songwriter, singer, and band leader. As well, as a self-managed musician who has handled every facet of his own career, including owning his own label, Howling Turtle, Julian exemplifies the DIY ethic and been a model for other indie artists to follow.

Jelani Watson
Jelani Watson is a saxophonist and pianist from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Jelani's musical journey began on piano in grade 3. Since then, Jelani has played a variety of instruments with the alto saxophone and piano emerging as his musical voices of choice. With over 16 years of experience on the saxophone ranging from school bands to church bands, accompanying artists in genres including afro-beat and r&b, leading performances for churches, weddings, galas and much more, Jelani seeks to bring the joy and healing of music to everyone who hears him play.
Jelani has a love for gospel, jazz, r&b and soul music, and has recently been studying with Juno Award nominated saxophonist, composer and band leader Jesse Ryan to refine his unique voice on the saxophone. Aside from performing, Jelani is passionate about composing, arranging, producing and audio engineering. This has led to Jelani sharing original music and takes on well-loved songs in the past few years.

While Jelani works as the Education & Outreach Officer at JAZZ.FM91, Canada's only 24/7 jazz radio station, he can also be found playing keys at churches weekly, teaching private lessons at Marsman Music School in Scarborough where he has taught since 2017, and frequenting jazz and neo-soul jam sessions around the city.

YPBC Black History Month | 2024 >  

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