A bit of background

The Jazz Mechanics formed in 1979 as a rehearsal band offshoot of the Brampton Concert Band for those players who wanted to play big band charts. Over the years we have played a variety of types of gigs:
  • with guest artists: Don Thompson, Guido Basso, Hagood Hardy, Pat LaBarbera.
  • jazz festivals: Beaches Jazz Festival, Du Maurier Downtown Jazz Festival, Brampton Jazz Festival, Orillia Jazz Festival, JVC Jazz Festival.
  • themed tributes: Herman, Basie, Kenton, Ellington, Sinatra
  • on telvision: CityTV morning show
  • bar gigs: Rex Hotel in Toronto.
mostly under the direction of Jim Lewis, a Toronto-based trumpet player and educator (now at Humber College).

Our name

In the 1800s, many towns had mechanics' band made up of local firemen and other tradesmen in the town. Brampton was no different, with the first one forming in 1884. Whjen we named the band in the 1990s, we kept the mechanics and added jazz.

Who's in the band?

We are a diverse group, including an archaeologist, a rocket scientist, a law enforcement officer and others in our line-up.

We're always looking for a drummer. If you'd like to come out, drop Dave a line.

The current roster includes;
  • Saxophone
  • Greg Murphy, lead alto
  • Darryl Orr, alto
  • Brandon Besharah, tenor
  • Glen Smith, tenor
  • Jennifer Trueman, bari
  • Trumpet
  • Dave Harmsworth, lead
  • Mike Nease, lead
  • Mike Dennett
  • Peter Goodman
  • Peter Dickson
  • Trombone
  • George Guerrette
  • Andy Schoenhofer
  • Michael Kearns
  • Cale Schibler, bass
  • Rhythm
  • Steve Kendry, drums
  • Chris Udell, bass
  • Jeff Peacock, guitar
  • Joy Brown, piano