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
Previous events
Christmas jazz and big band go together like cookies and sprinkles!
Join Prime Time Big Band for three sensational annual holiday concerts: Saturday, Dec. 3, Sunday, Dec. 4, and Saturday, Dec. 10.
Call the Ironwood at 403-269-5581 [Call: 403-269-5581] for reservations.
A Perfectly Frank Christmas
Join us for our Christmas tradition on tour this year! We perform the music of Frank Sinatra & Christmasand music from Johnny's new album "When It's Christmas Time".
CCAE plays Ellington's 'The Nutcracker' & more
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Grace Presbyterian Church, 1009 15 Avenue Southwest , Calgary, AB
The CCAE plays 'The Nutcracker' & more! Fun for the whole family as the Calgary Creative Arts Ensemble revisits Billy Strayhorns famous rendition of the classic Nutcracker Suite. Special guests include:
Jonathan Love (Narrator)
Cedric Blary (Clarinet soloist)
and featuring: The Heebee Jeebees (Nutcracker specialists)
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/ccae-plays-ellingtons-the-nutcracker-more-tickets-29295315076#
Join Al with the Calgary Jazz Orchestra as they perform again this year at the Rotary Jazz Festival.
7pm | Trans Canada Theatre | 4500 50th street Olds AB | $20 in advance $25 @ door $10/$15 students
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.
Founded 20 years ago by bandleader Dave Jones, 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.
The concerts include vocal selections by singing sensation Deanne Matley, whose first CD Stealin’ Blue enjoyed top 10 jazz play across Canada and whose three later recordings have found a growing fanbase worldwide.
“One of the best big bands in Canada” – Kodi Hutchinson, A Time for Jazz, CKUA Radio
“A spectacular who’s who of local players” – Mike Bell, Calgary Herald
Admission is $20 adults and $15 students/children plus GST.
Reservations recommended: 403-269-5581 and reservations@ironwoodstage.ca.
Admission is $20 adults and $15 students/children plus GST Age limit: All ages
Al Perfoerms with the Calgary Jazz Orchestra playing the music of Wynton Marsalis and of Disney favourites reimagined!
Al will be joining double bassist and Western Canadian Music Award nominee Kodi Hutchinson of the Hutchinson in trio at the 20Ten City Eatery for 2 sets of Jazz Standards. Filling out the group is Calgary guitarist Carl Janzen.
Join Al Muirhead for his official Breakout West Jazz Showcase. Nominated for Jazz Artist of the Year, it will be an All-Star Lineup at the Capitol Club in Regina, SK.
Musicians joining Al include, Jack Semple (guitar/vocals), Kodi Hutchinson (double bass), Tyler Hornby (drums), Kristian Alexandrov (keyboards) and possibly some old friends including Dean McNeil (trumpet)!
Al performs with the Jazz Legends as part of the 1st Annual YYC Music Awards.
Al is nominated for Jazz Artist of the year alongside fellow band members, Johnny Summers, Tyler Hornby & Kodi Hutchinson.
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.
Founded 20 years ago by bandleader Dave Jones, 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.
The concerts include vocal selections by singing sensation Deanne Matley, whose first CD Stealin’ Blue enjoyed top 10 jazz play across Canada and whose three later recordings have found a growing fanbase worldwide.
“One of the best big bands in Canada” – Kodi Hutchinson, A Time for Jazz, CKUA Radio
“A spectacular who’s who of local players” – Mike Bell, Calgary Herald
Admission is $20 adults and $15 students/children plus GST.
Reservations recommended: 403-269-5581 and reservations@ironwoodstage.ca.
Admission is $20 adults and $15 students/children plus GST Age limit: All ages
Continuum CD Release
CJO tenor saxophonist Shane Statz and trumpeter Johnny Summers will be celebrating the release of the quintets first CD covering the range of music in the Jazz umbrella. Their compositions are inspired by musicians from Billie Holiday, Lester Young, Wynton Marsalis, Maria Schneider and more. We will be celebrating this CD release in concert by performing the music arranged for Jazz Orchestra. For more information visit
The Birth of the Blues
The last notes we play of our 11th season will be used to explore Blues music from it's beginning to now. Featuring guest guitarist Russell Broom.
7pm | River Park Church | 3818 14a St SW | $25 in advance $30 @ door $15/$20 students
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.
Founded 20 years ago by bandleader Dave Jones, 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.
The concerts include vocal selections by singing sensation Deanne Matley, whose first CD Stealin’ Blue enjoyed top 10 jazz play across Canada and whose three later recordings have found a growing fanbase worldwide.
“One of the best big bands in Canada” – Kodi Hutchinson, A Time for Jazz, CKUA Radio
“A spectacular who’s who of local players” – Mike Bell, Calgary Herald
Admission is $20 adults and $15 students/children plus GST.
Reservations recommended: 403-269-5581 and reservations@ironwoodstage.ca.
Admission is $20 adults and $15 students/children plus GST Age limit: All ages
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.
Founded 20 years ago by bandleader Dave Jones, 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.
The concerts include vocal selections by singing sensation Deanne Matley, whose first CD Stealin’ Blue enjoyed top 10 jazz play across Canada and whose three later recordings have found a growing fanbase worldwide.
“One of the best big bands in Canada” – Kodi Hutchinson, A Time for Jazz, CKUA Radio
“A spectacular who’s who of local players” – Mike Bell, Calgary Herald
Admission is $20 adults and $15 students/children plus GST.
Reservations recommended: 403-269-5581 and reservations@ironwoodstage.ca.
Admission is $20 adults and $15 students/children plus GST Age limit: All ages
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.
Founded 20 years ago by bandleader Dave Jones, 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.
The concerts include vocal selections by singing sensation Deanne Matley, whose first CD Stealin’ Blue enjoyed top 10 jazz play across Canada and whose three later recordings have found a growing fanbase worldwide.
“One of the best big bands in Canada” – Kodi Hutchinson, A Time for Jazz, CKUA Radio
“A spectacular who’s who of local players” – Mike Bell, Calgary Herald
Admission is $20 adults and $15 students/children plus GST.
Reservations recommended: 403-269-5581 and reservations@ironwoodstage.ca.
Admission is $20 adults and $15 students/children plus GST Age limit: All ages
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.
Founded 20 years ago by bandleader Dave Jones, 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.
The concerts include vocal selections by singing sensation Deanne Matley, whose first CD Stealin’ Blue enjoyed top 10 jazz play across Canada and whose three later recordings have found a growing fanbase worldwide.
“One of the best big bands in Canada” – Kodi Hutchinson, A Time for Jazz, CKUA Radio
“A spectacular who’s who of local players” – Mike Bell, Calgary Herald
Admission is $20 adults and $15 students/children plus GST.
Reservations recommended: 403-269-5581 and reservations@ironwoodstage.ca.
Admission is $20 adults and $15 students/children plus GST Age limit: All ages
Cannonball & Nat Adderley Reimagined
Our lead Alto Saxophonist Gerry Hebert is releasing a new album recorded with his quintet. The CJO will be performing original arrangements based on Gerry's new CD to celebrate!
The Music of Nat King Cole
Nat King Cole's legacy of music is astounding in depth, and we will be performing new arrangements of his music for Jazz Orchestra.
7pm | River Park Church | 3818 14a St SW | $25 in advance $30 @ door $15/$20 students
UofL Jazz Ensemble Welcomes Jazz Great Al Muirhead
University Theatre - University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB
U of L Jazz Ensemble Welcomes Jazz Great Al Muirhead
Calgary’s Al Muirhead comes quickly to mind when contemplating great Canadian jazz musicians. The U of L Jazz Ensemble has the pleasure of performing alongside this 2016 Juno nominated trumpet player, on Saturday, April 9 at 7:30 pm in the University Theatre
“There are certain people you always hear about,” says Dr. Josh Davies, U of L Jazz Ensemble Director. “And Al Muirhead is one of them.”
Known as the ‘Elder statesman of Jazz Trumpet in Alberta,’ Muirhead is one of the top two trumpet players in Canada, was nominated for the 2016 Juno for Best Jazz Album and received the 2013 Heritage Award from the Western Canadian Music Awards. He is featured on half of the songs on the concert program, including some of his own compositions.
“Al is spending most of a week on campus rehearsing with the band and giving lessons, which is an amazing learning opportunity for our students,” expands Davies. “At the concert, Al doesn’t just play on top of the band, he plays with them. What a great chance to learn from one of the all-time greats.”
While here as a special guest of the Jazz Ensemble Muirhead participates in a “mini-residency” offering a Masterclass on improvisation, Friday, April 8 from 12 - 2 pm in W470. Anyone is welcome to attend!
Don’t miss this jazz icon and the U of L Jazz Ensemble, Saturday, April 9 at 7:30 pm in the University Theatre. Tickets are available through the Box Office, 403-329-2616 or online at ulethbridge.ca/tickets.
$20 regular, $15 senior/alum, $12 student. Call the box office at 403-329-2616 or ulethbridge.ca/tickets.
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.
Founded 20 years ago by bandleader Dave Jones, 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.
The concerts include vocal selections by singing sensation Deanne Matley, whose first CD Stealin’ Blue enjoyed top 10 jazz play across Canada and whose three later recordings have found a growing fanbase worldwide.
“One of the best big bands in Canada” – Kodi Hutchinson, A Time for Jazz, CKUA Radio
“A spectacular who’s who of local players” – Mike Bell, Calgary Herald
Admission is $20 adults and $15 students/children plus GST.
Reservations recommended: 403-269-5581 and reservations@ironwoodstage.ca.
Admission is $20 adults and $15 students/children plus GST Age limit: All ages
Watch Al Muirhead performing live at the JUNOs with the Jazz All-Stars including Allison Au, Jerry Granelli, Kodi Hutchinson, Mark Kelso, Rich Brown, Robi Botos, and Tommy Banks.
Tune into CKUA radio or head down to Stephen Avenue in Calgary for a live interview on 'A Time For Jazz' with his old friend Tommy Banks! www.ckua.com
Al will perform live with Robi Botos from Toronto.