Celebrate a true Canadian jazz legend as trumpet master Al Muirhead marks his 90th birthday with an unforgettable concert honouring both his remarkable career and the release of his final album, The Canada Sessions: Northern Adventures, Volume 2. This special evening brings together friends, fans, and fellow musicians to pay tribute to Al’s lifelong artistry, decades of mentorship, infectious spirit, and enduring influence on the Canadian jazz landscape. Don’t miss this extraordinary milestone for one of our country’s most beloved musical voices.
About Al ‘Oop’ Muirhead
Composer | Arranger | Trumpet Player | Recording Artist | Band Leader | Mentor | Husband | Father | Grandfather | Great-Grandfather
Al Muirhead is the embodiment of musical mastery, having achieved what many aspire to. Known as Canada’s “Elder Statesman of Jazz Trumpet,” Al has inspired generations through his sweet, melodic trumpet solos, composing and arranging for ensembles of all sizes, and mentoring young musicians. Approaching his 90th birthday, Al continues to make his mark on the Canadian jazz scene.
Having started his professional career at age 10 in his hometown of Regina, remarkably Al only began his solo recording career at the age of 79 and has since become a two-time JUNO-nominated artist that has topped the charts in Canada and the US. His own discography to date includes five critically acclaimed albums: JUNO-nominated “It's About Time” (2014), a collaboration with his lifelong friend Tommy Banks; “Oop!” (2016), featuring Banks and saxophonist PJ Perry; “Northern Adventures: The Canada Sessions Volume 1” (2017); JUNO-nominated “Undertones” (2018); and “Live From Frankie's and the Yardbird” (2021). In honour of his 90th birthday, he is releasing “Still Cookin’ at 90: The Canada Sessions Volume 2” (2025), a collection of collaborations with the next generations of jazz greats from across the country.
Al’s extraordinary career has spanned decades and includes performing with musical legends such as Dizzy Gillespie, Diana Krall, Paul Anka, Red Skelton, Guido Basso, Rosemary Clooney, and many more. His legacy as a sideman on more than 30 albums is just as impressive as his solo work.
Throughout his life, Al has reached numerous milestones. He performed with the Regina Symphony, served as Assistant Conductor of the Regina Police Boys' Band, and opened Arcade Music in Calgary (now St. John's Music) in 1966. He was the Music Director for CBC’s “On Stage” in the 1970s, toured Japan with the Frank Mills Orchestra, arranged and performed in the 1988 Winter Olympics under Tommy Banks, and toured Europe with the New Orleans Connection Dixieland Band. For 34 years, Al served as the Music Director for the Calgary Stampede Youth Talent Show, mentoring many young musicians also throughout his decades of private music students.
Along with his two JUNO Award nominations, Al’s walls are decorated with awards including the American Federation of Musician’s Citation Award, the Western Canadian Music Alliance’s Heritage Award, the Saskatchewan Jazz Festival’s Special Recognition Award, a Western Canadian Music Award, plus three YYC Music Awards in Calgary and recognition in their Hall of Fame.
During his decades on and off stage, he supported his family through a life in music. Al’s legacy includes 7 children, 15 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren. His treasured companion, wife Ida, has been by his side for every note for the past 52 years.
His countless stories and experiences accumulated are as compelling as the mastery that flows from his trumpet. Al Muirhead is a true musical treasure, a rare gem in Canadian jazz whose artistry and wisdom continue to inspire and captivate musicians and audiences alike.