COMPOSER
In his compositions, Irvine draws inspiration from jazz legends such as Jon Gordon, Derrick Gardner, David Braid, Terry Promane, Michael Cain, and Terry Promane. His writing incorporates elements from jazz, folk, classical, and traditional world genres, reimagining and weaving their elements into eclectic and authentic compositions.
Sean Irvine & The Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra: The Forgotten Stories Suite
Irvine’s eagerly anticipated second album as co-leader with the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra is set for release on February 6, 2026. The album blends vocals, spoken poetry, and instrumental music to tell five distinct stories of 2SLGBTQ+ individuals—amplifying the voices of a community that meets each day with resilience, navigating solitude while reaching for love and freedom.
Each movement begins with a poem, accompanied by instrumental narratives that expand on its themes. Four years in the making, this project builds on the foundations of Irvine’s debut album, The Oak & Alley Chapter.
The album was created in collaboration with visual artist Yisa Akinbolaji, graphic designer Roberta Landreth, filmmakers BnB Studios, spoken word artist Quinn Greene, vocalist Karly Epp, and members of the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra.
Personnel:
| Vocals- Karly Epp Spoken Word- Quinn Greene Conductor- Richard Gillis |
| Woodwinds- Sean Irvine (soloist) Saxophones- Neil Watson (soloist), Niall Cade (soloist), Monica Jones, Kyle Wedlake |
| Trombones- Joel Green, Jeremy Duggleby, Karen Carlson, Isabelle Lavoie |
| Trumpets- Shane Hicks (lead), Matt Walden, Andrew Littleford (soloist), Jonathan Challoner (soloist) |
| Guitar- Larry Roy (soloist), Piano- Will Bonness (soloist), Bass- Karl Kohut (soloist), Drums- Fabio Ragnelli (soloist) |
Links: Album Review by Winnipeg Sun
Sean Irvine: The Oak & Alley Chapter
”The Oak & Alley Chapter” is Irvine's first release as a composer and band leader. A full-length album consisting of seven original compositions, the album features Manitoba musicians Micaylee Rodyniuk on vocals, Matt Walden on trumpet, Will Bonness on piano, Karl Kohut on bass, and Graydon Cramer on drums.
The album depicts the lives and stories of gay men from around the world, presented in an instrumental/ lyrical setting. Seven years in the making, each track represents a key figure in understanding gay culture and its evolution into the modern age.
The ensemble utilizes a variety on woodwinds, brass, vocals, and rhythm section instruments to paint life to the various compositions. Elements of folk music, traditional jazz styles, western classical composition techniques, and indie musical genres are woven together, generating imagery through tone, textures, and counterpoint in instrumentation.
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Studio & Sessional
Guest appearances on various albums & originals
Original Written Material Copyright © Sean Irvine 2016