Vezi Tayyeb

Vezi is a true icon in the Canadian music scene - those in the know, know Vezi!

His many years of recording/production and musical direction have put him up there with Canada's best; coupled with his excellent songwriting and performance talent, he has a CV that is hard to beat. With a highly developed and unique guitar style, some serious keyboard skills, plus his clear and confident vocals, Vezi always delivers a top-notch performance. His easy rapport with audiences worldwide have made him a popular performer for those who expect nothing but the best in entertainment value. A consummate professional, Vezi has a kind, generous personality and a high level of personal integrity, characteristics that have earned him much international respect and many good friends over the years. He has played with some of the finest musicians in the world and continues to travel and perform, as musical director for the Drifters, as a musician with assorted bands, and as a solo artist.

Vezi has been an integral part of the Canadian music industry for over thirty years. The original owner of the still operating, seminal independent recording studio Kensington Sound in Toronto, Vezi has engineered and produced countless domestic and international talent and worked with the very best influential and creative artists in Canada. From Alannah Myles to Tower of Power to Daniel Lanois and Chris Spedding, Vezi's long list of credits almost reads as an urban history of the evolution of the independent Canadian recording scene. After deciding to form a record label, Quantum Records signed and produced records by Harlow, Belinda Metz, The Look People, Keith McKie, Steve Fox, Rex Chainbelt, The Crack of Dawn, Jay McGhee, Mad About Plaid and many others. With singles in the top 15 on Billboard and publishing deals, Vezi has also made a mark for himself not only as a career songwriter but also solo performer with two CDs of his own released to critical acclaim: Army of Angels and Between Us All. These versatile talents have made Vezi a popular musical director and he currently is touring as MD for the legendary R&B band 'The Drifters'. Recently, Vezi has expanded his horizons to include film scoring with documentaries and has many feature films under his belt.

Some Toronto venues Vezi has played at:
Massey Hall, Convocation Hall, Roy Thompson Hall, Winter Garden Theatre, The Concert Hall (Rockpile), The El Mocambo, The Horseshoe Tavern, Tranzac Club, The Pilot Lounge, Whistler's, The Albany Club, Graffitis, C'est What, Jeff Healey's, Supermarket, Cadillac Lounge, Convention Centre Hall, City Hall, The Orbit Room, Elizabeth Dooley's, Mariposa Folk Festival.

In addition, he has performed all over Canada, as well as the US, Europe, Middle East and Asia.

Some of the fabulous Albums/Projects Vezi has mixed/produced/recorded:
The Drifters, Murray McLauchlan, Alannah Myles, Ron Sexsmith, Daniel Lanois, The Lincolns, David Tyson, Christopher Ward, The Wild Strawberries, Steve Fox, Tower of Power, Melwood Cutlery, Bill Colgate, Jordan John, Allyson Morris, Running Red Lights, Vampire Beach Babies, Jojeto, David Wilcox, The Marvellettes, Robert Desroisiers Dance Group, John McDermott, Chris Spedding, Bob Ezrin, Teenage Head, Truths and Rights, various feature films including National Film Board productions and Caruso Films

Some of the people and bands Vezi has performed with:
The Lincolns, The Drifters, Chuck Berry, Solomon Burke, Freddie Cannon, The Tokens, Gary Busey, Murray McLauchlan, The Wild Strawberries, Melwood Cutlery, Steve Fox, Diane Chase, The Marvelettes, The Shirelles, The Coasters, The Hollies, Jeff Healey, Steve Cropper, The Bues Brothers, Doug Riley, Cindy Church, Kim Cole, John Jackson.

Vezi's music is always in tandem with his spirit.
-Daniel Lanois, producer, artist

Talent, skill, and experience are all part of Vezi's impressive musical package. But his greatest asset -- as both a performer and a songwriter -- is his passion. He is a gifted professional musician who can't hide how much he loves what he does. This guy's the real deal.
-David Macfarlane, writer, journalist

It was an honor and a privilege to work with Vezi. We’ve done a zillion shows, many with music directors. He was, by far, the best.
-Norm Guarni, keyboardist

I recently invited Vezi to a private party to perform along with a bunch of local heavyweights. He sang a beautiful, bittersweet, original tune that gave everyone in the room goose bumps; and by the time he was done the song my party was just a puddle with eyes. He’s THAT good!
-Jaymz Bee, broadcaster, producer

...Arrest this man! He is too good to be running free...!!
-Murray McLauchlan, singer-songwriter

I have recorded over 40 tracks at Kensington Sound and every one of them was magic. Vezi has a knack for extracting more out of the artist than they knew they had in them. His mixes are perfect. I can hardly wait to get back in the studio with him.
-John Jackson, musician

Vezi is a musician who really cares about others, and takes the time to address the music, whether playing guitar or keyboards, or manning a production console.
-Melwood Cutlery, singer-songwriter

Vezi is a musician's musician—talented, yes, but generous and intelligent, as well. Someone who takes great joy in making—and sharing—his music.
-John Macfarlane, editor, publisher

Vezi is one in a million. His musical knowledge, experience, patience and incredible "ears" make it all work.
-Allyson Morris, jazz singer