Multi-instrumentalist Ryan Cassidy returns to The Jazz Room for the release of his debut CD, At Street Level, a fusion of jazz and hip hop with a rock-steady rhythm section and a dynamite 3-piece horn line.
A familiar face on the local music scene, Ryan is a featured player in a number of local groups, from the Big Band Theory and the Basically Basie Big Band to the Dan Howler Band, an “eclectic band with a rock’n roll soul.”
Ryan’s musical influences are broad, from the expressive style of such saxophonists as Dexter Gordon and Sonny Rollins, to the powerful R&B sound of Michael Brecker. His distinctive musical style results from extensive jazz training combined with a lifelong fascination with such musical genres as soul, funk, R&B and rock.
For this show, Ryan will be joined by internationally acclaimed jazz trumpet icon BROWNMAN ALI. Born in Trinidad, schooled in New York and now based in Toronto, Brownman is heralded as “Canada’s preeminent jazz trumpet player” by the New York Village Voice magazine and is a multiple award-winning NYC-schooled protégé to his teacher, Grammy-winning trumpet legend, Randy Brecker. In high demand in the studio world with over 300 CD appearances to date, Brownman’s energized one-of-a-kind improvising abilities has been sought after by the likes of Jay-z, Missy Elliot, Guru’s Jazzmatazz, Mos Def, KRS-1, Quincy Jones, Paul Simon, Mingus Dynasty Big Band, Gary Bartz, Chucho Valdes & far too many more to name here. He is considered to be one of the most unique and provocative improvising trumpet players in the nation today and is widely regarded as a vanguard for the evolution of Jazz in Canada.
At Street Level combines elements of those genres to create a contemporary sound that is engaging and accessible for a wide range of audiences.
The debut CD was produced with support from the Waterloo Region Arts Fund.
The Band
Ryan Cassidy – Flute/Sax
Brownman Ali – Trumpet/Effects
Ron Schirm – Trombone
Luke Hunter – Piano/Keys
Justin Sauson – Bass
Ryan Dugal – Drums
