Ric Denis, Guitar
Ric Denis is an Honours Graduate from the comprehensive jazz/classical Applied Music Program at Mohawk College in Hamilton, Ont., and has been a professional guitarist, singer/songwriter, performer, and teacher, for over 25 years. He has played in a wide variety of styles with various bands including The Ragged Flowers, The Clever Mess Trio, and The Ric Denis & 3. He has released three solo CD’s, 'Lush', 'Tadoussac' and ‘Kiss of 32’, as well as two CDs with The Ragged Flowers: 'Love to Burn' and 'Story Be Told'. He has performed in a number of summer festivals including Blue Skies, The Ottawa Folk Festival and the Stewart Park Festival.
"The Somerset Combo allows me to explore the aesthetic nature of jazz music's form, mood, colour, and texture."
Tony Stuart, Clarinet and Saxophone
Tony Stuart is a former professional musician (clarinets, saxophones) with the Canadian Armed Forces, and has been playing professionally for nearly twenty years. He remains active as a freelance professional musician, including being clarinettist with The Rideau Lakes Orchestra, saxophonist and keyboardist with The Ric Denis & 3, and clarinettist with the classical trio Capriccio. Tony has recently performed at the Stewart Park Festival and the Blue Skies Festival. He has been the Music Director at Notre Dame Catholic High School for the past 19 years, and is also the Music Director at St. Andrew's United Church in Pakenham, Ontario.
"I really enjoy using the clarinet for jazz--it is an underused instrument, and its unique sound is perfect for these types of tunes."
