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Will Jarvis

Canadian musician Will Jarvis is a busy freelance bassist, composer and educator who has been active on the Toronto music scene for many years. Will’s affection for Afro-Cuban music began in the 1990s when he first played with some of the Toronto-area salsa and Latin-jazz groups. During this time, Will had the great pleasure of performing live with Afro-Cuban giants Tito Puente, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Dave Valentine, Hilton Ruiz, Luis Conte and Hilario Duran.

Will has worked with many outstanding Canadian artists including David Clayton-Thomas, Bruce Cassidy’s Hotfoot Orchestra, Bobby Rice Latin-jazz Big Band, Jackie Richardson and Brazilian group Sinal Aberto.

Along with his own group, Will currently performs/records with multi-award winning group Manteca, Trevor Dick Band and Paul DeLong’s "Bucket of Fish Orchestra." As an educator, Will has been teaching at the college and university level for more than twenty-five years. Will is on the music faculty at Humber College in Toronto where he has had the pleasure of performing with visiting artists Steve Gadd, Adam Nussbaum and Paquito D’Rivera. Will also teaches at Mohawk College in Hamilton, Ontario. Will recently released his debut recording as a leader entitled, “Con Gracias.” The recording features a collection of all original Latin-Jazz compositions based on an array of contemporary and traditional Afro-Cuban styles and containing beautiful melodies and sizzling grooves.

Here's what people are saying about Con Gracias.

“I have to say that it's great on every level. The writing is sensational, the players are great and the whole thing is beautiful.” – Don Thompson, Canadian jazz icon

”I love the recording. Thanks so much for adding beauty to the Canadian and international musical landscape!” - Laura Fernandez, JazzFm

Awards

2016 - Global Music Awards - Silver Medal - Outstanding Achievement - "Con Gracias" Composer/Composition 2015 - Canadian GMA Covenant Awards Instrumental Album of the Year Trevor Dick Band - "New World" 2015 - Global Music Awards - GOLD MEDAL: Album Trevor Dick Band - "New World" 2015 - Global Music Awards - GOLD MEDAL: Band Trevor Dick Band - "New World" 2009 - Canadian GMA Covenant Awards Instrumental Album of the Year Trevor Dick - "Yahweh"


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Will Jarvis: Con Gracias By Raul da Gama – Latin Jazz Network Feb 12, 2016 Saying thanks for the Afro-Cuban music that Canada has had the pleasure of being a part of is one thing; paying tribute in song is quite another. And when it’s done with the exquisite sensitivity and purposefulness as bassist Will Jarvis then you have a feast fit for an aficionado. Con Gracias is further proof that Canada is a bottomless chalice of talent, one that is overflowing with a virtuosity, studied grace and wisdom that rivals the cities of the US. That no one really pays attention is no smear on Canada, but rather one on the apathy of an industry that does not seem to sniff profit north of the border

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Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

The Twelfth of Never

Self Produced
2020

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Illusionist

From: The Twelfth of Never
By Will Jarvis

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