The Chateauguay Tenors

Cameron Wallis - Saxophones

Cameron Wallis is a multi-instrumentalist, composer and arranger. Originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba, he now makes Montreal his home. Cameron earned the degree of Master of Music in jazz performance at McGill University graduating with high distinction. Cameron is co-creator of the jazz duo HYPERLINK "http://www.oneuponedown.ca/" OneUpOneDown, the saxophone showcase band The Chateauguay Tenors, leads his own quartet and is in high demand as a freelance musician and arranger across Canada. He has won numerous awards for his performance and compositional skills including a JUNO award for his work with vocalist Sophie Milman, and two grants from the Canada Council for the Arts. Cameron's recording and performance credits are wide-ranging, having collaborated with the likes of Randy Bachman, Susie Arioli, the Art of Time Ensemble, and Jean Leloup. Having toured extensively, Cameron has wowed audiences at Blue Note Jazz Clubs in NYC and Japan, Toronto's Massey Hall, and the legendary Hollywood Bowl to name a few.

Al McLean - Saxophones

A native of Victoria, British Columbia, Al McLean has resided in Montreal since 1995. He is a sought-after freelance saxophonist, and professor of saxophone at McGill University. Al McLean is a long time member of the Brian Hurley Quartet, Joe Sullivan Sextet, Josh Rager Sextet, and featured soloist, composer, and arranger for the Joe Sullivan Big Band, and the Vic Vogel Big Band, and has performed and recorded worldwide with countless artists of every style of music, including Susan Anton, Offenbach, Herb Ried, Boule Noir, Lenny White, Tyler Mitchell, George Garzone, Donny McCaslin, Scott Robinson, Jerry Bergonzi, Seamus Blake, and Slide Hampton. Al has fortified his roots in acoustic jazz with his first and long-awaited quartet recording "Personal Transit", released on September 19th, 2008. Al McLean's improvisations have been described as "a fluid, masterful account of the entire lineage of the tenor saxophone".

Geoff Lapp - Piano
Born in Montreal in 1953, Geoff Lapp was trained in the classical tradition and studied at McGill University under widely respected jazz pianist, Art Maiste. During the early years of his career, he gained experience in the pop music world touring with Quebec rock legend, Michel Pagliaro. From the early '80s onwards, he devoted himself fully to the jazz idiom. As one of Canada's most accomplished pianists/composers, Geoff Lapp became a sought-after accompanist for a host of Canadian performers. In addition to his own trio work, Geoff has performed and/or recorded with renowned jazzmen such as Paquito d' Rivera, Don Menza, Richie Cole, Bob Mover, Sonny Fortune, and Slide Hampton, among many others. He has also performed extensively in festivals and clubs worldwide. At home in Quebec, he is a mainstay on the vibrant jazz scene.

Morgan Moore - Bass

Having played, recorded and toured with three members of the "Order of Canada" (Ranee Lee, Oliver Jones, and Guido Basso), his career is just beginning to flourish. Morgan is currently touring with Sophie Milman and Térez Montcalm and was awarded a Juno in 2010 for his work on Ranee Lee`s; Lives Upstairs. Being one of the of the first call bassists in Montreal has been a great opportunity to play with international stars as well (Jim Black, Tim Hagans, Nate Smith, Francisco Mela, Sheila Jordan, Phil Dwyer, Steve Williams, Tony Malaby, Barry Ries , etc). He is also actively involved with the following award winning artists (Juno Award: James Gelfand, Dawn Tyler Watson, Kaba Horo; Prix Félix: J.P. Zanella; Academy Award: Ben Charest) and is a component for the following musicians: Jan Jarzcyk, Kevin Dean, Marianne Trudel, Sam Blais, Greg Clayton, Rob Lutes, amongst others.

Rich Irwin - Drums

Born in Winchester Ontario, Canada, Richard Irwin was constantly surrounded by music. His father was a multi-instrumentalist and teacher, while his mother, a teacher as well, sang in church with the family. Children's and church choirs were the beginnings of his musical life, and drums and percussion came shortly after. At 11 years old, a school friend invited him over to check out his new kit, and his passion for the instrument began. Noticing that a serious interest had developed, he was sent to learn the fundamentals. Weekly lessons at the Glengarry School of Pipes and Drums taught him every rudiment on the snare, as well as a chance to compete in Scottish events all over North America and Europe at a very early age. The drum set soon replaced snare competitions, and the Pipe Band was substituted with concert bands, small orchestras, pit bands, and various working bar bands. After high school he went on to study jazz performance at McGill University. Here he performed with dozens of combos, ensembles, and the school's big Bands, where he formed a long lasting relationship with director and trumpeter Ron Dilauro of the Vic Vogel Big Band. Vic needed a drummer, and Ron suggested Rich take over the chair. 15 years later, he continues to play in the band, and has been working in Montreal ever since. Currently residing in Montreal, he plays frequently with Julie Lamontagne, Vic Vogel, Dawn Tyler Watson, Al McLean, The Chateauguay Tenors, Jeff Johnston, the Montreal Jazz Big Band, Hadrian's Wall, Matt Herskowitz, Bruno Pelletier, and is currently touring the world with singing sensation Nikki Yanofsky. He has also worked with international artists such as Celine Dion. Freddie Hubbard, Donny McCaslin, Jane Bunnet, Yannick Rieux, Kevin Dean, Chucho Valdez, and has shared the stage with dozens of others.