HAT - The Senator: A Tribute to Tommy Banks

The multiple-award-winning Hutchinson Andrew Trio (HAT) is a vital and distinctively western force on the Canadian and international jazz scene. Winners of the prestigious TD Grand Jazz Award at the 34th Annual Montreal International Jazz Festival and a four-time Western Canadian Music Awards nominee, HAT brings a unique perspective to their music inspired by the vast prairie landscapes and majestic Rocky Mountains that surround them. Downbeat Magazine made the group an Editor’s Pick and called them “a terrific listen, with great musicianship throughout.”

Pianist Chris Andrew is a National Jazz Awards Rising Star Award Winner and singular voice on piano and compositions in Canada. His music rewards the listener creating shifting textures, melodies, rhythm and tonality that reveal themselves constantly. 

Chris has brought all his talents to bear on the trio’s upcoming release The Senator: A Tribute To Tommy Banks. An homage to his mentor and inspiration, the Honourable Tommy Banks (OC AOE FRCMT).

Recorded live at Canada’s longest running jazz club The Yardbird Suite in Edmonton, AB, the music features a different side of the HAT. They step away from the contemporary back to their roots in traditional jazz alongside Canadian jazz masters PJ Perry (sax), Al Muirhead (trumpet) and rising star Mallory Chipman (vocals).

The trio looks forward to sharing this heartfelt and swinging album to audiences, and sharing the legacy of the late, great Tommy Banks thanks to the support of the CKUA Radio Foundation, Alberta Foundation for the Arts and Alberta Music.

New Album set for mid-September! 

It has been a wait, but the Hutchinson Andrew Trio is excited to announce the release of their new album, The Senator: A Tribute To Tommy Banks this Fall on Chronograph Records.

Recorded live in December 2021 with an all-star cast of musicians, the music pays tribute to the late, great Hon. Tommy Banks (OC AOE FRCMT). 

As one of western Canada's musical icons. Tommy had a great effect on the careers and approach of all the members of HAT as well as countless others including none other than GRAMMY-winning pianist and producer David Foster. Chris Andrew was highly regarded by Tommy as his favourite pianist in Canada, and in turn Chris moved to Edmonton because of his respect and admiration for Tommy. 

The music from the album music closely connected with this JUNO-winning master of the piano including some of his favourite tunes arranged by Chris Andrew as well as an original he composed for Tommy.

The album brings together the trio of Chris Andrew (piano), Kodi Hutchinson (bass) and Dave Laing (drums) with some very special guests and friends of Tommy including JUNO-winning saxophonist PJ Perry, multiple JUNO-nominated trumpeter Al Muirhead and award-winning vocalist and the granddaughter of Tommy Banks; Mallory Chipman.

The trio will be celebrating the September 15, 2023 world-wide release of the album with three concerts in Alberta: September 14 & 15 at the Yardbird Suite in Edmonton & September 16 at Studio Bell: Home of the National Music Centre in Calgary.

The Hutchinson Andrew Trio would especially like to thank the CKUA Radio Foundation, Alberta Foundation for the Arts, Alberta Music. The Yardbird Suite and National Music Centre for making this album and concerts a reality!

Tommy Banks Tribute! 

The Hutchinson Andrew Trio is looking forward to getting back together for some special shows this coming December in tribute to the late, great Hon. Tommy Banks. As one of western Canada's musical icons, Tommy had a great effect on the careers and approach of all the members of HAT. We look forward to both performing in person and online performing music closely connected with this JUNO-winning master of the piano.

Keep your eyes on the site as more information becomes available.

Chris Andrew - New Album coming! 

Pianist Chris Andrew has been working hard the past 2 years finishing his Masters Degree while continuing his work teaching at Grant MacEwan University in Edmonton. The culmination of his degree is a new set of music that which is being finalized for release by Chris and his label Chronograph Records. Keep an eye on the news section as we will announce a release date soon!

Congrats to Karl on his WCMA nomination! 

Huge congrats to HAT drummer Karl Schwonik on his nomination for the upcoming Western Canadian Music Awards for his album 'Reinventions'.

HAT's Chris Andrew and Kodi Hutchinson were also part of the project with saxophonists Brent Mah & Gerry Hebert. Karl is surrounded ny top notch talent in this category which also includes and album from former HAT drummer Sandro Dominelli. Three of the nominated albums are on bassist Kodi Hutchinson's label Chronograph Records!

Jazz Artist of the Year Nominees

  • Audrey Ochoa - AB 
  • Karl Schwonik - AB 
  • Kent Sangster's Obsessions Octet - AB 
  • Regina Jazz Society - SK 
  • Sandro Dominelli - AB

https://breakoutwest.ca/awards/music-awards

An update for the Fall from HAT! 

Thanks to everyone checking out our music and also to CBC for the regular radio play this year! 

I wanted to give a quick update on what has been going on for the Hutchinson Andrew Trio this past year as we have been on a bit of a performing hiatus while we all focus on a variety of life directions and projects.

Chris has been teaching at Grant MacEwan University in Edmonton, AB as the head of the piano department and is currently working on his Masters Degree at the University of Auckland in New Zealand. He has been recording as a sideman on a number of projects for some amazing artists. Check out his work on albums from this year including 'The Rundle Sessions' from saxophonist Jack Wilkins, '50/50' from Saxophonist Jim Brenan and most recently on 'Reinventions', a solo project from our drummer Karl Schwonik.

Karl is currently expanding his already impressive resume. He took a break from his Doctoral studies at USC and received an MBA from Cambridge. He recorded a solo album that has just released called 'Reinventions' featuring HAT as the rhythm section with saxophonist Brent Mah up front. He is also currently the Dean of the business program at Medicine Hat College in Alberta taking advantage of his new degree.

Finally, I'm (Kodi) working a new solo album amongst all the excitement of having a young daughter. Just recorded with Karl on his new album as well as getting ready for a recording this Fall with saxophonists Jack Wilkins and Jeremy Brown called the 'Saxophone Heritage Project'. I am also on a unique new album released this month called 'Baritone Madness' from the group of the same name which performed last summer at a number of festivals including the Ottawa and Montreal Jazz Festivals. Another upcoming album I'm on will be released in November with trumpeter and vocalist Johnny Summers with his tribute to Chet Baker.

We are all keeping busy and looking forward to reuniting most likely in late 2020 after taking care of some very busy schedules this past year!

Kodi

Vote for 'Beroke' - Finalist 2016 International Songwriting Competition (ISC)   

Chris Andrew's composition 'Ber-oke' from the new Hutchinson Andrew Trio album 'Hollow Trees' has made it through numerous rounds and thousands of entries to be named a Finalist for the 2016 International Songwriting Competition (ISC). The song was entered in the 'Instrumental' category and is competing against many world-class international artists! It is now amongst the final 14 songs competing in the instrumental category!

To vote for 'Ber-oke' visit http://www.radioairplay.com/voting2017/Instrumental

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Ber-oke is named semi-finalist in 2016 International Songwriting Competition (ISC) 

Chris Andrew's composition 'Ber-oke' from the new Hutchinson Andrew Trio album 'Hollow Trees' has been named a semi-finalist for the 2016 International Songwriting Competition (ISC). The song was entered in the 'Instrumental' category and is amongst many world-class international artists!

This group of semi-finalists will be narrowed down to the finalists who will be sent to celebrity judges who will then select the winners. All finalists will be announced within a couple of weeks, and winners will be announced once the judging process is completed.

For the full list of nominees visit www.songwritingcompetition.com/semi-finalists.html

 

Hollow Trees named in Peter Hum's top albums of 2016 

The Hutchinson Andrew Trio's newest album Hollow Trees has been named by Canadian music reviewer Peter Hum as one of his favourite albums of 2016.

Each year Peter Hum of the Ottawa Citizen compiles a list of his 12 favourite Canadian jazz albums for the year. He also adds a very short list of honourable mentions. Hollow Trees made the exclusive list for 2016.

The Hutchinson Andrew Trio is honoured to be recognized by Canada's top jazz reviewer Peter Hum for Hollow Trees. The album is a unique instrumental foray into fusing classical and jazz music.

For Peter Hum's full list of top albums for 2016 visit:

http://ottawacitizen.com/entertainment/jazzblog/the-best-canadian-jazz-albums-of-2016

Hollow Trees makes CKUA Radio Top 100 List for 2016 

CKUA Radio, Alberta's province wide community radio station just released their top 100 album list for 2016!

Hollow Trees was the #3 Albertan album and #32 overall on the list:

http://www.ckua.com/ckua-top-100-for-2016

With CKUA radio serving music from all-genres with a strong focus on Folk and Roots, it is an impressive feat for the Alberta based trio to chart with an instrumental based album crossing between jazz and classical music!

Visit CKUA.com for the entire list!

Chris Andrew & Kodi Hutchinson perform at Tommy Banks 80th Birthday 

Pianist Chris Andrew and bassist Kodi Hutchinson were honoured to be asked to perform with Canadian jazz icon PJ Perry to perform for the 80th birthday celebrations for Tommy Banks.

Recorded live at CKUA radio in Edmonton, the concert was broadcast across Alberta on CKUA radio on December 17th for Tommy Banks birthday. It was a beautiful celebration in honour of one of Alberta's and Canada's most staunch arts advocates and important pianists.

Tommy Banks, who started his career as a jazz musician and big band leader, then went on to be a media personality across Canada on TV and radio, then a member of the Canadian senate. An advocate for the Canada Council and Alberta Foundation for the Arts, he has impacted the careers of countless musicians and artists across the country. Tommy has been a major inspiration and mentor to notable artists including pianist Chris Andrew and other luminaries such as David Foster.

The band for the evening and live broadcast was:

PJ Perry - Saxophone
Al Muirhead - Trumpet
Bobby Cairns - Guitar
Chris Andrew - Piano
Kodi Hutchinson - Double Bass
Sandro Dominelli - Drums

and special guests Tommy Banks on piano and Mallory Chipman on vocals.

www.ckua.com

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Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival

Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival

Outdoor Mainstage, Fort Langley, BC

Featuring: Chris Andrew – piano Kodi Hutchinson – bass Dave Laing – drums Mallory Chipman – Vocals PJ Perry - saxophone

The Hutchinson Andrew Trio, hailing from Western Canada, comprises bassist Kodi Hutchinson, pianist Chris Andrew, and drummer Dave Laing. Known for their unique Prairie-inspired approach to jazz, they seamlessly blend original compositions with reimagined classics, earning widespread acclaim for their virtuosity and tight-knit interplay. They were honored as winners of the TD Grand Jazz Award at the prestigious Montreal International Jazz Festival, establishing themselves as a distinctive voice in Canadian Jazz.

Making their first appearances in Ontario in over a decade, the Hutchinson Andrew Trio will showcase music from their latest album, "The Senator," paying tribute to the late Honorable Tommy Banks, a JUNO-winning musician, Canadian Senator, and arts advocate from Alberta. Joining them on stage will be JUNO-winning guests PJ Perry on saxophone and JUNO-nominated vocalist Mallory Chipman (Tommy's Granddaughter), infusing their joyful and swinging jazz approach. These two esteemed musicians, as elder statesmen, embody the rich history of Canadian jazz and swing from the west.

Get ready to be carried away by the lively swing of music intricately tied to this JUNO-winning piano maestro, whose mentorship and inspiration have influenced luminaries such as David Foster and numerous others, as the Hutchinson Andrew Trio honors his lasting legacy.

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Ottawa Jazz Festival: A Tribute to Tommy Banks

Ottawa Jazz Festival: A Tribute to Tommy Banks

Confederation Park Main Stage , Elgin St , Ottawa

Featuring: Chris Andrew – piano Kodi Hutchinson – bass Dave Laing – drums Al Muirhead – trumpet & bass trumpet PJ Perry - saxophone

The Hutchinson Andrew Trio, hailing from Western Canada, comprises bassist Kodi Hutchinson, pianist Chris Andrew, and drummer Dave Laing. Known for their unique Prairie-inspired approach to jazz, they seamlessly blend original compositions with reimagined classics, earning widespread acclaim for their virtuosity and tight-knit interplay. They were honored as winners of the TD Grand Jazz Award at the prestigious Montreal International Jazz Festival, establishing themselves as a distinctive voice in Canadian Jazz.

Making their first appearances in Ontario in over a decade, the Hutchinson Andrew Trio will showcase music from their latest album, "The Senator," paying tribute to the late Honorable Tommy Banks, a JUNO-winning musician, Canadian Senator, and arts advocate from Alberta. Joining them on stage will be JUNO-winning guests PJ Perry on saxophone and JUNO-nominated trumpeter Al Muirhead, infusing their joyful and swinging jazz approach. These two esteemed musicians, as elder statesmen, embody the rich history of Canadian jazz and swing from the west.

Get ready to be carried away by the lively swing of music intricately tied to this JUNO-winning piano maestro, whose mentorship and inspiration have influenced luminaries such as David Foster and numerous others, as the Hutchinson Andrew Trio honors his lasting legacy.

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TD Toronto Jazz Fest

TD Toronto Jazz Fest

TD Village Stage, Village of Yorkville Park, Toronto

Set time being confirmed but for now:

Featuring: Chris Andrew – piano Kodi Hutchinson – bass Dave Laing – drums Al Muirhead – trumpet & bass trumpet PJ Perry - saxophone

The Hutchinson Andrew Trio, hailing from Western Canada, comprises bassist Kodi Hutchinson, pianist Chris Andrew, and drummer Dave Laing. Known for their unique Prairie-inspired approach to jazz, they seamlessly blend original compositions with reimagined classics, earning widespread acclaim for their virtuosity and tight-knit interplay. They were honored as winners of the TD Grand Jazz Award at the prestigious Montreal International Jazz Festival, establishing themselves as a distinctive voice in Canadian Jazz.

Making their first appearances in Ontario in over a decade, the Hutchinson Andrew Trio will showcase music from their latest album, "The Senator," paying tribute to the late Honorable Tommy Banks, a JUNO-winning musician, Canadian Senator, and arts advocate from Alberta. Joining them on stage will be JUNO-winning guests PJ Perry on saxophone and JUNO-nominated trumpeter Al Muirhead, infusing their joyful and swinging jazz approach. These two esteemed musicians, as elder statesmen, embody the rich history of Canadian jazz and swing from the west.

Get ready to be carried away by the lively swing of music intricately tied to this JUNO-winning piano maestro, whose mentorship and inspiration have influenced luminaries such as David Foster and numerous others, as the Hutchinson Andrew Trio honors his lasting legacy.

Get tickets
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