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Students were treated to some modern jazz this week when MTQ performed at Saint John High School. The ensemble is comprised of students and alumni of St. Francis Xavier University’s Bachelor of Music Program and features the very gifted SJHS alumni, Martin Davidson ’05 on Saxophone. Other members include: PEI native, Robbie Smith on guitar; Alberta born Matt Thauvette on drums; Nova Scotian, Aaron Bannerman on trumpet and Newfoundland’s Ron Hines on double bass. MTQ showcased original compositions- a combination of jazz, rock, pop, and funk. In between incredible displays of virtuosity, the quintet took time to answer an array of questions that suggested just how many youth were inspired by their talents and passion for music. Immediately following the show, the band generously offered some lessons to SJHS musicians: Sebastian Fleet, Job Burns, Sarah Wiseman, Alex Ringeri and Andrew Mott. MTQ is in the midst of recording their first CD. Read more about them on their website.
- sjhigh.ca
Discography
Of Life (2008)
Photos
Bio
Influenced by a wide spectrum of music, art and culture, MTQ writes and performs from a place that embraces all music and sound. From the strictly arranged, to the entirely improvised, this band of young musicians thoroughly explores the growing world of music that they are a part of. MTQ's debut album "Of Life" was a look at where the band found music in 2008 and the most recent Banff Centre for the Arts recordings, a glimpse at where the band is headed. Always trying to strive for new sounds propels MTQ into what will hopefully be something exciting for the future.
Formed in 2008, MTQ has quickly become recognized as an important group on the east coast jazz scene, having performed at the 2008 Harvest Jazz and Blues, 2009 Atlantic Jazz and Blues Festival, 2009 East Coast Music Awards as well as exposure on CBC radio and television.
In the spring of 2009, the five members each received the RBC Youth Excellence Scholarship to attend the Banff International Jazz and Creative Music Workshop directed by Dave Douglas. It was at this workshop that the band had the opportunity to be coached as a group by such world-renowned artists as Joshua Redman, Clarence Penn, Matt Penman, Angelica Sanchez, Tony Malaby, Ben Street, Adam Benjamin, Marshall Gilkes, Jerry Grenalli, and Ron Samworth, among others. Through the direction received at the three-week workshop, MTQ quickly generated a new sense of clarity, creativity, and intent in their compositions and performances.
The members of MTQ are currently composing music for their second album which is scheduled to be recorded in September 2010.
In the words of an east coast giant...
"Last fall I shared a concert with (MTQ) during Fredericton's
Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival...tune after tune, they
commanded the room with original music and engaging
performance. This is the kind of group I was hoping to see at the
festival..."
- Joel LeBlanc, Hot Toddy
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