The Worst Pop Band Ever BIO
“The Worst Pop Band Ever's title displays a sense of... he Worst Pop Band Ever's title displays a sense of humor and frivolity, but in name only…. Street wise yet substantive, these compositions would appeal to fans of Vijay Iyer, Brad Mehldau, or DJ Logic... From start to finish Dost Thou Believeth in Science? is hip enough and deep enough for jazzers and non-jazzers alike.”
- Mark J. Turner, All About Jazz. Com (Jan. 2010)
“The Worst Pop Band Ever may not live up to its name, but this Canadian combo is working hard to produce some innovative sounds melding jam-band jazz with sound effects, courtesy of turntablist Leo37, on Dost Thou Believeth in Science? …The musicians' firm grounding in hard bop and modern jazz is clear, and it's a pleasant surprise to hear the twists they take to engender faith in Worst Pop Band Ever's science.”
John Patten, All About Jazz (Feb. 2010)
“The Quintet makes smart if curious music…It’s all easy on the ear, expertly and effortlessly delivered with elaborate solos and surprising heat.”
Geoff Chapman, Wholenote Magazine (July 2010)
With influences ranging from Wayne Shorter to Deerhoof to J Dilla, The Worst Pop Band Ever is a Toronto based group that tries to combine a love of improvisational jazz music and “Pop” music. Individually, the WPBE has worked with the who's who of Canadian and international musicians, from Feist to the Shuffle Demons; Amanda Martinez to Tanika Charles, but together, whether it be blending acoustic bass with turntables or analog synths with the saxophone, the WPBE sets out to twist and bend both originals and covers, straddling genres and butting heads with expectation. Often compared to Medeski Martin Wood or the Bad Plus, the boys like to think of themselves as the ugly love child of Radiohead and Miles Davis.
They have played festivals and clubs throughout North America, from St. John's Newfoundland to Vancouver, BC, to Chicago, Illinois.
Since forming in 2005, they have shared stages/ toured with the likes of the Bad Plus, Happy Apple, Jeff Parker, Rich Brown, Rich Underhill, Elizabeth Shepherd, and Kelly Jefferson.
The just released their latest EP, "Sometimes Things Go Wrong (and other songs we shouldn't play)",that was recorded live at the Cellar in Vancouver on their last tour.
Their last CD, "Dost Thou Believeth in Science", like their first album, “Thanks for Coming Out”, received critical acclaim including multiple reviews in both traditional and online media. From being featured on All About Jazz to reaching # 1 on the CIUT Charts in Toronto and #28 on the overall Canadian College Radio Charts (Earshot).
Their music has also been used for film and video, including work for the United Nations, Teletoon, CBC and the National Film Board. They played on the soundtrack for the multiple award-winning animated short, "Flutter." (NFB/PPF Multimedia Production) and provided music for the NFB's tribute to Governor General Award Recipient, dancer, Peggy Baker.
Drew Birston – bass (Amanda Martinez, Sarah Slean, Sultans of String, Chantal Kreviazuk)
Chris Gale – saxes (Juno Award winner, Shuffle Demons, Brandi Disterheft. Blue Rodeo)
Tim Shia – drums (Rich Underhill, Quique Escamilla, Julie Michels, Kevin Barrett, Milosh)
Leo37 – turntables (Soliva, Magnolius, Abyss, Tanika Charles. Sunclef)
Dafydd Hughes - keys and electronics (Feist, Esthero, Julie Crochetiere, Christine Bougie)
Adrean Farrugia - Keys (Matt Dusk, Kelly Jefferson Quintet, Quinsin Nachoff, Brad Goode)