Welcome

People aspire to be master of many skills and Al Muirhead is one who has accomplished this dream and has no plans of slowing down. Whether it is playing a sweet and melodic trumpet solo, composing and arranging for a big band, small ensemble or orchestra, performing one take sessions on recordings or mentoring young musicians, Al is an inspiration in the Canadian music scene and is known as the "Elder statesman of Jazz Trumpet in Alberta".

Al Muirhead News & Trumpet Tips

New album coming out this month! 

Northern Adventures - The Canada Sessions Vol. 1

I am excited to announce the release of my third album "Northern Adventures - The Canada Sessions Vol. 1" featuring collaborations with some old and new musical friends from across the country! The album will be coming out January 27, 2017... 

Introducing the first of five combinations of musicians on the album:

Mike Murley (sax) + Chris Andrew (piano) + Al Muirhead (trumpet & bass trumpet)

Thanks to Alberta Foundation for the Arts, The Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent On Recordings (FACTOR), Bill Treherne and Jolene Treherne for helping this project come to life!

Breakout West Performance with Jack Semple 

So happy to be back in my hometown performing this evening as part of the Western Canadian Music Awards at the Breakout West Festival. Such an honour to be nominated for Jazz Artist of the Year!

What started as a small affair performing in trio tonight has expanded with so many wonderful musicians in town.

Joining my trio of Jack Semple on guitar and Kodi Hutchinson on bass will be drummer Tyler Hornby, pianist Kristian Alexandrov and Dean McNeil on trumpet. Looking forward to making music with so many old friends.

Show is at 10:15pm at the Capitol club in Regina, SK.

 

YYC Music Award Win 

Such an honour this past weekend to be the first ever recipient of the 'Jazz Artist of the Year' award at the inaugural YYC Music Awards.

Congratulations to all my fellow nominees: Johnny Summers, Tyler Hornby, The Hutchinson Andrew Trio and the KIVA Singers.

Wonderful event at the brand new National Music Centre in Calgary!

http://yycmusicawards.com/

CD Review - Oop! - Ted Quinlan - The Whole Note 

Oop! CD Review - Ted Quinlan (TheWholeNote.com)

Oop! - Al Muirhead; Tommy Banks; PJ Perry 
Chronograph Records CR045 (www.chronographrecords.com) 

Oop! by Calgary-based trumpeter Al Muirhead exemplifies the reasons that the American songbook continues to inspire jazz musicians some eight decades after many of its tunes were originally written. Accompanied by iconic musicians PJ Perry on alto saxophone and Tommy Banks on piano, Muirhead virtually owns the compositions presented here and embodies the approaches that are essential to getting deeply inside this time-honoured material. All three of these musicians (as well as percussionist Rogerio Boccato who guests on Black Orpheus) possess a longstanding connection to this music and play it in the most natural way possible. 

Miles Davis’ The Theme (based on the chord changes to Gershwin’s I Got Rhythm) opens the album with Muirhead and Perry playing the line in harmony over Banks’ relentlessly swinging piano. Perry, one of the world’s finest exponents of the bebop tradition, solos brilliantly followed by Muirhead who exhibits impeccable taste and tone in his relaxed, melodic delivery. Tommy Banks plays one perfect chorus of unaccompanied piano, demonstrating his blues-infused bop style. Rhythm changes, as we refer to tunes based on the classics, are a test piece for jazz musicians and The Theme firmly establishes the impressive credentials of these players. 

The ballad medley is a testament to the deceptively simple art of playing a melody beautifully. Alfred Newman’s Street Scene, featured in the overture of How To Marry A Millionaire, and an uncharacteristically languid reading of Mean To Me, are pleasant surprises from this superb trio of seasoned pros.

- Ted Quinlan (TheWholeNote.com)

Oop! #5 on Canadian Jazz Radio for Month of May 

!earshot charts - may 2016 - top 20 jazz 

Asterisk (*) denotes Canadian artists. All !earshot charts in this issue reflect actual airplay on campus/community stations during the month of May 2016. Charts are weighted according to broadcast range and market size. To view older charts from as far back as 1999, go to our charts main page. 

top 200 >> electronic | hip hop | international | jazz | loud | folk/roots/blues | main charts page 

1 Atlantis Jazz Ensemble * Oceanic Suite Marlow 
2 Henry Threadgill Ensemble Double Up Old Locks And Irregular Verbs Pi 
3 Snarky Puppy Culch Vulcha Ground Up 
4 Nick Fraser Quartet* Starer Self-Released 
5 Al Muirhead * Oop! Chronograph 
6 Organik Vibe Trio Things We Did Last Summer Cellar Live 
7 James Danderfer * Time and Tide Reigning Parade 
8 The Beeched Wailers * The Johnson Lake Sessions Self-Released 
9 Ches Smith The Bell ECM 
10 Dr. Lonnie Smith Evolution Blue Note 
11 Horse Lords Interventions Northern Spy 
12 Misc * Misc Bonsound 
13 Gunwale Polynya Aerophonic 
14 Thumbscrew Convallaria Cuneiform 
15 See Through 5 * Utilities All-Set! 
16 Kinga * Guess Who I Saw Today Arts7 
17 Michael Formanek Ensemble Kolossus The Distance ECM 
18 Brahja Waldman * Wisdomatic Self-Released 
19 Alex Goodman * Border Crossing OA2 
20 Myriad3 * Moons Alma

Cadence Magazine Review - 'It's About Time' 

Thanks to Sheila Thistlethwaite who came across a nice review of 'It's About Time' from Cadence Magazine's January 2016 issue:

AL MUIRHEAD - IT'S ABOUT TIME
CHRONOGRAPH CR-041. 

SLEEPY TIME DOWN SOUTH / A NIGHT IN TUNISIA / IDA MAE / PENNIES FROM HEAVEN/ IT'S ABOUT TIME / STARDUST / JOY SPRING / ALL BLUES / MR. CLEAN / BREAKFAST WINE / THE GIRL NEXT DOOR. 50:59. 
Muirhead, tpt, b tpt, vcl; P. J. Perry, as, ts; Tommy Banks, p; kodi Hutchinson, b; Tyler Hornby, d.
Calgary, Alberta, Canada. 

  
Here's a new name for us. Our neighbors to the north have produced many musicians we have eventually become familiar with, Oscar Peterson being the most well known. But trumpet ace Al Muirhead is very well known among fellow Canadian musicians especially on the studio scene where he has appeared on a multitude of albums many by A-list artists. The easily recognized reed master P.J. Perry is probably the most recognizable to Cadence readers and life-long friend Tommy Banks mans the piano bench. The principal's clear, ringing tones are heard on eleven tracks many of which are salutes to trumpet kings (Dizzy Gillespie, Clifford Brown and Miles Davis). The title number and “Ida Mae” are both from Muirhead's pen and while not especially memorable serve as good blowing vehicles. With eight decades in his pocket, 
it is heartening to see veteran players receiving some well-deserved exposure while they are still here to enjoy it. - Larry Hollis

Breakout West Nomination 

Found out today that I was nominated for a Western Canadian Music Award for Jazz Artist of the Year!

Such a whirlwind of nominations, I'm overwhelmed by the response to my music! I guess it ain't over till the fat lady sings!

-Oop!

Thank you for the overwhelming support at the JUNOs! 

Thank you so much for all of your well-wishes at the JUNO's this past weekend!

It was such an honour to be nominated, and the winner Robi Botos is an amazing person and musician. Well-deserved!

Had such a great time playing at Ironwood for the Jazz Showcase with my band and special guest Chris Andrew on piano. Was so happy to have Tommy make it down to the show in time to sit in for a couple of tunes. PJ, Kodi & Tyler sounded great! Jens Lindemann came and played one of my trumpets with me as well!

Such an amazing night performing live at the JUNO awards on Saturday night with the JUNO Jazz All-Stars (Jerry Granelli, Tommy Banks, Kodi Hutchinson, Allison Au, Rich Brown, Robi Botos, Mark Kelso & myself). I'm told you can download the track on itunes!

Looking forward to making more music! All the best!

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Previous events

NMC Presents ‘The Senator: A Tribute to Tommy Banks’ by Hutchinson Andrew Trio (CD Release)

National Music Centre and Chronograph Records are pleased to present a special album release show for The Senator: A Tribute to Tommy Banks by the Hutchinson Andrew Trio. The live concert will also feature special guest musicians PJ Perry, Al Muirhead, and Mallory Chipman.

About Hutchinson Andrew Trio:

Formed in 2004 by bassist Kodi Hutchinson and pianist-composer Chris Andrew, the trio — which includes drummer Dave Laing — is a prominent force on the Canadian and North American jazz scene, earning an Editor's Pick and feature in Downbeat Magazine as well as numerous award nominations in addition to winning the prestigious TD Grand Jazz Award at the Montreal International Jazz Festival.

The Hutchinson Andrew Trio looks forward to showcase music from their upcoming album in tribute to the late, great Hon. Tommy Banks. As one of western Canada's musical icons, Tommy had a great effect on the careers and approach of all the members of HAT as well as countless others across Canada. We look forward to presenting music closely connected with this JUNO-winning master of the piano.

Chris Andrew (piano) / Kodi Hutchinson (bass) / Dave Laing (drums) / PJ Perry (saxophone) / Al Muirhead (trumpet) / Mallory Chipman (vocals)

General admission: $34.95 / NMC Members: $29.95 / Youth (under 25): $19.95

Yardbird Suite and Chronograph Records are pleased to present a special album release show for The Senator: A Tribute to Tommy Banks by the Hutchinson Andrew Trio. The live concert will also feature special guest musicians PJ Perry, Al Muirhead, and Mallory Chipman.

About Hutchinson Andrew Trio:

The multiple-award-winning Hutchinson Andrew Trio (HAT) is a vital and distinctively western force on the Canadian and international jazz scene. Winners of the prestigious TD Grand Jazz Award at the 34th Annual Montreal International Jazz Festival and a four-time Western Canadian Music Awards nominee, HAT brings a unique perspective to their music inspired by the vast prairie landscapes and majestic Rocky Mountains that surround them. Downbeat Magazine made the group an Editor’s Pick and called them “a terrific listen, with great musicianship throughout.”

The Senator pays tribute to the the Honourable Tommy Banks (1936-2018), a jazz legend who was both a world-class musician and a champion of the performing arts in his community. Banks – a pianist, conductor, arranger, composer, TV personality, actor, producer and politician – had an unparalleled, multi-faceted career spanning more than 60 years in virtually every aspect of the entertainment industry in Canada. A professional jazz pianist at age 14, he went on to lead his own bands, conduct symphony orchestras around the world, direct musical ceremonies at international events, host his own long-running television show, and act in film and television. He also served nearly 12 years in the Canadian Senate.

Recorded live at the Yardbird Suite and supported by the CKUA radio foundation, this album is a tribute to Banks’s legacy as an artist, but also to the important marks The Senator left on Alberta and Canada as a community leader, politician, and champion of the performing arts.

Chris Andrew (piano) Kodi Hutchinson (bass) Dave Laing (drums)

featuring:

PJ Perry (saxophone) Al Muirhead (trumpet) Mallory Chipman (vocals)

Tickets will also be available at the door if not previously sold out online. Doors open at 7:00 pm.

Yardbird Suite and Chronograph Records are pleased to present a special album release show for The Senator: A Tribute to Tommy Banks by the Hutchinson Andrew Trio. The live concert will also feature special guest musicians PJ Perry, Al Muirhead, and Mallory Chipman.

About Hutchinson Andrew Trio:

The multiple-award-winning Hutchinson Andrew Trio (HAT) is a vital and distinctively western force on the Canadian and international jazz scene. Winners of the prestigious TD Grand Jazz Award at the 34th Annual Montreal International Jazz Festival and a four-time Western Canadian Music Awards nominee, HAT brings a unique perspective to their music inspired by the vast prairie landscapes and majestic Rocky Mountains that surround them. Downbeat Magazine made the group an Editor’s Pick and called them “a terrific listen, with great musicianship throughout.”

The Senator pays tribute to the the Honourable Tommy Banks (1936-2018), a jazz legend who was both a world-class musician and a champion of the performing arts in his community. Banks – a pianist, conductor, arranger, composer, TV personality, actor, producer and politician – had an unparalleled, multi-faceted career spanning more than 60 years in virtually every aspect of the entertainment industry in Canada. A professional jazz pianist at age 14, he went on to lead his own bands, conduct symphony orchestras around the world, direct musical ceremonies at international events, host his own long-running television show, and act in film and television. He also served nearly 12 years in the Canadian Senate.

Recorded live at the Yardbird Suite and supported by the CKUA radio foundation, this album is a tribute to Banks’s legacy as an artist, but also to the important marks The Senator left on Alberta and Canada as a community leader, politician, and champion of the performing arts.

Chris Andrew (piano) Kodi Hutchinson (bass) Dave Laing (drums)

featuring:

PJ Perry (saxophone) Al Muirhead (trumpet) Mallory Chipman (vocals)

Tickets will also be available at the door if not previously sold out online. Doors open at 7:00 pm.

Primetime Big Band

 —  —

Ironwood Stage & Gril, 1229 9 Ave SE, Calgary

Saturday afternoon brunch with Prime Time Big Band at the Ironwood Stage & Grill in Inglewood is now in its 13th season! Every two weeks, the 20-piece Prime Time plays a new program to packed houses of all ages. They come to hear music ranging from Duke Ellington classics to The Big Phat Band’s exuberant contemporary tunes.

Prime Time’s membership is made up of almost all of the city’s most veteran jazz musicians, including Eric Friedenberg on saxophones and woodwinds, Al Muirhead on trumpet and flugelhorn, Brian Walley on trombone, Kai Poscente on bass and John de Waal on drums, playing alongside more recently established pros.

Reservations recommended: 403-269-5581 and reservations@ironwoodstage.ca.

Admission is $20 adults and $15 students/children plus GST Age limit: All ages

Primetime Big Band

 —  —

Ironwood Stage & Gril, 1229 9 Ave SE, Calgary

Saturday afternoon brunch with Prime Time Big Band at the Ironwood Stage & Grill in Inglewood is now in its 13th season! Every two weeks, the 20-piece Prime Time plays a new program to packed houses of all ages. They come to hear music ranging from Duke Ellington classics to The Big Phat Band’s exuberant contemporary tunes.

Prime Time’s membership is made up of almost all of the city’s most veteran jazz musicians, including Eric Friedenberg on saxophones and woodwinds, Al Muirhead on trumpet and flugelhorn, Brian Walley on trombone, Kai Poscente on bass and John de Waal on drums, playing alongside more recently established pros.

Reservations recommended: 403-269-5581 and reservations@ironwoodstage.ca.

Admission is $20 adults and $15 students/children plus GST Age limit: All ages

The Bow Djangos

Lolita's Lounge, 1413-9th Ave SE, Calgary, AB

The Bow Djangos are back at Lolita’s - with lots of NEW hot swing and gypsy jazz material, AND for the first time with 100% vocal titles! Cedric Blary (clarinet, flute), Tristan Euzen (vocals, guitar), Nick Bettcher (guitar) and guests Al Muirhead (trumpet) and Stefano Valdo (bass) will take you back in time for a musical journey full of little gems from the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s and some more modern numbers, all with our signature gypsy style.

$15

Primetime Big Band

 —  —

Ironwood Stage & Gril, 1229 9 Ave SE, Calgary

Saturday afternoon brunch with Prime Time Big Band at the Ironwood Stage & Grill in Inglewood is now in its 13th season! Every two weeks, the 20-piece Prime Time plays a new program to packed houses of all ages. They come to hear music ranging from Duke Ellington classics to The Big Phat Band’s exuberant contemporary tunes.

Prime Time’s membership is made up of almost all of the city’s most veteran jazz musicians, including Eric Friedenberg on saxophones and woodwinds, Al Muirhead on trumpet and flugelhorn, Brian Walley on trombone, Kai Poscente on bass and John de Waal on drums, playing alongside more recently established pros.

Reservations recommended: 403-269-5581 and reservations@ironwoodstage.ca.

Admission is $20 adults and $15 students/children plus GST Age limit: All ages

Join JUNO-nominated trumpeter Al Muirhead for an evening of straight-ahead jazz. Joining Al will be his all-star quartet featuring pianist Egor Ukoloff, bassist Kodi Hutchinson and drummer Jon May. For fans of standards jazz, this will be a unique opportunity to experience a concert sure to produce some memorable musical moments.

A western Canadian jazz icon, who recently came to wider prominence in North America with the release of his debut album ‘It’s About Time’ at the age of 80, Al Muirhead is now making up for lost time with his fourth release in four years with ‘Undertones’. Garnering a 4 Star Review from Downbeat Magazine, Al’s music harkens back to his youth featuring standards from the Great American Songbook. Al is known for his ability to bring a special spontaneity and joy to every performance, and with a command of the music that only a player of Al’s caliber can.

Doors: 7:30pm; Music: 8pm; Cover: $15

Band members

Al Muirhead - trumpet Egor Ukoloff - piano Kodi Hutchinson - bass Jon May - drums

Primetime Big Band

 —  —

Ironwood Stage & Gril, 1229 9 Ave SE, Calgary

Saturday afternoon brunch with Prime Time Big Band at the Ironwood Stage & Grill in Inglewood is now in its 13th season! Every two weeks, the 20-piece Prime Time plays a new program to packed houses of all ages. They come to hear music ranging from Duke Ellington classics to The Big Phat Band’s exuberant contemporary tunes.

Prime Time’s membership is made up of almost all of the city’s most veteran jazz musicians, including Eric Friedenberg on saxophones and woodwinds, Al Muirhead on trumpet and flugelhorn, Brian Walley on trombone, Kai Poscente on bass and John de Waal on drums, playing alongside more recently established pros.

Reservations recommended: 403-269-5581 and reservations@ironwoodstage.ca.

Admission is $20 adults and $15 students/children plus GST Age limit: All ages

Trumpet Titans

 —  —

University Theatre, 230 University Court NW, Calgary, AB

Three of Western Canada's top trumpet players come together to pay tribute to their jazz heroes to create an evening of jazz synergy.

Johnny Summers, trumpet; André Wickenheiser, trumpet; Al Muirhead, trumpet; Tyler Hornby, drums; Kodi Hutchinson, double bass; Michelle Gregoire, piano

This event is presented as part of the University of Calgary Monday Night Jazz Series.

Prime Time Big Band

 —  —

Ironwood Stage & Gril, 1229 9 Ave SE, Calgary

Saturday afternoon brunch with Prime Time Big Band at the Ironwood Stage & Grill in Inglewood is now in its 13th season! Every two weeks, the 20-piece Prime Time plays a new program to packed houses of all ages. They come to hear music ranging from Duke Ellington classics to The Big Phat Band’s exuberant contemporary tunes.

Prime Time’s membership is made up of almost all of the city’s most veteran jazz musicians, including Eric Friedenberg on saxophones and woodwinds, Al Muirhead on trumpet and flugelhorn, Brian Walley on trombone, Kai Poscente on bass and John de Waal on drums, playing alongside more recently established pros.

Reservations recommended: 403-269-5581 and reservations@ironwoodstage.ca.

Admission is $20 adults and $15 students/children plus GST Age limit: All ages