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Richard Irwin
The drum set soon replaced snare competitions, and the Pipe Band was substituted with concert bands, small orchestras, pit bands, and various working bar bands. After high school he went on to study jazz performance at McGill University. Here he performed with dozens of combos, ensembles, and the school’s big Bands, where he formed a long lasting relationship with director and trumpeter Ron Dilauro of the Vic Vogel Big Band. Vic needed a drummer, and Ron suggested Rich take over the chair. 15 years later, he continues to play in the band, and has been working in Montreal ever since.
Currently residing in Montreal, Richard plays frequently with Julie Lamontagne, Vic Vogel, Dawn Tyler Watson, Al McLean, Remi Bolduc, the Chateauguay Tenors, Jeff Johnston, the Montreal Jazz Big Band, Hadrian’s Wall, Bill Mahar, Matt Herskowitz, Bruno Pelletier, and is currently touring the world with jazz/pop singer, Nikki Yanofsky. He had performed in venues such as the Blue Note, Dizzy’s Club, Catalina’s, Ronnie Scott’s, as well as at major festivals such as the Montreal Jazz Fest, the North Sea Jazz Fest, the Red Sea Jazz Fest, and many others. He has worked with international artists such as Celine Dion. Freddie Hubbard, Donny McCaslin, Jane Bunnet, Yannick Rieux, Kevin Dean, Chucho Valdez, and has shared the stage with dozens of others. Richard hits Sonor drums, Dream Cymbals, and Evans Drumheads with Pro- Mark sticks.
www.richardirwin.com
Awards
2014 Grammy for Jennifer Gasoi's "Throw a Penny in the Wishing Well" 2014 Juno for Christine Jensen's " Habitat"
Gear
Rich hits Sonor drums and Evans Drumheads with Pro-Mark sticks.
Tags
Primary Instrument
Drums
Location
Montreal
Willing to teach
Advanced only
Photos
Music
Late Bloomer
From: Fuat TuacBy Richard Irwin