A CANADIAN MUSIC PIONEER IN BROADCASTING, RECORDING AND TOURING |
MART KENNEY Canada's Big Band King |
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It can safely be said that more people danced to the music of Mart Kenney than to that of any other Canadian orchestra and they continue to enjoy those memories with the CD, Celebration , Swinging Musical Showcase recorded in 2000. Mart celebrated his 93rd birthday with an interview with Marc Montgomery for the CBC Radio Canada International show, "Spotlight", which aired on March 19th, 2003. At 92 years of age, Mart made guest appearances with a number of big bands at events across Canada including The Stage West Dinner/Theatre in Mississauga, Ontario, The Pacific National Exhibition in Vancouver, "The Mad Hatter's Ball, in Penticton, and at the Orpheum Theatre in Vancouver. Mart always remained active with his community and friends. He acted as "ambassador at large" for the Fraser River Heritage Park and was one of it's early founders, along with his wife, Norma Locke Kenney. Mart Kenney blended the swinging sounds of an era with a unique, contemporary style. He was always a man in "tune with the times". "He picked up a saxaphone when he was a teenager and didn't put it down until old age began to erode his mind into his '90s", says Christine Toth in her feature in the Abbotsford Times, "Fond farewell to an icon". Mart passed away on February 8, 2006. A moving memorial service was held at the Clarke Theatre in Mission, BC on February 26th. Fans and musicians paid a musical tribute to Mart at the Hot Jazz Club in Vancouver on March 14, 2006 and featured the 2 remaining members of Mart's "A Band of Vancouver, Gerry Adamus and Jack Fulton along with some of Vancouver's finest musicians. |
This is a CD that will have you listening over and over again! Swing is the theme with a 21st Century influence, unique arrangements, new, original tunes, blending nostalgic and contemporary sounds. Mart Kenney and The New Ballroom Orchestra connect you with the richly textured, swinging sounds of the classic big band You will hear such remarkable musicians as Don Clark, Stew Barnett, Arnie Chycoski, on trumpet, Ian McDougall on trombone, and Campbell Ryga, Jack Stafford and Al Wold on Sax to name a few. The rhythm section extra-ordinaire...Torbin Oxbol on bass, Bob Doyle on piano, Ihor Kukurudza on guitar and Gerry Adamus on drums provide a powerful foundation within the 17 piece orchestra as well as the quintet, a first for Mart performing on the alto sax in a swing jazz format. The sultry, yet coy vocals of Priscilla Wright add a complex elegance making this a magical event for player and listener alike. With her million-selling single "Man in the Raincoat", she became Canada's first female vocalist to have an international hit song. Priscilla's passionate, clear voice of pure heart-felt emotion has moved many listeners over the years. Priscilla perfomed with Mart in Toronto for several years. |
"CELEBRATION" Mart Kenney records new material in 2000! A Hit with Broadcasters and Fans alike! |