Lorne Lofsky

• Name — Lorne Lofsky • Born — 10 May 1954 • Birthplace — Toronto, Ontario, Canada • Genre — Jazz • Occupation — Musician, educator • Instrument — Guitar • Years Active — 1970s–present • Label — Pablo • Associated Acts — Oscar Peterson • Website — www.lornelofsky.com

Lofsky was born in Toronto in 1954. He began playing rock music at school dances but later took an interest in jazz after hearing the album Kind of Blue by Miles Davis. In the 1970s, he attended York University and studied music while working at clubs in Toronto.

During the 1970s, Lofsky worked with Canadian musicians Butch Watanabe and Jerry Toth and visiting Americans Pepper Adams, Bob Brookmeyer, and Chet Baker. In 1980, Lofsky met Canadian pianist Oscar Peterson, who produced his first album, It Could Happen to You. He toured with Peterson in the 1980s, and he toured and recorded as a member of Peterson's quartet and quintet in the 1990s. Lofsky has also worked with Ed Bickert, Ruby Braff, Rosemary Clooney, Kirk MacDonald, Rob McConnell, Tal Farlow, Dizzy Gillespie, Johnny Hartman, and Clark Terry. From 1983 to 1991 Lofsky played in a quartet with jazz guitarist Ed Bickert. This collaboration yielded two recordings, This Is New, released by Concord Records, and a tour of Spain in 1991. In the early-1980s, Lofsky began a musical association with saxophonist Kirk MacDonald, leading to the formation of a quartet. Various versions of the quartet have played festivals including the Atlantic Jazz Festival, Montreal's Upstairs Club, and Vancouver's Cotton Club. Lofsky has taught at York University, Humber College, and the University of Toronto. As of 2022, Lofsky was a member of the Canadian Jazz Collective.