I started playing with James ‘Blood’ Ulmer in 1993. I remember him telling me at that time that if you want to be able to present a group easily and affordably then creating a trio was the best way to go. In 2015 I did just that by starting a trio called ‘On Topic’. The group consists of guitarist Kim Ratcliffe, bassist Brad Cheeseman and myself. Kim and I had played together in my last project called My id and decided to get together for a more collaborative musical venture. He had suggested I call this incredibly talented bass player, Brad Cheeseman, to sub for the great Rich Brown in a My id rehearsal. When I heard him play I must say I was blown away! We both agreed that he would be the best person to complete our new trio.

Within two months of our first rehearsal went ahead and tracked our debut CD called Second Time Around. We record the CD over two days up at Chalet Studios in Uxbridge, Ontario and started to play shows soon after that. All three of us are also leaders of our own solo projects. In fact Brad’s group won the 2016 Montreal International Jazz Festival TD Grand Prix Jazz Award. We are naturally very happy for him and also pleased that he plays in our trio.

I have involved ‘On Topic’ in my music instruction endeavours as well. I did a series of drum clinic/workshops at Long & McQuade stores in the greater Toronto area. I usually do similar events by myself but adding Kim and Brad brought a whole new approach to the events. The crowds were definitely entertained and able to understand more completely how the drum set functions in an ensemble.

My plans for ‘On Topic’ include a tour that will feature the documentary about my kidney transplant experience called “Stay Aubrey”.  In the fall of 2015 the trio played a venue in Toronto called ‘Musideum’. They had a beautiful movie screen in the venue so we showed the movie first and then immediately followed up with an hour set. The evening was well received. Donald Quan, owner and operator of ‘Musideum’ told me after the show that for him the movie at the beginning of the event was great and satisfying and the performance afterwards simply put it over the top. I want to take this concept on the road throughout Canada and Europe. I will be working on this this fall.

‘On Topic’ will also be playing regularly at May Cafe (876 Dundas St. West) in Toronto on the first Saturday of every month for the next 10 months. Come and check out the magic!