THE MIKE MURLEY QUARTET
This Quartet is an expansion of Murley’s collaborations with guitarist Reg Schwager, exploring jazz standards in the lyrical style demonstrated on their recordings over the past 15 years. The Melody Lingers On (CBC records, 2007), was followed by Looking Back, Ship Without a Sail, and Taking Flight (featuring special guest Renee Rosnes) on www.cornerstonerecordsinc.com.
For this engagement, the Quartet is completed by virtuoso bassist Neil Swainson and the versatile Nick Fraser on drums.
MUSICIAN BIOS:
MIKE MURLEY – SAXOPHONE
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 a sideman. He has played on fourteen Juno Award-winning recordings since 1990, seven as a leader or co-leader, seven as a sideman. His most recent Junos include The North (2018), Metalwood’s Twenty (2017) and his trio’s Test of Time (2013).
Since moving to Toronto from his native Nova Scotia in 1981, Murley has enjoyed a career that has spanned a wide stylistic spectrum. Recordings with legendary Canadian artists such as Ed Bickert, Guido Basso, and Rob McConnell showcase the saxophonist’s talents in the mainstream standard repertoire. On the more contemporary side, Murley has collaborated frequently with the younger generation of improviser/composers including pianist David Braid and guitarist David Occhipinti. He is also well known for his work with the three-time Juno Award winning electric jazz group Metalwood. In addition, he has recorded and performed with numerous other Canadian and international artists including John Abercrombie, David Liebman, Renee Rosnes, John Schofield and Kenny Wheeler.
www.mikemurley.com
https://www.facebook.com/mikemurleymusic
https://twitter.com/mikemurley
https://www.instagram.com/mikemurley
REG SCHWAGER – GUITAR
Reg Schwager is one of Canada’s leading jazz guitarists. He has played with such internationally acclaimed jazz artists such as Mel Torme, Pepper Adams, Hank Jones, Junior Mance, Jimmy McGriff and Zoot Sims, and such celebrated Canadian jazz musicians as Diana Krall, Rob McConnell, Peter Appleyard, Oliver Jones, Dave Young and Don Thompson. Recent highlights include television, concert and club performances in the US, Japan and the Bahamas with master jazz pianist George Shearing. Schwager maintains an active career on the Toronto scene, recording and performing in a wide variety of settings.
NEIL SWAINSON – BASS
Swainson has become a leading Canadian jazz player since the 1980s when he started playing with famous local and visiting acts which include, Tommy Flanagan, Rob McConnell, Ed Bickert, Slide Hampton, James Moody, Lee Konitz, Joe Henderson, and Woody Shaw. He went on to collaborate with Woody Shaw appearing on two of Woody Shaw‘s recordings: In My Own Sweet Way (In & Out 7003) and Solid (Muse 5329). He also toured with Shaw often in New York and on many European tours. Swainson recorded his own album; 49th Parallel (Concord Jazz 4396) in 1987 featuring Shaw and Henderson.
A collaboration between Swainson and pianist George Shearing would form in 1986, after Swainson replaced Don Thompson in 1988. This relationship continued until Shearing’s passing in 2011.
NICK FRASER – DRUMS
Nick Fraser has been an active and engaging presence in the Toronto new jazz and improvised music community since he moved there from Ottawa in 1995. He has worked with a veritable “who’s who” of Canadian jazz and improvised music including Justin Haynes, Mike Murley, P.J. Perry, Phil Dwyer, Andrew Downing, Jean Martin, Christine Duncan, Lina Allemano, Quinsin Nachoff, Dave Restivo, David Braid, Ryan Driver, David Occhipinti, William Carn, Nancy Walker, Kieran Overs, Kelly Jefferson, John Geggie, Marilyn Lerner, David Mott, Lori Freedman, Jean Derome, and Kirk MacDonald.
Doors open | 6:00 p.m.
Jazz begins at | 8:00 p.m | two 50 minute sets with a 20 minute break
Price | $20 prepaid entertainment charge (non-refundable and non-transferable) and a $30 minimum spend on food and/or beverage
Taxes: Prices Exclude Tax and Service Charge and are subject to change during peak seasons.
Gratuity Policy re Groups/Parties: Groups/parties of 10 or more persons, a 15% gratuity will apply.
Reservation Policy: A credit card is required to secure all reservations. A $20 entertainment charge will be charged at the time of booking.
Allergy Statement: While we will do our best to accommodate your needs, please note our menu may contain or come into contact with wheat/gluten, milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish and soy. Old Mill Toronto Hospitality Inc. is not a nut free facility.
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