 Vibraphonist Frank Wright has been
an important part of the Toronto jazz scene since the1950's when he was a
regular performer on the 'after hours' club circuit. During its existence,
he appeared frequently at Toronto's Bourbon Street with clarinetist Henry
Cuesta, and toured with him to California jazz festivals in Palm Springs,
San Diego and Sacramento. He was a frequent performer with The Garden
Avenue Seven in Florida and on tour in Portland, Oregon. In the mid 1980's
he formed a quartet with well-known drummer Archie Alleyne and together,
they appeared numerous times at the famous George's Spaghetti House"More frequently, he established his own trio and quartet who perform regular at jazz clubs throughout Ontario He has worked with well-known names like Joe Williams, Norman Armadio, Jim Galloway, Rob McConnell, Peter Appleyard, and Trini Lopez, and even played for HRH Prince Phillip in a private performance during a Toronto visit. In recent years the Frank Wright Quartet has appeared frequently in the international du Maurier Downtown Jazz festival in Toronto. His unique style is described by recording producer John Morris in these words: "Frank Wright's polish and drive evoke recollections of his principle influences, Lionel Hampton and Milt Jackson, but his touch is his own." |