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Jill Townsend Big Band performing at IAJE 2007, New York         Photo credit Barb McDougall

Composer/arranger Jill Townsend leads the energetic and swinging Jill Townsend Big Band which features seventeen of Canada’s finest jazz musicians. The band was established in 2000 with the purpose of presenting great playing of original Canadian music. Check out award winning soloists Campbell Ryga (alto), Brad Turner (trpt), Rod Murray (trb), Jodi Proznick (bass), Bill Coon (gtr) Dennis Esson (trb) Ross Taggart (tenor) and Dave Robbins (drums). The unique and dynamic sound of the band is also created by the repertoire, featuring compositions and arrangements by Townsend, Bill Coon, Ross Taggart, plus the music of Kenny Wheeler and Rick Wilkins.

JTBB released their critically acclaimed CD "Tales from the Sea" in 2003 and was nominated in 2006 and 2008 for "Best Large Jazz Ensemble" by the National Jazz Awards. They represented Canada at the prestigious IAJE Convention in 2007, premiering a new work by Socan composer of the year, Ian McDougall. The band has performed at the Vancouver International Jazz Festival, Festival Vancouver, Jazz on the Peninsula Concert Series, Pender Harbour Jazz Festival, and makes regular appearances at the Cellar Jazz Club.

Bill Coon, Jodi Proznick, Dave Robbins