Griffith Hiltz Trio

Johnny Griffith and Nathan Hiltz, were on to something when they incorporated the bass pedals, which had been gathering dust in Johnny’s basement, into their weekly jam session. Inspired by their curiosity of using vintage technology to replicate an organ’s place in a trio, these fearless multi-instrumentalists began to co-create and something truly unique was born.

Johnny Griffith, born in St.Boniface, Manitoba, has proven to be as versatile as he is talented. Adept in a diverse range of styles, Johnny has shared the stage with the likes of Maceo Parker, Charlie Hunter, Don Thompson, The Wailers, The Roots, Sloan and Kardinal Offishal. He has performed at all major Canadian jazz festivals and many international festivals including, the world famous Montreux Jazz festival in Switzerland. In 2006 Johnny was nominated for a Juno for his work with the EMI/Blue Note recording artists the Pocket Dwellers.

Nathan Hiltz, raised in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, has shared the stage with a who’s who of Canadian Jazz icons; Brian Barlow, Phil Dwyer, Ken Fornetran, Bob Mclaren, Bernie Senensky, Norm Marshall Villeneuve, Jake Wilkinson, Alex Dean to name a few. Nathan has appeared on albums by John Kay, Lance Bennet, and Carlo Berardinucci. In 2007 Nathan received the Juno Award for Traditional Jazz Album of the year as part of Brandi Disterheft’s group. Nathan’s debut album ‘Your Love is a Plane Crash’ (2007) has been in daily rotation at Toronto’s Jazz FM 91.1.

Sly Juhas’ dynamic performances have earned this young, ardent drummer the opportunity to perform and record with some of the world’s leading musicians. He’s shared the stage with Holly Cole, Pat Labarbera, Molly Johnson, Kenny Wheeler, Oliver Jones, Sophie Millman, Brandi Disterheft and Jane Bunnet, among others. Sly has been a part of numerous recordings including the Juno award winning Brandi Disterheft 2007 release, Debut, and the 2009 release, Second Side on Justin Time Records. Performances of note include Carnegie Hall, opening for Diana Krall in 2005 at the Vancouver International Jazz festival, Pharoah Sanders and Kenny Garret in 2006 at the Toronto International Jazz Festival, Dave Brubeck in 2009, and most recently, for Herbie Hancock in 2010.