Introducing Peter WoodsPeter Woods plays all sorts of gigs. With his saxophone, he has played for pig-roasts on the Rideau Lakes and at large church gatherings in Toronto and Halifax. His main love is jazz, but he also enjoys making music with colleagues steeped in rock and blues and folk and classical genres. He can be heard on Sunday mornings in church, usually in Smiths Falls, and many evenings in clubs and restaurants around Eastern Ontario. He has written text and provided musical leadership for numerous jazz liturgies, including worship during General Council 2000 of the United Church of Canada, United Church worship events during the Ottawa International Jazz Festival and the Montreal International Jazz Festival, as well as various Conference and Presbytery gatherings of the United Church, Presbyterian, and Anglican Churches across Canada. Band Associations"Saints'n'Sinners" a quartet playing an extensive repertoire of old time dance music, Dixieland, and jazz/blues-tinged hymns. "The Saints'n'Sinners" perform throughout Lanark County, Ontario, with a particular focus on charitable causes in that region. The veteran rock'n'roll band, "ESP", based in Smiths Falls, Ontario. "ESP" performs classic rock from the fifties through the nineties, and is a regular feature at dances and clubs throughout Lanark and Leeds-Grenville Counties. ESP has recently released a five-song disc titles “Off The Cuff”. ESP has opened for many great musicians including The Byrds, Five-Man Electrical Band, Georgette Fry, Mose Scarlett, Del Shannon. The piano/sax duo, "Woods and Browne", focusing on a repertoire of vintage pop, jazz standards and show tunes. Peter Woods, along with the legendary Brian Browne plays a monthly gig at Rob Roy’s Pub in Smiths Falls, and provide music for weddings, dinner engagements, cocktail parties, and similar events, throughout the Ottawa Valley. Since the release of their disc, "Testimony", they are in demand for concerts regionally and nationally. Church WorkPeter is the pastor of Trinity United Church in Smiths Falls, Ontario. Music of all types, from classical to old-time fiddling to blues and jazz and folk, has been integrated into the life of this congregation for some years. Peter can be heard preaching and playing on Sunday mornings at 10:30 am. Media such as "The United Church Observer", "Aujourd'hui Credo", and "Vision TV: Spirit Connection" have reported on his leadership in blending jazz and blues with worship in Church. Peter participated with Ron Kleismeier in the Halifax "Worship Matters" conference in 2005. For several years, in association with Peter Dent and Marcus Mosely, he has toured throughout Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec (including James Bay), providing church-based concerts of jazz hymn variations and gospel songs. . He continues to tour and record with Peter Dent in duet settings, providing musical leadership for church events, such as the London Conference’s Annual Meeting in 2005. With Brian Browne, Peter has developed a range of evening concerts and liturgies that allow for an exploration of spiritual themes while also playing some of the classic songs of the jazz world. |