A whirlwind of a day. Just found out that my debut album 'It's About Time' has been nominated for a JUNO award in the 'Jazz Album of the Year: Solo' category. Very humbled and honoured to be mentioned with so many other wonderful jazz artists!
To see the nominees this year: www.junoawards.ca/nominees
Thank you already to the many well-wishers on this exciting announcement!
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
Sophmore Album 'Oop!' Now Available!
Had a great weekend releasing my second CD 'Oop!' this past weekend with old friends Tommy Banks (piano) and PJ Perry (sax) in Calgary and Edmonton.
Thank you to everyone who came out to listen. Such an enjoyable weekend of music!
CD's can be purchased at the following link:
<span style="color:#0000FF;">www.chronographrecords.com</span>
Music also available at iTunes
Oop! CD Release
Very excited for the release of my new CD Oop! featuring two of my oldest friends, Tommy Banks (piano) and PJ Perry (sax). We had a great time in studio recording some of our favourite jazz standards. There is a special musical connection on ‘Oop!’ that can only be found with three good friends who have over 60 years of experience playing together!
Reminder our two shows are as follows:
Calgary
Friday Jan. 22nd - 7pm
National Music Centre
134 11 Ave SE
Tix $25
http://ow.ly/Vmx5D
Edmonton
Saturday Jan. 23rd - 8pm
Yardbird Suite
11 Tommy Banks Way
TICKETS - MEMBERS $26, GUESTS $30
www.yardbirdsuite.com
Yogi Berra on Jazz
An interview with the Master of Malapropisms
Interviewer: Can you explain Jazz?
Yogi: I can't, but I will. 90% of all Jazz is half improvisation. The other half is the part people play while others are playing something they never played with anyone who played that part. So if you play the wrong part, its right. If you play the right part, it might be right if you play it wrong enough. But if you play it too right, it's wrong.
Interviewer: I don't understand.
Yogi: Anyone who understands Jazz knows that you can't understand it. It's too complicated. That's what's so simple about it.
Interviewer: Do you understand it?
Yogi: No. That's why I can explain it. If I understood it, I wouldn't know anything about it.
Interviewer: Are there any great Jazz players alive today?
Yogi: No. All the great Jazz players alive today are dead. Except for the ones that are still alive. But so many of them are dead, that the ones that are still alive are dying to be like the ones that are dead.
Interviewer: What is syncopation?
Yogi: That's when the note that you should hear now happens either before or after you hear it. In Jazz, you don't hear notes when they happen because that would be some other type of music. Other types of music can be Jazz, but only if they're the same as something different from those other kinds.
Interviewer: Now I really don't understand.
Yogi: I haven't taught you enough for you to not understand Jazz that well.
Thank you for the 80th Birthday Celebration
Thank you to all my friends and family who came out to celebrate my 80th Birthday at the Ironwood Sunday. A wonderful surprise that Johnny Summers and Jim Murray organized for me. Such a pleasure seeing some old friends and family; Cal, Tommy, Jens and so many more!
Trumpet Tips #3: Talent isn't enough
I've known some wonderfully talented players in my days, some, who never amounted to much. Everything came so easily to them. However, they didn't spend the necessary time on their horn to become a really good strong player. Talent just opens up the door. After that you have to work just as hard as the less talented.
A well organized practice routine is vital to a trumpet players growth.
How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice baby, practice!
Trumpet Tips #2
When starting off playing music, take every opportunity that comes your way to play with different ensembles - in all genres. Sometimes we put the blinders on, or close our ears to styles of music that may not be our favourite to play or listen to. It's been my experience that you can learn a lot from these experiences, and if you are going to make a living in the music business, more doors will be open to you.
Also, as a trumpet player, no matter what genre of music you play, take lessons from the best Classical Trumpet player in your area - learn the fundamentals.
Trumpet Tips #1: Trumpet books every aspiring trumpet player needs to have in their library.
Welcome to my Trumpet Tips!
I thought I would out start out easy with my first trumpet tip and give a short list of trumpet books every aspiring trumpet player should have!
My personal favourites:
1. Arban's Complete Conservatory Method for Trumpet
2. Clarke Studies
3. The Original Louis Maggio System for Brass : Basic & Advance Course for Trumpet
Enjoy!
Al 'oop' Muirhead
'It's About Time' Hits #1 on the Canadian Jazz Charts!
So excited to see that my new album is being received so positively by everyone. Such an honour to reach #1 on the Canadian Earshot Jazz Charts for this week!
Thanks so much to everyone for listening to the new album and for your support and good wishes.
'It's About Time' climbing the Canadian Jazz Charts
Checkout the Earshot charts where Al's album 'It's About Time' is currently #9 in Canada! Earshot Jazz Charts
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