The Andrew Cullen Trio was formed 2 years ago in the quaint town of Nanaimo, British Columbia. Based on their love of jazz, Patrick, Andrew and James found a solid foundation of musical skill and camaraderie to build the trio on. Their music is based on a mixture of original jazz and classic standards. James is an avid songwriter and brings his flavour of upbeat sambas and triple meter tunes to the group. Patrick and Andrew are best known for their combined love of Canadian pianist Oscar Peterson and American bass player Ray Brown's style of good feelin' standards with intricate arrangements. The group has performed across stages and private/ public events on Vancouver Island drawing a warm reception from crowds looking to enjoy a live performance of music.  

 

ANDREW CULLEN - UPRIGHT BASS

Hailing from Rossland B.C. Andrew is a local yocal who has spent the last 5 years studying Jazz in Nanaimo. His hard work and contacts have allowed him to study and play with musicians such as Phil Dwyer, Brad Turner, Hans Verhoeven, Pat Coleman, Ryan Oliver, Ken Lister, Monique Nordine, Rob Cheramy and many more. He recently was on tour with Canadian Tenor Ken Levigne in Ontario.

 

Andrew has performed in various musical situations such as West Side Story, Grease, Bard to Broadway's "Drowsy Chaperone", Nanaimo Theatre Group's "Cabaret", recorded two albums with Lee Ellefson, played in The Nanaimo Musician's Associations Big Band (3 Years), was featured on Tracy Meyer's Album "Stories in Bones" and performed at many private and public venues across Vancouver Island.

 

PATRICK COURTIN - PIANO

Patrick Courtin is a Vancouver Island based pianist, accompanist and music teacher. He holds a Bachelors Degree of Music in Jazz Performance from Vancouver Island University. He has been playing piano since age 6 and has Royal Conservatory grade 10. Patrick is active in the Victoria and Nanaimo musical communities, performing in a variety of groups both publicly and privately. Beginning in fall 2013 he’s been a regular pianist on various tours with local singer Ken Lavigne.

 

Patrick’s show credits include: musical direction for “Dr Horrible” and “The Last Five Years” with Dramarama Theatre, pianist for “Sweeney Todd” and “Spring Awakening” with Schmooze Productions, pianist/bandleader for “Cabaret” with the Nanaimo Theatre Group’s, and musical direction on “Young Frankenstein” with Bard2Broadway.

 

JAMES MCRAE - DRUMS

James has been involved in a professional music context since the early 80s on a full time basis. His first gig was in a legion at around 15 years of age with a country singer.  He has performed with many talented musicians and performers, including more recently - Erin Burton, Mikaila Tombe, Nico Rhodes, Marisha Devoin, Doug Dodd, Brad Shipley, Antonio Gradanti, Duncan Symonds, Larry Miller, Marty Howe, Marty Steele, Joan Wallace, Panache, Scott White, Miles Black, Ken Lister, Jennifer Scott, Rene Worst,  and  Monik Nordine. 

 

Drums are his primary instrument, while piano is used mostly as a compositional tool.  Some theatre projects that James has been involved in the recent past include 2009  Western Edge Theatre  show The Angry Inch,  A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline at the Chemainus Theatre in early 2010,  fall 2010 interior tour and  summer 2011 at The Arts Club Theatre..  James has been working with the The Martys in the Nanaimo area as of 2012 - an exciting jazz/blues project which includes a focus on original material. As well James has spent the last year working with the Boss Tenors and many other groups in the Vancouver Island area.