Phil is thrilled to once again be playing in trio format with two of his longest-standing musical partners, Alan Jones, and Ken Lister.
Phil met drummer Alan Jones in 1985 when they were both living in New York. They went on to tour and record from 1987-1990 with renowned bassist/bandleader David Friesen. More recently Alan and Phil have recorded with bassist Rodney Whitaker, collaborated in the Portland-based "Bridge Quartet" as well as touring the Canadian jazz festival circuit with Alan's sextet. After many years living and touring in Europe, Alan returned to his native Portland where he now lives and operates the Alan Jones Academy of Music.
Phil and bassist Ken Lister have been playing together since Phil returned from New York to Vancouver. Their performing relationship went into hiatus during Phil's 16-year stint in Toronto (1988-2004), but since then they have worked regularly together in settings from piano/bass duo to the big bands of Ian McDougall and Hugh Fraser's "VEJI" as well as being featured on Phil's Juno Award--winning recording from 2011 "Changing Seasons". Ken was also a regular member of the renowned Hugh Fraser Quintet for many years and is frequently called upon to accompany out-of-town headliners both on the island and in Vancouver.
About Phil
From humble beginnings living on a logging float camp on the BC mid-coast, Phil Dwyer has gone on to become a of Canada's most illustrious musicians, with a 40-year career straddling a variety of musical styles, and which has seen him collaborate with a 'who's who' of Canadian and international musical royalty.
On Dec. 30, 2013 Phil was appointed as a Member of the Order of Canada, cited for “his contributions to jazz as a performer, composer and producer, and for increasing access to music education in his community.” In January 2015 he was named an Honorary Fellow by the Royal Conservatory of Music.
Phil has appeared on eleven Juno Award-winning recordings and performed at some of the most prestigious venues and festivals in over thirty countries on four continents.
Phil is a practicing lawyer, a community leader, mental health advocate, and philanthropist. He has made frequent appearances on CBC Radio since the 1980s and more recently has appeared as a commentator on CBC News Network. Additionally, he is a partner in SeaWind Musical Instruments, a boutique company selling saxophones, woodwinds, and accessories. He lives in Qualicum Beach.
$25 ticket...limited seating