Born in Winnipeg some time ago, Bill is pleased to have been involved in the local jazz and Blues scene since the seventies.
He feels fortunate to have worked with the legendary late George “The Rez” Reznik for more than 40 years, as well as having had the opportunity to perform with Winnipeg Big Band Leader, the late Jimmy King, and to collaborate and play with keyboardist, the late Craig Fotheringham.
Some of Bill’s musical highlights include opening for B.B. King at the Centennial Concert Hall with the Dave Drew Quintet (1972), playing in a quartet with Canadian jazz luminaries Dave Young (bass), Jim McEachern (piano) and Ed Philps (tenor sax) at the Ting Tea Room (1973) and, together with The Rez and bassist Norm Ripley, performing at Hy’s Lounge with renowned jazz guitarist Herb Ellis (1986).
As part of the George Reznik Trio at “The Pemby”, Bill performed regularly every Saturday afternoon for more than two decades, carrying on the tradition even after The Rez retired. The Pemby gig ended in early 2015 and, shortly thereafter, Bill settled into a regular Saturday afternoon gig at The Silver Heights Restaurant, where he was able to work with some of the top musicians and singers in Winnipeg. The arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted that run, which Bill hopes will resume as soon as possible.
Bill’s extensive list of influences and favourite jazz artists includes pianists Gene Harris, Oscar Peterson and Oliver Jones; bassists Ray Brown, Ron Carter and Dave Young; drummers Jeff Hamilton, Mickey Rocker, Shelly Mann and Ed Thigpen and a host of local Winnipeg artists.