I wanted to thank everyone for their well-wishes and kind thoughts in regards to our JUNO-nomination for Undertones. Enjoyed the online awards show and so honoured to be a nominee surrounded by such amazing talent. Congratulations to Ernesto Cervini and his group Turboprop on the win. Well-deserved!
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
Jens Lindemann - A Hope For The Future Video
Had the honour to be included on Jens Lindemann's new video featuring Matt Catingub's new song 'A Hope For The Future'. The video features 32 international trumpet stars from 14 countries paying tribute to global health care workers.
What can I say....
Jens!
What an incredible video, and for such a worthy cause. You amaze me with your talents and creative abilities.
I think you picked me to be on this project because:
- I am really old and still playing
- you have known me since you were a kid
- I have a Bass Trumpet and you don't
- my "Arban's" method book is older and in worse shape than yours!
However my friend, I am thrilled and honoured to be a part of this with Matt, Steve, Mike, and some of my favourite Canadian and American Trumpet players. Getting to hear some of the rest of the world's players was a real treat. Great tune, great arrangement Matt!
I think I'd better go practice now - stay safe!
Al
JUNO Awards Postponed
Thanks to everyone for their well-wishes on the JUNO-nomination. Was looking forward to playing and saying hi to old friends at the JUNO's, but it is far more important that people stay healthy and safe right now. Look forward to hearing about the award at a later date. Such an honour to play with Reg, Kelly, Neil and Ted and be nominated in this category! Congrats to all the nominees and eventual winners!
JUNO Nomination - Undertones
Just found out that my Canadian Quintet with Kelly Jefferson (sax), Reg Schwager (guitar), Neil Swainson (bass) and Ted Warren (drums) have been nominated for our recent album Undertones in the 'Group' category.
It's quite an honour to be nominated again for a JUNO. There are so many great musicians in our country, and to be honoured beside them, makes me realise that this can happen to any of us, at any time, at any age.
We live in, I believe, the greatest country in the world. Thank you Canada for all you are doing, and for all that you have done for our musical community.
A special thank you to Kodi and Stephanie Hutchinson from Chronograph Records, for all your hard work, dedication and love in all of my musical endeavors
https://junoawards.ca/2020-juno-award-nominees/.
Student Painting
Thanks so much to Rode De Waal for her lovely painting of me. Such a pleasant surprise when I received this from this great young bassist and apparently painter!
Listening while you play!
Some of you may remember me talking about the word "air" and how the lack of it was responsible for so many of the problems we have playing the trumpet. There is another word that is just as important. " Listen". We need to really listen to ourselves. Are we blending with the other players in our section? How is our pitch? Are we a bit sharp? A bit flat? Are we giving the lead player the support he or she needs to make our section sound great? Are we so embroiled in the reading of that charts that we forget to listen? Sometimes when I hear some people play, they seem to have turned off their ears. They seem to be interested only in how they sound and how prominent they are in the band. We are a team when we play music together. We need to listen to each other carefully . Focusing on the time, the phrasing, the pitch, and the dynamics. Important word "Listen".
Undertones hits #16 at JazzWeek.com
Really lovely to see how people are embracing the new album. Playing with Reg, Neil, Ted and Kelly was such a treat for me, Listening to those guys groove - how they support your ideas - and hinting at other things you might try in your soloing. World class musicians. It was such an honour to get to know and play with these guys.
Undertones is chartbound at Jazzweek.com
Honoured to see that my new album 'Undertones' featuring my Canadian Quintet (Chronograph Records) is chartbound on the US JazzWeek National Charts. I'm quite happy with the new album - it's just a straight ahead jazz album that was such fun to record with these tremendous musicians from Toronto. Thanks to my musical friends and collaborators; Kelly Jefferson (sax), Neil Swainson (bass), Reg Schwager (guitar) and Ted Warren (drums) for their fantastic work!
'All About Jazz' Album Review - Undertones
For those of you just checking out what I am up to, my new album Undertones featuring my new Canadian Quintet and myself on the Bass Trumpet is set for release on September 28th on Chronograph Records! Check out the wonderful review from Dan McClenaghan giving the album 4 Stars out of 5.
Undertones All About Jazz Review - click here
Al Muirhead's Canadian Quintet
Al Muirhead - Bass Trumpet, Kelly Jefferson - Sax, Reg Schwager - Guitar, Neil Swainson - Bass, Ted Warren - Drums
Undertones - Midwest Record Album Review
Midwest Record Album Review - Undertones
For those of you just checking out what I am up to, my new album Undertones featuring my new Canadian Quintet and myself on the Bass Trumpet is set for release on September 28th on Chronograph Records! Check out the wonderful review from the Midwest Record.
Undertones Midwest Record Review - click here
Al Muirhead's Canadian Quintet
Al Muirhead - Bass Trumpet, Kelly Jefferson - Sax, Reg Schwager - Guitar, Neil Swainson - Bass, Ted Warren - Drums
Previous events
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.
The Hutchinson Andrew Trio will be playing a special event for sponors and donors for CKUA in Edmonton at a special 'Garden Party'.
Chris Andrew (piano) Kodi Hutchinson (bass) Dave Laing (drums)
featuring:
PJ Perry (saxophone) Al Muirhead (trumpet)
By invite only
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
Crooner Rob Young performs a tribute to Frank Sinatra with his little big band!
$25
Al Muirhead will be at the 2020 JUNO Awards in Saskatchewan. More details to come!
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 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
Calgary Jazz Orchestra directed by Johnny Summers presents the Art of Romance, Art of Soul with Strings. From lush arrangements of gorgeous standards in the first half, to music from Motown to modern funk in the soul half. Join us as we celebrate our 15th Season.
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 GIFT a tribute to Ian Tyson featuring Stewart MacDougall Gord Matthews Thom Moon Julian Kerr Myran Szott with John Wort Hannam Tracy Miller Ian Oscar and Al Muirhead. Call (403)269-5581 or email reservations@ironwoodstage.ca to make a reservation.
$30
Al Muirhead Quartet
Cliff Bungalow - Mission Community Centre, 2201 Cliff Street S.W., Calgary, Alberta
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
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
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.
Join the Calgary Jazz Orchestra for their final concert of the season - The Duke! Music of Duke Ellington and tribute to Lester Young featuring CJO's Shane Statz. Joining the CJO is guest saxophonist Cory Weeds.
Join the Calgary Jazz Orchestra for the Music of Louis Armstrong & Maria Schneider featuring Al Muirhead and members of the CJO.
Al Muirhead & Kodi Hutchinson Duo
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Garrison Green United Active Living Centre, 3028 Don Ethell Blvd SW, Calgary, AB
Al performs a duo set with bassist Kodi Hutchinson for residents of the Garrison Green United Active Living Centre
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
Al joins former Canadian Brass Trumpeter Jens Lindemann for an all-star evening of music at the National Music Centre