Brothers Remy and Pascal Le Boeuf will join Karl Schwonik at the Beat Niq on December 28 and 29

This time of year there’s a lot of talk about Christmas traditions and New Years celebrations. Fitting, then, that whether you’re into the traditional or the new, December has something for all the jazzers. Take the works of Duke Ellington. Ellington had his beginnings in the Big Band years, and for most he’s synonymous with hits like “Take the A Train,” “Mood Indigo” and “Sophisticated Lady.” For many, though, Ellington has always been more than a jazz musician. He’s often regarded as a 20th century composer, known for orchestral works like “Black, Brown and Beige” and “Harlem,” as well as spiritual pieces. So an Ellington tribute is bound to be a wide-ranging endeavour. It’s a big job, but on December 14 and 15, the Beat Niq will feature the Mainstream Jazztet’s special program based on Ellington’s music. Led by Calgary pianist and arranger Dave Klinger, the group features musicians who have been mainstays in Calgary's jazz scene for decades.

While Ellington is traditional, and in the last few years his music has been featured in Christmas performances all around Calgary, this month ends with something new. It’s a special two-night gig by some of the hottest young jazz performers on the continent playing some of the newest jazz music. Part of a special 10-day tour of Western Canada, Beat Niq will feature the Karl Schwonik Quartet with special guests Remy and Pascal LeBoeuf, on December 28 and 29. Schwonik, originally from rural Alberta, is a blind drummer who continues to rack up critical acclaim wherever he performs. He’s the youngest artist ever to take part in the long-term career residency program at The Banff Centre, has been featured on ABC and NBC television and he’s gigged with Chucho Valdes, Dave Liebman, P.J. Perry and Hugh Fraser, just to name a few. Expect to be impressed.

Schwonik is joined by the Le Boeuf brothers, regarded by many as the cutting edge of progressive jazz. The Le Boeufs are a key part of New York’s jazz scene and their style mixes jazz, hip hop and alternative rock influences with sophisticated harmonies. Remy plays saxophone and Pascal the piano, both musicians playing in a style associated with Chris Potter, Brian Blade and others. The Le Boeufs definitely have a fresh and challenging take on things, so it’s not surprising to hear they grew up listening to the likes of Charlie Mingus and Dave Holland. If you’re into the newest jazz edges, don’t miss it.