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The River Pilots are an instrumental quartet with an eclectic sound that'll take your imagination on a journey across the globe and beyond. Their original compositions are inspired through improvisation, and take root in the organic nature of world Folk music. Be prepared for an adventure as The River Pilots take you downstream with their fluid soundscapes and unconventional arrangements.
The River Pilots are...
	Todd Porter, is a 2007 Juno Award nominee who has both performed and studied all over the world.  Todd is the horn section leader and aranger of "The Bonefide Truth", which backs up 2008 Toronto Blues Scociety talent search winner "Scott MCcord.  He is also a long standing member of "The Dirty Little Swing Thing",  which have shared the stage with  Kim Mitchell, Blue Rodeo, and David Wilcox.  Todd is a former member of Toronto based Afro Funk group Mr Something Something, where he toured Canada for two years (2004-2006) in support of their second album “The Edge” which is nominated for a 2007 Juno for best World music album. Albums featuring Todd Porter: 2008 Scott McCord –“Blues for Sunshine” 2008 Michael Holt- “Windows” 2007 The River Pilots –“The Unexpected Adventures of...” *nominated for best world music song and best country music song at 2008 Ontario Independent music awards 2006 Mr Something Something – “The Edge”                   *Juno award nomination for best world music album 2005 Jannine Stoll – “This is Where We Bury It” 2004 Erin Smith – “Swagger” 2003 ZamCab – “ZamCab Nation” 2003 Timothy Harper –“The First Forest”
	Tanya Matthews is an actor, writer, dancer, drummer and percussionist with an extensive background in performance and new work creation.  Her drum story begins in 1986, at the Ontario College of Percussion, under the tutelage of Rod Fogerty and Paul Robson where she studied kit jazz, blues, salsa, rock and funk.  In 1990 she played reggae with Fight Them Back and funk with Primal Zoo. Tanya joined the world-beat improvisational ensemble The Subtonic Monks in 1992 and has recorded with Corky and the Juice Pigs, Lili Zohar, Magdeline, and Rick Monaco as well as in soundtracks for dancer, Erin Dace-Trudell, CBC’s the National, and YTV’s Stuff. She has played with Peter Jarvis and Spinfinity and has created soundscapes for live theatre.  Tanya has also performed as a guest musician with Mr. Something Something, Kenny Kirkwood, Christopher Plock, The Spirit Drummers, Agoya and the Samba Squad. She has studied Afro-Cuban drumming with Ignacio Depineda, Hector Mon, Nicholas Hockin and in  Cuba  with Carlos Godinez of Cubanismo! , as well as West African drumming with Djibe Sane, N. Hockin,  Anna Melnikoff  , Famoudou Konate and others. Tanya was a member of the hot traditional Malinke drum ensemble, Bolokelen from 2000-2005 and teaches drum and soundscape workshops in private, corporate and educational settings.
Michael Hurwitz, Born in Toronto, Canada, Hurwitz incorporates into his music the truly multicultural flavour of the city to which he is from. First performing piano at the age of 5, he now pursues his love of music and its power to heal in Boston, USA. Hurwitz has performed in the Toronto-based afro-soul ensembles THE HARBOUR SHARKS and AINIKE, and has appeared with greats such as CHRIS BOTTOMLEY, BOBBY DREADFULL and PROGRESS. He currently composes and records music for image with the RIVER PILOTS, and plays Hammond B3 in the BERKLEE BOB MARLEY ENSEMBLE. He has studied with piano masters FRANK FALCO, STEVE HUNT, LEO BLANCO, and arranging with GARY ATKINS. He is a proud member of the FILM SCORING department at BERKLEE COLLEGE OF MUSIC in Boston and shows no signs of letting up.
	Carlie Howell grew up in the vibrant artistic and musical community of Brandon, Manitoba.  Though she holds a Jazz Performance Degree in Bass from the University of Toronto, her background holds a variety of musical experiences and opportunities.  Carlie has studied organ, clarinet, saxophone, voice, in settings ranging from solo performance, to concert band, to musical theatre.  Since graduating in 2005, she has begun to build an eclectic performing career on upright and electric bass.  She currently performs with such ensembles as The Toronto Jazz Orchestra, The Mississauga Symphony Orchestra, The Sanjana - Howell Jazz Duo, the original rock band Austin John, the original R & B group Chris Rouse and the Arousal, and of course, the River Pilots.  It is in this group that Carlie feels her experiences come together, and give her the opportunity to truly express her musical personality.