Jazz Takes Over Toronto! +++++++Starting today! (June 20) this ever-growing 11 day festival swamps 49 venues with sounds sweet and blue.  (Oh oh, wait a second. I see from my schedule that Al Green played last night! Damn!! Where was I?! Now I’ll never be saved!). Also, this year it seems that they’ve added a bonus concert after the end of the festival proper with Dave Brubeck (July 2). ++++++++Lots of interesting main-stage choices this year – interesting in that many of these high profile performers are not regarded as being strictly jazz. With the likes of soul-man Al Green, the gospel of the Blind Boys of Alabama, the Nawlins boogie of Dr. John, and world music artist Salif Keita, the T.O.Fest is on top of the current trend of festivals to be more inclusive. ++++++Maceo Parker was my favorite performer of two fests ago, and trust me when I say that his band grooves hard! Tonight he will be burning up The Sound Academy, a cool venue by the waters of our Great Lake (just don’t swim in it). +++++++++++++Tough choices must be made though. Also playing tonight is the gravel-and-honey voiced Dr. John. He’s at the main-stage, and I’ve got to figure out how to be in two places at once. Enjoy!  http://www.tojazz.com/Pages/Toronto_Downtown_Jazz_Festival_pgM29.asp  And check out Maceo! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABLwmYI09Lw&feature=related