Mike Murley Group with special Guest Johnny Aman
June 11, 12, 13, 14 @ 8:30 PM
Mike Murley - Saxophone
Kevin Turcotte - Trumpet ( June 11, 12 & 13)
Brian Dickinson - Piano
Johnny Aman- Bass
Nick Fraser - Drums
Juno Award-winning saxophonist Mike Murley co-leads his latest release—Juno-nominated—with veteran Toronto pianist Mark Eisenman. The internationally renowned rhythm section of bassist Neil Swainson and drummer Terry Clarke complete the quartet. These musicians’ accomplishments are too numerous to mention, and collectively they bring their vast experience and knowledge together to create exciting, fresh music while still respecting the core concepts of jazz: swing, melody, interaction, and being in the moment.
Murley and Eisenman perform four duo tracks, featuring music from Thelonious Monk, Billy Strayhorn, and two standard tunes. The quartet takes on seven original Murley/Eisenman compositions, reflecting the co-leaders’ shared interest in writing new melodies over standard chord progressions—also known as contrafacts. Recent History is mainstream jazz at its best, capturing four of Canada’s most respected jazz artists in top form.
An engaging, lyrical saxophonist, Mike Murley is one of Canada’s most celebrated jazz artists. 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).
Murley moved to Toronto from his native Nova Scotia in 1981 and has enjoyed a career that has spanned a wide stylistic spectrum. Recordings with legendary Canadian artists such as Ed Bickert, Rob McConnell, and Guido Basso showcase the saxophonist’s talents in the mainstream standard repertoire. On the more contemporary side, Murley has collaborated frequently with younger generations 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 international artists including David Liebman, Renee Rosnes, John Schofield, Norma Winstone, as well as the late Paul Bley, John Abercrombie, and Kenny Wheeler.
As an educator Murley has held positions at the University of Toronto, York University, Humber College, and as a visiting member of faculty at the Banff School of Fine Arts. He also served as Jazz Area Chair/Coordinator at both U of T (2016-18, 2020-21) and York (2008-11).
In 2022 Murley retired from U of T and returned to Halifax NS, from where he continues to tour nationally and internationally.