Album Notes

Rising out of Winnipeg’s booming jazz scene, twenty-five year old Keith Price and his quintet are exploring the interplay of ‘spontaneous composition music‘ and seemingly incongruous 20th century styles. Influenced by artists as diverse as Lenny Breau, Fela Kuti, Neil Young, and early Coldplay, Price’s modern and open approach to music is evident in his original compositions. His debut album, Breakfast of Champions, highlights adventurous improvisation and the remarkable synergy of a young group.

Recorded live to two-track one wintry Winnipeg afternoon, Breakfast of Champions is an in-the-moment collection of first and second takes with no edits or overdubs. The album’s sound is organic and energetic, sure to entice those new to jazz and offer something fresh to jazz lovers. The album’s Vonnegut-inspired title track, “Breakfast of Champions,” showcases the group’s chemistry and musical interplay. The sexy, ambient, three-part “Zoom-Zoom” intersects the album with its infectious groove and wild solos. “Warmth” is a heart-on-its-sleeve ballad with lyrics and vocals by Winnipeg’s Amber Epp that offers a release from the album’s relentless drive.

Breakfast of Champions features Neil Watson on Alto Saxophone; Keith Price on guitar; William Bonness on piano and keyboards; Julian Bradford on acoustic Bass; and Curtis Nowosad on drums. The album was recorded and mastered by Adam Mlodzinski and produced by Keith Price.

“It’s fitting that Price is holding a baseball on the cover of this CD, because with these seven songs, the jazz guitarist has hit a home run.” Aaron Epp, The Uniter, Sept 2009

“This tight group moves through a range of moods from the passionate to the sublime.” John Cunningham, The Manitoban, Sept 2009

“Old school yet hip, reverent without being staid, these are musicians that demand attention.” Kenton Smith, Stylus Magazine, Feb/Mar 2009

The Uniter - Review by Aaron Epp
four stars out of five
It’s fitting that Keith Price is holding a baseball on the cover of this CD, because with these seven songs, the jazz guitarist has hit a home run. Recorded last December, the 45-minute disc proves not only that Price has talent, but that he’s a team player too. The excellent compositions are his, but the collaborative nature of the recording is what makes songs like Warmth and the three-part Zoom Zoom work. Other guitarists might have used the opportunity to get in as many solos as possible. Price, on the other hand, picks his spots to shine and allows the other musicians – Neil Watson (alto sax), William Bonness (piano), Julian Bradford (bass) and Curtis Nowosad (drums) – the opportunity to display their formidable talents as well.

Bio

Having strummed since grade six on his grandfather’s old guitar, Price landed his first gigs at age fifteen. First influenced by pop, punk and heavy metal, Price discovered jazz music through the intensity and spirituality of John Coltrane. At age 19, Price began his formal studies at the Conservatory of Amsterdam. Upon his return to Winnipeg, Price turned down a scholarship at New School University in New York City and opted instead to stay in Steve Kirby’s newly established jazz program at the University of Manitoba. He has also studied in Boston with renewed guitar guru Mick Goodrick. Over the last four years Price has played professionally with numerous groups including the Ron Paley Big Band, the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra, and Manitoba Artists in Health Care. Having recently released his debut album of original compositions, "Breakfast Of Champions", Price’s next project is to record an acoustic guitar album scheduled to be released in 2010