Primary Instrument: Trumpet
”It's That Time” is the Brad Turner Quartet's first release on Cellar Live Records; although Brad has performed as a sideman on many of the releases on this label, this is his first as a leader. A live recording, this record captures the quartet at it's best - having played together for eighteen years now, the group has developed a level of musical empathy rarely heard in modern mainstream jazz today.
Brad Turner's phenomenal talents as a trumpeter, pianist, drummer and composer make him one of Canada§s most-in- demand musicians. Brad has performed and/or recorded with such artists as Joe Lovano, Kenny Wheeler, Michael Moore, Reneé Rosnes, Achim Kaufmann, John Scofield, Ingrid Jensen, Dylan van der Schyff, Mike Murley, Mark Helias, Charles McPherson and Gary Bartz. Brad's groups have opened for McCoy Tyner, Roy Haynes, Wayne Shorter, Clarke Terry and Diana Krall.
As a Leader or through his work with Canadian jazz super- group Metalwood, Brad's impressive list of creative and artistic awards include: Three Juno Awards Downbeat Electric Group of the Year Award Winner of Jazz Report magazine’s Trumpeter of the Year Two time winner of Jazz Reports Composer of the Year Multiple Western Canadian Music Award Winner CMW Indie Award Winner Two time Composer of the Year Award winner at the National Jazz Awards In addition to being named Musician of The Year, Brad received an unprecedented 6 nominations at the 2005 National Jazz Awards including: Acoustic Group of the Year Album of the Year: Question The Answer Instrumentalist of the Year Keyboardist of the Year Trumpeter of the Year
I don’t think Brad Turner’s Quartet has put out a bad album. I’m sure if you asked Brad he would cringe at a few things about his earlier recordings like any musician who listens to their early stuff. There will be absolutely no cringing by anybody now or ever about his latest release on Maximum Jazz, Small Wonder.
Anchored by Dylan van der Schyff’s propulsive and creative drumming, Andre Lachance’s ultra creative and sensitive bass lines, Bruno Hubert’s quirky and completely unique piano stylings and of course the leader’s incredibly melodic and complex trumpet playing. Small Wonder is as complete as album as you will hear. Great sound, great playing, great compositions and great design!
On a number of occasions I have heard Brad Turner compositions before and been so taken with them asked him for a lead sheet only to look at realize it will take a miracle for me to actually negotiate the changes. In other words his tunes are a lot harder than they sound. This is a compliment to the seasoned composer. I can often remember the melodies and find myself humming them or parts of them throughout the day after listening to the record but to actually sit down and analyze what's going on and how to play over the changes is a whole other ball game.
The four guys seem to interpret all of the tunes with a great amount of ease and comfort. Evidence that this band is very comfortable with one another and so they should be. It’s the quartet’s fifth release and except for the first one Long Story Short where the late Chris Nelson occupies the bass chair the band has remained virtually the same. Kudos go out to Brad Turner for managing to keep things happening with this band. There isn’t exactly a lot of playing opportunities in the city but somehow BT continues to find the inspiration to write, rehearse and lucky for us, record the band.
Whether its playing drums in Bruno Hubert’s Trio, piano in his own trio, trumpet in Bill Coon’s Double Quartet or trumpet in his own quintet Turner always seems to ‘bring it.’ It is however very clear in talking with Brad and also listening that The Brad Turner Quartet is his number one priority and apple of his eye.
Its hard to pick a highlight on this record. It touches so many aspects of what makes a great jazz record. I love the opening track Scuffle, the openness and freeness of the bass / trumpet intro in 70 Mile is beautiful and I love the way it goes into the opening groove. Punchy is exactly as the title sounds and is a bit of a feature for van der Schyff who’s drumming sounds like a complete orchestra. There is absolutely nothing missing in his drumming which is wonderful.
It's nice to see Maximum Jazz living up to its name and actually releasing a few jazz records. This is a must have. You will not be disappointed! (Cory Weeds, CoryWeeds.ca)
Question The Answer is another milestone in a career which, while still only in its early stages, already demonstrates a clear conception and mature vision that makes one wonder where Turner will be in ten years’ time. - All About Jazz.com
His horn work (was) inspired by its willful aversion to the familiar licks and lines that have defined modern jazz trumpet...demonstrating instead a mind of his own and his flightly melodies and solid rhythmic grounding. - Globe and MailOne of Canada’s most vibrant Jazz players. • Vancouver Sun
He’s one of those musicians who can make his presence felt within the sound of a few notes. - Globe and Mail
There and Back has incredibly accomplished effervescent sound... the chemistry is reminiscent of the great Miles Davis ‘60’s bands. - Edmonton Journal
He’s kind of Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock and Keith Jarrett all rolled into one. - Globe and Mail
A beautiful musician. - Joe Lovano
Small Wonder
Maximum Jazz
2008
What Is
Maximum Jazz
2005
Question The Answer
Maximum Jazz
2004
Live At The Cellar feat. Seamus Blake
Maximum Jazz
199
There and Back/I>
Maximum Jazz
1998
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