Graham Tilsley is a singer/songwriter from the Prairies with a soulful voice he uses to lead – and occasionally accompany – his rich guitar rhythms. Graham’s jazzy folk-rock guitar has style evolved from a youthful obsession with the stringed instrument to a more broad and formal training at music college, with years of performing all along the way. What’s come out of the other end of those experiences is a talented singer, writer and musician who freely admits he loves to entertain.

Not surprising, then, that he counts among his inspirations artists ranging from John Mayer to The Roots, Robert Glasper to Sigur Ros. Graham’s music features the kind of pop melodies that can make you sing along after the first chorus, but then he’ll turn on a dime for his next number and freeze audience attention with intricate phrasing or complex riffs.

Graham grew up in Saskatoon and shared in the city’s rich music scene before moving to Edmonton to study recording, and electric and upright bass performance at Grant MacEwan University. He has been much in demand for studio and session work when not as the Graham Tilsley Group.

When not creating music, Graham enjoys climbing, slack-lining, paddle boarding, cycling and canoeing. But he sees a connection between his indoor and outdoor activities and believes each feeds the other.

“I guess you could say that I am always seeking adventure, in nature and music. I enjoy a challenging wilderness hike and I like interacting with the colours and textures of music. These are the things that sharpen my edge.’’

 

Graham Tilsley Group