Artist Information
Biography
"I'm looking for a bass player with whom I can develop a relationship."
So began the first telephone conversation between pianist Gary Johnston and bassist Denise Lear back in 1993. Understanding the importance of this musical relationship was not lost on either musician with such historic examples as pianist Oscar Peterson and bassist Ray Brown, Keith Jarrett and Gary Peacock, as well as Carla Bley and Steve Swallow. But neither Gary nor Denise could foresee what was to follow.
They began performing as a duo and soon formed various groups with singers and instrumentalists, provided music for the theatre, concert hall and club venues and performed on TV and radio both locally and nationally. Eventually their relationship blossomed not only musically but also romantically and on July 20, 1996 they were married.
Since then they have continued to pursue both musical and romantic interests together and the result has been the CD In A Heartbeat released May 2003. Along with Jason Hayward on saxophones, Patrick Boyle on trumpet and Richard Spurrell on drums, the duo presents original instrumental material composed by Gary and performed in a smooth jazz, adult contemporary format.
Most recently they have performed with Toronto jazz singer Larra Skye and Newfoundland jazz icon Mary Barry.
Instrumentation
Gary Johnston - Piano; Denise Lear - Double Bass;
Often joined by friends Pat Boyle on Trumpet; Curtis Andrews and Scott Mansfield on Drums; Jason Hayward and Greg Bruce on Saxophone
Discography
"In A Heartbeat" 2003
Video
Press
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World Class
[+ Show ]
Debut recording for Gary Johnston and Denise Lear is in vein of superb GRP acts, David Benoit, Dave ...
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The Herald
Like Norah Jones (without the vocals!)
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The Telegram
As tasty a treat I've heard in a long time!
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Nominee
Best Jazz Album 2003 by MusicNL
Setlist
Original Tunes:
In A Heartbeat
Perfect Circles
Bottom Bunk
As In A Dream
In The Arms Of An Angel
Strange Bedfellows
Fireweed
No More Mr. Night Sky
Road To Bridgetown
Joy Song
Waterford Bridge
Bonne fete
PLUS a long list of jazz standards, smooth jazz favourites and seasonal holiday music
