Gregg Brennan at The Rex

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Composer/drummer Gregg Brennan will perform with his quintet Aiseiri in the Rex Hotel in Toronto on Wednesday, April 26. Gregg Brennan is a graduate of Berklee College of Music in Boston Mass. He is an active composer and painter as well as a bandleader and educator. He has performed with, among others: Jeff Perry, Zulfugar Baghirov, Miles Li, Jeff Stout, Ed Saindon, Paul Elmen, Fernando Mainer, Stephane Wrembel and Danny Morris. Gregg has studied with Bob Moses, Ian Froman, Joe Hunt, and Skip Hadden and has himself conducted lectures and workshops on various topics. He is currently an active member of the international Association for Jazz Education

Formed in autumn 2004, the Aiseiri is a modern jazz exploration. With a mixture of composed and free sections, the group bases its sound on the aesthetics of European Jazz and free improvisation. Drawing heavily on influences from Middle Eastern 'Baladi' to traditional Eastern European and Nordic Folk Song and the Avant Garde, the quintet brings a colorful blend of styles and personality with each member. The joy of playing, embedded in a particular group chemistry makes certain the music always sounds fresh and exciting. Trumpeter Patrice Barbanchon, multi-reed player Jonathan Kay, guitarist Avi Granite, double bassist Neal Davis and drummer/percussionist Gregg Brennan are the Aiseiri Quintet. Along with Granite, Davis and Brennan, alto saxophonist Mike Anklewicz and pianist Tim Minthorn appeared on the latest release from the then quartet, 'Bird on Triangle' available from Standback Records.

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