John Tetrault

A well known and respected musician and songwriter from the Annapolis Valley in Nova Scotia, John Tetrault has been performing and writing music for over three decades. His band, The John Tetrault Group has just released a new album, "Keepsies". “Keepsies” is the 2nd CD featuring John's songs, following on the very popular “Mermaid Café”.“Keepsies” is a jazzy, easy listening CD with meaningful and sometimes fun lyrics combining upbeat danceable tunes with wonderful slow sentimental sounds. Any jazz fan will appreciate Tetrault’s Steely Dan inspired guitar style with original lyrics and gentle vocals. Mike Watson's genius on the keys and with saxophone and flute is present throughout; audience members at the well-attended CD release concert were wowed by his artfully crafted solos. Also featured at the concert was the tasty work of drummer Jimmie Butt and the thoroughly professional bass player Mike Andrusyk. Long-time band member Jeff Smith brought his trumpet and flugel horn to the mix, enlivening the event with thoughtfully crafted lines.John has studied with Roddie Elias, Ken Davidson and has attended clinics with guitarists such as Frank Gambali. As a teacher and clinician during the past 30 years, John has enjoyed the opportunity to share his passion for music with aspiring musicians. He has been teaching guitar and helping with bands at King’s-Edgehill School for many years. In addition he has offered private lessons, song writing workshops and guitar workshops. John has been a faculty member at the Acadia University Jazz Camp since 1990.He has performed at the Halifax Jazz Festival, and the Earth and Lunenburg Folk Festivals. John’s solo work has included appearances at weddings, receptions and private parties as well as various local pubs and community venues. John has often been called upon as a pit guitarist, including for shows staged at the Atlantic Theatre Festival. His versatility has been welcome in many musical genres as a studio musician and more recently as a producer.He performs with The John Tetrault Group throughout the year. John has played with some members of this band since high school. He and his group have been showcased at the East Coast Music Awards and various concerts around Nova Scotia. They have an extensive list of clients, including corporations, professional associations and various levels of governments.One of the many projects John is involved with is the Gypsy Jazz band Swingology , which is performing around the province. A CD recorded with Swingology was released in August and has been selling briskly. The Group won the Music Nova Scotia award for Jazz/Electro Acoustic Artist/Group Recording of the Year for 2008! John also finds time to record and produce his original work with local musicians.John released twelve of his original compositions on Mermaid Café in the late nineties and 11 new songs have just been released on Keepsies. Currently he is at work on a solo album of jazz standards. The next album of his original work is well into the recording process.His EPK can be viewed at www.sonicbids.com/johntetraultgroup .