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Bernie Senensky: Jazz Pianist / Organist, Composer, Teacher
By DAVID EISENSTADT Fifty-plus years active, and jazz icon Bernie Senensky is still working hard and going strong.
That doesn’t begin to describe this notable Canadian Jewish musician’s incredible career.
The Winnipeg, Manitoba native was born to Reuben and Shauna (née Pascov) Senensky on December 31, 1944.
His Canadian-born parents ensured he took piano lessons. Classical with Clara Perlman at age eight, and at 14, he studied with jazz pianist Bob Erlendson.
Peter Hum of the Ottawa Citizen reported, “he had one jazz teacher, and thereafter was self-taught.”
Senensky said he is “essentially a bebop player, and beyond. My heroes are anyone from Bud Powell to McCoy Tyner to Keith Jarrett and Herbie Hancock.” He’s also an organist “influenced by Larry Goldings, Mike LeDonne and Larry Young,” wrote Hum.
In Winnipeg, he played with local musicians including guitarist Lenny Breau and bassist Dave Young. For a time, he led a house band in Edmonton, Alberta, for the Holiday Inn hotel chain.
Senensky transitioned to Toronto in 1968 where he became a first-call accompanist for a who’s-who list of illustrious musicians. He toured the globe with many of them. His biography lists:
Eighteen saxophonists/clarinetists including Pepper Adams, Ravi Coltrane, Buddy DeFranco, and Zoot Sims; 30 trumpeters from Chet Baker, Guido Basso and Terence Blanchard to Dizzy Gillespie, Red Rodney and Freddie Stone; 8 trombonists – Wycliffe Gordon, Slide Hampton, Russ Little and Rob McConnell; 23 guitarists – Ed Bickert, Herb Ellis, Lorne Lofsky,1 Rob Pilch, Bucky Pizzarelli, and Reg Schwager; 26 bassists from Eddie Gomez, Rufus Reid to Slam Stewart and Eugene Wright; 26 drummers – Archie Alleyne, Art Blakey, Jerry Fuller and Elvin Jones; 6 vibists including Peter Appleyard, Gary Burton, Paul Hoffert,2and Don Thompson; 4 flautists – Sir James Galway, Moe Koffman to Herbie Mann and Bill McBirnie; 4 violinists – Moshe Hammer, Drew Jureka, Lenny Solomon,3 and Lara St. John; 29 vocalists including Tommy Ambrose, Heather Bambrick, Salome Bey, Ori Dagan,4 Catherine McKinnon, Ginette Reno, and Bobby Vinton.
He played piano duets with Marian McPartland and Oscar Peterson and joined established groups like The Maynard Ferguson Orchestra, The Moe Koffman Quintet, The Herbie Mann/Al Grey All-Star Septet, and Rob McConnell & The Boss Brass.
Mark Miller, in the New Grove Dictionary of Jazz, noted, “his playing is characterized by an obvious comfort in a wide range of styles, from swing to the assertive post-bop of his group.”
Peers recognized Senensky for his true artistry. Some years ago, Oscar Peterson said, “Bernie is one of my favourite local pianists, I really can’t understand why he hasn’t become better known.” Buddy DeFranco called him “The best of the best!” The late Boris Brott said, “It is always a great privilege to have our festival [in Hamilton, Ontario] associated with artists of Senensky’s stature.” Oliver Jones added “a brilliant, world-class pianist.”
A recipient of many accolades/awards, including the Toronto Musicians’ Association Lifetime Achievement Award, he was nominated twice for Jazz Album of the Year at the Juno Awards – 1989 for Friday the 14th– 1993 for Wheel Within A Wheel.
In the ‘70s Senensky led his trio. In 1979 he was the keyboardist in Moe Koffman’s Quintet when that band was the top Canadian jazz combo. That gig lasted 20 years. The Canadian Jazz Archive reported, “As part of Koffman’s Quintet, Senensky ultimately had the opportunity to contribute many of his compositions to the band’s repertoire.” He has kept that music memory alive since 2003 leading the Moe Koffman Tribute Band.
Senensky’s debut album, “New Life,” was released in 1976; in 1989 he recorded with drummer Barry Elmes and bassist Kieran “Over The Chalet Season.” In 1991 with his septet, he released “Re-Action.” Then came “Homeland” in 1994, which featured US musicians Gary Bartz, Harvie Schwartz, and Arkia Tana. Two years later he recorded an album of his own, recorded in 1993 at the Top of The Senator Toronto venue with bassist Jim Vivian and drummer Bob Moses. In 1999, came “New Horizons,” featuring Eddie Henderson on trumpet and Kirk MacDonald on drums. In 2011 he released “Invitation” with Gene Perla on bass and drummer Ben Riley.
Senensky excels on the Hammond B3 Organ. A few years back he formed “Organic, “with drummer Morgan Childs, guitarist Nathan Hiltz and sax player Ryan Oliver for weekly Sunday evening gigs at the (now shuttered) Joe Mama’s in Toronto. That led to his album – “Live at Joe Mama’s,” in 2013.
Senensky told me he’s “been busier since COVID eased up,” releasing a new CD – “Don’t Look Back,” with “another on its way.” He’s been playing, recording, and teaching in Vancouver, BC, and had an October 2022 German tour with his organ trio, “Organic Earfood,” including vibraphonist Stefan Bauer and drummer Peter Baumgartner.
In early 2023, he fronted a tribute to Moe Koffman’s band in Toronto, that included Moe’s son, Jake Koffman, an accomplished saxophonist, clarinetist, and flautist. I was privileged to attend and enjoy that York University Department of Music concert.
1David Eisenstadt, “Community Jewish News,” April 30, 2022, cjnonline.com | cjnonline.ca.
2 David Eisenstadt, “Community Jewish News,” September 12, 2022, cjnonline.com | cjnonline.ca.
3 David Eisenstadt, “Community Jewish News,” August 7, 2022, cjnonline.com | cjnonline.ca.
4 David Eisenstadt, “Community Jewish News,” May 9, 2022, cjnonline.com | cjnonline.ca
This Chapter is excerpted from David Eisenstadt’s second book – MUSICIANS UNDER THE RADAR – 36 NOTABLE CANADIAN JEWISH PERFORMERS – available on Amazon.ca, Amazon.com or by contacting the author, deisenstadt@tcgpr.com.
Features
Mobile Casino Trends in 2026: Usage Statistics – What Casino Online Westace Says
Mobile technologies simplify everyday life. They are used for payments, regular conversations, photos, and even gambling. Sites like casino online Westace leverage modern trends and do everything possible to maximize engagement. Adapting familiar gambling games to smartphones makes them more convenient. Visitors can launch slot machines or other entertainment with just a few taps on the screen. Quick rounds let you instantly see the results and choose a different game type. Interactivity is the main approach to development in 2026.
Usage Statistics in 2026
Online casinos are using mobile development technologies to adapt gambling games to smartphones and tablets. Now, almost every user has the opportunity to launch games to test their features in a convenient format. Sites like casino online Westace are not far behind and adapt to various screen layouts. The latest industry news also indicates significant developments:
More than 75% of players use online casino services via mobile devices. Statistics show significant steady growth compared to the figure of 65% in 2023.
It is predicted that revenue from mobile casinos in 2026 will exceed the mark of $ 60 billion. The figure is two-thirds of the market. Thus, positive trends can be identified among gambling software developers.
The younger demographic aged 18 to 35 years old is the most active user of mobile devices. They have twice the level of involvement compared to other categories.
80% of new casino accounts were registered through mobile apps or mobile-optimized websites. This indicates their convenience and widespread use.
Mobile development is a priority for online casinos. Operators work closely with developers to adapt all games to the relevant requirements.
Features of Mobile Casino Growth
Mobile versions of sites like casino online Westace are dominating in 2026 for a reason. Players can enjoy games with real dealers even from small screens. At the same time, the broadcast quality remains at a high level without delays.
All games are designed for touch use. Players can easily use portrait mode and adaptive layouts to launch a comfortable gameplay format. Biometric login and two-factor authentication are essential tools that protect transactions and accounts from unauthorized access.
Mobile gaming encourages more frequent play in small sessions. For example, a player can play one or two games of baccarat, and then later return to play slot machines. All progress is saved on any device. Yes, a player can start playing on a smartphone, save the results, and return via a browser on a computer.
All Interesting Facts to Know
Recently, sites like casino online Westace have been paying more attention to mobility. For example, seasonal slots are launched first through mobile versions, and then move to desktop. Regulators have also introduced mandatory responsible elements for smartphone users for greater control. Mobile players spend 20% more time playing with real dealers. This emphasizes the close attention to interactive formats and communication.
Ultimately, mobile casino versions occupy their own niche in the industry. Most players use smartphones to play on the go and enjoy fast games. Developers adapt to these requirements and improve services, adding relevant options to games.
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Important Keno Rules: Explained by Casino Online Glorion
Keno is a lottery game that originated in China 2,000 years ago. At that time, it was called baige piao, which translates to “white pigeon ticket” in English. Keno rules on sites like Glorion Casino are similar to those of games like lotto. The game involves choosing numbers in the hopes that they will match randomly selected values. In this article, we will discuss the important rules of online keno.
Understanding Keno Rules at Online Casinos
Keno is a game of chance in which players select 1 to 10 numbers from a table of 1 to 80, similar to bingo. After this, the numbers are drawn. The player’s payout depends on how many figures they match.
In classic keno, the drawing is done using a ball machine. The same equipment is used in bingo and lotteries. The host randomly draws 20 numbered balls. Players win if at least one of their chosen numbers matches the dealer’s draw. The more matching numbers, the larger the payout.
Online keno is played using a random number generator (RNG). Keno payouts on sites like Casino Online Glorionare similar to those in the classic game. The differences are due to the drawing procedure and the properties of different versions.
After users select their 20 numbers, the gambling software publishes its 20 figures, which determine the winner. Payout amounts vary across platforms, so users should check them before playing.
Basic Keno Stages in Online Casinos
Users planning to play keno at sites like Casino Online Glorion should be familiar with the gameplay process. Typically, it includes the following stages.
- Select a keno card. The ticket displays numbers from 1 to 80.
- Choose your numbers. In different versions, users select 10, 15, or 20 numbers before each draw. Each number is called a ‘keno spot.’ You can set the same numbers for multiple draws.
- Check the payout table. In the online version of the game, the table appears after selecting the numbers. It displays information about the payout amount if you guess correctly. The more numbers you match, the larger the payout.
- Calculate your bet. Determine how much you want to bet on each draw. Remember that the bet size affects the final payout.
- Start the game. All the drawn numbers will appear somewhere on the screen. Users can also view the “cold” and “hot” keno numbers. Hot numbers have been drawn recently, while cold ones haven’t won for a long time.
- Match the numbers. Experienced players use the term “catching a spot” when their chosen number is drawn. The number of spots you catch affects your payout.
Keno at websites like Casino Online Glorion offers engaging gameplay. Players can get generous prizes. They should learn the rules, odds, and prize structures to make rational decisions and boost their chances of winning. Chase the thrill, but play it smart.
Features
Common Online Casino Mistakes To Avoid
Online casino games can be a brilliant way to bring excitement to life in your spare time. These games have become hugely popular in recent years, but you will find that people often make the same mistakes. These mistakes can lead to financial losses, cybercrime, and an inferior experience, so it is important to be aware of what these mistakes are so that they can be avoided. This post will outline a few of the most common mistakes people make when playing online casino games and explain how to avoid falling into the same trap. Interested? Keep reading to find out more.
Ignoring Terms & Conditions
One of the biggest mistakes players make with online casino games is ignoring the terms and conditions. You should always take the time to read through these, paying close attention to things like the conditions of bonuses and restrictions in withdrawals. This will help you avoid any nasty surprises when playing games.
Not Researching Casinos
Another common mistake people make is not researching casinos. There are endless options for online casinos, but not all are equal, and there are even many that are unlicensed. Therefore, you need to research casinos and find one that is fully licensed and has positive reviews. The best casinos will have a massive selection of games to choose from, including blackjack online. A wide selection of games means it is hard to get bored, and you can always find something to play.
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Chasing Losses
One of the most dangerous mistakes people make is chasing losses. This is where players will attempt to win back the money they have lost, which often means betting larger sums. This is a dangerous tactic and a slippery slope, so it is important to be aware of it and take measures to protect against it. The best way to avoid chasing losses is to set a budget before each session – if you spend that amount, you need to be able to walk away.
Not Understanding Games
It is always important to have a strong understanding of the game that you are playing. This will boost your chances of winning and your gaming experience. Therefore, you should always read the instructions when playing a game for the first time. For strategic games like poker, there is a lot of information online that will help you get to grips with the basics and learn strategies to use.
Weak Passwords
Cybersecurity needs to be a top priority when it comes to online casino games. The top casinos will have strong cybersecurity measures in place, but you also have a role to play. It is important to use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication to prevent hackers. It is also smart to avoid having large sums held in your online account in case someone hacks your account.
These are the most common mistakes that you will want to avoid when it comes to online casino games. By avoiding these mistakes, you can improve your experience and enjoy the excitement that these games can bring.