“Gannon's record 'That's What' compares well with Smokin' at the Half Note (Verve, 1965) with Wes Montgomery and Wynton Kelly. Yes, it is that good. ...swept away by the sheer joy of hard swinging, yet seemingly effortless jazz and end up feeling refreshed, invigorated, and full of hope for the world... Gannon is one of those low-key masters from whom the phrases just flow. He does nothing extra—doesn't show off, just puts every note in its perfect place.”

— Budd Kopman, All About Jazz

“Gannon is to Vancouver what Ed Bickert is to Toronto, a high-water mark in the instrument’s modern tradition. He’s direct, earthy and a fabulous foil to Coon.”

— Greg Buium, Downbeat Magazine

“This latest release features veteran guitarists Bill Coon and Oliver Gannon in friendly conversation going through an enjoyable set of originals and bop standards. “Chi Chi”, in particular is a wonderful display of the two guitarists complementing each other at a boppish clip. Even more distinguishing are their ballads in duet form. “Polka Dots” and “Darn that Dream” are charming in their delicacy, and Tadd Dameron's “If You Could See Me Now” is achingly sweet.”

— Jazzweekly.com

“...your go-to fix for Canadian jazz guitar. The two friends (Bill Coon and Oliver Gannon) seem to share a telepathic musical connection...”

— CBC.ca - 10 Outstanding Canadian Jazz Albums of 2015

“Too Much Guitar shows two prolific guitarists at their best. Bill Coon and Oliver Gannon are an imaginative duo who make their instruments sing in amazing new ways. Theirs is a conversation across the ages steeped in both the modernistic sounds of John Scofield and Bill Frisell as well as the traditional jazz sounds of Jim Hall and Wes Montgomery. …Harmonically pleasing, Too Much Guitar taps deep into the improvisational potential of the music without losing sight of its original structure.”

— Paula Edelstein, AllMusic.com

“Gannon is a thinking musician, with constantly flowing, fresh ideas.”

— Paul Serralheiro, Planet Jazz

Interviews

Oliver Gannon has spent a nearly sixty year career in jazz. He is a fascinating interviewee on jazz in Vancouver, history of the guitar in bebop, and his work recording and developing the first customizable software for musician accompaniment, Band-in-The-Box with his brother. (Right, pictured at CBC Radio with Hot Air host, Margaret Gallagher, being interviewed about receiving the Order of Canada.)

Contact Oliver

Active Projects

Two Much Guitar (Duo/Quartet)

Bill Coon and Oliver Gannon

Interplay and communication is what the band is all about as Oliver Gannon and Bill Coon play off each other and have a great time doing it.Their critically acclaimed recording, 'Two Much Guitar', showcases the sparks that fly between these two master jazz guitarists. The band's arrangements alternate between featuring the two guitars in a conversational setting, and bringing in the bass and drums to turn up the heat. A mixture of classic standards and originals are performed with verve, wit and spontaneity. Although you will hear such influences as Wes Montgomery, Jim Hall, and Grant Green, this band has a sound all its own. Oliver Gannon and Bill Coon have performed together in concerts to sold out audiences at the Vancouver International Jazz Festival, Frankie’s Jazz Club and many more Lower Mainland venues. Book as a duo, or quartet with bassist Darren Radke and drummer Dave Robbins.

Learn about duo-partner Bill Coon

Press Photos

Interviews

Sample Video

Inquiries