The Brassroots Quintet features members of the larger brass group, Brassroots. Brassroots currently under the musical direction of noted London composer/arranger Jeff Christmas, has been presenting a regular subscription concert series in London since 1986. Brassroots’ unique instrumental mix of four trumpets, a horn, four trombones, a tuba and percussion, give this group the flexibility to demonstrate a wide variety of compositional moods and styles that are more often performed by larger and more traditional groups. Since its inception, Brassroots has showcased over seventy compositions and arrangements in first performances, spanning a vast range of music literature, from Baroque and Classical transcriptions to Jazz and Pops, to original music, with exceptional musical skill. Brassroots has featured many outstanding Canadian instrumentalists and enthusiastically supports Canadian composers and arrangers. The Brassroots Quintet will feature five of Brassroots’ members – two trumpets, horn, trombone & tuba + a special vocal guest ~ Denise Pelley, and will entertain you with an assortment of Seasonal Favourites for your listening pleasure!
Denise has performed with many great artists including acclaimed trombonist Ray Anderson, Gospel/Blues legend Jackie Richardson and Flamenco guitarist Jesse Cook. She has opened for Aretha Franklin at the John Labatt Centre in London, Ontario.
Denise has performed with symphony orchestras and festivals which have included the du Maurier Downtown Jazz Festival (Toronto), Ottawa Jazz Festival, The Royal Canadian Big Band Festival (London), Bluesfest (London), Waterloo Jazz Festival and Sunfest (London), among others.
Denise also enjoys acting and has been part of The Grand Theatre (London) seasons performing in the Fats Waller musical Ain’t Misbehavin’, Wang Dang Doodle with Denis Simpson and A Streetcar Named Desire. Denise’s one-woman show, Jazzabel premiered in September 2004 at the McManus Theatre (Grand Theatre), London, Ontario to sold out audiences! In October 2005 Jazzabel was performed in Washington, DC at the National Museum for Women in the Arts and in February 2006 to audiences in New York City at Urban Stages Theatre. As well,she premiered in the February 2006 issue of O (Oprah Winfrey) Magazine. Denise’s recording credits include seven CD’s.
She is honoured with being the recipient of the Queen’s Golden and Diamond Jubilee Medals. In 2003 she was named a YM-YWCA Woman of Distinction in the Arts and Heritage category. Denise won best jazz artist in London, Ontario’s Music Awards in 2002, 2003, 2006 and 2008, 2009, and 2012. In April 2006 the Hyde Park Rotary presented her with the Paul Harris Fellowship Award, Rotary’s highest honour. In 2008 and 2014 she won Jazz Artist of the Year at the Jack Richardson awards.
Denise has an upcoming concert on February 14 2026 with London Symphonia called " Love and Romance with Denise Pelley.
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