What happens when eight of Canada's most in-demand musicians and singers gather together out of a common love for the greatest jazz-rock group of all time? The answer: Brass Transit .. Toronto's dynamic, crowd-pleasing, studio-tight Chicago tribute!
The Brass Transit show includes all the hits from Chicago's golden age. Featuring a world-class horn section, a rocking rhythm section and vocals stacked sky-high. Brass Transit transports its audience back to the freewheeling days of the 70s.
Prior to Ian Jutsun, lead vocalist the band featured lead vocalist, Neil Donell who has been called Canada's most recorded voice. Originally hailing from Montreal, Donell has established himself as the premiere session vocalist in Canada. "You blew me away!" Those were the words of internationally renowned music producer, David Foster when he first heard Donell perform at Toronto's legendary Club Bluenote in the 80s. High praise indeed, yet such accolades are commonplace for this highly respected and sought after singer.
I have been told that Donell is now singing with the original group, Chicago!
This is Brass Transit now with lead singer, Ian Jutsun. Ian is one of Canada's most respected voices. The tribute band was formed in 2008 and brought together the most talented and accomplished award winning musicians. Their sole purpose was to pay tribute to one of the world's greatest and most successful pop/rock groups of all time, CHICAGO!
Since then, the group has toured North America dazzling audiences with their flawless performances and spectacular attention to every detail of the CHICAGO songbook. Hits like: Saturday in the Park, 25 or 6 to 4, If You Leave Me Now and You're the Inspiration have left crowds in awe and on their feet more than once during a show, evoking comments such as "spine-tingling", "brought me back to my youth" and "perfect in every detail". Brass Transit goes far beyond just imitating the songs .. they embody the music!
Brass Transit is comprised of the following instrumental members: Tony Carlucci on trumpet is a veteran studio musician and band leader; Bob McAlpine on guitar and backing vocals is a versatile veteran rocker; Paul Delong on drums is a jazz educator; Don Breithaupt on keyboards and backing vocals is an Emmy award winner; Doug Gibson on trombone is a low brass specialist; Phil Poppa on saxophones and backing vocals is a multi-woodwind sideman and Jay Speziale on bass and backing vocals is a rhythm and blues master.
They recently produced their first CD taking top hits from the 70s and recording them with horns in the CHICAGO style. The result is a fresh approach to some of the greatest hits of that era. They have also just recently scored their show for full symphony with orchestral arrangements that are truly spellbinding!
The video below features MSO (Mississauga Symphony Orchestra) with Brass Transit. The MSO has been active in Mississauga since 1972. Under the direction of Maestro Denis Mastromonaco since 2013, the orchestra continues to offer entertaining and increasingly sophisticated programs from classical and popular repertoires of symphonic music performed to the highest artistic standards.
This symphony orchestra version of their show was developed in 2014 adding yet another dimension to the Brass Transit ultimate Chicago experience!
Ian Jutsun
Phil Poppa
Brass Transit has been performing as the world's premiere interpreters of the music of Chicago to the enjoyment of many Chicago fans. Thank you Brass Transit.
Today, August 15 .. Brass Transit would have appeared on the floating stage.
Be safe.
Pat Locke
Maestro Muse
