Paul Tobey

One of Canada's most successful jazz pianists, Paul Tobey (born September 7, 1962) began performing early in the church where his father was minister. Tobey studied classical music from age eight, but it was not until he entered community college that he encountered straight-ahead jazz. It was after seeing legendary pianist Oscar Peterson perform that Tobey decided to study jazz, first earning his diploma at Mohawk College in Hamilton in 1981 and getting his BFA in 1984 from Montreal's Concordia University with a minor in computer studies. During his time in Montreal, Tobey made pilgrimages to study with pianist Kenny Barron in N.Y.C., a relationship he credits with developing his style and career path. He moved to Toronto in 1995 where his music flourished producing two albums, Orpheus in 1994 and A Little Rain Must Fall in 1997. The first Canadian to be signed to the Arkadia label, Tobey has also received sponsorship from such venerable Canadian institutions as the Department of Foreign Affairs, FACTOR (Foundation to Assist Canadian Talent on Record), and the prestigious Ontario Arts Council.