Home » Jazz Musicians » Andrew McAnsh

Andrew McAnsh

Music and Zen have always been intertwined in the artistic vision of trumpeter/composer/educator Andrew McAnsh. Born and raised in the modest city of Cambridge, Ontario, Andrew fell in love with music upon his first exposure to the sounds of Miles Davis and John Coltrane at the age of twelve. Fifteen years later, at 27, as an established professional musician with his own prolific contemporary style, Andrew still pays homage to the contributions of these two artists as his greatest personal influences. Already well on his way to gaining breathtaking control of his instrument, Andrew moved to Toronto, Ontario to pursue his music career at the age of seventeen. After enrolling in the prestigious Humber College of Music Program, Andrew had the chance to apprentice under Al Kay, Kirk MacDonald, and Pat Labarbera. Throughout his studies, he maintained artistic excellence in the highest distinction while drawing inspiration from the influences of Clifford Brown and Wynton Marsalis. Even during his time at Humber, Andrew saw continued success as a highly in-demand musician, recording and performing with world-renowned artists Jack DeJohnette, Kurt Elling, Mike Stern, Terence Blanchard, Joe Lovano, Dave Holland, The New York Voices, and Chris Potter. Upon receiving his Bachelor of Music degree, Andrew embarked on a 6-month tour with the Vivian Clement Jazz Quartet on Celebrity Cruises, traveling throughout the Mediterranean, Africa, and Caribbean Islands. Following directly after, Andrew took advantage of an exclusive opportunity to perform in Japan alongside the Global Jazz Orchestra with legendary trumpeter Bobby Shew. Andrew remained in Japan for several months after, performing regularly all over the country. During his touring, he gained appreciation for Zen – a school of thought rooted in mindfulness and unity, after visiting the profoundly historic sites in Kyoto and Nara.

“Do not listen to the ideas of others, but learn to listen to the voice inside yourself. Your body and mind will become clear and you will realize the unity of all things” – Zen Master Dogen

This awakening triggered a decision to start the Andrew McAnsh ensemble, and focus on performing original music. After returning to Canada, and touring regularly with various groups all over Ontario, Andrew began his longtime relationship with the Grand River Jazz Society, for whom he released his first recording: “Andrew McAnsh Sextet - Live at The Jazz Room”. Andrew is thrilled to be accepting a full- scholarship to the Berklee Global Jazz Institute, where he will be completing a Master of Music program under the artistic direction of Danilo Perez, with the mentorship of John Patitucci and Joe Lovano, starting in the fall of 2016.

Tags

11
Album Review

Teri Parker: Shaping the Invisible

Read "Shaping the Invisible" reviewed by Dan McClenaghan


Here is how to take an artistic vision to the next level: Find a room with a lock on the door. Step inside. Engage the lock. Examine the work of those who came before you. Then begin the process of your own creativity. This worked for pianist/composer Parker--so says her sophomore recording, Shaping The Invisible. Parker is a Toronto-based musician. Her debut album, 2017's self-produced In The Past (review here) is a highly engaging and beautifully ...

11
Album Review

Andrew McAnsh: Illustrations

Read "Illustrations" reviewed by Dave Wayne


Its liner notes, song titles, and cover art liberally peppered with references to Japanese culture and Zen Buddhism, Andrew McAnsh's debut recording, Illustrations was inspired by the young trumpeter / composer's journeys through the Land of the Rising Sun. However, McAnsh's original compositions--far from displaying any direct influences of Japanese ethnic music--are relentlessly hard-hitting modern jazz inventions along the lines of recent offerings by fellow trumpeters John Blevins and Ron Miles and Dave Douglas. Like Blevins, McAnsh works with a ...

Read more articles

Photos

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Shaping the Invisible

Self Produced
2023

buy

Illustrations

Self Produced
2016

buy

Segment

From: Shaping the Invisible
By Andrew McAnsh

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.