Chronograph Records

Sinistrio

Constantly looking for ways to push the boundaries of the jazz genre, Sinistrio has found their own unique niche in the Canadian music scene. Drawing comparisons to groups like Soulive, The Bad Plus, Larry Goldings, and Medeski Martin & Wood, Sinistrio is a groove based B3 organ trio that seamlessly brings together modern jazz and retro soul with a unique kind of texture, tone and richness.

A band characterized by brave experimentation and a full sound, this talented trio featuring Jon May, Steven Fletcher and Jeff Drummond are quick to admit that even though they may not always know where creativity may take them, it is the journey that is in fact half the fun. On stage, it is that same journey that draws in audiences and makes the band so unique. Combine that with original compositions, the odd cover or unique arrangement, and suddenly you have a versatile, insightful band that is selling out concerts, without ever selling out.

Influenced by everything from urban styles and classical music to funk, jazz and good old rock and roll, Sinistrio has all the influences they need to create something that will resonate with every music junkie. Whether you’re a veteran jazz fan or an indie purist, Sinistrio has a way of flipping things around and twisting them inside and out until they have found something that is not only new for them, but new for the listener as well.

Sinistrio joined forces in early 2006 when the three members met at a jazz jam. After playing together they knew something felt right. Together they planned a group with soul, energy and groove. Drummer Jon May, guitarist Jeff Drummond, and keyboardist Steve Fletcher had a great feeling about the kind of music they were making. They weren’t wrong. Sinistrio toured in 2006 and 2007 honing their musical craft.

On the heels of Sinistrio’s successful self titled debut album, comes the release of their second album "Ride The Dragon." This record features more experimental phrasing and exploratory compositions from the trio who make it all look effortless. That same modern, organic, and avant-garde sensibility they started with is still there. Whether you pick up the new album or see them live, as that first note emerges, you’ll find the sound of Sinistrio to be as groovy and as laid back as the artists themselves.

Jon May (Drums)

Jon May is a new face to the Canadian jazz scene. After moving from the Eastern US just a few years ago, he is already making a name for himself. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Jazz Studies from the University of Southern Maine. There he studied with Les Harris Jr. of "The Ritz", and with Nancy Smith. Jon has also studied with Yoron Israel at the Berklee College of Music. Jon has worked with jazz artists such as Bill Street, Super Sax, the Dave Wells Trio, Ben Street, Sharon Jones, Dan Cole, Simon Fisk, The Polyjesters, and others. Jon was a featured percussionist for the Portland Symphony Orchestra. Not only is Jon a talented composer and player, he has also taught at the University of New Hampshire's Summer Youth Music School, and the Long lake Camp for the Arts in New York.

Steve Fletcher (Organ)

Steve Fletcher has always had a deep appreciation for jazz. He strives to push traditional boundaries to make instrumental jazz exciting and accessible. He was classically trained through the Royal Conservatory, and he completed his diploma in jazz performance at Mount Royal College. Since then, he has toured Canada over 10 years with various bands playing anything from funk to country. Recently, he has played on a number of original recording projects, notably with singer-songwriters Jay Crocker, Lorrie Matheson and post-rock instrumentalists Gunther.

Jeff Drummond (Guitar)

Jeff Drummond has spent the last 12 years performing all over Canada and the UK with artists such as Ground, Tariq, Cam Penner & Karl Roth. He is accomplished in many styles of music and has performed on national TV and radio shows for CBC, Mike Bullard, Canada AM and MuchMoreMusic. As a session guitarist, Jeff has appeared on many albums and has also been very active in the studio engineering, producing and playing on many albums. Many of his production credits also often see him adding his talent also with bass, singing, and engineering.