Stephanie Urquhart Quartet - Concealment (2019)

The debut release from Edmonton-based pianist and composer Stephanie Urquhart.
Much of the music was written as a response to her frustration and pain associated with her depression which was undiagnosed at the time. Concealment tells her story moving chronologically from her childhood to adult life, showing her developing depression, and the healing and acceptance that followed.

Known for her dynamic, playful, and emotive playing, Stephanie Urquhart is an Edmonton-based jazz pianist and composer quickly gaining international recognition having been featured at the Earshot Jazz Festival, and being selected to present her music at the 2019 International Jazz Composers' Symposium (IJCS) at the University of Northern Colorado, as well as the 2017 IJCS at the University of South Florida. Her music was performed by the Seattle Women's Jazz Orchestra in Seattle, Washington in 2017 as part of the 5th Annual Jazz Composition Contest for Women Composers.

Reminiscent of European jazz greats, Esbjörn Svensson Trio, Phronesis, and Tigran Hamasyan, Stephanie Urquhart’s debut album “Concealment” works on the boundaries between structured and free improvised music, and blends the melodic intimacy of traditional jazz music, with modern complexities and virtuosic performances. Concealment engages the listener with beautiful melodies and compositions of her personal story of battling depression.

Stephanie is also an active member of the Edmonton theatre community. Recent pianist/conducting credits include: Big Fish, Strathcona Theatre Company; Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Foote in the Door productions; Footloose, Strathcona Theatre Company (Winner: Best Musical 2018 Cappies). Recent music director credits include: Xanadu, SatCo and Uniform Theatre (Winner: Best Musical 2018 BroadwayWorld Edmonton Awards); score composition and music director Pretty Boy: The Musical, Skinny Love Productions; Heathers, SATCo. Recent piano credits include: Sister Act, MacEwan University, and trombone credits include Chicago, ABJ Theatre Company. She has played several of Teatro la Quindicina's "Show Tune Jams", and has performed in Grindstone Theatre's improvised musical "The 11 O'Clock Number" and is a regular performing musician with Rapid Fire Theatre.

As an accompanist, Stephanie has played for the Youth Orchestra of Northern Alberta (YONA-Sistema) program, Alberta Opera, Citadel Theatre, Kokopelli Choir Association, MacEwan University, Strathcona High School, Archbishop Jordan Catholic High School, T.I.M.E. Association, and Orchesis Dance Program.

Tracklist:

01. Precursor
02. Paint Cans and Crayons
03. Squall
04. Xion
05. Interlude
06. This Is Not a Question
07. Atlantic Vision
08. Shoes and Ships and Sealing Wax
09. Treading Water