From Winnipeg Manitoba, saxophonists Anna Blackmore and Tristan Martinuson are alumni of the University of Manitoba Jazz Studies program who both studied under acclaimed NY saxophonist, 1996 Thelonious Monk Competition winner and Phil Woods protégé, Jon Gordon. With Gordon, both earned a deep appreciation for the Jazz tradition, which inspires their traditional playing styles and compositions. Having grown alongside each other as musicians on the bandstand with the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra, The TD Ottawa Jazz Fest Youth Ensemble, Derrick Gardner’s Big Dig! Band and on Gordon’s 2021 Juno-nominated album Stranger Than Fiction, they have spent the last two years making names for themselves in Vancouver as side musicians and are ready to showcase their talents as co-leaders.