The “Order of Canada” Band
Jens Lindemann, trumpet & Artistic Director
Tommy Banks, piano & conductor
Guido Basso, flugelhorn & trumpet
Terry Clarke, drums
Phil Dwyer, saxophone
Phil Nimmons, clarinet
Don Thompson, bass, piano & vibes
Dave Young, bass
Joseph Macerollo, accordion
Yamaha All Star Players
John Johnson, alto saxophone (lead)
Tara Davidson, alto saxophone
Alex Dean, tenor saxophone
Shirantha Beddage, baritone saxophone
Mike Herriott, trumpet (lead)
Chase Sanborn, trumpet
Allan Gilliland, trumpet
Alistair Kay, trombone (lead)
Terry Promane, trombone
Christian Overton, trombone
Steven Butterworth, bass trombone
Reg Schwager, guitar
Kristian Alexandrov, percussion & piano
PROGRAM
Phil Nimmons: The Dorian Way
Phil Nimmons: Nufsicisum
Don Thompson: For Kenny Wheeler
Phil Dwyer: Portrait of Guido
Allan Gilliland: Dreaming of the Masters
1. 101 Damnations
2. Prayer
3. Lower Neighbors
INTERMISSION
Oscar Peterson: Canadiana Suite (arr. Phil Nimmons)
1. “Overture”
2. “Ballad to the East”
3. “Laurentide Waltz”
4. “Place St. Henri”
5. “Hogtown Blues”
6. “Wheatland”
7. “March Past”
8. “Land of the Misty Giants”
Oscar Peterson: Hymn to Freedom (arr. Dean McNeill)
Mercer Ellington: Things Ain't What They Used to Be (arr. Rob McConnell)
For the first time ever, nine Canadian musical icons, who have all received the prestigious Order of Canada award, are set to perform together in an exclusive series of Canadian-wide concerts. The centerpiece of the series is Canadiana Suite, an arresting eight-movement work by Oscar Peterson, describing a musical journey that represents every region of Canada. Arranged by Peterson’s legendary 92-year-old friend and fellow jazz musician Phil Nimmons, Canadiana Suite has never before been performed in this unique big band arrangement.
The accompanying DVD/CD will incorporate documentary-style film footage of rehearsals and individual interviews, culminating in the live series of concerts co-directed by Jens Lindemann and Tommy Banks. By documenting and recording these highly-acclaimed artists together, this concert aims to celebrate the legacy of some of the greatest jazz musicians of the last century while also creating a pivotal moment in Canadian musical history.
Trumpeter Jens Lindemann has played in every major concert venue in the world – from the Philharmonics of New York, Los Angeles, and London, to Tokyo’s Suntory Hall, and even the Great Wall of China. He has also won
major awards ranging from Grammy and Juno nominations to winning the prestigious Echo Klassik in Germany, as well as receiving an honourary doctorate. He was made a member of the Order of Canada in 2014.
A professional jazz pianist at age 14, Tommy Banks 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 he also served nearly 12 years in the Senate as a member of the Liberal Parliamentary Caucus. He was made a member of the Order of Canada in 1991.
Acknowledged as having done more than almost any other musician to bring jazz into the mainstream of Canadian culture, clarinetist Phil Nimmons is an esteemed performer, composer, educator, clinician, and artistic director of music programs. He was made a member of the Order of Canada in 1993.
One of the few multi-instrumentalists who sound virtuosic on each chosen instrument, Don Thompson has made significant musical contributions on vibes, bass, and piano. He is currently working as a freelance musician, teacher, member of the band JMOG, and as leader of his own quartet. He was made a member of the Order of Canada in 2009.
Drummer Terry Clarke’s illustrious career spans nearly five decades with over 300 recordings to his credit. He has worked with Oscar Peterson, Jim Hall, Freddie Hubbard, and countless others, and is the only drummer to receive the Order of Canada in 2002.
As a multiple award-winning bassist and composer, Dave Young is, without a doubt, one of Canada’s most valuable and beloved musical exports. Whether performing as part of a symphony or leading any of his dynamic ensembles, he remains a total musician, with artistic soul in abundance. He was made a member of the Order of Canada in 2007.
Guido Basso is a highly respected trumpeter, flugelhornist, harmonica player, arranger, composer, and conductor. He was made a member of the Order of Canada in 1994.
Phil Dwyer is a gifted performer on both saxophone and piano. He has been a force on the international jazz scene for over two decades as one of the busiest studio musicians and performers. He continues to perform, record, and tour across Canada and internationally. He was made a member of the Order of Canada in 2013.
Joseph Macerollo has achieved a rare status as an icon of the concert accordion in Canada and internationally. He opened the door for numerous commissions by Canadian composers with The Canada Council, Ontario Arts Council, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, and became the first instructor of accordion at The Royal Conservatory of Music, University of Toronto, and Queen’s University. He has been named Officer of the Order of Canada in 2013.
Terry Clarke and Dave Young made their Royal Conservatory debuts on October 30, 2010, Guido Basso on December 18, 2010, Jens Lindeman (an Honorary Fellow of The Conservatory) on January 12, 2013, and Don Thompson on October 19, 2013. Joseph Macerollo taught at The Conservatory from 1969 to 1985. Tommy Banks, Phil Dwyer, and Phil Nimmons are making their Conservatory debuts tonight.
The live concert on October 23, 2015, was generously supported by Michael Foulkes and Linda Brennan and JazzFM