Pianist and composer Will Bonness grew up in Winnipeg, and started out studying classical piano. At 13, he switched to jazz and before long, formed a trio and was getting professional gigs. He had just finished high school when he joined Maynard Ferguson's Big Bop Nouveau Band for a year-long world tour, which included stops at the Blue Note in New York and Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club in London. In 2004, after leaving Ferguson's band, he completed his studies at the University of Manitoba, and then in New York and Boston before returning to Winnipeg. He has performed abroad with Avishai Cohen, Regina Carter and Lionel Louecke. In 2009 he released his debut CD as leader, Subtle Fire, with Steve Kirby, bass, and Terreon Gully, drums