Respected across the national jazz scene for more than three decades, the hard-swinging CANADIAN JAZZ QUARTET have established themselves, individually and collectively, among the elite of jazz musicians on air and in recording studios, in clubs and on concert stages, and at major music events and jazz festivals all over the country.
Founded by the late guitar luminary Gary Benson in 1987, the lineup has evolved over the years, but under the long-time current leadership of iconic vibes-master Frank Wright, today’s Canadian Jazz Quartet (FRANK WRIGHT on vibes, TED QUINLAN on guitar, PAT COLLINS on bass, DON VICKERY on drums) remains a standard of excellence in jazz in Canada.
After a record-breaking decade-long run creating new mainstream jazz collaborations weekly for packed houses at leading downtown jazz venues, the classy CJQ is now in their third year in residence at the Old Mill’s Home Smith Bar, where they bring their graceful treatment of standards and original material to “First Fridays”, and showcase a different headlining superstar each month.
Tonight, the CJQ welcomes brass luminary DAVE DUNLOP who consummately filled the lead trumpet chair with ‘Rob McConnell and The Boss Brass’ for the last several years they performed. His stellar career has included stints with Peter Appleyard’s band, the John Macleod Rex Hotel Orchestra, Brigham Phillips’ Big Band, the Maritime Jazz Orchestra, NOJO, the Spitfire Band, Jim Galloway’s ‘Wee Big Band’, Memo Acevedo’s ‘Banda Brava’, Gary Morgan’s ‘PanAmericana!’, and Hilario Duran’s Big Band.
He has performed and recorded with the icons of the international music scene; played in jazz festivals across Canada and throughout Europe; performed in the pit bands for more than two dozen hit musicals; played on the Juno Awards Show, The Geminis, and ‘Canada’s Walk of Fame’ specials, as well as the soundtracks for important feature films; and his first CD ‘The Hang’, earned him a nomination at the 2007 Smooth Jazz Awards.