Reviews for Tim Posgate

Based around banjo / guitarist Tim Postgate and his original compositions are the sounds of the horns: trumpet, tuba and clarinet being widely used. This one really pushes boundaries. From old time jazz and blues to stuff that’s just way, way, way out there, the musicianship is impeccable, the trip is wonderful and the production is beautiful.

Tim Posgate's Hornband are a vehicle for strong tunes and solid playing, not just a group anchored by novel instrumentation. Guitarist/banjoist Posgate surrounds himself with two of Toronto's finest players: Quinsin Nachoff on saxophone and clarinet, and Lina Allemano on trumpet, with special guest Howard Johnson providing the low end on tuba and baritone saxophone.

Let’s see: trumpet, tenor sax, banjo, and tuba? Tunes that smash modern jazz, klezmer, Celtic, bluegrass, and New Orleans styles together with cracked abandon? On paper, Banjo Hockey sounds like a little bit of a mess, but in practice Tim Posgate has cracked the code to a new form of jazz, one that’s wildly creative but that also has plenty of populist appeal.

Hockey, like any team sport, is all about interplay and co-operation, and the same goes for Banjo Hockey. The product of Toronto guitarist Tim Posgate's fascination with the banjo, the Hornband features trumpeter Lina Allemano, Quinsin Nachoff on tenor sax and clarinet, and the redoubtable Howard Johnson on tuba and baritone saxophone.

Tim Posgate's most recent venture deserves 5 stars from the sheer legitimacy of what he has created. This record is a tasteful and well thought out fusion of 2 North American traditions. The combination of New Orleans Jazz with the driving optimism of Bluegrass makes for a historical listen in a completely modern package. Banjo Hockey is definitely worth the listen!

Guitarist Posgate leaves his six strings for the five-string banjo, and hooks up with legendary Miles Davis/Band/Taj Mahal sousaphonist Howard Johnson, saxophonist Quinsin Nachoff and trumpeter Lina Allemano for one of the coolest sounding instrumental outings to pass my desk lately.