JAZZ.FM91 - Canada's Premier Jazz Station

Cam Britton

I know we are not supposed to play favourites with our guests, but the delightful saxophonist Cam Britton was one of our most prepared and personable (okay - and handsome) profiles ever in our short "Jazzology" history.

Moreen Murray

After graduating from Humber College's Jazz Studies program in 2007, Cam married his high school sweetheart, Krisy and released a debut CD (recorded at Humber) in short order. Whew! I highly recommend it - check it out on iTunes. The couple's move to Montreal or "Canada's city of love" (as Cam phrased it with a smile) saw Cam playing in a number of the city's jazz venues and negotiating the "two solititudes".

Opportunity came calling when Krisy applied for and won a year long internship at the UN in New York. Who can resist the siren call of The Big Apple - especially if you're a jazz musician? Locating to Brooklyn, Cam took lessons from fellow expat and noted saxophonist Seamus Blake, while enjoying his time performing in NY's many jazz clubs. He decided to enjoy himself and not be phased by the sheer number of musicians - and competition.

Through a friend of a friend he acquired another few lines for his resume. As a sort of a trial by fire he became music editor for the late night talk show "The Edge with Jake" - seen in over 50 markets. Over time he also found himself composing music for the show....and of course, found a new passion. Cam also found time to record with indie artist Vaimoana Heyman's CD and do some session work for dance music.

Since returning to Toronto in September, he has taken in some shows at Massey Hall and Koerner Hall as an usher (where I reconnected at Paquito D'Rivera's show) and working with MJ Cyr, another indie vocalist in the Feist vein, whose second CD is about to be released. He also has a publishing company called Little Burgundy Music Company.

Over coffee in a neighbourhood cafe on a chilly Friday, Cam's enthusiasm and effervescence are as strong as ever and he says he is "trying to learn as much as I can about everything I can" and of course be open to new opportunities. I have a feeling you will be hearing much more from this talented young musician.

His website is www.cameronbritton.com if you would like to get in touch.

If you are a former "Jazzology" guest I am planning on doing a few followups...so please contact me.