Guido Basso & Stompin’ Tom Connors
The Toronto Musicians’ Association is proud to recognize Guido Basso’s decades of artistry with the TMA Lifetime Achievement Award and is delighted to acknowledge Life Member Stompin’ Tom Connors with our Lifetime Achievement Award.
GUIDO BASSO
“Guido Basso is quite simply the best damn flugelhorn player in the world.” – Rob McConnell
Montreal-born Guido Basso began playing trumpet at the age of nine. At the age of nineteen, he left Montreal to tour with Vic Damone, followed by three more years touring with Pearl Bailey and Louis Bellson. In 1960, Guido settled in Toronto and quickly became “first call” in the studios and jazz clubs. While still in his early twenties, he was featured as an on-air personality and music director on several popular television programs including Nightcap and Barris & Company, and co-hosted Mallets & Brass with Peter Appleyard. From 1969-71 he was music director of After Noon on CBC radio, and he later led orchestras for the CBC television programs In the Mood and Bandwagon.
As a founding member and featured soloist with Rob McConnell and the Boss Brass, Guido performed with The Singers Unlimited, Phil Woods, Mel Torme and The Hi Lo’s. Many of his recorded solos with that award-winning ensemble have become jazz classics studied by both professionals and students across North America. He was also a member of the Rob McConnell Tentet, Nimmons ‘N’ Nine Plus Six, and Ron Collier’s big band. Guido has also been in great demand on harmonica, having been featured in many concerts and on dozens of recordings. Guido has shared the stage with many of the world’s top jazz artists including Dizzy Gillespie, Quincy Jones, Benny Goodman and Diana Krall. He is one of those rare musicians whose sound is unique and immediately recognizable, and has set the international standard for playing jazz flugelhorn. In 1994, Guido was made a Member of the Order of Canada. His CD Lost in the Stars was honoured with a JUNO award in 2004. Guido currently plays jazz concerts, is featured in a myriad of musical situations, and is currently in the studio working on a new CD. Otherwise he can be found at his home Eastern Ontario with his wife Kristin, growing garlic, cooking gourmet meals, and generally enjoying life. Guido is a Life Member of the TMA, having been a member since 1961. The Toronto Musicians’ Association is proud to recognize his decades of artistry with 2009 TMA Lifetime Achievement Award.
STOMPIN’ TOM CONNORS
Tom Connors was born in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1936, and after being orphaned for several years, was adopted by the Aylward family of Skinner’s Pond, PEI. At thirteen, Connors left home and hitchhiked to virtually every part of Canada. Fifteen years later, his big break came when he found himself short of money at the Maple Leaf Hotel in Timmins, and the bartender offered to give him a beer if he would sing a few tunes. This performance turned out to be the start of a 13-month stint playing at the hotel, and also led to a daily spot on the local radio station where he made his first recordings. So began a career that would see Stompin’ Tom Connors release fifty albums which have sold some four million copies in Canada, including many songs that have become treasured favourites across the country.
From his first hit, “Bud the Spud,” Connors’ songs have celebrated and defined what it is to be Canadian. Many of his songs, like “Tillsonburg,” tell stories from his own journeys across the country. He has written about national passions (“The Hockey Song”), national heroes (“Blue Berets”), and national tragedies (“The Black Donnellys” and “Fire in the Mine”). Connors was made an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1996. He received a SOCAN National Achievement Award in 1999, and the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award in 2000. Tom also holds three honourary Doctorates, from St.
Thomas University (Laws, 1993), the University of Toronto (Laws, 2000), and the University of PEI (Literature, 2003). In 2009, Connors received the special distinction of being portrayed on a stamp released by Canada Post. From 1971 through 1975, Stompin’ Tom received five straight JUNO awards as best country male artist, and another for his album To It and At It. In 1978, he returned them all, explaining, “I feel that the JUNOs should be for people who are living in Canada, whose main base of business operations is in Canada, who are working toward the recognition of Canadian talent in this country and who are trying to further the export of such talent from this country to the world with a view to proudly showing off what this country can contribute to the world market. Until the academy appears to comply more closely with aspirations of this kind, I will no longer stand for any nominations, nor will I accept any award given.” More than simply playing songs about Canada, Stompin’ Tom Connors has been a fierce and uncompromising advocate for truly Canadian music and musicians. His patriotism, integrity, and his tremendous contribution to our nation’s musical heritage are truly exemplary. The Toronto Musicians’ Association is delighted to acknowledge Life Member Stompin’ Tom Connors with our Lifetime Achievement Award.
Past Lifetime Achievement Awards
The following is a listing of previous Lifetime Achievements Awards recipients.
NOTE: A Toronto Musicians’ Association “Special Recognition Award” was presented to Eugene Amaro in December 2005. Jerry Toth was given an award at one of the “Evening to Remember” dances at the Royal York years ago.
Past Musicians of the Year Awards
The following is a list of previous Musicians of the Year recipients.
The Business of Art 2011
This April, in partnership with 918 Bathurst, Centre for Culture, Arts, Media and Education, CCCO is offering The Business of Art, a six week course to help artists take control of their career and plan the steps for their success
The Business of Art is
The class will be held at 918 Bathurst St., conveniently located near the Bathurst St. subway on Wednesdays from 6 PM – 9 PM, beginning April 20th and continuing until May 25th.
“I highly recommend this course. My business jumped 30% after I finished it. I left inspired and with a more defined vision for my career.”
– Kyra Millan, vocalist, arts educator and coach
“Taking The Business of Art course in 2009 was one of the most valuable things I have done…. It gave me insight into my practice and helped me define where I really want to go with it. It was a lot of work, but also great fun…. By the time I completed the course I had a 12-page five-year business plan and by the end of 2010 I had accomplished or attempted all the 14 goals I set for myself. I would highly recommend this course to any artist interested in taking the mystery out of the business end of being an artist.”
– Camilla Geary-Martin, sculptor
“Every artist deserves to be fairly compensated for their creation. If you take yourself seriously as an artist, and wish to take your art-as-business to the next level, The Business of Art Course is an invaluable introduction.”
– Bruce Dow, Actor, Broadway/Toronto, and the Stratford Shakespeare Festival
For more Information and easy registration, check www.workinculture.ca or call 416 – 340 – 0086.
Information also available at 918 Bathurst St. Centre 416 – 538–0868 or info@918bathurst.com
There is a limited enrollment for this course.
Stay in touch with CCCO by visiting our website to check for job postings, career skills and other business tips, and the latest in research and information!
2011 JUNO Award Winners
The TMA salutes all of our members who were nominated for a JUNO Award this year and offers our congratulations to those who won.
This year Local 149 members took home awards in the following categories:
Country Album of The Year
“A Place Called Love” – Johnny Reid
Traditional Jazz Album of the Year
“Our First Set” – John MacLeod’s Rex Hotel Orchestra
Classical Album of the Year: Solo or Chamber Ensemble
“Beethoven: Piano Trios Op. 70 No. 1, Ghost & No. 2: Op 11” – Gryphon Trio
Recording Package of the Year
“Forgiveness Rock Record Vinyl Box Set” – Broken Social Scene
Music DVD of the Year
“Rush: Beyond The Lighted Stage” – RUSH
SOCAN Educates @ CMW 2011
Attention SOCAN members!
Are you planning on attending CMW this year?
If you are, be sure to check out the latest SOCAN education panels…
Saturday, March 12: 10:15 – 11:15 AM
Terry O’Brien”Know Your Alphabet: A Songwriters’ Introduction to Cha-Ching$”
Salon A – Fairmont Royal York Hotel
If you are a musician or emerging songwriter, your head is probably spinning with the ‘A-B-Cs’ of all the organizations out there – SOCAN, CMRAA, CFM, RE:Sound, CPCC and SX. This panel will clear up the confusion and show you where the money is, ad how to get it. Come and hear from these important organizations that manage your rights.
With panelists: Veronica Syrtash (CMRRA), Andrew Karis (ACTRA), Walter McDonough (Future of Music Coalition/Sound Exchange) and Arif Ahmad (Re:Sound).
Moderated by SOCAN’s Terry O’Brien.
Saturday, March 12: 11:15 – 12:15 PM
“Life of a Song: Anvil’s ‘Metal on Metal'”
Salon B – Fairmont Royal York Hotel
Rodney MurphySongwriters ask the question all the time; What is a hit song worth? Depending on the genre and performance type, there are always ball park figures. But the correct answer is… it depends upon the Life of the Song. Songs come and go on the charts, but the good ones always find their way back, again and again. This panel will focus on Anvil’s clasic hit; “Metal on Metal”. Hear how the song was written, became a success story and how it has been used over again through the years via covers, and placement in film, television and advertising. More importantly, hear how much money can be made from your song that just won’t go away!
With panelists: Steve “Lips” Kudlow and Robb Reiner from the band Anvil, Cheryl Link (peer Music) and David Hayman (music supervisor).
Moderated by SOCAN’s Rodney Murphy.
U.S. Steps Up Enforcement of Foreign Artist Tax Withholding
FTM Arts Law is receiving an increasing number of reports from artists, managers, agents and presenters that the Internal Revenue Service is contacting presenters and venues where non-resident foreign artists are scheduled to perform and directing them to withhold 30% of the artists’ gross fee.
The IRS is sending out letters called Directed Withholding Letters (“DWLs”) and they have serious implications. Unless a foreign artist qualifies for an exemption from tax withholding, or enters into a Central Withholding Agreement (“CWA”) with the IRS, then 30% of the artist’s gross fee must be withheld. (Note that not all exemptions from taxation entitle an artist to an exemption from withholding!) Those who represent or present foreign artists in the U.S. and who continue to choose not to address tax issues are taking an enormous risk.
Why is this happening? How is this happening?
Read the full article here.
Co-recipients of the TMA Lifetime Achievement Award
Guido Basso & Stompin’ Tom Connors
The Toronto Musicians’ Association is proud to recognize Guido Basso’s decades of artistry with the TMA Lifetime Achievement Award and is delighted to acknowledge Life Member Stompin’ Tom Connors with our Lifetime Achievement Award.
GUIDO BASSO
“Guido Basso is quite simply the best damn flugelhorn player in the world.” – Rob McConnell
As a founding member and featured soloist with Rob McConnell and the Boss Brass, Guido performed with The Singers Unlimited, Phil Woods, Mel Torme and The Hi Lo’s. Many of his recorded solos with that award-winning ensemble have become jazz classics studied by both professionals and students across North America. He was also a member of the Rob McConnell Tentet, Nimmons ‘N’ Nine Plus Six, and Ron Collier’s big band. Guido has also been in great demand on harmonica, having been featured in many concerts and on dozens of recordings. Guido has shared the stage with many of the world’s top jazz artists including Dizzy Gillespie, Quincy Jones, Benny Goodman and Diana Krall. He is one of those rare musicians whose sound is unique and immediately recognizable, and has set the international standard for playing jazz flugelhorn. In 1994, Guido was made a Member of the Order of Canada. His CD Lost in the Stars was honoured with a JUNO award in 2004. Guido currently plays jazz concerts, is featured in a myriad of musical situations, and is currently in the studio working on a new CD. Otherwise he can be found at his home Eastern Ontario with his wife Kristin, growing garlic, cooking gourmet meals, and generally enjoying life. Guido is a Life Member of the TMA, having been a member since 1961. The Toronto Musicians’ Association is proud to recognize his decades of artistry with 2009 TMA Lifetime Achievement Award.
STOMPIN’ TOM CONNORS
From his first hit, “Bud the Spud,” Connors’ songs have celebrated and defined what it is to be Canadian. Many of his songs, like “Tillsonburg,” tell stories from his own journeys across the country. He has written about national passions (“The Hockey Song”), national heroes (“Blue Berets”), and national tragedies (“The Black Donnellys” and “Fire in the Mine”). Connors was made an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1996. He received a SOCAN National Achievement Award in 1999, and the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award in 2000. Tom also holds three honourary Doctorates, from St.
Thomas University (Laws, 1993), the University of Toronto (Laws, 2000), and the University of PEI (Literature, 2003). In 2009, Connors received the special distinction of being portrayed on a stamp released by Canada Post. From 1971 through 1975, Stompin’ Tom received five straight JUNO awards as best country male artist, and another for his album To It and At It. In 1978, he returned them all, explaining, “I feel that the JUNOs should be for people who are living in Canada, whose main base of business operations is in Canada, who are working toward the recognition of Canadian talent in this country and who are trying to further the export of such talent from this country to the world with a view to proudly showing off what this country can contribute to the world market. Until the academy appears to comply more closely with aspirations of this kind, I will no longer stand for any nominations, nor will I accept any award given.” More than simply playing songs about Canada, Stompin’ Tom Connors has been a fierce and uncompromising advocate for truly Canadian music and musicians. His patriotism, integrity, and his tremendous contribution to our nation’s musical heritage are truly exemplary. The Toronto Musicians’ Association is delighted to acknowledge Life Member Stompin’ Tom Connors with our Lifetime Achievement Award.
TMA Musician of the Year Award 2009
ANDREW BURASHKO – A member of the TMA since 1990
His musical dexterity and commitment to building a future audience for classical music brought him in 1998 to the artistic directorship of the Art of Time Ensemble, a chamber music society comprised of the finest classical and jazz players on the Canadian scene. Andrew Burashko began his piano studies with Marina Geringas in Toronto. He went on to study with Kum Sing Lee in Vancouver, Leon Fleisher and Marek Jablonski in Toronto, and Sella Davidovich in New York. He is at present on the faculty of the Glenn Gould School at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto.
Performance Diploma and Artist Diploma (RCM). Studied with Bella Davidovich in New York, with Marek Jablonski, Leon Fleisher and Marina Geringas at The RCM, Toronto and with Kum Sing Lee in Vancouver. Awarded numerous grants from the Canada Council and the Ontario Arts Council. Has given master classes throughout Canada and the United States. Soloist with orchestras including the Toronto, Vancouver, and Winnipeg Symphonies, the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra, CBC Vancouver Orchestra, the National Arts Centre Orchestra. Sought after as a recitalist and chamber musician, with performances throughout North America and Europe. Artistic Director of Chamber Music Unlimited. Recorded for Naxos, CBC SM5000, and Opening Day Labels. Regularly broadcast on CBC Radio and American Public Radio. RCM faculty since 1990.
In recognition of the outstanding artistic excellence during the year 2009 and his universally acclaimed stature as one of Canada’s most highly regarded classical pianists, the Toronto Musicians’ Association presents the 2009 Musician of the Year Award to Andrew Burashko.
AFM Supports Introduction of Bill to Combat Online Piracy
MEDIA ADVISORY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
honore@bentley-hall.com
September 21, 2010 | AFM Supports Introduction of Bill to Combat Online Piracy
On Monday, September 20, 2010, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy and senior Republican member Orrin Hatch introduced the Combating Online Infringement and Counterfeits Act. This legislation will enable the Department of Justice to shut down “rogue websites” that specialize in providing unauthorized downloads, streaming, or sale of copyrighted content and counterfeit goods.
Music and video piracy costs the United States $16.3 billion annually and 375,000 jobs within the entertainment industry. “This bill is a positive step forward in combating piracy and protecting the copyrights of musicians,” said AFM International President Ray Hair. “The American Federation of Musicians of the U.S. and Canada is pleased to see the Senate taking action to address the serious issue of copyright infringement by these rogue sites, and we look forward to working with the Judiciary Committee as the legislation moves forward.”
ABOUT THE AFM
Founded in 1896, the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada (AFM), AFL-CIO, is the largest organization in the world dedicated to representing the interests of professional musicians. With more than 90,000 members, the AFM represents all types of professional musicians, including those who record music for sound recordings, film scores, videogames, radio, television and commercial announcements, as well as perform music of every genre in every sort of venue from small jazz clubs to symphony orchestra halls to major stadiums. Whether negotiating fair agreements, protecting ownership of recorded music, securing benefits such as health care and pension, or lobbying legislators, the AFM is committed to raising industry standards and placing the professional musician in the foreground of the cultural landscape. www.afm.org
Phil Nimmons Life Achievement Award 2008
In a brilliant career spanning six decades, jazz musician, composer and educator Phil Nimmons, O.C., O. Ont., B.A. has made an indelible contribution to the cultural life of Canada.
Born in Kamloops, B.C. in 1923 he graduated (1944) in pre-medicine from the University of British Columbia before taking up music studies (clarinet) at the Juilliard School, New York (1945-47) and at the Royal Conservatory of Music (composition), Toronto (1948-50). He formed the jazz ensemble Nimmons ‘N’ Nine in Toronto in 1953.
Enlarged to 16 musicians (Nimmons ‘N’ Nine Plus Six) in 1965, and active until 1980, the band enjoyed considerable popularity through regular CBC broadcasts and concert tours. Among its nine albums, made between 1956 and 1976, were recordings of the major Nimmons compositions The Atlantic Suite (1974) that received the first Juno Award ever given in the jazz category, and Transformations/Invocation (1976). Nimmons continued after 1980 to perform in small-band settings, recording the 2-CD Sands of Time with a quartet (2001).
A founding member of the Canadian League of Composers (1950), he co-founded the Advanced School of Contemporary Music (1960) with Oscar Peterson and Ray Brown. Nimmons’ involvement in music education dates to 1960; he began teaching at the University of Toronto in 1973, and has helped to establish jazz programs elsewhere in Canada. He is now Director Emeritus of Jazz Studies at the U. of T. In addition to over 400 original jazz compositions and countless arrangements, Phil Nimmons has written numerous contemporary chamber and orchestral works for voice, piano, strings and other ensembles. His work includes commissions for Expo 67 (Montreal), UNESCO World Music Week (1975), the 1976 World Olympics, Expo 86 (Vancouver) (Skyscape: Sleeping Beauty and the Lions for concert band), and the 1988 Winter Olympics (The Torch for big band); he has composed scores for stage, film, radio and television, and contemporary concert presentation (Moods and Contrasts for the Esprit Orchestra, 1994).
In 2002, Phil Nimmons received the Governor General’s Award, the highest civilian award, for his contributions to Canadian music. The Toronto Musicians’ Association is proud to honour our distinguished Life Member Phil Nimmons with the TMA Lifetime Achievement Award.
AFM Supports Network “Net” Neutrality
AFM Supports Network “Net” Neutrality by Joining Rock the Net and Internet for Everyone
MEDIA ADVISORY FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Carmen Group – Sabrina Ram
(212) 983-6100
rams@carmengroup.com
The American Federation of Musicians Announces Its Support for Network “Net” Neutrality by Joining Rock the Net and Internet for Everyone
New York, NY – The American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada (AFM), in support of the concept of network “net” neutrality, has joined Future of Music Coalition’s Rock the Net campaign and Free Press’ Internet for Everyone initiative.
In the 21st century, the Internet has become a critical method for musicians to distribute their work. Artists of all levels of success use the Internet to get their music to fans, either through iTunes, eMusic, Amazon, YouTube, MySpace or the myriad other websites that allow music to be sold or streamed. The Internet allows music and musicians to flourish and must be kept open and neutral. At the same time, the music that is carried over the Internet must be protected from copyright infringement. These two concepts are not antithetical, and AFM will work to see that both principles are enshrined in legislation and administration policy.
AFM congratulates the Future of Music Coalition and Free Press for their success in advocating for an open Internet and will work with them and the creative community to promote network neutrality while protecting copyrighted content.
ABOUT THE AFM
Founded in 1896, the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada (AFM), AFL-CIO, is the largest organization in the world dedicated to representing the interests of professional musicians. With more than 90,000 members, the AFM represents all types of professional musicians, including those who record music for sound recordings, film scores, videogames, radio, television and commercial announcements, as well as perform music of every genre in every sort of venue from small jazz clubs to symphony orchestra halls to major stadiums. Whether negotiating fair agreements, protecting ownership of recorded music, securing benefits such as health care and pension, or lobbying legislators, the AFM is committed to raising industry standards and placing the professional musician in the foreground of the cultural landscape. www.afm.org
The Rhythmic Arts Project
TMA 149 member Vito Rezza involved in international benefit to help children with special needs.
The Rhythmic Arts Project (TRAP) is a non-profit organization based in Carpinteria, California. Eddie Tuduri, Director of TRAP, was a full time musician until 11 years ago when he broke his neck in a surfing accident.
The program was born during the course of Eddie’s own recovery. The program empowers people with various disabilities to succeed in the world. We integrate drums and percussion instruments as creative learning tools that address life skills and enhance the mind, body and spirit. We are currently in 20 States in the US as well as in several other countries.
Eddie is an veteran rock and roller with credits ranging from The Beach Boys, Rick Nelson and Dr. John, to Marianne Faithfull and Dwight Yoakam. Eddie has strong ties to Canada having recorded with The Five Man Electrical Band and Chilliwack. Living in Canada, Eddie performed with The Downchild Blues Band, Rocky Rolletti and The Lincolns.
Long & McQuade and Pearl Canada are proud to support Eddie’s work and are presenting a free workshop to introduce this program to facilitators and program coordinators. This workshop is open to anyone interested in learning more about this wonderful program.
If you are one of the following, you may particularly be interested in this…
1) Percussionists interested in learning how to use this program and who may be interested in working as a facilitator within this field
2) Program coordinators that see this as something that would work well implemented in your facilities
3) Music therapists or students that would like to be introduced to something new
4) Special education, as well as mainstream teachers, and also parents that might be interested in learning more about this program
The Rhythmic Arts Project empowers people with various disabilities to
succeed in the world. We integrate drums and percussion instruments as
creative learning tools that address life skills and enhance the mind, body
& spirit.
http://www.traponline.com
Email: Etuduri@verizon.net
Jaques Israelievitch Life Achievement Award
Jacques Israelievitch is celebrating his twentieth and final year as Concertmaster of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra – the longest such tenure in the ensemble’s history.
As a conductor, Mr. Israelievitch has led the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra, Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Buffalo Philharmonic, Windsor Symphony Orchestra, and other ensembles in France, North America, and Japan. In 2005, he was named Music Director and Conductor of the Koffler Chamber Orchestra, the ensemble-in-residence at the Koffler Centre for the Arts.
He has recorded works by Ludwig van Beethoven and R. Murray Schafer with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, violin works by Edvard Grieg, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante. His CD “Suite Hebraique” was nominated for a Juno award. Other CDs include “Suite Enfantine”, “Suite Fantaisie”, “Suite Fran栩se”, and “Solo Suite”. Recently, he made a complete recording of the 42 Kreutzer Etudes, the first of its kind. The CD and the accompanying score have been praised internationally.
In 1999, Jacques Israelievitch and his son, Michael (a percussionist) formed the Israelievitch Duo. They have commissioned and premiered works by distinguished contemporary composers including Michael Colgrass, Srul Irving Glick, and Murray Adaskin. The CD “Hammer and Bow” is the Israelievitch Duo’s first full length CD. Upcoming releases include an all-French album with the Mirage Quintet for NAXOS Records and a brand new recording by the New Arts Trio, to be released in 2008.
Mr. Israelievitch is an accomplished chamber musician, performing with such distinguished artists as Emanuel Ax, Yefim Bronfman and Yo-Yo Ma. He is a founding member of the Toronto Symphony Quartet and is a Faculty Member of the University of Toronto and the Royal Conservatory of Music. During the summer, he teaches Violin Performance and Chamber Music at the Chautauqua Institution. He is also a member of the New Arts Trio, which has been in residence at Chautauqua since 1978.
In 1995, Israelievitch was honored by France with the title of Chevalier (knight) of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Order of Arts and Literature). In 2004, he was made Officier (Officer) of the Order.
The Toronto Musicians’ Association is proud to honour our distinguished member Jacques Israelievitch with the TMA Lifetime Achievement Award.
AFM Freelance Musicians Division
AFM Freelance Musicians Division, headed up by tireless dynamo Paul Sharpe, has implemented a new web hosting service for AFM members starting at $19/yr. If you need affordable hosting, with excellent support, visit www.goprohosting.com
Don’t forget to get your free online artist listing at www.gopromusic.com. GoPro working for you.
Headed up by tireless dynamo Paul Sharpe, has implemented a new web hosting service for AFM members starting at $19/yr. If you need affordable hosting, with excellent support, visit www.goprohosting.com
Don’t forget to get your free online artist listing at www.gopromusic.com. GoPro working for you.
Decision on Tariff 22A
The Copyright Board of Canada released its Decision on Tariff 22A concerning royalties for online music use.
To learn more, visit www.socan.ca and look under “Front Page News.”
AFM Freelance Musicians Division
AFM Freelance Musicians Division, headed up by tireless dynamo Paul Sharpe, has implemented a new web hosting service for AFM members starting at $19/yr. If you need affordable hosting, with excellent support, visit www.goprohosting.com
Don’t forget to get your free online artist listing at www.gopromusic.com. GoPro working for you.
Jim Biros Comments on Status of the Artist Legislation
April 14, 2007
Jim Biros Comments on Status of the Artist Legislation
STATUS OF THE ARTIST LEGISLATION FOR ONTARIO
Following almost two years of artist and industry consultations, by the Ministry of Culture’s Status Of The Artist Sub-Committee, and the release of the Committee’s “Report On The Socio-Economic Status Of The Artist In Ontario In The 21st Century”, the Province of Ontario’s March 2007 budget contained a Status of the Artist Act that failed to address the needs of Ontario’s professional artists.
To say that the legislation was extremely disappointing is an understatement. The Status Of Ontario’s Artists Act, 2007 does not address collective bargaining rights, working conditions, protection for child performers, or any other economic and social benefits referred to in the 23 recommendations contained in the Committee’s report. The Government legislative undertakings contain no specific action with the exception of a proclamation that, “The first weekend wholly in June every year is proclaimed as Celebrate the Artist Weekend.”
What Ontario’s musicians and other artists will continue to work for and need is effective Status of the Artist Legislation which at the very least provides artists with the right to improve our economic, social and working conditions through collective bargaining.
Jim Biros, Executive Director
Mike Murley TMA Musician of the Year 2007
In the words of Toronto Star critic, Geoff Chapman:
“Murley always raises the level of the game around him, effortlessly innovative, polished and demonstrating technical skill that you take for granted.”
As a long time member of ‘Time Warp’ he founded Cornerstone Records in 1993 along with co-leaders Barry Elmes and Al Henderson. More recently Murley has collaborated as a co-leader and/or sideman in various groups with guitarist David Occhipinti, pianist David Braid, and saxophonist Tara Davidson. In January 2008 he released two co-led recordings, ‘DMBQ Live’ with the Davidson/Murley/Braid Quintet and ‘Day & Night’ with his former teacher, the legendary American saxophonist David Liebman.
Mike has toured extensively throughout Canada and internationally in Europe, South America, Asia, Mexico and the US with various groups. He has performed with many top international and Canadian jazz artists, including: Kenny Wheeler, Randy Brecker, John Abercrombie, Renee Rosnes, Ed Bickert, Guido Basso and Rob McConnell.
Mike joined the TMA in June of 1982.