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Biography

Elvis Bossa Nova! began as an experiment. The idea was to re-imagine classic Elvis tunes with an eclectic instrumentation, and an interesting mix of musical personalities. They blend the rock, jazz, latin, bluegrass, country, classical and improv musical traditions. Did anyone mention it's all Elvis?

Some of the songs are instantly recognizable, while others have the king hiding out somewhere around the corner with the rest of the surprises. On the tour of Graceland they don't let you see the upstairs of the house. This band knows what's up there. The result of this experiment has been a fluid, dynamic mish-mash of various musical styles. It's new life breathed into some classic music, and above all else an exciting live show. The unique instrumentation of vibraphone, electric guitar, percussion, drums and bass provides a rich palette of places for the group to navigate.

Their ability to embrace the moment, and constantly search for new sounds always creates a palpable energy keeping audiences on the edge of their seat or the tips of their toes. Over the past two years the band has played every Sunday night at The Local Pub in Toronto. This regular performance has helped the group develop an extremely tight sound with an almost telepathic musical sensitivity amongst them. It's evident nowhere more than on their debut album, Hi, I'm Elvis Bossa Nova! recorded in February 2009, and released August 28th, 2009.

Guitarist James Robertson is not only responsible for the face-melting guitar playing, but also the astounding arrangements. James is best known as a founding member of Run With The Kittens, and plays guitar with many different bands.

Vibraphonist Michael Davidson does things you didn't know a vibraphone could do. You still don't know it can do some of them, even after he does them. Michael also composes for and co-leads the group Hobson's Choice, and is busy in Toronto's jazz scene.

Percussionist Roman Tome brings an astounding assortment of instruments and sounds to EBN. He rocked arenas and stadiums with Grindig, and currently plays with Juno winner Elizabeth Shepherd, and many others.

Sly Juhas is one of Toronto's most talented young drummers, playing with jazz heavyweights including Juno Award winning bassist Brandi Disterheft, and pianist Richard Whiteman.

Bassist Brian Kobayakawa holds it down and sometimes ramps it up. Brian is a member of chamber-grass award winners The Creaking Tree String Quartet, among others.