Lenny Solomon

Lenny Solomon, violinist, composer (born 28 September 1952 in Toronto, ON). Lenny Solomon studied violin with Albert Pratz and Steven Staryk. He was a partner in the 1970s with Myles Cohen in the pop duo Myles and Lenny, which won a Juno Award in 1976 as most promising group. In 1982 he established the eclectic Quintessence, a string quartet plus guitar (Bill Bridges), which in 1985 recorded for Duke Street (Quintessence, DSR-31011). He also has led a trio in a tribute to jazz violinists. Both groups have toured in Canada. Solomon later formed the stylistically mixed ensembles Galaxy Trio (in 1997, with violinist Moshe Hammer and pianist Bernie Senensky), Bowfire (which debuted at Expo 2000 in Germany), and Trio Norté. Solomon appeared with the Toronto Symphony and Winnipeg Symphony, and was concertmaster for various theatrical productions. He was named violinist of the year three times, 1994-96, by The Jazz Report; RPM called him "...today's best jazz violinist. Period". An active studio musician, Solomon recorded with Nigel Kennedy, Anne Murray, John McDermott, and others. His recordings include After You've Gone (Bay Cities 1991; Jazz Inspiration JID9316, 1996); The Gershwin Sessions (JID9309, 1995); and Trio Norté (Marquis MAR 291).