Day In The Life Of Andrew Downing

We are all able to think creatively... to see things outside the box, but because of life's oppression we are not always able to remember that. Well artists and musicians (among many other professions) have taken on the burden of thinking creatively for a living.

I thought it would be interesting to ask a few musicians what their ideal "day in the life of".


ANDREW DOWNING is one of the most respected musicians I know. Other musicians are always in awe of this brilliant bassist and cellist. Besides having played with some of the best he is also a gifted composer. He has a great band called Great Uncles of The Revolution in which he mixes country and jazz in a very fluent way. He teaches at U of T and plays all around. He played at the festival with Jayme Stone.

Andrew Downing's ideal Day in the Life of:
I am a lucky man. It's only at the end of the day when I can look back and realize how perfect it was. That happens a lot.

Included, not necessarily in this order, are:

coffee
cello
pump organ
writing music
walking slowly
double bass
coffee
Istanbul
cooking
neighbourhood
sunshine
garden
cats
beer
family
friends

...and my top five picks for the festival would be:

Tania Gill Quartet  - Tania's new record Bolger Station is so beautiful, honest and sweet.
Elvis Costello and the Imposters - Elvis Costello is one of my favourite musicians in the world.
Kenny Wheeler, Myra Melford, Jon Irbagon, Diana Torto - I've always loved Kenny Wheeler.
Richard Galliano and Gonzalo Rubelcaba - I'm sure this show will be incredible to watch.
Jazz Jam with John Geggie - It's a jazz jam.