About the Squad
Toronto-based keyboardist and composer Joel Visentin is a proud Winnipeg export with a passion for the Hammond B3 organ. Originally a pianist, the organ first grabbed him while studying music at Humber College. In 2015 he joined up with the unparalleled guitarist Adam Beer-Colacino and veteran Toronto drummer Jeff Halischuk to form the group of his dreams, JV’s Boogaloo Squad. The musical connection was electric, and all three musicians immediately recognized that they had stumbled on something greater than the sum of its parts. They have since worked their way up through the national club circuit, recently headlining at major jazz festivals throughout Ontario and Québec including Toronto's International Jazz Festival in 2018. In the short time since the release of their 2019 album, "Going to Market", JV's Boogaloo Squad has reached #6 on US Campus Jazz Radio charts as well as number #29 on JazzWeek's chart for US commercial Radio. Brad Barker of Jazz FM 91 has even named this project one of three "new jazz albums from 2019 that you need to hear". This group has truly crafted a unique and soulful sound that is both thrilling on impact and deeply evocative of a timeless musical nostalgia. With an extensive repertoire combining original music and soul hits, along with a palatable energy on stage, a show with JV's Boogaloo squad is guaranteed to have audiences dancing on their feet and calling out for more.
JV’s Boogaloo Squad is:
Keys / Joel Visentin
Guitar / Adam Beer Colacino
Drums / Jeff Halischuk
Press Quotes:
“You can bet it’s gonna be a funky good time” ~ Errol Nazareth, CBC Big City Small World
"This is very good!" ~ Jazzcast.ca
"We loved this track (“Squadzilla”) here at SPILL HQ!" ~ SPILL Magazine
this is Toronto’s grooviest three-piece band. Going to Market captures a sound from the past that sounds like the future ~ Brad Barker, Jazz FM 91
"A uniquely talented group who display all the hallmarks of a classic organ trio, while still moving the genre forward." ~ Justin Abedin (Jacksoul)
"They put on a fantastic show, demonstrating musicianship of the highest quality and excellent engagement with the audience – this is a group of musicians who take their craft seriously, but know how to have a good time." ~ Josh Grossman, TD Toronto Jazz Festival
In a music scene where pure funk and soul have been slightly pushed aside, this record is a true breath of fresh air.” ~ Kati Kiilaspea, Whole Note Magazine
