2010 JUNO nominee and Galaxie Rising Star winner Toronto trombonist Darren Sigesmund has firmly established his Strands project as one of Canada’s leading national and international touring ensembles. Following up on his 2008 debut quintet CD Strands, Darren has released Strands II, nominated for a 2010 JUNO for Best Traditional Jazz Album. Sigesmund received the 2010 Galaxie Rising Star award for Best Composition (Dance for Leila) at the Festival International de Jazz de Montreal. Acclaimed for its compositional ingenuity, the Strands project consists of Sigesmund’s self-penned compositions, a contemporary blend of jazz, Latin and classical influences. Strands II features an expanded ensemble, with the addition of sensational vocalist Eliana Cuevas and dynamic percussionist Daniel Stone. With vigor and flair, Sigesmund has woven the textures of voice and percussion into fresh new compositions for the Strands II recording which features special guest New York saxophonist Tim Ries of the Rolling Stones. Strands II is funded by the Toronto, Ontario and Canada Councils.

Darren has led his Strands project across the globe regularly since 2003, including concerts throughout Europe, Asia, Australia & Canada. Past performances include concerts in Madrid, London, Brussels, Luxembourg, Nuernberg Germany for German national radio Bayerischer Rundfunk, the Mermaid Arts Centre in Ireland, the Jazz Bar in Edinburgh, Japan Expo 2005, the Canadian Embassy Theatre in Tokyo, premiere clubs across Australia, South Korea’s Jarasum International Jazz Festival, Shanghai’s renowned club JZ, Hong Kong’s historic Loke Yew Hall, and Canadian jazz festivals.

Darren has studied and performed at the internationally renowned Banff Jazz Workshop with acclaimed artists, such as Dave Holland, Kenny Wheeler, Julian Priester, Richie Beirach, Dave Liebman, Steve Coleman, Don Thompson, Pat Labarbara, and Hugh Fraser. On trombone, Darren has studied trombone with Michael Davis (New York), Ian McDougall (University of Victoria), Jerry Johnson (Stratford Festival) and Gord Sweeny (Toronto Symphony). After studying at the University of Toronto for Jazz Performance Program, Darren honed his composition skills under the tutelage of Toronto instructor Frank Falco. Darren currently teaches piano at Humber College and privately. Darren is also an accomplished professional chef, having cooked for several years in some of Toronto’s finest restaurants after his apprenticeship with celebrated chef Michael Stadtlander at Eigensinn Farm.