Andrew has been a professional piano player on the Toronto jazz scene since 1980. A frequent participant in the Downtown Toronto Jazz Festival he has also appeared at the Distillery Jazz Festival, JVC Jazz Festival, Guelph Jazz Festival and the Barrie Jazz Festival. Andrew has performed with the Juno award-winning contemporary jazz orchestra NOJO, and plays with many of Toronto's finest jazz musicians including Richard Underhill (JUNO winner 2003), Mike Murley (multiple JUNO winner), Kevin Turcotte, Michael Occhipinti (NOJO), Barry Romberg and Quinsin Nachoff (now based in NYC).
Andrew newest project is his quintet, Andrew Boniwell and The Uncertainty Principle. His first CD with this unit, Boomerang was released in 2011. It features finely crafted and groovy compositions with a varied rhythmic palette and a front line of Richard Underhill (alto sax) and Kevin Turcotte (trumpet).
Andrew’s previous CD, StopStart also on Soundcolour Records (1999), features The Andrew Boniwell Quartet playing his compositions. Reviewers found the quartet’s exploration of texture, dynamics and harmony "innovative" (Ottawa Citizen) and "adventurous" (Toronto Star) while the quartet's playing was described as "letting the music flow out of their veins" (Coda Magazine).
Awards
Oscar Peterson Burary Award, York University 1986
Jim Galloway (former Artistic Director of The Downtown Toronto Jazz Festival)
reviews Andrew new release Boomerang for Whole Note magazine.
(April/2012)
"I enjoyed this CD — I have to admit that very often when I see a release with
all original compositions I approach it with some trepidation, but there is no
uncertainty with this recording. The compositions are inventive and the
musicians all bring a cohesive and creative energy to the music. I hope that
the leader/composer doesn’t mind if I say that some of the pieces bring to
mind the work of Horace Silver; it is certainly meant as a compliment.
Read more
Jim Galloway (former Artistic Director of The Downtown Toronto Jazz Festival)
reviews Andrew new release Boomerang for Whole Note magazine.
(April/2012)
"I enjoyed this CD — I have to admit that very often when I see a release with
all original compositions I approach it with some trepidation, but there is no
uncertainty with this recording. The compositions are inventive and the
musicians all bring a cohesive and creative energy to the music. I hope that
the leader/composer doesn’t mind if I say that some of the pieces bring to
mind the work of Horace Silver; it is certainly meant as a compliment.
The musicians who lend their talents to the music of Mr. Bonniwell are bassist
Mark Cashion, drummer Mike McClelland, Kevin Turcotte on trumpet and
Richard Underhill on alto sax.
This recording is yet another good example of the fine talents right here on
our own doorstep."
Here is what Larry Rossignol, artistic director of the Distillery
Jazz Festival said about the Andrew Boniwell Quartet after an
appearance at the DJF.
"Andrew Boniwell is one of the rare acts that has true jazz
cred...top players, clever arrangements, a mix of excellent
original tunes and thoughtful covers...that produces a rollicking
and melodic performance that will please both the true jazz
aficionado and those who do not identify as jazz savvy."
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Primary Instrument
Piano
Location
Toronto
Willing to teach
Beginner to advanced
Credentials/Background
Andrew Boniwell has developed a personal approach to piano
pedagogy that is a fusion of his own music training, BFA in
music, B.Ed., Orff Level 2, and his professional experience.
For 35 years he has both been teaching piano and performing
as a jazz pianist. Piano playing and more generally music
making are about art as well as a craft. He balances
instruction in the basics, technique, sight-reading, theory and
rhythm with learning and playing music that taps into a
student's creativity and expressiveness - a holistic approach
that seeks to balance art and craft
Read more
Primary Instrument
Piano
Location
Toronto
Willing to teach
Beginner to advanced
Credentials/Background
Andrew Boniwell has developed a personal approach to piano
pedagogy that is a fusion of his own music training, BFA in
music, B.Ed., Orff Level 2, and his professional experience.
For 35 years he has both been teaching piano and performing
as a jazz pianist. Piano playing and more generally music
making are about art as well as a craft. He balances
instruction in the basics, technique, sight-reading, theory and
rhythm with learning and playing music that taps into a
student's creativity and expressiveness - a holistic approach
that seeks to balance art and craft. Andrew’s intention is to
develop and nurture a life long passion for piano playing by
encouraging the student to take ownership of their own
musical ability and expression.
Show less
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