“Hot Five Jazzmakers”

 

A versatile Canadian traditional jazz group, they play a mix of ragtime, blues, spirituals & classic jazz with all the fun, joy and flavour of the 1920’s/30’s – the golden era of jazz. Their twice-monthly Saturday matinee residency in the intimate setting of “C’est what?” (67 Front St East, Toronto) has been a feature of the Canadian jazz scene for over 18 years.   They have had many appearances in New Orleans; tours of Northern Germany, festivals in France, Scotland and the USA, plus Caribbean jazz cruises.  They recently issued their twelfth CD.                            

Brian Towers–trombone/ldr

Plays tailgate trombone in the style of the New Orleans traditionalists.  Writes a Canadian jazz column for the Mississippi Rag.  Has led the Jazzmakers for many years, as well as the associated Saturday matinee jazz club.  Left England in 1969, when he emigrated to Canada.

Janet Shaw – reeds

A vibrant reed player of the traditional jazz genre, Janet alternates between clarinet, alto sax and baritone sax. Married to Brian Towers with two daughters, Jan balances her family and her jazz with her day job in the pharmaceutical industry. A unique singing voice with a twenties jazz style.

Jamie Macpherson  -  banjo 

Noted for his happy and joyful image, as well as for his banjo skills. A fine team player as well as a soloist, he was voted  “All-Canada Banjo Champ” twice in the 1980’s, in his pre-jazz days.  Jamie has also been a member of the Ragweed Jazz Band, another Toronto-based outfit, for many years.

Bryan Day –  string bass

Another of the H5JM’s high calibre vocalists and also a skilled string bass player.  Bryan was a member of the Sensation Jazz Band for many years.  Started out as a bluesy guitar with a “Beach Boys” styled outfit, before finding jazz and his true “calling”  First choice to sing the hurtin’ songs!

Andrej Saradin -cornet & tpt

Brings youthful energy and a carefree approach to the group. Andrej is a new Canadian and came from Slovakia in 2002, where he was the oldest member of a Dixieland band.  Now he finds himself the youngest member of a Canadian jazz band!  Contributes fully to the band’s stage personality.

Jordon Klapman – piano 

The sixth member of the “Hot Five”  A virtuoso of the “Harlem stride piano style, Jordan’s pianistic dynamics and musicianship add flair and depth to the band.  A bandleader in his own right, he produced an excellent CD album recently, to commemorate 100 years of Fats Waller in 2004.  

Glenn Anderson - drums 

The seventh member of the mathematically challenged Hot Five Jazzmakers!   Glenn is not fully regular, as he has many other group interests but  he  is frequently to be seen with them, especially  during their gospel concerts, jazz festivals and other major events.   He also appears on a couple of the band's CD's.  Glenn is a true pro' and is a master of the various styles of jazz drumming.    One of his particular skills is his "New Orleans Street Beat" which is guaranteed to ge the band hopping.

Brian Towers – 905-821-1728. 

E-mail – briantowers@msn.com