Canadian Brass is delighted to announce trombonist Keith Dyrda is joining the group. Founding member Gene Watts to continue in key role.
Eugene Watts, co-founder of CANADIAN BRASS, introduces his successor:
Gene Watts soloing on “Saints Hallelujah” in Naperville, IL – Jan 30, 2010
“I had been keeping my eyes and ears open for a replacement and then suddenly Keith Dyrda appeared — he is young, charismatic, full of fun and one of the finest trombonists I have ever heard.
I loved his presence, focus and personality and I think that he will be an ideal soul mate and partner for the other members of the group. Did I mention that he looks just like I did 53 years ago?”
Canadian Brass at Niagara Falls, Canada – 1985
Gene Watts, Freddie Mills, Ronnie Romm, Marty Hackleman, Chuck Daellenbach
At just 21-years of age and still completing his studies in performance at McGill University’s Schulich School of Music in Montreal, Keith Dyrda has already become a prominent presence in the performance scene in Canada, including a recent performance of the Tomasi Trombone Concerto with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra.
“This is a huge honour,” enthuses Keith Dyrda, citing the group’s ‘household name in the music world’ and noting that, as he is replacing a founding member, he is only the second trombonist in the group’s history. “I never thought this would happen so soon,” says Dyrda, “and I hope to do it justice.”
Eugene Watts is the original creator behind the CANADIAN BRASS. Originally from Sedalia, Missouri, Gene came to Toronto when he was hand-picked by Seiji Ozawa as first trombonist for the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. There he met Chuck Daellenbach (tuba) — now the group’s remaining founding member — and the two set out to create a new model for brass quintets, one which has been widely emulated but still unmatched. Gene will remain an integral part of the group, focusing on concert repertoire and presentation.
“After 40 years of travelling and playing, this is a chance to breathe and to absorb what has happened,” says Watts, “I feel very fortunate and look back with pride. There is a certain sadness, but more joy.”
Gene Watts
Asked about a favourite memory from the group’s history, Gene muses about a series of concerts at Vienna’s legendary concert hall, the Musikverein, in the late 80s. “We performed our trademark concert — classical, early jazz and even Carmen to wonderful response and standing ovations demanding 3 encores — here, in this bastion of Western classical music culture! I had to pinch myself — how did this happen?”
This break from concertizing will also give Watts a chance to pursue his spiritual path. Since studying in India with the Maharishi in 1969, Watts has shared his techniques of meditation and inner silence with the group, something that has become a key part of the CANADIAN BRASS’s travel and performance routine.
Keith Dyrda’s first performances with the CANADIAN BRASS took place this past weekend in New Brunswick. He next joins the group for a tour of China in May. In addition to Chuck and Keith, the Brass includes Christopher Coletti and Brandon Ridenour (trumpets) and Jeff Nelsen (horn).
Keith Dyrda
Apparently, at the end of Keith’s first dinner with the group, his coat caught on fire from a nearby candle and the two trumpeters quickly came to his aid, stomping out the flames.
Surely, we can only expect many more fireworks from the new group.
7 Responses to “Canadian Brass is delighted to announce trombonist Keith Dyrda is joining the group. Founding member Gene Watts to continue in key role.”
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Sou fã de Canadian Brass. Eu já assisti em meados de 1999 quando o grupos esteve no Brasil para apresentar um Conserto Astra Finamax, em Jundiaí – SP. Muito bom !
As mudanças serão bem vidas e esperamos que a nova era seja que nem a inicial, muito boa. Afinal, pena que as mudanças tem que haver para que um sucesso como esse não se desperdice !
Sou apreciador da música instrumental !
Parabéns !
To my favorite Brass friends – and a new one to meet …. Gene – it has been a pleasure being able to spend time with you over the past 30+ years – as a fan, as an attendee at many concerts, and taking part at the Eastman School of Music weekend about 10 years ago. It was great seeing you this past December in New Hampshire, and I wish you well with your endeavors as you continue on your pathway of life.
Keith – you have joined a very unique organization and are extremely fortunate to be where you are. The shoes you will be replacing (not filling – Gene’s footprint is HUGE!) have many miles and millions of notes. May you continue the tradition and play your own style of Canadian Brass music. I look forward to meeting you at a concert sometime in the future (hopefully near future!)
Gene – Saints Hallelujah will remain my favorite ….. and I hope our paths will cross again. Blessings on you and yours.
To the rest of the Brass …. Chuck – teach them well!! Jeff – continue the magic … Brandon and Chris … it also was great meeting you in December and I look forward to hearing more great music.
Also ….. my CB discology collection is 98% complete – - just missing a couple of the first records …. and will continue to search for them so I will have ALL of the vinyl and/or CD’s put out by the Canadian Brass (Jeff …. more in another email about some extras I have …… UI???)
Come back to New Hampshire SOON !!!!!!!!!
Congratulations to Gene for such a wonderful idea and his performances and congratulations to Keith on your new job! My brother, Bob Sadilek, admires the Canadian Brass. He played bass trombone in the Air Force Academy Band years ago. It would sure be nice if Gene and Keith could send him your autographs. It would mean a lot to me. Bob still teaches brass and is 75 years old, still playing in the local municipal band and old timers groups. If so, his address is:
Bob Sadilek
6912 Larkwood Drive N.E.
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 Thank you for considering my request. Love you all. Rick Sadilek
Hey guys,
yet another new member starting with a tour to asia – good fortune sign!!!!
Looking forward to seeing you soon again!
Many greetings from Germany!
Done with real class, Gene. All the best in your spiritual quest.
Bert
Gene – All our best wishes to you in your retirement. We have enjoyed following your career for many years and know that you will forever be a guiding light for the Canadian Brass. Your friends and neighbors from Sedalia, Nancy (Oswald) and Jim Satterwhite.
Just saw Keith playing with such wonderful musicians (Jens Lindemann, Ryan Anthony, Martin Hackelman and Patrick Sheridan) this evening in Banff.
What a talented person he is! I can’t wait to see him more.