Leif Vollebekk Performance
Such a blast to be invited to play upright bass for this version of Leif Vollebekk's song Transatlantic Flight. This was part of a video/performance series initiated by Roy Thompson Hall called 'Variation Series'. Artists were invited to perform on Glenn Gould's piano in the foyer of Roy Thompson Hall. Leif added a small string orchestra to his contribution to the series.
Atlas Revolt at 2019 Guelph Jazz Festival
Very excited about this one. An upcoming performance at one of Canada's finest jazz festivals.
From the festival - "Toronto bassist Bret Higgins leads this juggernaut instrumental sextet to play his deft, smart compositions. Delivered throughout with rock intensity, Atlas Revolt music draws on the sumptuous melodic traditions of Eastern Europe and South America and delivers then in a rhythmically intoxicating context with a flair for the psychedelic and the drama of film-score. The band’s two records ‘Illusion Machine’ (2018 - Chant Records) and their self titled debut (2015 - Tzadik Records) are superb, featuring talented Toronto musicians. Saturday 14th of September, 8:00 pm, Market Square Stage, free concert."
New Single 'Breakup' from Megan Bonnell
This super fun song Breakup is now out in the world. A co-write between Megan Bonnell and myself. I also played some keys (Clavinet, JX3P and (I think some) Korg MS-20 (made it on to the final too)).
Jadea Kelly 'EP'
The amazing and talented Jadea Kelly put this EP out into the world. One of a of a set of songs for a documentary called 'Met While Incarcerated', I contributed some upright bass for this one.
New Atlas Revolt Release!!
Illusion Machine was released by Chant Records and will be available as of May 14th, 2018
Picking up from where the band left off with their 2015 debut CD on Tzadik records, Bret Higgins’ Atlas Revolt digs deeper, refining a collaborative sound which draws upon film score, desert-blues, psychedelia, Balkan, and Central & South American music. On their sophomore recording Illusion Machine, the usual line-up adds sixth man of the year, virtuoso percussionist Juan Carlos Medrano to the fold, elevating the overall sound into a darker and more orchestral version of itself. The music on Illusion Machine is overflowing with exciting rhythms, searing guitar work and beautiful melodies, performed by an incredible group.
- Chant Records
Collectif9 & Architek Percussion Commission
Big news! It’s official, Collectif9 and Architect Percussion are working on a new project. Thanks to exceptional support from the Canada Council for the Arts as part of their New Chapter program, I have been commissioned to write for these two fabulous groups. In addition to my contribution, the ensembles are commissioning a whole concert with music by Derek Charke, Nicole Lizee, Eliot Britton, and Luna Pearl Woolf! Coming in 2018...