Lorne Lofsky

Lorne Lofsky
Photo from Kincardine Summer Music Festival
Photo from Kincardine Summer Music Festival
Background information
Born (1954-05-10) May 10, 1954 (age 70)
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
GenresJazz
Occupation(s)Musician, educator
InstrumentGuitar
Years active1970s–present
LabelsPablo
Websitewww.lornelofsky.com

Lorne Lofsky (born May 10, 1954) is a Canadian jazz guitarist. Considered a virtuoso guitarist, Lofsky is known for his collaborations with Oscar Peterson, Ed Bickert, and Kirk MacDonald.

Early life and education

Lofsky was born in Toronto in 1954. He began playing rock music at school dances but later took an interest in jazz after hearing the album Kind of Blue by Miles Davis. In the 1970s, he attended York University and studied music while working at clubs in Toronto.

Career

During the 1970s, Lofsky worked with Canadian musicians Butch Watanabe and Jerry Toth and visiting Americans Pepper Adams, Bob Brookmeyer, and Chet Baker.[1]

In 1980, Lofsky met Canadian pianist Oscar Peterson, who produced his first album, It Could Happen to You. He toured with Peterson in the 1980s, and he toured and recorded as a member of Peterson's quartet and quintet in the 1990s. Lofsky has also worked with Ed Bickert, Ruby Braff, Rosemary Clooney, Kirk MacDonald, Rob McConnell, Tal Farlow, Dizzy Gillespie, Johnny Hartman, and Clark Terry.[1]

From 1983 to 1991 Lofsky played in a quartet with jazz guitarist Ed Bickert. This collaboration yielded two recording, This Is New, released by Concord Records, and a tour of Spain in 1991.

In the early-1980s, Lofsky began a musical association with saxophonist Kirk MacDonald, leading to the formation of a quartet. Various versions of the quartet have played festivals including the Atlantic Jazz Festival, Montreal's Upstairs Club, and Vancouver's Cotton Club.

Lofsky has taught at York University, Humber College,[2] and the University of Toronto.[1]

As of 2022, Lofsky was a member of the Canadian Jazz Collective.

Discography

  • It Could Happen to You (Pablo, 1980)
  • Ed Bickert, Lorne Lofsky and Friends, (Unisson, 1985)
  • This is New, with Ed Bickert (Concord, 1990)
  • Lorne Lofsky (Jazz Inspiration, 1992)
  • Bill Please (Jazz Inspiration, 1994)
  • This Song is New (Modica Music, 2021)

With Brass Connection

  • Brass Connection, (Innovation, 1982)
  • A New Look, (Innovation, 1984)
  • A Five Star Edition, (Innovation, 1988)

With Oscar Peterson

  • Fallin'in love with Oscar (1994)
  • The More I See You, (Telarc, 1995)
  • An Oscar Peterson Christmas (Telarc, 1995)
  • Oscar in Paris (Live at Salle Pleyel) (Telarc, 1996)

With Kirk Macdonald

  • The Atlantic Sessions (Koch, 1997)
  • New Beginnings (Radioland, 1998)

With others

References

  1. ^ a b c Yanow, Scott (2013). The great jazz guitarists : the ultimate guide. San Francisco: Backbeat. p. 123. ISBN 978-1-61713-023-6.
  2. ^ Arts, Creative. "Lorne Lofsky". Humber College. Retrieved 2021-12-30.