Still Cookin’ At 90: The Canada Sessions Volume II
Released Oct 10 2025
Now celebrating his 90th birthday, two-time JUNO-nominated trumpeter Al Muirhead continues to perform with vitality, mastery, and curiosity. This album, Still Cookin’ at 90 – The Canada Sessions Vol. 2, marks a milestone in his extraordinary career, capturing the artistry, experience, mentorship, and passion that have made him a treasured figure in Canadian jazz.
Al Muirhead is a true institution in Canadian jazz, widely recognized as one of the country’s Elder Statesmen of Jazz Trumpet. His professional career began at age 10 in Regina, Saskatchewan, and by 12 he was performing with the Regina Symphony. Since moving to Calgary in 1966, Al has been a cornerstone of the Western Canadian jazz scene, performing and touring with luminaries such as Dizzy Gillespie, Tommy Banks, PJ Perry, Jens Lindemann, Guido Basso, Paul Anka, Diana Krall, Red Skelton, and Frank Mills. He has toured internationally, contributed as a sideman on more than 30 albums, and received numerous awards, including two JUNO nominations, the American Federation of Musicians Citation Award, and the Western Canadian Music Alliance Heritage Award.
Remarkably, Al only began recording as a solo artist in 2014, when his debut album It’s About Time earned him a JUNO nomination at age 79. He has since released acclaimed albums including Oop! (2016), Northern Adventures – The Canada Sessions Vol. 1 (2017), Undertones (2018), and Live from Frankie’s and the Yardbird (2021). He also served as Music Director for the Calgary Stampede Youth Talent Show for over three decades, continues to hold the solo trumpet chair in the Calgary Jazz Orchestra, and has mentored generations of musicians.
Al Muirhead – trumpet, flugelhorn & bass trumpet
SESSION 1: Robi Botos – piano, Mike Downes – bass (tracks 3 & 5). Recorded October 13, 2024 – Steinway Piano Gallery of Calgary
SESSION 2: Jocelyn Gould – guitar & vocals, Will Bonness – piano (tracks 2 & 7). Recorded November 6, 2024 – National Music Centre
SESSION 3: Caity Gyorgy – vocals, Mark Limacher – piano (tracks 1 & 6). Recorded December 16, 2024 – National Music Centre
SESSION 4: Hilario Dúran – piano (track 4). Recorded March 6, 2025 – National Music Centre
SESSION 5: Jens Lindemann – flugelhorn, Kristian Alexandrov – piano (track 8). Recorded July 16, 2025 – National Music Centre
Tracks