Canadian saxophonist Mike Murley has emerged as one of the country's finest jazz artists since moving to Toronto from his native Nova Scotia in 1981. His critically-acclaimed work as a leader and a sideman has placed him at the forefront of Canada's jazz scene for more than a decade. Since winning the Juno Award (Canada's Grammy equivalent) in 1991 for his "Two Sides" album, Murley has appeared on seven other Juno award-winning recordings, including four in the last five years.

His latest Cornerstone CD, "Live at the Senator" won the 2002 Juno Award for Best Mainstream Jazz album. This Cornerstone recording finds the saxophonist in an intimate trio setting with legendary guitarist Ed Bickert and bassist Steve Wallace at Toronto's premier jazz club. A collection of six standards and two idiomatic originals, it captures Murley at his lyrical best.

Murley has released six critically acclaimed recordings as a leader. His last quintet CD on Cornerstone, "Conversation Piece", received the 1997 Jazz Report Award for best album. He is also a four-time recipient of the Jazz Report Award for tenor saxophonist of the Year. Most recently he received the 2002 National Jazz Award for saxophonist of the year.

Murley, with Steve Wallace (left) and Ed Bickert (centre)

Mike is also a member of the Juno award-winning (2001) Rob McConnell Tenet. Their latest album was nominated for a 2002 Grammy Award and features some of Canada's finest jazz artists playing masterful arrangements by McConnell. A new recording is scheduled for release in the fall on Justin Time Records.

Canada's premier electric jazz group, Metalwood, has featured the more robust side of Murley's saxophone since the quartet's inception in 1996. Metalwood has received Juno awards in 1998 and 1999 for Best Contemporary Jazz Album.

Murley's playing experience on the international level includes performances with a diverse cross-section of artists including Kenny Wheeler, Randy Brecker, Jack McDuff and Doctor John. His recording credits include sessions with John Abercrombie, Paul Bley, and Sonny Greenwich. He has also appeared as a featured soloist on four different CDs with trumpeter/composer Wheeler, including the latest two Maritime Jazz Orchestra CDs featuring John Taylor's Azimuth. In addition Murley has worked with some of the most well-respected New York musicians of his generation including trumpeter Dave Douglas, pianist Renee Rosnes, and drummer Bill Stewart.

Murley has performed and recorded with numerous Canadian artists including Juno Award winners Joe Sealy ('97), NOJO ('96), Brian Dickinson ('92) and Cornerstone label-mates Time Warp and the Barry Elmes Quintet. His work as a sideman has taken him to concert halls and clubs in Europe, South America, and Asia. As a leader Murley has played all of the major Canadian jazz festivals and performed high profile international engagements at the Canadian Embassy in Washington, D.C. and at Expo '92 in Spain.