BIO

The Hogtown Syncopators, five young musicians from downtown Toronto, have been generating a serious buzz with their authentic 1930s sound and entertaining show. Sonically, they combine the tight, elegant sound of Django Reinhardt’s Quintette of the Hot Club de France with the dazzling group vocals of the Boswell Sisters and Mills Brothers. With the release of their first self-titled CD at Hugh’s Room in Toronto on February 9, 2007, Drew Jurecka (violin, saxophone, vocals), Terra Hazelton (snare drum with brushes, vocals), Mike Daley (archtop guitar, vocals), Jay Danley (flat top guitar, vocals) and James Thomson (upright bass) are set to expand their strong local fan base.

Hogtown Syncopators was exquisitely recorded at the Gas Station studio on Ward's Island by producer Don Kerr, whose credits include Bruce Cockburn and Barenaked Ladies records. The band chose some of their favourite standards as well as some more obscure nuggets, rounding out the set with three originals in the hot jazz style. Vocal harmony showcases like “Heebie Jeebies” and “Alexander’s Ragtime Band” stand alongside vocal solos by all four singing members and hot jazz workouts like the frenetic “Tiger Rag.” The band even puts a breakneck swing to Brahms’ 19th century symphonic piece Hungarian Dance No. 5.

The Hogtown Syncopators' debut CD has been eagerly awaited by loyal followers. A limited-edition promotional release was snapped up almost instantly in the fall of 2006, and the band’s name is already well known by jazz tastemakers around Toronto. The band enjoys a Friday afternoon residency at the respected Rex Hotel in downtown Toronto, and is quickly becoming a concert and festival favourite.

The Players

Drew Jurecka’s virtuoso technique and deep understanding of jazz have taken him all over North America as a soloist with Jeff Healey's Jazz Wizards and the Bebop Cowboys, with whom he recently finished a CBC Vinyl Cafe tour. He has performed with Diana Krall and Dave Brubeck.

Terra Hazelton's natural vocal gifts were noticed by Jeff Healey five years ago and she has been the featured vocalist with Healey ever since, appearing on several of his CDs and her own Anybody's Baby. Terra’s infectious charm and wicked way with a song are well known across Canada. She recently completed a solo European tour to great acclaim.

Mike Daley holds a doctorate in music from York University and has worked as a journeyman guitarist with Jeff Healey, Jacques Gauthe, Rita Chiarelli and countless others. He currently leads his own quartet and tours North America with the note-for-note recital series Classic Albums Live.

Guitarist Jay Danley has been a fixture in Toronto clubs for fifteen years, playing Latin music, jazz, and fusion. Equally adept on guitar and tres, Jay enjoyed a ten-year residency at Cervejeria and has recently appeared with Jane Bunnett at Massey Hall. Jay is the group’s principal composer.

James Thomson has played with Boss Brass leader Rob McConnell, The Backstabbers, Bob Mover, The Kate Rogers Band and Julian Fauth. Like Terra, James is a former actor and continues his affiliation with the theatre through projects like James Reilly's one-man play Act of God, for which James composed the music and performed solo.

Contact the Hogtown Syncopators at
647-654-7855 or mikedaley@gmail.com or visit www.hogtownsyncopators.com