Pat Labarbera – Saxophones
Pat LaBarbera is an alumnus of Berklee and is considered one of the finest soloists working within the framework of John Coltrane's principals. Although he's not a household name, Pat LaBarbera deserves to be. For 16 years, he was a featured soloist in the bands of Buddy Rich and Elvin Jones. In addition, there've been stints with Count Basie, Woody Herman and Louie Bellson; performing and recording dates with Chet Baker, McCoy Tyner and Dizzy Gillespie; numerous appearances on radio, television and film; and teaching at Toronto's Humber College and York University groups. “What an incredible experience - to have such an exceptional talent agree to be part of this project with me! It was an honour and a pleasure Pat!”
Nancy Walker – Piano
CBC's Ross Porter says "Nancy Walker has released a superb CD (Luminosity) worth the wait...an impressive debut". The Globe and Mail's Mark Miller says she "might have you thinking of someone like Don Pullen. In context, however, it's...perhaps closer to the work of the young Ahmed Jamel". Leader of her own trio featuring bassist Kieran Overs and drummer Barry Romberg, Nancy has recorded and toured internationally with acts ranging from pop band The Parachute Club to children's artist Raffi, and has taught jazz theory at Humber College. Recipient of a 1999 Canada Council for the Arts grant, she has been studying in New York City with jazz piano master Fred Hersch. “I have had the great pleasure to work with Nancy over the past year or so. Her exceptional talent is only matched by her enormous kindness. Thanks Nancy!
Duncan Hopkins – Bass
While primarily self taught, Duncan has studied with the best, including Michel Donato in Montreal, Rufus Reid at the Banff Centre for Fine Arts, Neils-Henning Orsted Pedersen in Denmark and Dave Holland in New York City. Aside from his own projects, he has become a popular sideman for a wide variety of artists such as Mark Murphy, Lester Bowie, Kenny Wheeler, Peter Appleyard, Sam Noto, Ed Bickert, Hilario Duran, Lorne Lofsky and arrangers Robert Farnon (with Diana Krall and the National Arts Centre Orchestra) and Ralph Carmichael. He is also the current bassist in the famed Rob McConnell and the Boss Brass.
Duncan has toured extensively throughout Canada, Great Britain, Europe, Brazil and the United States. He can be heard on over twenty albums with such groups as The Pat LaBarbara Quartet, The Paul Ashwell Big Band, The Del Dako Quartet, and numerous CBC recordings including a tribute to Robert Farnon with Diana Krall, Peter Appleyard, and the NAC Orchestra. Most notably however are Duncan's three solo albums, all receiving international acclaim: "LeRouge" "Kindred Spirits" and his newest release “Snapshots”. “Things have never been the same since I met Duncan Hopkins! Not only is he one of the finest bassists ever, he has helped me in so many ways. He was an integral part of “I’m Old Fashioned” and even more so on this project! AND he still comes all the way to Kitchener to play with me! I’m so lucky to have met you (and Fiona and Simon)!
Don McDougall – Drums
Don earned his Diploma in Music at the highly respected Humber College, studying with Roger Flock and Don Vickery Since then he has worked in a variety of bands, varying in styles from Big Band to Latin, BeBop, Blues, Dixieland, Folk, Rock, Jazz and New Country.
He was and is involved in the studio scene, having done commercial and/or demo work at numerous Kitchener studios as well as The Arnyard and Mix Meisters in Toronto. Some of the Artists that Don has performed with include: Howie Mandel Peter Appleyard and Stan Simole. Don also appears on, and produced Cathy’s debut CD, “I’m Old Fashioned”, which has received rave reviews, extensive nationwide airplay and excellent sales. In addition, Don drums with the enormously popular fusion band, “The Dysfunktionals”, performing original jazz compositions. They appeared to enthusiastic crowds a the 2000 Beaches Jazz Festival “What can I say about Donnie! What a great job he did! He is the best – and he’s mine! Thanks for letting me do this again baby – and for your endless support!
Songs on
“We’ll Find A Way” include:
Spring is Here
Let's Get Lost
From the Very Start
It Could Happen to You
The Night We Called
Secret Love
I've Never Been In Love Before
We'll Find A Way
Come Rain or Shine
Christmas Waltz
But Not For Me
Change Partners
Long Ago and Far Away
When Lights Are Lowand……
Two original Duncan Hopkins compositions are also included, the title track, “We’ll Find A Way” and “Before We Even Start”. Cathy wrote the lyrics for “We’ll Find A Way” and co-wrote, with Duncan, “Before We Even Start”.
Please check back for period updates on release date!!
Recording Session – December 4 & 5, 2000
Acrobat Music (www.acrobatmusic.com)
Pickering, Ontario
Pictures from the Recording Studio
Picture 1 - Rena Gaile, Nancy (with Zack), Donnie, Cathy & Jim Morgan
Picture 2 - Nancy, Don, Cathy, Duncan, Michelle, Jim
Picture 3 - A very happy drummer!
Picture 4 - Cathy & Don with Jim at the "controls"
Picture 5 - The incredible Mr. Pat Labarbera
Picture 6 - Duncan & Cathy
Picture 7 - Don, Cathy, Pat & Jim
Picture 8 - Duncan has an idea!!
Picture 9 - It's a wrap!!