Results for "Toronto"

Parker Abbott Trio

Born: May 28, 1984

The Parker Abbott Trio is a keyboard-centric group of Toronto based musicians exploring the intersections between two pianists and a drummer, and using a huge sonic palette to do so. Beginning in 2010 as a duo of pianists Teri Parker and Simeon Abbott, the group was expanded into its current trio formation in 2011 with the addition of percussive powerhouse Mark Segger. Using a plethora of keyboard instruments and a pan-stylistic approach to composition and improvisation, the trio has created an utterly original, multi-faceted jazz group.

Taylor Cook

Born: November 23, 1989

Taylor is a 26-year old saxophone player originally from Narmata, BC (just outside Penticton, in the Okanagan), currently residing in Toronto. He is a graduate of the Jazz Performance Program at the University of Toronto. The Cook Book, Taylor’s latest release, is the culmination of his original compositions that he has arranged for a variety of ensemble configurations. The CD, produced by Rolling Stones saxophonist Tim Ries, features 20 of Toronto’s finest young musicians as well as multi-Juno award winner Mike Murley. Taylor is active both as a performer and educator

Autobahn

Autobahn is an ambitious collective trio of musicians who strive to push past boundaries, blurring the lines between improvised and composed music. Influenced by the sounds of luminaries such as Steve Coleman, Vijay Iyer and Steve Lehman, Autobahn incorporates complex rhythmic structures, soaring melodies and ambient textures to forge their own sound, while captivating audiences with their spontaneous energy. The trio is comprised of pianist James Hill, saxophonist and clarinetist Jeff LaRochelle, and drummer Ian Wright, who are all considered in-demand musicians in the Toronto music scene. Collectively and individually, they have worked with renowned musicians such as Danilo Perez, Brian Blade, Andy Milne, Chris Potter, Esperanza Spalding, Uri Caine, Rich Brown, Roberto Occhipinti, Geoff Young, and David Occhipinti, among many others

Trevor Giancola

Born: September 15, 1983

Named one of Canada’s Best Jazz Musicians Under 35 by the CBC in 2017, Trevor Giancola continues to perform and tour as a guitarist, band leader and educator. Trevor’s first album Fundamental (2016) has been described as “one of the most assured and interesting jazz albums of the year, with an incredible cast of supporting musicians” (cbcmusic.com), and his “deep feelings for music are obvious in the breadth and emotional resonance he brings... playing with innate grace and beautiful, loping lines, Giancola plays wise beyond his years” (Da Gama, WholeNote Magazine)

Mandy Goodhandy

Born: November 28, 1953

Mandy Goodhandy aka Amanda Taylor is a singer/recording artist, entertainer, author and Canada’s 1st trans woman stand- up comic. She was also the first trans woman singer to be excepted into the TO Jazz Festival 2016. Mandy co-owns and operates 120 Diner & Club120 in Toronto. 120 Diner features live performances by talented musicians & comedians. She and her business partner Todd Klinck were also TO Pride Parade Grand Marshalls in 2010. She performs songs & comedy at many events and is also a popular choice as an accomplished speaker.

Tia Brazda

Tia Brazda has established herself as a sparkling presence on the jazz scene at home and abroad. Having honed her cutting-edge sound in the clubs of Toronto, Tia’s sassy songs and pin-up girl style pay homage to the golden era while adding a modern twist - a mix of swing jazz, a bit of blues and a dash of rockabilly. Her first EP ‘Cabin Fever’ burst onto the scene in 2012, hitting #1 on the iTunes Canada Jazz Chart as well as receiving play on BBC and CBC Radio, Jazz FM 91.1 and college radio stations across Canada. Her latest album ‘Bandshell’ debuted at #1 on the iTunes Jazz Chart and #3 on the Nielsen Soundscan Chart in Canada

Suzi Wesson

Born: September 13, 1958

Singer. Songwriter. Teacher. Actor. Mom. Suzi has worn many hats, sometimes several at the same time. Suzi cut her teeth on jazz, learning to phrase from greats like Sarah Vaughan and Peggy Lee, developing an ear for harmony from the Four Freshmen, and learning to cut loose from Louis Jourdan. Growing up in a household where "Funny Girl" and "Gypsy" alternated with Nat King Cole and Stan Kenton, Suzi learned early on that a song is really a story, with or without words, and that you have to believe it to tell it effectively. Not surprisingly, Suzi began singing - jazz, blues, pop, rock 'n roll, swing and Dixieland - and acting in musical theatre

Chris Platt

Born: June 24, 1991

Already an accomplished guitarist in his teens, Chris connected with the guitarists Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, and Stevie Ray Vaughan, whose music inspired him to develop his skills, write songs, and lead a band of his own. Following high school, he attended Mohawk College and graduated with an Applied Music Diploma. It was there that he developed his passion for jazz, studying with Bob Shields and listening to musicians such as Lenny Breau, Ed Bickert, Jim Hall, and Reg Schwager. Following Mohawk, Chris went on to complete a Degree in Jazz Performance at the University of Toronto, where he had the privilege of studying under Mike Murley, Kelly Jefferson, Chase Sanborn, Geoff Young, Andrew Downing, and Dave Young

Kalya Ramu

Born: August 14, 1993

Kalya Ramu, Canadian jazz vocalist, composer, educator, and visual artist, has carved out a distinctive presence within Toronto's vibrant jazz community. From the age of 12, Kalya found herself immersed in the world of jazz, frequenting jam sessions and touring with community big bands. Her musical journey led her to study Jazz Performance at the esteemed Humber College in Toronto. A storyteller at heart, Kalya has a remarkable ability to reinvent classic jazz tunes while infusing her original compositions with fresh, evocative narratives.

In 2019, Kalya released her debut full-length album, "Living in a Dream", generously supported by FACTOR. Shortly after this release, the title track was featured on the soundtrack of CBC show "Frankie Drake Mysteries." Her second album, "Duo" (2021), is a close collaboration with pianist and composer Ewen Farncombe. The five-track album of original material highlights their artistic synergy. In the past year Kalya released two singles with Brazilian guitarist André Valério. The first, "Algo Contigo” (2023), features the composition of Argentinian songwriter Chico Novarro, and the second “Hold Me Close” (2024) is an original composition by Ramu and Valério and features the playing of flutist Rob Christian. Currently Kalya has been working on a brand new album called Trio, coming out on November 29 2024.

Lucian Gray

Known for his relaxed feel and commanding sound, Lucian Gray is a virtuosic young guitarist with a deep respect for the jazz tradition. Hailing from Toronto, Canada, Lucian Gray was born into a musical family. His father is one of Canada’s foremost trumpet players, and his mother the head of her own music school. He started playing the piano at the age of 4. Upon entering high school, Lucian decided to pick up the guitar and played in various rock and fusion groups throughout his teens. After being introduced to the music of Wes Montgomery, he decided he wanted to be a jazz guitarist. In 2008, Lucian was awarded the Slaight Scholarship to attend Berklee College of Music on a full scholarship