BBT is excited to return to the Jazz Room, where they typically pack the house. After annual concerts in this regions only club dedicated to jazz, they have mastered the art of cramming upwards of 17 musicians on one stage! The sweet sounds of the saxophone section will be up close and personal with the front row of fans, and the piano and drums will be packed so tightly in the back, you might not know they’re there. But don’t worry, you’ll hear them all as they perform great arrangements of new and classic big band jazz.
The KW Big Band Theory had its genesis in Kitchener-Waterloo where some local jazz musicians, eager to perform in a big band setting, put out the call without any clear idea where this project might go. What an explosion of sound when 17 talented jazz musicians showed up for that first rehearsal in October, 2011. Trombonist Paul Ellingham now serves as the personnel manager, and saxophonist and singer Robin Habermehl is the musical director. The interests of the group include the swing music of Benny Goodman and Count Basie, the jazz-rock fusion of the 70’s horn bands, and the contemporary sound of L.A.’s Big Phat Band. The ensemble has members who play locally in smaller groups, as well as a couple who have been writing arrangements specifically for the band. All come together a couple times a month to work on challenging material, expand their repertoire, and share their love of big band jazz music.
In the summer of 2004 KW Big Band Theory, with the support of the Registry Theatre and the Waterloo Regional Arts Fund, released their first recording at the annual Sunlife Waterloo Uptown Jazz Festival. The recording features the iconic Canadian Jazz vibraphone legend, Mr. Don Thompson and showcases original writing and arranging by some if the band members and the technical engineering of Juno award winning producer Rick Hutt of Cedartree Studios. The band is very proud of the final product, entitled “Evidence” which has had airplay on Canada’s Jazz Radio station Jazz.FM91 and is available this evening.
The KW Big Band Theory next plays April 2 at Cameron Heights Collegiate, Kitchener where they will be the dance band for a swing dance open to the public as a fund raiser for the music program. As well, the band will be providing jazz workshops for some of the regions finest high school players that day and will mentor a regional all-star youth big band at the swing dance. Information about the band can be found at www.bigbandtheory.ca.
Music Director – Robin Habermehl
Reeds
Ken Hadley Flute, soprano & alto sax
Robin Habermehl soprano, alto & tenor sax, vocals
Ryan Cassidy Tenor sax
Taylor Ellingham Baritone sax
Tim Moher Alto sax
Brass
Bruce Gordon Trumpet
Chris Alcantara Trumpet
Randy Brown Trumpet
Steve McDade – Trumpet
Paul Ellingham Bass Trombone
Robin Jessome Trombone
Katherine Scobie Trombone
Steve Hagedorn Trombone
Rhythm
Jeff Daniels Piano
Andy Macpherson Drums
Greg Prior Bass
Stephen Zurakowsky Guitar
