BIRDS i

Birds I is a 7 piece jazz band with roots in many different styles including R&B, Funk, Rock, Classical, and Hip Hop. The band features some of the GTA’s best young professionals and band leaders all in one group.

The band was formed by bassist/composer Peter Eratostene a recent York University graduate. Sarah Thawer another York graduate is playing drums and has been playing a lot of high profile gigs around Toronto for touring Bollywood artists. Tenor Saxophonist Matt Lagan is currently in his fourth year at Humber College and is a recipient of Hnatyshyn Foundation Developing Artist Grant for jazz performance. Recent Humber graduate Jesse Ryan plays alto sax; he is extremely talented and even leads his own ensemble called Bridges. Our guitarist Joey Martel also guys to Humber, he plays with Mark Kelso’s Jazz Exiles as well as Joey’s new band Parliament Owls. Our keyboardist Jacob Thompson is currently studying at University of Toronto. On trumpet we have a rotating chair depending on availability. George Martinez is currently studying in LA but also is part of the Humber family. Justin See -Humber grad- performs with the band at live shows. Kaelin Murphy from U of T also plays trumpet with the band.

Birds I shows what Toronto talent is made of. Not only are these great musicians but they are genuine people and are great to talk to. Each one has a very unique story to tell and that is expressed in the music.