Paul Tobey Jazz Orchestra - November/December 1999
by Sarah Chauncey
Who: Paul Tobey
What: Contemporary piano jazz.
Where: Toronto
Why: 15-year veteran of the jazz scene and still going strong.
To Contact: Chris Jameson, (416) 730-1024.
Many years ago, shortly after Paul Tobey received his BFA in Jazz from Concordia, he traveled to New York City to apprentice with jazz piano great Kenny Barron. “Kenny taught me a lot about my own fears,” he recalls. “Kenny taught me to play with genuine emotion … with feeling.” That emotion now shines through skills honed by years of being a significant contributor to the Canadian jazz scene. Whether Tobey is playing piano, composing pieces or arranging them, his passion is evident. Among the many jazz artists with whom he has worked are Pat LaBarbera, Dave Young, Neil Swainson, Alex Dean and Jim Hillman. Tobey is a regular fixture on the summer jazz festival scene, with recent appearances at nearly every one across the country. Tobey’s third full-length album, Wayward, features numerous combinations, including duos, quartets, sextets and even a 12-piece mini-orchestra.