A Voice Beyond Boundaries

In the evolving landscape of Canadian jazz, few artists embody creative freedom as vividly as Audrey Ochoa. A trombonist, composer, arranger, and educator based in Edmonton, she has built a body of work that resists categorization while remaining deeply rooted in jazz tradition. Her music is at once playful and profound—layering Latin grooves, chamber textures, funk rhythms, and improvisational nuance into a singular artistic voice.

Ochoa does not merely play the trombone—she reimagines its role. That philosophy has guided a career defined by curiosity, experimentation, and a refusal to be boxed into genre or expectation.

Contribution to Music

Audrey Ochoa’s contribution to music extends beyond her impressive discography and critical acclaim. She is a vital and influential voice in the Canadian jazz scene, a mentor to emerging artists, and a passionate advocate for the trombone. Her mentor, the legendary Hugh Fraser, has described her as “an inspired emerging artist that embodies the talent, inspiration and focus to make a major contribution at the highest level.” With her innovative spirit, her infectious enthusiasm, and her unwavering commitment to musical excellence, Audrey Ochoa is not just a musician; she is a force of nature who is redefining the role of the trombone in contemporary music.

From Foundation to Flight

Classically trained at the University of Alberta, Ochoa’s early formation gave her a strong technical and compositional foundation. But it is her embrace of multiple musical languages—jazz, Afro-Caribbean rhythms, Brazilian influences, and contemporary production aesthetics—that distinguishes her work today.

Emerging from Edmonton—a city often considered outside Canada’s primary jazz hubs—Ochoa forged her own path. Through collaboration, relentless performance, and an ever-expanding creative vision, she has become one of the country’s most compelling jazz voices.

Her ascent includes major milestones: chart-topping recordings, national awards, and recognition across Canada’s jazz ecosystem. Yet what defines her trajectory is not just success, but evolution.

The Sound of Expansion

At the core of Ochoa’s artistry is a commitment to expansion—of sound, of form, and of the trombone itself.

Her compositions often begin with melody but unfold into richly layered arrangements that reflect both jazz spontaneity and orchestral thinking. Strings, electronics, and groove-based structures coexist seamlessly in her work. Latin rhythms—especially Cuban and Brazilian—frequently anchor her music, adding both propulsion and cultural depth.

Critics have described her approach as “playful and liberated”, but beneath that freedom lies meticulous craft.

Creative Voice: Writing Without Boundaries

Ochoa’s approach to composition is as fluid and multi-dimensional as her sound. In her interview with Raul da Gama, she reveals a process that transcends instrumental limitations, rooted instead in instinct and songcraft. She moves freely between voice, piano, guitar, and trombone, allowing ideas to emerge organically rather than adhering to a single method. As she candidly admits, “I write with voice, piano, guitar…”—a reflection of her desire to connect with music at its most immediate and expressive level.

This openness speaks to a deeper artistic impulse: a fascination with melody, lyrics, and storytelling that subtly informs even her instrumental work. Beneath the complexity of her arrangements lies a songwriter’s sensibility—one that prioritizes emotional resonance as much as technical sophistication.

Discography Spotlight

The Sorceress (2026)

Ochoa’s latest album, The Sorceress, released on March 20, 2026, is her most eclectic and ambitious project to date. The album is described as a vibrant fusion of jazz, electronica, swing, and pop, showcasing the wide array of influences that have shaped her musical identity. The first single, “Let’s Give Up,” offers a tantalizing glimpse into the album’s innovative sound and Ochoa’s continued exploration of new sonic territories.

Intersections (2024)

A collaborative effort with acclaimed saxophonist Jeremy Brown, Intersections is a testament to the power of musical dialogue. The album features a dynamic interplay between Ochoa’s trombone and Brown’s saxophone, creating a rich and textured soundscape that is both intellectually stimulating and deeply soulful.

The Head of a Mouse (2023)

Considered by many to be her finest work to date, The Head of a Mouse is a deeply personal and musically adventurous album. The JUNO-nominated record features a collection of Ochoa’s own compositions, brought to life by a stellar lineup of musicians. The album is a fusion of genres, showcasing Ochoa’s signature blend of jazz, Latin, and contemporary sounds, and is a powerful statement of her artistic vision.

Frankenhorn (2020)

Frankenhorn is a bold and ambitious album that lives up to its monstrous title. The album features a “big, bold sound” and a diverse range of musical styles, from hard-swinging jazz to electronic remixes and even string arrangements. The album’s unique arrangements and a willingness to experiment with different sonic palettes make it a standout in Ochoa’s discography.

Afterthought (2017)

Ochoa’s sophomore album, Afterthought, is a more intimate and introspective affair. The album features a collection of her own compositions, performed by her trio, which includes bassist Mike Lent and drummer Sandro Dominelli. The album showcases Ochoa’s compositional prowess and her ability to craft melodies that are both beautiful and emotionally resonant. The tunes on Afterthought often have a Latin feel and are infused with Ochoa’s characteristic sense of humour.

Trombone & Other Delights (2013)

Ochoa’s debut album, Trombone & Other Delights, was a stunning introduction to a major new talent. The album, which features Ochoa’s quartet, is a collection of standards and original compositions that showcase her prodigious talent as a trombonist and composer. The album was a critical and commercial success, spending several weeks at number one on the !Earshot! jazz charts and earning rave reviews.

Redefining the Trombone

Ochoa’s contribution to contemporary music extends beyond her recordings. She has helped reposition the trombone as:

A primary melodic voice
A vehicle for cross-genre exploration
A centerpiece in modern composition

In doing so, she challenges long-held assumptions about the instrument’s role in jazz and beyond.

Bridging Worlds

Equally important is her role as a connector—between genres, communities, and audiences. Whether performing, teaching, or collaborating, Ochoa represents a new model of Canadian jazz artistry: globally aware, stylistically fluid, and deeply personal.

The Continuing Story

Audrey Ochoa’s discography reveals a clear arc—from promising debut to fully realized artistic voice. Yet what makes her work compelling is the sense that it is still unfolding.

Each project expands the possibilities of what her music can be.

Each composition reframes the trombone’s place in contemporary sound.

And each performance reinforces her place as one of the defining creative voices in Canadian jazz today.

References

Alberta Music. Edmonton Music Prize Winners and Finalists (2018).
Cantando Festival. Audrey Ochoa – Adjudicator Profile (2024).
Edmonton Society for the Advancement of Music & Arts (EMSAF). Artist Biography (2025).
JazzYYC. Advisory Committee Profiles (2022).
Pan M 360. Review: The Head of a Mouse (2024).
That Canadian Magazine (Interview with Raul da Gama). Audrey Ochoa: “I Just Like to Write Songs!” (2019)
SOCAN Magazine. How to Succeed as a Jazz Trombonist in a Secondary Canadian Market (2020).
Studio Bell, National Music Centre. Program Notes (2026).
The WholeNote. Album Review: The Head of a Mouse (2023).
Wikipedia. Audrey Ochoa (accessed 2025).

Maestro Carlos Bastidas is an internationally celebrated conductor recognized for his artistry, innovation, and inspiring leadership. With a career defined by excellence and inclusivity, he has become a prominent figure in the global classical music community. Maestro Bastidas currently serves as the Music Director of the Ontario Pops Orchestra, where his dynamic leadership has transformed the ensemble into one of Canada’s most vibrant and inclusive orchestras. He also holds the title of Emeritus Conductor of the Durham Chamber Orchestra, reflecting his lasting contributions to its artistic growth. Maestro Bastidas studied bassoon, composition, conducting, and chamber music at the University of Ottawa, where he developed the multifaceted foundation that has shaped his distinguished career. His expertise and passion have propelled him to international acclaim, including a celebrated guest-conducting engagement with the Matanzas Symphony Orchestra in Cuba.
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In addition to his live performances, Maestro Bastidas has reached global audiences through his widely followed YouTube channel, featuring numerous concert recordings that bring the beauty of classical music to listeners around the world. His critically acclaimed CD, Breaking Barriers, further showcases his dedication to exploring diverse musical traditions and creating meaningful connections with audiences.

Maestro Bastidas’s achievements have been widely recognized. In 2019, he received the Transformation Institute’s Transformation Award for Heritage for his contributions to cultural preservation and innovation. That same year, he was named one of TD’s 10 Most Influential Hispanic Canadians, underscoring his impact as a cultural ambassador and advocate for inclusivity.
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Testimonials highlight his exceptional talent and influence:

“Carlos Bastidas is a conductor whose performances are both technically brilliant and emotionally resonant. He is a true visionary in the world of classical music.” – Canadian Arts Review, 2021

“Maestro Bastidas’s passion for music and his ability to inspire musicians and audiences alike make him a standout figure in the classical music scene.” – U.S. Classical Music Journal, 2022

With a commitment to championing both classical masterpieces and contemporary works, Maestro Carlos Bastidas continues to redefine the concert experience, uniting communities and transcending boundaries through the universal language of music.

Renee Rosnes is a jazz pianist, composer and arranger. Her already distinguished career continues to reach new levels marked by new music, exciting collaborations, and ever-evolving musicianship. Her latest album, “Crossing Paths” was released Dec. 6, 2024. With artfully reimagined quintessential Brazilian songs, Renee is joined by two of Brazil’s greatest artists and composers, Edu Lobo & Joyce Moreno, as well as American & Brazilian stars Maucha Adnet, Chris Potter, Steve Davis, Chico Pinheiro, John Patitucci, Adam Cruz & Rogerio Boccato.

Upon moving to New York from Vancouver, Canada in 1985, she quickly established a reputation of the highest regard, touring and recording with such masters as Joe Henderson, Wayne Shorter, Bobby Hutcherson, JJ Johnson, Buster Williams and James Moody. She was the pianist for the Carnegie Hall Jazz Orchestra and a founding member of the all-star ensemble, the SFJAZZ Collective, with whom she toured and recorded for six years.

In 1990, Renee released her debut album on Blue Note Records and went on to record 10 albums for the legendary company. In 2020, she returned to the label with ARTEMIS, a jazz supergroup including trumpeter Ingrid Jensen, saxophonist Nicole Glover, alto saxophonist/flutist Alexa Tarantino, bassist Noriko Ueda, drummer Allison Miller and Rosnes serving as pianist and musical director. Artemis’ performance at the 2018 Newport Jazz Festival was so dynamic, Blue Note Records President Don Was signed the group to the label. Tour dates across Europe and North America followed, including performances at such iconic stages as Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, SFJAZZ, Chicago Orchestra Hall, and the Detroit and Monterey Jazz Festivals among others. Artemis has been featured on the cover of DownBeat, in Vanity Fair, on NPR’s Jazz Night in America. NPR raved, “A killer line-up of players, composers and performers who hail from all over the world… they all converge on a extremely cosmopolitan, sleek, rhythm-forward, modern sound.” Artemis was named “Jazz Group of the Year” by the 2023 and 2024 DownBeat Readers Poll.

Rosnes’ own 2016 outing Written in the Rocks (Smoke Sessions) was named one of ten Best Jazz Albums of the Year by The Chicago Tribune, one of the Best Albums in all genres of music by The Nation, and was awarded a Canadian JUNO. Her 3rd Smoke Sessions release, Kinds of Love was composed during the pandemic and features saxophonist Chris Potter, bassist Christian McBride, drummer Carl Allen, and the Brazilian percussionist Rogério Boccato. All About Jazz wrote, “Rosnes elicits some of the most emotive and enthralling music of her career.” The recording was honored with another Canadian JUNO award (her 6th) for 2022 Best Solo Jazz Album of the Year.

The Montréal Jazz Festival presented Renee with the 2018 Oscar Peterson Prize in recognition of her exceptional contributions to jazz. She is also an 14-year member of NEA Jazz Master Ron Carter’s Foursight Quartet. The group’s double album “Ron Carter: Live in Stockholm, Vol. 1. & Vol. 2” (In’n’Out Records) was released in 2021.

Renee is married to renowned pianist Bill Charlap ad the two often perform together in a two-piano setting. In 2010, they released their acclaimed duet recording, Double Portrait (Blue Note). Downbeat stated, “The counterpoint and compatibilities are so perfectly balanced, the selections and arrangements so handsome, that Double Portrait is a prize.” The Charlap/Rosnes piano duo was also featured on four tracks of the 2015 Grammy winning album: Tony Bennett & Bill Charlap: The Silver Lining, The Songs of Jerome Kern.