Friday December 17 and Saturday December 18
A Tribute to Tommy Banks
Calgary & Edmonton
Chris Andrew - Piano
Kodi Hutchinson – Bass
Dave Laing – Drums
Special Guests:
PJ Perry – Saxophone
Al Muirhead - Trumpet
Mallory Chipman – Vocals
As one of western Canada's musical icons, Tommy had a great effect on the careers and approach of all the members of HAT as well as countless others across Canada. In celebration of what would be his birthday, the Hutchinson Andrew Trio will be joined by close friends and colleagues of Tommy including saxophonist PJ Perry, trumpeter Al Muirhead and vocalist Mallory Chipman. The group will be performing music closely connected with this JUNO-winning master of the piano including some of his favourite tunes and his originals. Come see this celebration of Albertan and Canadian jazz icon Tommy Banks, livestreamed and recorded for future release on Chronograph Records.
Hutchinson Andrew Trio
The multiple-award-winning Hutchinson Andrew Trio is a vital and distinctively western force on the Canadian and international jazz scene. The group’s third album, 2013’s Prairie Modern, was featured in jazz bible Down Beat magazine, which called the album “a terrific listen, with great musicianship throughout.” Their most recent album, Hollow Trees, was written specifically for the seven-piece configuration of the HAT and the Lily String Quartet. Its music features powerful, moving compositions by HAT pianist Chris Andrew that combine the beauty of classical chamber music with the drive and interplay of jazz.
The trio’s many honours include Western Canadian Music Awards nominations for all their albums, and the prestigious TD Grand Jazz Award at the Montreal International Jazz Festival.
About Tommy Banks
The Honourable Tommy Banks was known as a pianist, conductor, arranger, composer, TV personality, actor, producer and politician (1936-2018). Tommy had an unparalleled, multi-faceted career spanning more than 60 years in virtually every aspect of the entertainment industry in Canada. A professional jazz pianist at age 14, he 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 act in film and television. He also served nearly 12 years in the Canadian Senate. Tommy was chair (1978–86) of the Alberta Foundation for the Performing Arts and chair (1983–87) of the music program at Grant MacEwan College, Edmonton. He was a member (1989–95) and a policy consultant (1996– 98) of the Canada Council, and the chairman of the Edmonton Concert Hall Foundation (1989–91). In 1999, Edmonton named a street Tommy Banks Way in his honour. In 2010, he received SOCAN’s special achievement award for his contributions to Canada’s music industry and musical heritage.
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