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

Congrats to Turboprop 

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!

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.

Click Here for Link to Video

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: 

  1. I am really old and still playing
  2. you have known me since you were a kid 
  3. I have a Bass Trumpet and you don't 
  4. 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

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Previous events

CCAE plays Ellington's 'The Nutcracker' & more

 —  —

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#

Prime Time Big Band

 —  —

Ironwood Stage & Gril, 1229 9 Ave SE, Calgary

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

BOW Showcase - Al Muirhead with Jack Semple

 —  —

The Capitol, 1843 Hamilton St, Regina, SK

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)!

http://breakoutwest.ca

Prime Time Big Band

 —  —

Ironwood Stage & Grill, 1229 9 Ave SE, Calgary, AB

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

Calgary Jazz Orchestra

 —  —

River Park Church, 3818 14A St SW, Calgary, AB

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

www.continuumjazz.ca

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

http://www.calgaryjazzorchestra.com

Prime Time Big Band

 —  —

Ironwood Stage & Grill, 1229 9 Ave SE, Calgary, AB

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

Prime Time Big Band

 —  —

Ironwood Stage & Grill, 1229 9 Ave SE, Calgary, AB

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

Prime Time Big Band

 —  —

Ironwood Stage & Grill, 1229 9 Ave SE, Calgary, AB

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

Prime Time Big Band

 —  —

Ironwood Stage & Grill, 1229 9 Ave SE, Calgary, AB

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

Calgary Jazz Orchestra

 —  —

River Park Church, 3818 14A St SW, Calgary, AB

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.

Prime Time Big Band

 —  —

Ironwood Stage & Grill, 1229 9 Ave SE, Calgary, AB

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