Trombonist Robin Jessome, in high demand as a distinct and unique musical artist, improviser and composer is known for his musical sense of humour. Robin's energy is often focused on the 11-piece large-ensemble project: Blunt Object and the Robin Jessome Quintet. The Quintet's debut album For Whatever Reason was released in the summer of 2011 and was nominated for a 2012 East Coast Music Award!

Outside of his own projects, Robin also works frequently as a trombonist in various Big Bands and ensembles around Toronto. Robin was a member of the National Jazz Orchestra which was featured with performances at the 2009 National Jazz Awards. The ensemble was directed by and featured music from Christine Jensen, Vic Vogel and Denny Christianson. He was also the subject of an hour-long radio segment, interviewed by Larry Green on "Jazzology", aired on December 2007 on 91.1 JazzFM. The show featured original recordings and offered JazzFM listeners some unique insight into an emerging young artist.

In 2006, Robin also had the privilege to attend workshops at The Banff Centre for the Arts, premiering and recording new compositions and working with such luminaries as Chucho Valdés, John Korsrud and Hugh Fraser. Other highlights in Robin's emerging career were being invited to attend the prestigious Betty Carter's Jazz Ahead workshop, and performances in Helsinki, Finland as a competition finalist in the 2003 International Trombone Festival.

Originally from Nova Scotia, he received a Bachelor of Music at St. Francis Xavier University and recently completed a Master of Music in Jazz Performance at the University of Toronto where Robin studied trombone with William Carn and Terry Promane along with composition with Phil Nimmons and David Braid.

Throughout his musical development, Robin has had the honour to work and study with many great artists including Tim Ries, Maria Schneider, Kenny Wheeler, Bob Brookmeyer, Ingrid Jensen, Denny Christiansen, Conrad Herwig, Dave Restivo, John Hollenbeck, Julian Argüelles, Mike Murley, Lew Soloff and Ian McDougall.

January, 2012

Jan 27, 2012 - 2012 East Coast Music Awards, For Whatever Reason nominated for Jazz Recording of the Year!
Dec 12, 2011 - "Jazz à Crédit" review of For Whatever Reason by by Maxime Bouchard
Sept 9, 2011 - !earshot review of For Whatever Reason by Steve Marlow.
Sept 6, 2011 - New website launched!
August, 2011 - #6 on the !earshot jazz chart for August, 2011. Reached #3 the week of August 23!!
July 24, 2011 - Robin Jessome Quintet, For Whatever Reason CD Release at The Rex in Toronto!!

Date Details
   
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Members

  • Brendan Cassidy (sax)
  • Ben Dietschi (sax)
  • Gordon Hyland (sax)
  • Natalie Robinson (trumpet)
  • Jesse Malone (trumpet)
  • Robin Jessome (trombone)
  • Heather Segger (trombone)
  • Special Guest (tuba)
  • Chris Pruden (piano)
  • Mark Godfrey (bass)
  • Mark Segger (drums)

For more info, visit the Blunt Object official website.

2008 saw the emergence of a new large ensemble in Toronto. Founded by trombonist/composer Robin Jessome and comprised mostly of University of Toronto music alumni, the group's repertoire began by focusing mostly on compositions by Carla Bley, and is constantly expanding to include more original music from within the ensemble.

The unique instrumentation and innovative compositions and arrangements made for an exciting and creative approach to jazz; drawing on diverse influences in addition to Carla Bley; such as Lester Bowie's Brass Fantasy, Orange Then Blue, Django Bates, Björk, Charles Mingus, Either/Orchestra, Thelonious Monk, ICP Orchestra and Tom Waits.

These influences, along with Robin Jessome's original compositions and arrangements have shaped the ensemble's distinctive sound – one whose personality always maintains a sense of interaction, energy and individuality.

Bunt Object - live at the Trane Studio

Members

  • Robin Jessome (trombone)
  • Gordon Hyland (tenor sax)
  • Chris Pruden (piano)
  • Mark Godfrey (bass)
  • Mark Segger (drums)
The Robin Jessome Quintet is an exciting new group, focusing on performing creative original music. Featuring some of Toronto's finest young musicians, the ensemble presents a fresh approach to contemporary jazz and improvisation. Drawing on influences such as Carla Bley, Dave Holland, Kenny Wheeler, Ornette Coleman, Charles Mingus, Dave Douglas, John Coltrane, Miles Davis and Thelonious Monk the Robin Jessome Quintet offers a unique juxtaposition of spontaneity and composition.

Their blend of intense interaction with adventurous compositions, moody textures and a good sense of humour make this band one of the fresh new voices in contemporary jazz.

RJ5 - live at the Rex

Members

  • Matty Burns (vocals)
  • Morgan Joy (vocals)
  • Funky Dunky (guitar)
  • David Wencer (keys)
  • Graham Smith (bass)
  • Derek Zwiep (drums)
  • Robin Jessome (trombone)
  • Ilena Culleton (bari sax)
  • Graeme Drinkwalter (trumpet)
  • Saxy McSaxer (alto sax)
Its Toronto's newest funk/soul/R&B/Rock/Hip-Hop super-fun party band!! More info...coming soon?