Richard Whiteman
Biography Richard Whiteman
Richard Whiteman
Toronto native Richard Whiteman is an extremely versatile player, fluent in styles ranging from the stride masters of the twenties, through Bud Powell and Bill Evans, to modern giants like Keith Jarrett and Herbie Hancock. As a leader, he has released five CDs (with a sixth on the way), and has received raves from as far away as Japan, where his “GROOVEYARD” disc was rated one of the Top 500 Jazz Piano Trio records of all time.
For over twenty years, Richard has performed at major Toronto jazz venues, and has also played with orchestras (The Canada Pops Orchestra) and big bands (including The Dave McMurdo Jazz Orchestra), in new music concerts (Hemispheres Music Projects), classical crossover groups (The Galaxy Trio) and musical theatre (“Forever Plaid”), and at countless “casual” engagements with Canada’s finest jazz musicians. He has also toured Canada with his trio and performed in Brazil, Egypt and San Antonio, Texas.
Some of the stellar musicians Richard has worked with are Don Thompson, Kenny Wheeler, Marcus Belgrave, Pat LaBarbera, Ken Peplowski, Nick Brignola, Ed Bickert, Jane Bunnett and Dutch Django-style star, Tim Kliphuis. As well as leading his own groups, Richard is a member of the The Al Henderson Quintet and is much in demand by vocalists, including John Alcorn, Jackie Richardson, Dee Daniels, Bonnie Brett and Heather Bambrick.
In addition to his busy club, corporate and touring schedule, Richard is also an educator, teaching jazz piano and leading ensembles at both Humber College and York University in Toronto.
“In addition to his evident skills as a pianist, Whiteman has a knack for composition, crafting bold post-bop tunes and elegant ballads that feel right at home with the group’s versions of standards.” – Stuart Broomer, Toronto Life
