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Richard Underhill’s wonderfully melodic alto sax playing, great writing and arranging skills and in-from-the-outside soloing make him one of Canada’s most distinctive jazz performers. The founding member of Toronto Shuffle Demons, Richard won a 2003 Juno Award for his jazz debut ‘Tales from the Blue Lounge’ and was nominated for the Prix du Jazz at the Montreal Jazz Festival. His latest album ‘Live at Lula’ features Lincoln Center Jazz and Wynton Marsalis alumni trombonist Ron Westray. His 3rd album ‘Kensington Suite’ garnered significant critical acclaim and was nominated for a 2008 Juno Award and his 2nd album ‘Moment in Time’ was also nominated for a Juno Award in 2007. A truly original jazz composer and arranger, Richard’s exciting original music captivates audiences with singable melodies, outstanding musicianship and engaging performances. Richard was honoured to perform at Roy Thomson Hall for the state funeral of his old friend, the honourable Jack Layton.

Richard has performed and recorded with Dr. John, Taj Mahal, Molly Johnson, Colin James, Han Bennink, Kevin Breit, Julius Hemphil, Colin Linden, Hawksley Workman, Tom Cochrane, Holly Cole, Julie Michaels, Paul Cram, Terry Clarke, Mendelson Joe, Amos Garrett, Bobby Wiseman, Soul Rebels, the Mighty PoPo, the Hemispheres Orchestra, Daniel Janke, Tom Walsh, Hilario Duran and NOMA to name a few. He leads several diverse groups including his jazz quintet, the Shuffle Demons, the Kensington Horns Community Band, the Rider Raiders and the improvising electronic groove ensemble Astrogroove.