Ross Wooldridge
Biography
ROSS WOOLDRIDGE (clarinetist, saxophonist, flutist, pianist, arranger, producer, composer, writer, copyist, teacher) was born on March 25, 1962 in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
He currently (2008) leads the Tribute to Benny Goodman Sextet, the Ross Wooldridge Trio, and the Ross Wooldridge Quartet; co-leads (together with Eddie Graf) the 14-piece Swing Era big band, The Galaxy All-Star Orchestra; together with trombonist Dan Douglas co-leads The Dixie Demons six-piece traditional jazz band; is a member of Jeff Healey’s Jazz Wizards; and performs regularly with Terra Hazelton, Alex Pangman, and Alfie Zappacosta.
During the 1980s and ‘90s, Wooldridge was leader of The Topic (sometimes known as ‘Popular Topic’) popular dance group, and also led the 12-piece fusion jazz ensemble, Panacea, for several years.
He has worked with many of the world’s finest musicians throughout a still-active and diversified musical career. Ross Wooldridge was a featured player with Alex Pangman and Her Alley Cats when they performed in the ‘Sound of Toronto Jazz’ Concert Series on January 14, 2005.
Awards:
2004 – Nominated as National Jazz Awards’ ‘Clarinetist of the Year’
2005 – Nominated as National Jazz Awards’ ‘Clarinetist of the Year’
2006 – Nominated as National Jazz Awards’ ‘Clarinetist of the Year’
2007 – Nominated as National Jazz Awards’ ‘Clarinetist of the Year’
2008 - Nominated as National Jazz Awards’ ‘Clarinetist of the Year’
