Photos by Emma-Lee Photography
“Beddage has a well-developed identity on the demanding baritone, playing with real power…” -The Whole Note Magazine
“…An example of what a powerful and modern baritone could be… ” – modernbarisax.com
Two-time JUNO-nominated musician Shirantha Beddage (“Shurr-ANN-tha BED-da-gay”) is a baritone saxophonist, composer and educator from Toronto, Canada. His original music combines hard bop and modern jazz to create a sound that is both accessible and sophisticated. Drawing inspiration from jazz greats such as John Coltrane, Pepper Adams and Thelonious Monk, he is being hailed by critics as a fresh and powerful voice on the baritone saxophone.
He has released three critically-acclaimed albums as a leader, and his compositional skills have won him accolades at the Montreal Jazz Festival and placements in the Emmy-winning TV series “Fargo”. Shirantha teaches in the Humber College Bachelor of Music program, where he hosts the “Staff Lounge” Teaching and Learning podcast. He also adjudicates regularly at festivals across Canada. As an advocate for the use of technology in music education, his innovative teaching methods have earned him national recognition as an Apple Distinguished Educator.
Check out: “Pork Chop” “Pushin'” the Traveling Wall-baris at the Pilot Tavern.
