Richard Underhill

Shuffle Demons: Are You Really Real

by La-Faithia White
July 12, 2025

The Shuffle Demons are a Canadian jazz fusion band from Toronto. The band features a powerhouse ensemble of saxophonists Kelly Jefferson, Richard Underhill and Matt Lagan, anchored by the deep pocket of acoustic bassist Mike Downes and drummer Stich Wynston. The title track “X Marks The Spot" opens with an intriguing dialogue between bass and drums exploding into rapid-fire saxophone lines. Jefferson and Lagan exchange double-line runs, blending harmonies and layering multiphonics in a thrilling display of saxophone ...

Shuffle Demons: Are You Really Real

by Anastasia Bogomolets
June 2, 2025

Celebrating four decades of genre-blending jazz, the Shuffle Demons return with Are You Really Real, a studio album that fuses funk, post-bop, theatrical satire and spiritual jazz. Influences ranging from Eric Dolphy and Alice Coltrane to the Red Hot Chili Peppers shape the band's eclectic high-energy aesthetic. The opening track, “X Marks the Spot," sets the tone with multivoiced saxophone lines and a rhythm section that oscillates between swing and funk. Tenor saxophonists Kelly Jefferson and Matt Lagan ...

Shuffle Demons: Are You Really Real

by Pierre Giroux
May 27, 2025

There is a unique brand of musical madness that only the Shuffle Demons can conjure--a whirlwind of saxophones, humour, groove and a palpable sense of daring. With Are You Really Real, this storied Canadian outfit delivers a recording that captures the very essence of what made them both a cult favourite and respected presence on the international jazz scene. Bristling with invention, personality and raw performance energy, the album feels like a live set caught in a studio net--exhilarating, unfiltered ...

Shuffle Demons: All In

by Chris M. Slawecki
July 11, 2022

There aren't too many bands still standing from back when Shuffle Demons first performed in 1984. Their tenth recording, All In features three saxophonists-- tenors Kelly Jefferson and Matt Lagan plus Richard Underhill on alto and baritone--plus acoustic bassist Mike Downes and drummer Stich Wynston tearing through ten new originals. With no chord instruments (piano, guitar) between them and the horns, bassist Downes and drummer Wynston keep shuffling in the spaces like madmen to keep All In moving, and simultaneously ...

The Shuffle Demons: All In

by Jack Bowers
February 15, 2022

With a three-saxophone front line and no piano, Canada's Shuffle Demons could be mistaken for the legendary Gerry Mulligan Quartet on steroids—could be, that is, until one hears the music, which bears scant resemblance to the West Coast cool espoused by Mulligan, Chet Baker and their colleagues. In other words, they're not called Shuffle Demons for nothing. When not shuffling, the Demons are otherwise brash and busy on their tenth album, All In, whose ten numbers were ...

The Shuffle Demons: All In

by Kyle Simpler
January 24, 2022

Bands such as Tower of Power and the Average White Band are known for their hard-driving blend of funky soul mixed with rock and jazz elements. The Canadian-based group, Shuffle Demons, takes these influences and keeps the funk alive while emphasizing their own jazz roots as well. Their tenth album, All In, features a non-stop combination of in-the-pocket grooves combined with big band elements. The Shuffle Demons formed in 1984, and they started off playing as buskers in ...

Richard Underhill: Kensington Suite

by Jerry D'Souza
December 30, 2007

Alto saxophonist Richard Underhill fires up a tribute to Kensington Market, his trendy Toronto neighborhood, on this set of ten tunes. Kensington Suite finds Underhill in inspired form, as he goes across a wide band of styles and settles them into the mainstream with finesse. With a band that is tight and creative, the CD is another notch in Underhill's impressive output.

Underhill has the versatility to move in different directions and bring them together in one seamless flow. In ...

Richard Underhill CD Release, Thursday, November 15th, Rex Hotel, Toronto, Ontario

Source: All About Jazz
November 8, 2007

You are cordially invited to the international release of my new CD Kensington Suite. Richard Underhill Quintet CD Release Party Kensington Suite Thursday, November 15th, 9pm. $8 cover (or $20 with free CD). The Rex Hotel, 194 Queen St. W Toronto, ON 416-598-2475 Here's a wee press teaser for you. Hope to see you there! On Thursday, November 15th at 9pm at the Rex Hotel, Richard Underhill releases ...
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Richard Underhill 'Moment in Time' CD Launch Party - Nov 15th - Montreal Bistro

Source: All About Jazz
November 3, 2005

RICHARD UNDERHILL Moment in Time CD Launch Party Tuesday, November 15th - Montreal Bistro - 8pm 65 Sherbourne Street Reservations Recommended (dinner) - call 416.363.0179 $10 at the doors - $20 with a CD Toronto ON - Juno award winner, Richard Underhill is set to release 'Moment in Time,' a much anticipated new album showcasing 10 adventurous original compositions brought to life by an extraordinary band of Canadian ...
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