STRANGER FRIENDS

The STRANGER FRIENDS quartet features Dean Thiessen on piano, Thad Bailey-Mai on trumpet, Wynston Minckler on Bass, and Ben Parker on Drums. This band explores Dean's original compositions that tell stories of one’s experiences with struggle and frustration, triumph and delight, nostalgia and chaos. The compositions are thoughtful and exciting as they pull from Thiessen’s many influences: from the landscapes of his childhood in the Alberta prairies to the literary works of John Steinbeck, as well as the creativity of his fellow musicians.

The band has workshopped this music to its full potential to present a soundscape that paints a picture for the listener. Many of the pieces can be heard on Thiessen’s debut album, aptly titled Stranger Friends. A new album titled ‘Thank You, Friend’ is going to be released on June 22nd 2025 at the Vancouver International Jazz Festival. This new music is a fresh sound for the band that shows an evolution of Dean's compositions and how the group has grown together over the past 5 years. This group is always exploring new compositions and new methods of improvisation and form as they continue to develop their collective sound.

“This music is an ode to the core meaning of STRANGER FRIENDS: it is a celebration of the music that has given me so many friendships and of the friendships that have given me so much music"

 

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“Thiessen isn't following the standard conventions of small-group jazz composition here, and he want's you to know it.” - Chris Fraser, rhythmchanges.ca