Piano/Keys

Toronto-based jazz pianist and composer Nancy Walker has been a mainstay of the Canadian jazz scene for more than fifteen years, praised for her work as a side player (live and in the studio) with instrumentalists and singers alike – from Ottawa bassist John Geggie, to Vancouver vocalist Karin Plato, to Toronto saxophonist Kirk MacDonald, to Swedish transplant, guitarist Mikko Hildén. She was voted Keyboardist of the Year at the 2008 National Jazz Awards and won the Grand Prix de Jazz at the 2003 Montreal International Jazz Festival.

Toronto native Richard Whiteman is an extremely versatile player, fluent in styles ranging from the stride masters of the twenties, through Bud Powell and Bill Evans, to modern giants like Keith Jarre

I'm a Toronto native, now living in beautiful Guelph, ON with my family. I studied music at St. Michael's Choir School and York University, from which I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music. I've been a professional musician for over 20 years now - and counting. I'm primarily considered a pianist, though I play numerous instruments including bass, guitar and drums. I'm also a radio and TV broadcaster - I currently work with CBC Radio 2 as a host and Associate Producer on Canada Live - the national live concerts showcase.

“Me and my big fat mouth,” Treasa Levasseur sighs, laughingly reminding herself that it’s gotten her into trouble all her life, and through the most exhilarating experiences she’s ever had.

That phrase is the first of many lines people will remember from her second CD, Low Fidelity, and it’ll be among the words you’ll remember when you hear her in concert.

Me and my big fat mouth
Sometimes I wonder where I’d be without
Me and my big fat mouth
Those of you that got one too know what I’m talking about

If they gave out medals for artistic courage, then young jazz pianist and composer Chris Donnelly deserves the Victoria Cross. For his second album, he has chosen not only to pursue the unique path of solo piano, but to record a single 50 minute composition. The creative risks he has taken have paid off, for Metamorphosis is a stunningly accomplished and richly rewarding work.

Canadian pianist Mario Romano has an interesting history in jazz. An up-and-coming performer in the 1970s, he took a hiatus from the jazz scene when his Toronto construction business became a big success. In 2010, he returned to the scene with the release of Valentina.
Playing with gusto and creativity, he seems not to have missed a beat over the years; still, at the keyboard, Romano owes a lot to seventies contemporaries including McCoy Tyner and Chick Corea.

Music gives pleasure and makes us think. There's no need to choose intelligence over entertainment. This is what Ron Davis is about.

Ron has coaxed music from his piano since his early youth. Now he shares this passion all over the world, including Asia, which he has toured four times. Ron is a brilliant virtuoso and engaging entertainer. His playing calls to mind Oscar Peterson and Jamie Cullum. Accolades abound.

Canadian jazz composer/pianist Stacie McGregor began studying piano at the age of six.

Concerts

Stacie McGregor

Tue Jun 25 6:30pm

Club Series

N'awlins Jazz Bar & Dining

Over nearly three decades, François Bourassa has built many musical mansions. As pianist, composer and bandleader, he long ago became an international example of Canada’s contemporary jazz scene. A model of both consistency and evolution, he continues to challenge himself, his talented musical partners and his ever-widening community of listeners.