MIKE JANZEN (piano, voice) Raised in Manitoba, Mike is a pianist, composer, and singer based in Toronto. 

His primary group, The Mike Janzen Trio, features bassist George Koller and drummer Larnell Lewis. The group has toured across Canada and has been featured at the TD Toronto Jazz Festival, the Wreckhouse International Festival, and the Winnipeg International Jazz Festival .

The group’s debut album, Beginnings, was released in 2006. Mombacho, released in 2008, features guests Phil Dyer on saxophone and Kevin Breit on guitar. Their 2010 release, Try to Remember, features broadway songs. The group’s fourth album, Metronome, was released in 2014 and features a string quartet.

In 2012, Janzen released Carols, a solo piano recording featuring Christmas repertoire.

Janzen has performed throughout North America with orchestras, including the Toronto Symphony Ochestra. He also composes for film and theatre, and his work has been performed by the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. His song, “There’s No Escaping Spring” won Best Jazz / Blues song of the year at the 2011 Gospel Music Association Awards.

Mike has worked and performed with Hugh Marsh, Daniel Lanois, Steve Bell, Kevin Breit, Phil Dwyer, Terry Clarke, Ben Riley, Davide DiRenzo, and Andrew Downing.

Awards:

2011 – Best Jazz / Blues Song – Gospel Music Association