Performers
Brian Hayman
President / Consultant / Piano
Two constants have run through my professional life as a metallurgist in a steel company, an executive in a financial services organization, a principal in an international professional service firm, and an independent management consultant: 1) playing piano in jazz ensembles, listening to jazz music, hanging out with jazz musicians and 2) an abiding interest in how people, individually and collectively, learn.
My consulting work had led me to conclude that uncertainty is, arguably, the defining characteristic of our age, and learning how to deal with it …
More about Brian
Kevin Barrett
Guitar
www.kevinbarrettgroup.com/
Kevin is an accomplished performer, studio musician and band leader who has studied with the likes of Lorne Lofsky, Roddy Ellias and Rob Pilch. He has been widely recognized for his experience in a wide variety of styles and combos.
While he is primarily a jazz musician and has worked with artists such as singers Molly Johnson and Julie Michels, his distinctive guitar sounds have been sought out by dub poet Lillian Allen and Canadian folk stars Cindy Church and Arlene Mantle.
Brandi Disterheft
Bassist and Composer
www.brandidisterheft.com/
Still in her twenties, Brandi Disterheft indeed is at the moment the hottest bassist in Canadian jazz and has been taking the jazz world by storm since even before the release of her first CD. Brandi has already toured Japan and China; opened for Diana Krall, and Pharoah Sanders; performed at Jazz Festivals in Vienna and Chicago, and she’s played Carnegie Hall.
It is not only her swinging bass playing that is making people sit up and take notice, but also her innovative writing style using lively grooves with influences from Mingus to Bjork. The recent JUNO win is surely just one sign of a very bright future.
Tim Shia
Drummer and Band Leader
www.ppfhouse.com/music/timshia/
Drummer and bandleader Tim Shia has performed and recorded with many of Canada’s most acclaimed musicians, including Rich Underhill, Kevin Barrett, Kevin Clark, Laila Biali, Julie Michels, George Koller, Ron Davis, Suzie McNeil, Tyler Yarema, Quinsin Nachoff, Mike Downes, Kieren Overs, Christopher Plock, Bernie Senensky, Bob Brough, and Dee Kaye Ibomeka. He has played festivals and shows across the country and recorded and composed music for CDs, television and film.
Current projects include: the Love Orchestra ("jazz"); LEO37 (Toronto-based emcee/ turntablist); Ebb (a jazz guitar trio focused on groove and atmospherics); the Love Mechaniques (deconstructionist jazz); and the Worst Pop Band Ever (pop tunes played in ways upsetting to both pop and jazz purists).
Colleen Allen
Alto, Tenor and Soprano Sax, Flute, Clarinet and Accordion
www.colleenallen.ca/
A multi talented musician, Colleen Allen makes her magic on alto, tenor and soprano sax, as well as the flute clarinet and accordion.
Known for her skill and presence on stage, she is currently a member of Molly Johnson's band and has performed with a diverse array of artists such as Anne Murray, Holly Cole, Shirley Eikhard, Rita MacNeil, Gino Vanelli, John McDermott, Ani DiFranco and Cirque de Soleil.
Colleen Allen is known as much for her charismatic stage presence as she is for her remarkable ease in fostering a collaborative spirit while playing with others. What makes Colleen so popular with other players and leaders is her "deep listening," She plays with a beautiful simplicity and lends a keen ear to collaboration with her fellow musicians.
Rob Somerville
Trombone
Rob, a graduate of the Mohawk College jazz program, is a member of a number of well-known jazz bands including those of Dave McMurdo, Phil Nimmons, John McLeod and the Matt Dusk horn band.
He has performed with many outstanding Canadian jazz artists such as Peter Appleyard, Bernie Senensky, Mike Murley, and Kenny Wheeler. Rob has also backed a variety of artists including Manhattan Transfer, The Temptations, Paul Anka, The Four Tops, Roger Daltry, Regis Philbin, Bob Newhart, and Don Rickles.
He teaches part time at Mohawk College and McMaster University and is an active freelance player in recording studios.
Glenn Anderson
Drums
www3.sympatico.ca/glenntanderson/
Glenn has been playing jazz drums in the Toronto area for the past 27 years most recently performing and/or recording with Alex Pangman and her Alleycats, Big Rude Jake, the Dixie Demons and vocal sensation Swing Rosie.
In July of 2003, Glenn released his first CD entitled "Swingin' the Blues" with Jake Langley, Jack Zorawski, William Carn, Kevin Clark, Doug Watson, Christopher Plock, Shawn Nykwist, the late Bob George, and guest vocalist Melissa Stylianou.
Chris Banks
Bassist
Chris Banks graduated form the Mohawk College applied music program in 1993 after which he moved to Toronto where he began freelancing career as a performing, touring and recording musician. While much in demand as a jazz bassist, he works in the pop music field where he has toured with Sarah Slean and recorded with Hayden. Chris has lived and performed in Seoul, South Korea and Dubai.
