Though it originated in America, jazz has grown far beyond its North American roots. Many of the genre’s most recent innovations have originated overseas. If you’re following the trends, you’ll likely know about some incredible Dutch and Scandinavian jazz groups. Then there are the international acts from West Africa, Cuba, Norway and Portugal that played this year’s Calgary jazz fests.

This opportunity to sample world jazz isn’t just a once-a-year event here anymore; Calgary attracts major talent on a regular basis. On September 27, for example, the Pumphouse Theatres will feature internationally acclaimed ragtime piano genius Mimi Blais. The classically trained Montreal native has performed to standing ovations in Belgium and Hungary, and was a guest at the Olympic Celebration Arts Ashore ’96 in Savannah, Georgia. She has been described as “The New Queen of Ragtime.”

The jazz scene’s world-class flavour is also being built by artists who have chosen to make Calgary home. Consider the CD release for Calgary newcomer Willow Brocke. Formerly a resident of Los Angeles, the singer-songwriter performs on September 20 at Beat Niq. Her work has been described as reminiscent of Steely Dan in the ’80s, and the new album features harmonies by Swedish-born Johanna Sillanpaa, who also makes her home here. The musicians on the album, all easily described as world-class artists, are Aaron Young, Sheldon Zandboer, Rubim de Toledo, Jon May and Shannon Couture.

Maybe it’s the million-plus population, or maybe it’s the fact that our local musicians have consistently sharpened their talents with the best in the jazz business, but “world class” has become a commonplace descriptor in Calgary’s jazz scene. Take Verissimo for example, a group composed of Pat Belliveau, Jeremy Brown, John Hyde, John deWaal and Derek Stoll. These musicians represent many of the strongest and most imaginative jazz artists in the city. Combined, they’ve toured internationally, sided with many of the jazz giants and played such prestigious gigs as the Montreux International Jazz Festival in Switzerland and the famed Montreal jazz festival. Their September 19 gig at Beat Niq will be a performance in preparation for Verissimo’s new CD.