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".
Thanks to everyone who came out to hear us play this summer. Had a wonderful time and recorded three of the festival shows in Vancouver, Edmonton and Niagara. Looking forward to hearing the resulting music.
For all those who pre-ordered our new album 'Undertones' it is currently being manufactured and we expect it should be in your hands before the end of the month! Thanks so much for your support and patience.
Looking forward to playing tonight with my new Canadian Quintet Frankie's as part of the Vancouver International Jazz Festival. We'll be recording the show so come down and enjoy. Show starts at 8pm. Al Muirhead - Bass Trumpet, Kelly Jefferson - Tenor Sax, Reg Schwager - Guitar, Neil Swainson - Bass & Jesse Cahill - Drums.
Signed copies of our new @chronorecords release Undertones will be available for pre-order!
https://www.coastaljazz.ca/
Al Muirhead is on tour with his new band for the 2018 Canadian Jazz Festivals!
Al will be performing at six Canadian Festivals this June and July with his Canadian Quintet presenting new music from their upcoming release 'Undertones' featuring him on the bass trumpet. The band is as follows: Al Muirhead (bass trumpet), Kelly Jefferson (tenor sax), Reg Schwager (guitar), Neil Swainson (bass), Ted Warren (drums). Check Al's 'Shows' section of the site for all the details.
June 16 - JazzFest regina - Regina, SK
June 26 - TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival - Vancouver, BC (Live Recording)
June 27 - TD Victoria International Jazz festival - Victoria, bC
June 29 - SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival - Saskatoon, SK
June 30 - TD Edmonton International Jazz Festival - Edmonton, AB (Live Recording)
July 2 - Montreal International Jazz Festival - Montreal, QC
July 29 - TD Niagara Jazz Festival - Niagara-on-the-lake, ON
May 2017 DownBeat Magazine Review:
by BRIAN ZIMMERMAN
Northern Adventures - The Canada Sessions Vol. 1 (4 of 5 Stars)
Al Muirhead is a bright light on the Canadian jazz scene, a JUNO-nominated trumpeter with 26 albums to his name and a roster of sideman gigs that includes stints with Dizzy Gillespie and Diana Krall. Long a supportive player, he released his debut album in North America in 2014—at age 80. Northern Adventures—The Canada Sessions Vol. 1 (Chronograph Records; 57:58) is his second album in two years, and it brings together fellow luminaries of Canadian jazz for an intimate program of jazz standards. Listeners will find themselves luxuriating in Muirhead’s deep, mellifluous tone, which at times conveys the warm, downy timbre of a trombone, especially in the lower register. That’s nowhere more evident than on “Love Me Or Leave Me,” on which the trumpeter unspools fluttering ribbons of bottom-heavy bop. Muirhead and vocalist Laila Biali entwine sweetly on the ballad “The Nearness Of You.” The song is an airy, stripped-down marvel, and its serene weightlessness nearly sets it afloat.
Ordering info: chronographrecords.com
Al Muirhead is heading on tour for the 2017 Canadian Jazz Festivals!
Al will be performing at six Canadian Festivals this June! The tour is very much in the spirit of his new album 'Northern Adventures - The Canada Sessions Vol. 1' that recently garnered a 4-Star review from DownBeat Magazine!. Al will be featuring a variety of ensembles across Canada drawing from many of the musicians who played on the new disc including jazz luminaries such as Guido Basso, Tommy Banks, PJ Perry & Laila Biali. The final show in Edmonton will be a special evening featuring his 2016 JUNO-nominated quintet! (click on the festival names below for more info)
Friday JUNE 16 - Lethbridge Jazz & Blues Festival
with Laila Biali (vocals), Vern Dorge (sax), Chris Andrew (piano) & Kodi Hutchinson (bass)
Saturday JUNE 17 - JazzYYC Summer Festival
with Laila Biali (vocals), Chris Andrew (piano) & Jason Valleau (bass)
Sunday JUNE 18 - Medicine Hat Jazz Festival
with Laila Biali (vocals), Chris Andrew (piano) & Kodi Hutchinson (bass)
Sunday JUNE 25 - TD Ottawa Jazz Festival
with Guido Basso (flugelhorn), Brian Browne (piano) & Kodi Hutchinson (bass)
Tuesday JUNE 27 - TD Toronto Jazz Festival
with Laila Biali (vocals), Reg Schwager (guitar) & Kodi Hutchinson (bass)
Thursday JUNE 29 - TD Edmonton International Jazz Festival
with Tommy Banks (piano), PJ Perry (sax), Kodi Hutchinson (bass) & Tyler Hornby (drums)
Received a very nice review at All About Jazz for my new album 'Northern Adventures - The Canada Sessions Vol. 1' from Jack Bowers.
Click the following link for the entire review: Album Review
Jack gave the album 4 of 5 stars and mentioned "Muirhead's Northern Adventures...are well worth seeking out and sharing".
Tune in tonight (Feb 22nd, 2017) at 7pm MST at www.ckua.com as I co-host mixtape with host Monica Miller. For more info and for my full playlist visit www.ckua.com
Synopsis:
On this week’s Mixtape we’re all about brass as we spend the hour with Calgary jazz trumpeter Al Muirhead. Originally from Regina, Al has been a Calgarian since the 1960s – running a music store, working in television, writing, arranging, teaching and, with his wife Ida, raising a family. Now in his 80s, the past 2 and a half years have been something of a renaissance for Al Muirhead jazz trumpeter with the rapid-fire release of 3 albums in 3 years featuring Al as leader – all on Calgary’s Chronograph Records. The first, was 2014’s It’s About Time – the title a reference to it being Al’s first recording as a leader after something like 70 years as professional musician. It was nominated for a JUNO Award. Oop! (2016) featured Al in the company of P.J. Perry and Tommy Banks. The most recent, Northern Adventures: The Canada Sessions Volume 1 was just released this month.
Al was the recipient of the 2013 Heritage Award from the Western Canadian Music Alliance. As part of that year’s Western Canadian Music Awards ceremony this video shown illustrating to the audience gathered that evening why he was more than deserving of the honour! video link
What a pleasant surprise. The new album 'Northern Adventures - The Canada Sessions Vol. 1' is in it's 2nd week at #1 in Canada on the Earshot Jazz Charts and just entered the US jazzweek.com charts at #27. Such an honour that people are enjoying this music. Thank you all so very much! We're all very proud of the new album featuring so many wonderful #Canadian #Jazz musicians!
Al
@earshot_online
@jazzweek
Thanks to everyone who came out for some very special shows for the release of my latest CD 'Northern Adventures - The Canada Sessions Vol. 1'.
Such great listening crowds in Edmonton at the Yardbird Suite and in Calgary at the King Eddy at the National Music Centre. If you missed the shows we had a great band featuring myself on trumpet and bass trumpet with my good friend Tommy Banks on piano, Campbell Ryga from Vancouver on saxophone and bassist Kodi Hutchinson.
We had some very special guests at both shows with guitarist Bobby Cairns on guitar for the Edmonton show and PJ Perry popping by for a tune lighting up the room. In Calgary, Johnny Summers of the Calgary Jazz Orchestra joined me on trumpet.
Thanks so much to everyone for your support!
Al
Click here to buy Al Muirhead Edmonton CD Release Tickets!
Calgary - Feb 4th at the King Eddy
Click here to buy Al Muirhead Calgary CD Release Tickets!
Join Al for the release of his newest album 'Northern Adventures - Canada Sessions Vol. 1'. Both shows will feature Al with some old friends playing music from the new album that features some of Canada's top musicians. Al Muirhead (Trumpet), Tommy Banks (Piano), Campbell Ryga (Sax) & Kodi Hutchinson (Bass).
For the Edmonton show guitarist Bobby Cairns will also joining Al!
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
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.
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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