AL MUIRHEAD

Al Muirhead has long been an iconic figure on the Canadian jazz scene. And the trumpeter, composer, arranger, sideman and recording artist has been making listeners take notice for longer than jazz fans might realize. Born in Regina in 1935, he was playing in the Regina Symphony and dance bands by age 12. Muirhead began to take notice of greats such as Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, and Louis Armstrong. While Muirhead’s playing is infused with the indelible influence of the jazz giants, his flowing, melodic sound is his own — and has become influential in its own right. He unleashes melodies that are incredibly inventive and utterly timeless.

Muirhead has worked with legends such as Diana Krall, Paul Anka, Rosemary Clooney, Frank Mills and Dizzy Gillespie. In recent years, Al has been honoured with the American Federation of Musician’s Citation Award and the Western Canadian Music Alliance’s Heritage Award for his mentorship and industry-building. He’s also earned the Saskatchewan Jazz Festival’s Special Recognition Award, a 2016 and 2017 YYC Music Award, a 2016 JUNO nomination, a 2017 Western Canadian Music Award nomination, and has charted #1 in Canada and #3 in the US.

AWARDS:

Al has been honoured with the American Federation of Musician’s Citation Award and the Western Canadian Music Alliance’s Heritage Award for his mentorship and industry-building. He’s also earned the Saskatchewan Jazz Festival’s Special Recognition Award, a 2016 and 2017 YYC Music Award, a 2016 JUNO nomination, a 2017 Western Canadian Music Award nomination, and has charted #1 in Canada and #3 in the US.

PRAISE/QUOTES:

“Al Muirhead is a bright light on the Canadian jazz scene. 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. 4 Stars” – Downbeat Magazine

“Muirhead, who came of age listening to the likes of Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis and Clifford Brown, straddles the fence between bop and trad, calling to mind past masters Ruby Braff and Warren Vache. Muirhead’s Northern Adventures are well worth seeking out and sharing. 4 Stars” – All About Jazz

“Al’s superbly mellow trumpet work is joined by an “A-list” of Canadian jazz players. I give Al & his musical cohorts a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98 for this fine release.” – Improvijazznation

“You might never have heard straight ahead jazz played so well as you’ll hear it here. Killer stuff throughout whose pedigree speaks for itself even if the music does it so much more eloquently.” – Midwest Record

AL MUIRHEAD QUINTET BAND MEMBERS:

Al Muirhead – Bass Trumpet
Kelly Jefferson – Saxophone
Reg Schwager – Guitar
Neil Swainson – Bass
Ted Warren – Drums

Performances

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