Canadian Jazz All-Stars
This is the first time this incredible collection of artists are joining together to make a powerful jazz ensemble! Guido Basso, Heather Bambrick, Mike Murley, Robi Botos, Dave Youngi, and Davide DiRenzo bring the sounds of saxophone, drums, bass, brass and vocals to the stage in a show that is nothing less than pure energy and excitement. Together, these world-class artists have performed on the finest world stages, with many well-known names in all musical genres, garnered international praise and accolades, and have collected more than two centuries of musical seasoning.
CANADIAN JAZZ ALL-STARS are not to be missed!
Guido Basso
There is no mistaking the rich, gorgeous tone of Guido Basso–it’s recognized the world over. As a charter member of Rob McConnell’s Boss Brass, Guido established a reputation as one of the world’s most solid and artistic soloists. He’s lent his signature sound to artists such as Buddy Rich, Oliver Jones, Carol Welsman, and Diana Krall, to name but a few. He remains a fan favourite charming audiences with his warmth of his personality, his tone, and charm. Guido is a multiple JUNO Award winner, and has been named as a member to the Order of Canada –our country’s highest and most prestigious civilian honour.
Heather Bambrick
Heather Bambrick is a JUNO-nominated vocalist, voice actor, and broadcaster who's performed with some of world's finest musicians, including Fred Hirsch, Guido Basso, Gene DiNovi, Lea Delaria, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and many others. She’s a consummate entertainer, bringing her home-grown Newfoundland charm and wit to her live shows, which have been described as “Carol Burnett meets Ella Fitzgerald. Heather’s vocal talent is internationally recognized not only for her recordings but also for her work on several Emmy-winning animation series. She is also an award-winning broadcaster on Canada’s only all-Jazz radio station, JAZZ.FM.
Mike Murley
An engaging, lyrical saxophonist, Mike Murley is one of Canada’s most celebrated and well-respected Jazz artists. Currently active as a leader in various formations from duo to septet, Murley also maintains a busy schedule as both a sideman and an educator as Chair of the University of Toronto Jazz Program. He has played on 12 JUNOAward-winning recordings since 1990, most recently in 2013 for his trio recording Test of Time (Cornerstone Records) and in 2017 for Metalwood’s Twenty(Cellar Live).He’s also received honours from the Jazz Report and National Jazz Awards.
Robi Botos
Hungarian-born Romani musician Robi Botoswas was raised in a musical family and began his artistic career as a child in Budapest. He immigrated to Canada in 1998 and is now a permanent and highly-regarded fixture in the country’s diverse musical scene. Shortly after arriving in Canada, Robi caught the ear of Jazz great Oscar Peterson and quickly became his protégé. Robi’s dynamic live performances have earned him international recognition –winning numerous competitions around the world including in Montreux, Paris, and the United States. He is a JUNO-Award winner, and has also been honoured by the National Jazz Awards, the Toronto Musicians’ Association, and the Montréal Jazz Festival.
Dave Young
Bassist Dave Young is, without a doubt, one of Canada’s most valuable exports. He’s a first-call bassist, arranger and bandleader, having been an integral part of some of this country’s most noteworthy ensembles including the Oscar Peterson Trio, the Lenny Breau Quartet, his own ensembles, as well as the Dave Young Terry Promane Octet. He is the recipient of numerous awards, including a JUNO Award, multiple Jazz Report and National Jazz Awards, and was also named an Officer of the Order of Canada.
Davide Direnzo
Davide DiRenzo is one of the most versatile and in-demand drummers in Canada, with an equally strong profile in the Jazz, Rock, Pop and R&B scenes coast-to-coast and beyond. He has performed and recorded extensively around the world with a wide range of artists from Tom Cochrane and jack soul, to Cassandra Wilson and Matt Dusk. Beyond live performances, Davide has an impressive television profile, having been the house drummer for CTV’s Canadian Idol and Canada’s Got Talent, as well as appearances on six seasons of Live at the Rehearsal Hall on Bravo TV. He’s received six JUNO Awards and is steadily touring internationally.