BARRY ELMES has occupied a position of prominence on the Canadian jazz scene since the 1980s and earned international respect over the years since, not only as one of Canada’s most talented drummers, but for parallel accomplishments as a composer, producer, recording artist, and dedicated educator.
His award-winning work has been documented on over 90 jazz CDs and he has performed all over the world with renowned jazz artists including Dizzy Gillespie, Tommy Flanagan, Charlie Haden, Diana Krall, Joe Henderson, John Abercrombie, Oliver Jones, Cedar Walton, Phil Nimmons, and Moe Koffman.
In 1991, he formed the Barry Elmes Quintet, featuring a “who’s who” of the best in Canadian jazz. A success from the beginning, this group has released six critically acclaimed recordings, toured Canada coast-to-coast, and performed internationally, including a groundbreaking tour of Chile. His latest CD “Dog’s Breakfast” showcases Elmes’ new compositions performed by quintet members Mike Murley (saxophone), Brian O’Kane (trumpet), Lorne Lofsky (guitar), Steve Wallace (bass).
He continues to produce recordings for a variety of artists, co-leads the quartet Time Warp and presides over Cornerstone Records Inc., a successful artist-owned jazz label and publishing company dedicated to presenting recordings by Canadian jazz artists.
This evening’s all-star BARRY ELMES QUARTET features jazz masters MIKE MURLEY on saxophone, REG SCHWAGER on guitar, NEIL SWAINSON on bass and BARRY ELMES on drums, entertaining in the up-close-and-personal ambience of The Home Smith Bar.