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

Join our mailing list for the latest news

Previous events

Chronograph Records Showcase

 —  —

Wine-OHs, 811 - 1 St SW (Basement), Calgary, AB

Join Al Muirhead in Quintet for this unique evening featuring some of Western Canada's top talent from 3-time Western Canadian Music Awards Independent Label of the Year Nominee - Chronograph Records, showcase during the JUNO week in Calgary! $10 Cover at the door

Al Muirhead (tpt), PJ Perry (sx), Chris Andrew (pno), Kodi Hutchinson (bs), & Tyler Hornby (dr).

www.chronographrecords.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

Help us raise funds to support Gracie Swainson and her family through her battle with cancer.

Featuring performances from Gracie’s children (Tristan Campbell, Alicyn Campbell, and Lyndon Campbell), Juno-nominee Al Muirhead, Ellen Doty, Jory Kinjo, Aimee-Jo Benoit, and more.

Doors open at 6pm and concert starts at 7pm Hillhurst United Church, 1227 Kensington Close NW.

Gracie’s Story

Gracie was diagnosed in October 2010 with colon cancer. Surgery and chemotherapy followed until August 2011, when she decided to go ahead with the Sugarbaker procedure. In April 2015, there was further cancer diagnosis. She has undergone radiation and is currently undergoing more chemotherapy. As many of you know, the battle with cancer is not only very difficult emotionally and physically, but financially as well. Not being able to work for extended lengths of time coupled with the costs of medications, treatments, living expenses, and even hospital parking passes starts to add up very quickly. We’d like to raise money for Gracie and her family to not only support them in this difficult time, but also to fund alternative treatment at Pyatt Health Centre in Calgary. If enough money were raised, there would also be the opportunity for her to be part of an experimental treatment from the States.

Tickets available online at: songsforgracie.brownpapertickets.com (Brown Paper Tickets) or in person at all Hedkandi, Butter Beauty Parlour, and Johnny’s Barber locations.

Calgary Jazz Orchestra

 —  —

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

The Art of Romance

We explore the music of Tony Bennet, Cole Porter and more featuring many musicians from the CJO as well as guest vocalist Allison Lynch and strings!

The Art of Soul

The second half of the concert will explore the music of Soul, Funk, R&B and more!

7pm | River Park Church | 3818 14a St SW | $25 in advance $30 @ door $15/$20 students

http://www.calgaryjazzorchestra.com/concert-series-1.html

Block Heater: Frazey Ford

The Inglewood Music Club, 1401 10th Ave. S.E. , Calgary, AB

The Inglewood Music Club is proud to partner with the Calgary Folk Music Festival in presenting Block Heater, a winter music extravaganza February 12-14, 2016 at three live music venues on the Music Mile in the historic community of Inglewood. Throughout the Family Day long weekend, over 20 local, national and international artists will perform concerts and collaborative songwriter-in-the-round sessions at Festival Hall (1215 10 Avenue SE), the Inglewood Music Club (1401 10 Ave SE) and Ironwood Stage and Grill (1229 9 Ave SE)

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

Join us for a very special evening celebrating the release of veteran jazz trumpeter Al Muirhead's second album, "Oop!" Named after his long-time nickname (Alley Oop), the album follows on the Fall 2014 release of his debut album at 79 years old! Now at 80 years young, Al will be joined by life-long friends and jazz legends in their own right, Tommy Banks (piano) and PJ Perry (saxophone), for an evening of favourite jazz standards. Filling out the group are bassist Kodi Hutchinson and drummer Sandro Dominelli.

Tickets available at the door or visit www.yardbirdsuite.com

Join us for a very special evening celebrating the release of veteran jazz trumpeter Al Muirhead's second album, "Oop!" Named after his long-time nickname (Alley Oop), the album follows on the Fall 2014 release of his debut album at 79 years old! Now at 80 years young, Al will be joined by life-long friends and jazz legends in their own right, Tommy Banks (piano) and PJ Perry (saxophone), for an evening of favourite jazz standards.

Tickets are $25 available at ticket link or at the door.

Calgary Jazz Orchestra

 —  —

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

Celebrating 80 years of Al Muirhead!

Legendary trumpeter and CJO member Al "Oop" Muirhead is turning 80, and releasing his second CD entitled "Oop" ! To celebrate we are perforing music with the CJO from his first album, and this new release, favourite music that Al has played throughout his career. We will also perform a new work composed in Oops honour by one of his old students and CJO director Johnny Summers.

Star Wars & More! Re-imagining the works of John Williams.

Featuring a Star Wars Suite, Harry Potter, Indiana Jones , Schindlers List and More!

7pm | River Park Church | 3818 14a St SW | $25 in advance $30 @ door $15/$20 students

Calgary Jazz Orchestra: Brubeck & Suite Jubilation

 —  —

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

Dave Brubeck – Time Out Live and more World premier of Johnny Summers – Suite Jubilation with Karl Schwonik on drums and a gospel choir

Seriously – if you like music, you will LOVE the Calgary Jazz Orchestra! This exceptional 17-piece orchestra, directed by Johnny Summers, has a ton of fun performing together and making the best concerts for the audience to enjoy. 2014-2015 marks a decade in music entertainment for the group and their concerts will have you recognizing the music of Louis Armstrong, Seal, Timberlake, Dave Brubeck, Harry Connick Jr., and themes of Christmas, Romance, Soul, Superhero’s and more.

$25 General admission, $10 Students Age limit: All ages

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

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

Age limit: All ages

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

Admission is $20 adults and $15 students/children plus GST Age limit: All ages

Admission is $20 adults and $15 students/children plus GST Age limit: All ages Age limit: All ages

Corinne Plomish Jazz Quartet w/special guest; Al Muirhead

 —  —

BMO Centre, 20 Roundup Way, Calgary, AB

NEO SOUL meets TRADITIONAL JAZZ with the Corinne Plomish Jazz Quartet with jazz legend, Al Muirhead, on trumpet. Guest performances by the Tri-Tone Rhythm Ensemble and others are sure to get you moving to the music.

Part of UN Jazz Day 2015

Age limit: All ages

Lawson Lundell Celebrity Hors d'Oeuvres is the flagship fundraiser for Alberta Theatre Projects, now in its 22nd fun-filled year. Restaurants are paired with celebrities in an all-out race to sell extraordinary culinary delights to you, our guests.

This year, our pre show entertainment will feature the Prime Time Big Band, with special guests The Fedora Club playing through the competition.

There will be 10 of Calgary’s finest restaurants – some defending their titles from last year.

30 famous Calgarians will partner with them in a team effort to conquer your palate.

It’s fast, it’s furious, it’s Calgary’s Famous Food Frenzy.

Join us at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium on Saturday, April 11, 2015

Tickets are $80

Doors open at 6:30 pm. The competition begins at 7:30 pm

Early Bird bonus until January 31 - $10 worth of food tokens

Tickets are $80 Age limit: All ages

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

Admission is $20 adults and $15 students/children plus GST Age limit: All ages