Time Warp

Time Warp

Time Warp. Contemporary jazz group, formed in 1980 in Toronto by the self-styled 'Galt Rhythm Machine' - bassist Al Henderson (b Galt, Ont, 16 Apr 1951) and drummer Barry Elmes (b Galt 3 May 1952) - with saxophonist Bob Brough. It took the name Time Warp on the release of its debut LP in 1982. A second saxophonist, Mike Murley, was added in 1984, and Brough's place was taken by the trumpeter Kevin Turcotte in 1989. Other musicians - eg, the pianist Bob Fenton, the cornetist Roland Bourgeois, and the saxophonist Alex Dean - have also appeared with Time Warp. The band has performed mainly in Toronto but has made occasional appearances at festivals elsewhere in Canada - eg, in Edmonton (Jazz City) in 1983 and Ottawa in 1986 and 1989.- and toured in 1991 in eastern Canada.

Despite its limited profile, Time Warp has been among the most vital of the country's contemporary jazz groups. Its repertoire of original compositions (most written by Henderson) draws freely on contemporary and traditional jazz, R&B, blues, and African idioms; its performances are equally strenuous and passionate, and the teamwork of Henderson and Elmes has been widely-praised for its vivacity and cohesion. The band's best-known pieces include Henderson's Theme for Coleman Hawkins, Nommo, and Crankcase, and Elmes' Black Koto, Sonny's Tune, and Blue Mustard. A folio of 21 Time Warp compositions was issued by Galt Rhythm Machine Music in 1985. Time Warp tunes also have been recorded by Jane Bunnett, Shox Johnson and the Jive Bombers, Moe Koffman, and the Shuffle Demons.

Discography

Henderson Bass, Elmes Drums, Others as Indicated
Time Warp. Brough tenor saxophone. 1982. C-NOTE 821039

Asteroid Alley. Brough tenor saxophone, Fenton piano. 1983. C-NOTE 832041

Down to Earth. Brough alto, tenor and bar saxophone, Murley tenor and soprano saxophone. 1985. GRMM C-001 (cass)

Off Center. Brough tenor and alto saxophone, Murley tenor and soprano saxophone. 1987. Parkwood 111

Time Warp Live at George's Jazz Room. Turcotte trumpet and flhn, Murley tenor and soprano saxophone. 1989. Unity UTY-118

Elmes also appears on albums by Murley, Orhan Demir, Art Ellefson, Hagood Hardy, Moe Koffman, Charlie Mountford, Bernie Senensky, Don (W.) Thompson, and others, and in 1990 recorded Climbing (Unity UTY-122CD)