Hutchinson Andrew Trio - The Senator - A Tribute To Tommy Banks (2023)

This album pays tribute to the jazz legend who was both a world-class musician and a champion of the performing arts in his community. The musicians carrying out this task represent some of the finest talent in Canadian jazz, but perhaps more significantly comprise a group of individuals who were influenced greatly and personally by The Senator’s mentorship in what it means to be a musician and leader.

The Honourable Tommy Banks was known as a pianist, conductor, arranger, composer, TV personality, actor, producer and politician (1936-2018). Tommy had an unparalleled, multi-faceted career spanning more than 60 years in virtually every aspect of the entertainment industry in Canada. A professional jazz pianist at age 14, he went on to lead his own bands, conduct symphony orchestras around the world, direct musical ceremonies at international events, host his own long-running television show, and act in film and television. He also served nearly 12 years in the Canadian Senate.

Tommy was chair (1978–86) of the Alberta Foundation for the Performing Arts and chair (1983–87) of the music program at Grant MacEwan College, Edmonton. He was a member (1989–95) and a policy consultant (1996– 98) of the Canada Council, and the chairman of the Edmonton Concert Hall Foundation (1989–91). In 1999, Edmonton named a street Tommy Banks Way in his honour. In 2010, he received SOCAN’s special achievement award for his contributions to Canada’s music industry and musical heritage.

Supported by the CKUA radio foundation, this album pays tribute to Tommy’s legacy as an artist, but also to the important marks The Senator left on Alberta and Canada as a community leader, politician, and champion of the performing arts.