About

Rosemary Galloway - Bassist, composer, and leader

Rosemary Galloway was born in Toronto, and pursued musical studies privately after graduating from high school. She studied composition with jazz composer Ted Moses and Dr Sam Dolin at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, and acoustic bass with multi instrumentalist/ composer Don Thompson, and Nancicarole Monohan, Associate Principal, Toronto Symphony Orchestra. In addition, she studied conducting with conductor/ violinist Eugene Kash for several years.

Work opportunities included radio, television, shows, and appearances in Toronto clubs with many different ensembles. She has appeared with internationally acclaimed jazz musicians Clark Terry, Wild Bill Davison, Vic Dickenson, Peanuts Hucko, Maxine Sullivan, Buddy Tate, Jay McShann, Jake Hanna, Warren Vache, Spanky Davis, Doc Cheatham, Sherrie Maricle, and many others. Canadian artists include Jim Galloway, Jim Galloway’s Wee Big Band, Jane Fair, Nancy WalkerTerry Clarke, Pat LaBarberaGary Williamson, Nick Fraser, Lina Allemano, Jane Bunnett, Colleen  Allan, Lorraine Desmarais to name a few.



Rosemary was musical director/ arranger/ bassist for her own groups The Swing Sisters and Velvet Glove. The Swing Sisters played a traditional and swing style repertoire and made many appearances in local clubs and at private events. The group appeared at the Kansas City Women’s Jazz Festival as featured artists. We were honored to record a CD in 1992 with the late great Doc Cheatham, and Jim Galloway, as our guests. Available on Fishhorn Records, the CD is entitled “You’re A Sweetheart”.

Velvet Glove began from an association with Stacey Rowles, trumpeter, (daughter of pianist Jimmy Rowles). The five piece group appeared at the Toronto Downtown Jazz festival in 1991 and recorded a CD in the following year. Comprised of both Canadian and American musicians, the group toured the Canadian jazz festivals to critical acclaim. There are two Velvet Glove CDs, Round One, and Coming Out Swinging.

Rosemary is co leader, with saxophonist Jane Fair, of The Jane Fair / Rosemary Galloway Quintet. This group released its first CD “Waltz Out” in August 2002, with Nancy Walker, piano, Lina Allemano, trumpet, and Terry Clarke, drums. The music is original and contemporary. The quintet was invited to appear at jazz festivals in Eastern Canada during the summer of 2002, and toured venues in Western Canada in 2004/2006. The quintet released a second CD, 'Playin' Jane' in 2010. 

Rosemary was honoured to be musical director of the Priscilla Wright Big Band. The 14 piece band made its debut appearance in August of 2005 at Mel Lastman Square, Toronto, playing standards of the big band era, and backing Priscilla's vocals on charts written by her distinguished musician father, Don Wright.

Rosemary formed The Rosemary Galloway Quartet in 2006 featuring internationally known artists Pat LaBarbera, saxophones, Terry Clarke drums, and Gary Williamson piano. The group recorded a CD, 'Live at the Montreal Bistro' in January of 2006. The music features original music and contemporary arrangements by the members of the group. The group has toured across Canada and appeared at jazz festivals and venues in the Toronto area.

In 2018 Rosemary expanded the quintet concept to include Kevin Turcotte on trumpet and Colleen Allan, baritone saxophone. The Rosemary Galloway Septet made it's debut at The Rex Hotel, Toronto in August 2019 featuring arrangements of contemporary jazz music and Rosemary's own compositions.

In 2019, Rosemary and her partner, vocalist and pianist Brad Lovatt, relocated to Winnipeg Manitoba.
The latest collaboration for Rosemary is The Rosemary Galloway Quintet, with  Niall Cade saxophone and Andrew Lttleford trumpet. The band gave its first performance during the Winnipeg Jazz Festival in June 2022. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~