“The Quintet makes smart if curious music…It’s all easy on the ear, expertly and effortlessly delivered with elaborate solos and surprising heat.” Geoff Chapman, Wholenote Magazine
“The Worst Pop Band Ever is the total package – great compositions, unique covers and standup-worthy comedic banter… the group’s two-set night at The Winchester Kitchen was a highlight of the festival.” Mike Deicont, torontojazz.com
Described as the ugly lovechild of Radiohead and Miles Davis, the Toronto based WPBE straddles genres and butts heads with expectation.
What initially began as a bad one off idea nearly a decade ago of accomplished sidemen (from Blue Rodeo to Feist) has morphed into playing at festivals and packed clubs throughout North America from IAJE to NXNE; St. John’s to Chicago. From sharing stages with the Bad Plus to being called “highlights of the festival” at the 2012 TD Toronto Jazz Festival, the WPBE has been showcased in Canadian Musician Magazine, featured on various radio stations like CBC and JazzFM (their 2nd album reached #1 on CIUT), finalists in NOW Toronto’s Soundclash competition and even had their music used in film and television.
Drums – Tim Shia
Saxophone – Chris Gale
Bass – Gordon Mowat
Keys – Dafydd Hughes
This is a strange video, but it gives a good sense of the band’s sound. They remind us of Herbie Hancock’s Headhunters, but a very laid back version…..
