Primary Instrument: Band/ensemble/orchestra
The WORST POP BAND EVER The ugly lovechild of Radiohead and Milesdavis “ The music's fresh, may appeal to pop lovers but assuredly to jazzers keen on a kind of driven fluency as genre stylings are examined, discarded and reworked.” Geoff Chapman, Toronto Star
The WORST POP BAND EVER BIO With influences ranging from Wayne Shorter to Deerhoof to J Dilla, The Worst Pop Band Ever is a Toronto based group that tries to combine a love of improvisational jazz and indie pop. Featuring two Juno award winners, the members of the WPBE have worked with a who's who of Canadian and international musicians, including Feist, Blue Rodeo, Elizabeth Shepherd and the Shuffle Demons. Together, whether it be blending acoustic bass with turntables or analog synths with the saxophone, the WPBE sets out to twist and bend both originals and covers, straddling genres and butting heads with expectation.
Allaboutjazz.com described their latest album, “Sometimes Things Go Wrong (and other songs we shouldn’t play)” recorded live at the Cellar in Vancouver in 2011, as “…music for people, whether they dig jazz or not. The group delivers a set that cares less about genres… just a tight band playing with substance and feeling for an appreciative audience.” (Mark Turner, July 2012). Their previous album,”Dost Thou Believeth in Science” (2009), reached # 1 on the CIUT Charts in Toronto, #28 on the overall Canadian College Radio Charts (Earshot) and was featured on a host of stations internationally, including CBC, Jazz FM, CKUA, CIUT, CFCR.
They have played festivals and clubs throughout North America from IAJE to NXNE; St. John’s to Chicago, sharing stages with the Bad Plus, Jeff Parker, Kelly Jefferson and Rich Underhill. They were recently called “highlights of the festival ” at the 2012 TD Canada Trust Toronto Jazz Festival, were showcased in Canadian Musician Magazine and shortlisted in NOW Toronto’s Soundclash competition. Their music has also been used for film and videos for the United Nations, Teletoon, CBC and the National Film Board - including the NFB's video tribute to dancer, Peggy Baker, at the Governor General Awards.
The Worst Pop Band Ever is: Chris Gale – saxes (Juno Award winner, Performs/ed with the Shuffle Demons, Brandi Disterheft. Rich Underhill, Blue Rodeo)
Tim Shia - drums (Rich Underhill, the Undesireables, Laila Biali, Milosh, Quique Escamilla, Ron Davis, LEO37, Magnolius)
LEO37 – turntables (Soliva, Magnolius, DJ Serpico, Abyss, Tanika Chawlz. Sunclef)
Adrean Farrugia - Keys (Juno award winner, Faculty at York University & Mohawk College, Matt Dusk, Kelly Jefferson Quintet, Quinsin Nachoff )
Drew Birston – Bass (Amanda Martinez, Sultans of String, Justin Hines, Chantal Kreviazuk)
Dafydd Hughes - Keys (Faculty at Ryerson University, Feist, Esthero, Christine Bougie, the Deborahs)
Awards:
Music featured on video "Peggy Baker" for the National Film Board of Canada as part of the Governor General Awards. Also to be included on the best of the NFB bluray.“The music's fresh, may appeal to pop lovers but assuredly to jazzers keen on a kind of driven fluency as genre stylings are examined, discarded and reworked. “ Geoff Chapman (Toronto Star)
”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 (2012 TD Canada Trust Jazz) festival.” Mike Deiconti (torontojazz.com)
”While jazz might not be the most popular type of music on playlists these days, if anyone can make the genre break through to a pop-loving mainstream crowd, it could just be The Worst Pop Band Ever. Ironic, no?” Canadian Musician Magazine
”The CD is really cool…Lots of surprises and turns and fascinating layers, both in the arrangements and the 'atmospherics'” Andy Sheppard (CBC Radio, the Signal)
“This is great music - and I'm not just saying that because they play one of my songs.” . Michael Blake (Ben Allison, Blake Tartare)
“I got the record and I really dig it! You guys sound great…” Dave King (Bad Plus, Happy Apple)
“The Worst Pop Band Ever is a rare vintage that delivers some of the most unique and delightful flavours in the Toronto music scene. Theirs is a creative, refreshing sound, (seemingly) effortlessly performed with a truly gentle touch.” Andy Frank (CIUT 89.5 FM, Toronto)
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