Tyler is a talented blues/jazz/pop pianist and singer who performs regularly at Fat Tuesdays in Ottawa, Ontario as part of a popular duelling pianos show. He can also be heard at the Brookstreet Hotel in Kanata playing a solo pop/jazz act.
He has been involved with several local bands including Silver Creek and Quarterlife, and has played solo shows in 2007 and 2008 at the Ottawa Bluesfest. In 2007, Tyler worked with TJ Wheeler as an artist and educator during the Ottawa Bluesfest's Blues in the Schools program, and has continued to be involved in 2008 and 2009.
During the summer of 2008, Tyler toured with country artist Charlie Major, playing shows at the Calgary Stampede and in Halifax opening for Keith Urban. He has also contributed to a recent recording with the Cooper Brothers. Dick Cooper calls Tyler “the real deal. A triple-threat who can sing, play and write. Just a super talent."
Some career highlights to date include accompanying singer-songwriter Roxanne Potvin as the opening act for Colin James, Blue Rodeo and The Neville Brothers; performing in the Havana Jazz Festival with the Elmer Ferrer Band in Cuba; and opening for the New Odds and Shaun Verreault (Wide Mouth Mason) at the Live Lounge in Ottawa.
According to Paul Symes of the Blacksheep Inn, Tyler is “fluent in so many ways: jazz, rock, blues, celtic folk, and pop. He is such a rare talent - truly musically gifted. He is certainly one of the very best emerging young talents of our region, and we often mention him as one to watch.”
In July 2008, Tyler joined Ottawa band Harpoon, playing at Ottawa Bluesfest and competing in a local radio competition. The band went on to win the grand prize of $250,000 to be used for future music projects.
While he “oozes creative talent and is constantly lending it to other musicians,” (Kanata Kourier-Standard, 2008) Tyler is currently focusing on his solo career and has just finished recording his first full-length album, Characters, as a follow-up to his EP, Spotlight Sanctuary. Characters will be officially released on July 31, 2009 at the Black Sheep Inn.
Good show at the Bluesfest. The tune “Only Love” is definitely a hit. Now if only the Music bosses will allow it to be. Hey if you are Music Director and reading this Play it, it’s an awesome tune.
