Tom Walsh

Tom Walsh is one of Canada's most innovative musicians. Classically trained on trombone, Walsh has consistently sought new avenues for his creativity. In addition to sharing the Walsh/Underhill Duo, with Richard Underhill of the Shuffle Demons, he continues to perform with the Polka Dogs, the Hemispheres Orchestra, and Pots & Pans, which he describes as "cabaret pit orchestra of the mind." He also performs regularly with Swifty Lazarus, a performance poetry duo that he formed with poet/publisher Todd Swift. His compositions have been commissioned by mezzo-soprano Kimberly Barber, percussionist Geordie McDonald, and modern dance troupes. His works have been featured in films, videos, multimedia presentations and a theatrical production by playwright/producer Daniel MacIvor. The principal trombonist for the Newfoundland Symphony, as a teenager, Walsh left the group at the age of 19. He subsequently worked as a session player for such Canadian avant-garde and progressive rock artists as Lisle Ellis, Mary Margaret O'Hara, Robert Lepage, the Cowboy Junkies, the Barenaked Ladies and Bran Van 3000. Walsh has also performed and/or recorded with Julius Hemphill, Don Preston, Bern Nix, and Evan Lurie. Walsh served as music director at Montreal nightclub, DiSalvio, for two years, producing shows and periodically appearing with his band Royal Jelly.