Jazz at Midday: Al Henderson Quintet

Acclaimed jazz composer, bassist, arranger and York University music Professor Al Henderson leads his ensemble as part of the Department of Music’s Jazz at Midday Series. The Al Henderson Quintet brings a collection of original compositions to the McLean Performance Studio on February 26th.

Date: February 26, 2026
Location: McLean Performance Studio
Time: 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
FREE Admission

Pat LaBarbera – saxophones
John Johnson – saxophones, bass clarinet
Michael Davidson – vibraphone, piano
Al Henderson – acoustic bass
Barry Romberg – drums, percussion

Henderson has been a seminal force on the Canadian jazz scene for more than 30 years. He has earned critical acclaim and legions of fans as leader of his own bands – the Al Henderson Septet, Quintet and Quartet – and co-founder and co-leader of the groundbreaking group, Time Warp. He has also performed as sideman with many leading jazz artists including Diana Krall, Jane Bunnett, Arnett Cobb, Hank Crawford, Slim Gaillard, Jimmy Knepper and Flip Phillips.

As a composer, Henderson has created a large and distinctive repertoire of original works. More than 60 of his compositions have been recorded by his bands as well as other eminent artists such as Don Pullen, Jane Bunnett, Shox Johnson & the Jive Bombers, Alex Dean and Richard Whiteman. His accolades include the Jazz Report’s Composer of the Year designation and the prestigious SOCAN Award for Original Jazz Composition.”… Al Henderson is the real thing, a composer in the tradition of Duke Ellington and Charles Mingus, whose works have distinctive energy and melodic and harmonic character,” said jazz writer Stuart Broomer (Toronto Life).