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Moe Koffman's Legacy Now Part Of Library And Archives Canada's Extensive Music Collection

Ottawa, March 7, 2007—On the occasion of Canadian Music Week, Library and Archives Canada is pleased to announce that it has received a major donation of invaluable material belonging to Canadian jazz great Moe Koffman. The material was recently donated by his wife, Gisèle Koffman.

Best known for his 1958 international hit, Swingin' Shepherd Blues, the renowned jazz flautist and saxophonist Moe Koffman (1928–2001) was one of the first Canadian jazz artists to adopt the new and demanding bebop style in the late 1940s. He was a soloist in the celebrated Canadian big band, The Boss Brass and his longstanding jazz quartet and quintet toured Canada and the world for over four decades, sometimes joined by jazz giant, Dizzy Gillespie. In addition to straight-ahead jazz, Koffman was well known for his innovative recordings of jazz interpretations of classical compositions, including works by J.S. Bach and Antonio Vivaldi, and also for his crossover efforts to combine instrumental jazz with rock and other popular styles.

The collection is extensive and covers all phases and aspects of his career. Included are sheet music for compositions and arrangements by Koffman and others; sound, video, and film recordings of musical performances by Koffman and other musicians; textual records such as correspondence, contracts, business files, concert programmes, and pocket diaries; publicity and promotional materials; media coverage of Koffman; and graphic materials such as photographs, drawings, and artwork for albums.

"Library and Archives Canada is delighted to be able to enrich its music collection with the works of a man who was one of Canada's most prolific jazz musicians," stated Ian E. Wilson, Librarian and Archivist of Canada. "This collection will give music researchers and historians access to over four decades of Koffman's creative life."

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Information:
Pauline M. Portelance
Senior Media Relations Officer
Library and Archives Canada
613-996-6128

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