A whirlwind of sound. That’s Time Warp. Right here in Toronto. This isn’t just any jazz quartet. Time Warp is a legend. Formed in 1980 by Barry Elmes and Al Henderson Time Warp quickly became an underground sensation. They released five recordings between 1982 and 1992 earning three Juno nominations. Their unique sound blended jazz with influences from around the globe. Think West African rhythms. Japanese koto music. Even Hungarian folk songs. Long before “world music” was a common term Time Warp was already there.
Their fourth recording There and Back was a turning point. It featured Ellingtonia a piece that earned Al Henderson the 1995 SOCAN Award for Original Jazz Composition. This led to their first national tour. Success followed. Time Warp won the Jazz Report Award for Acoustic Jazz Group of the Year not once but four times. Their distinctive sound found its way onto CBC radio and Bravo TV. They’ve even graced the pages of McLean’s and The Village Voice.
Time Warp’s music isn’t just about technical skill. It’s about feeling. It’s about the energy of the musicians. Barry Elmes’ drumming. Al Henderson’s basslines. Kelly Jefferson’s saxophone and Kevin Turcotte’s trumpet all come together perfectly. They have a vast repertoire of original compositions. Their latest CD Warp IX won the Canadian Music Week Indie Award for Best Jazz Recording of 2002.
But Time Warp is more than just awards. It’s about the lasting impact on the Canadian jazz scene. They paved the way for countless other musicians. Time Warp represents a legacy of innovation and collaboration. The Toronto-based quartet continues to captivate audiences across Canada the US and even Venezuela. They are truly an icon. A timeless treasure. Their influence echoes in every note. Every performance. Time Warp’s story is a testament to the power of creativity. The dedication to their craft. The enduring legacy of truly great music. Time Warp a name that resonates throughout the Canadian jazz world. A name that deserves to be remembered.