Band

Young Toronto collective The Heavyweights Brass Band are emerging as one of the most exciting new acts on the Canadian jazz scene, described by JAZZFM.91’s Jaymz Bee as “a breath of fresh air, destined for big things any minute now.” Whether receiving props from The Roots on Twitter, jamming with puppets on CBC Kids’ Mamma Yamma, recording with jazz legend Jane Bunnett or being championed by influential DJ and tastemaker Gilles Peterson, The Heavyweights Brass Band pack a one-two punch of crossover appeal and respect from music’s elite.

Inspired by the New Orleans brass band tradition, the Heavyweights’ original stance keeps one foot firmly rooted in the rich legacy of jazz, while one foot steps forward into the future.
Like the music’s originators, the Heavyweights are unafraid to incorporate influences from disparate areas of the musical spectrum, from pop hits of the day to original compositions, from R&B and funk throwbacks to the infectious rhythms of Latin America, all woven together with the thread of adventuresome sophistication.

The uppercut ascent of the Heavyweights’ arc has been the result of relentless dedication. Touring across Canada and sharing the stage with such influential groups as The Roots, Trombone Shorty, Galactic and Hypnotic Brass Ensemble has helped build the group a loyal following. 2011 saw the release of the Heavyweights’ debut recording Don’t Bring Me Down, rated #3 Canadian jazz album of the year by Ejazznews.com and going to #1 on Earshot’s national campus and community radio jazz chart. Recorded at CBC’s Studio 211 in Toronto with assistance from special guests including Cuban sonero Ogguere and vocal powerhouse Saidah Baba Talibah, the Heavyweights were placed in heavy rotation on JAZZFM.91 and CBC radio.

The future is bright for the young band, with plans in the works for 2013 to be a year of new thresholds as the group blossoms into even more of a hard-hitting powerhouse of sound. Highlights to look forward to include the release of a sophomore album, and on April 13th, the group’s headlining debut at Toronto’s famed Koerner Hall, with special guests.

Band Members Chris Butcher, trombone Since moving to Toronto from his hometown of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Chris has become one of Toronto's busiest trombone players. Chris brings a deep knowledge of many types of music to the table: he has played with some of the biggest names in the city's vibrant jazz, pop and world music scenes including Hilario Duran, Archie Alleyne, Steve Kirby, La India, Changuito, Maninho Costa, Giovanni Hidalgo, D’bi Young and Ogguere.  Chris was inspired to form the Heavyweights after visitng New Orleans and experiencing brass band music firsthand.
Jon Challoner, trumpet Jon is originally from Vancouver Island, BC. He now lives in Toronto, where he has gained a reputation one of Canada’s most exciting young instrumentalists. He has performed at the Grammy Awards, was the recipient of the galaxie rising star award at the National Jazz Awards, and recently won the International Trumpet Guild’s jazz solo competition. From Jazz to R&B, Pop, Funk and theatre, Jon brings ‘the ruckus’ to any musical situation.  Along with the Heavyweights, Jon can be seen performing with jazz legend Don Thompson, John MacLeod’s Rex Hotel Orchestra, Brazilian singer/percussionist Aline Morales, powerhouse funk group KC Roberts and the Live Revolution and many more great artists.
Paul Metcalfe, saxophones With an extensive background in jazz and funk, Paul is one of the grittiest sax players around.   His playing has taken him on many Canadian tours including venues such as the Montreal Jazz Festival and opening for Herbie Hancock and Kool and the Gang.  He has recorded a number of albums including Second Ring, with funk/dance group Moses Mayes, which received the Western Canadian Music Award for Best Instrumental Album.  Along with the Heavyweights, Paul’s funky sound can be heard around Toronto with the likes of The Café Ole, KC Roberts and the Live Revolution, The Toronto Jazz Orchestra, Plan C, King Sunshine, El Mosiaco, Max Senitt y sus Amigos, The Ken McDonald Quartet, Lady Son, RnB singer KG Tsatsi, among others.
Rob Teehan, sousaphone A classical tuba player by training, Rob picked up the sousaphone after finishing university and quickly become Toronto's go-to guy for bold  brass bass lines in any style of music.  Besides the Heavyweights he plays with Saidah Baba Talibah, his brother Nick Teehan, the Boxcar Boys, the Lemon Bucket Orkestra, and a host of other bands in many different genres.  Rob is also a Juno-nominated composer, working frequently as a composer and arranger in film, commercial, and live music; Rob brings his writing chops to bear on many of the Heavyweights' original tunes and complex arrangements.
Lowell Whitty, drums Lowell grew up in The Beaches of Toronto in a rowdy musical household that heavily embraced New Orleans Jazz, Funk and R&B.  He has been drumming for as long as he can remember and has performed around the world in jazz festivals including Quarter Fest ’09 in New Orleans, JazzAscona and Rapperswil Blues & Jazz in Switzerland and Swing in Pic in Mortegliano, Italy.  His infectiously energetic approach to the drums has kept him in demand in the Toronto scene.  When Lowell isn’t bringing swampy grooves to the Heavyweights, he can be heard performing around town in many other projects such as Notes and Noodles, a group that plays his own compositions mixing elements of modern and free jazz with a rock band vibe.