Moe Koffman Quartet

Moe Koffman took up clarinet, sax, and flute at age 13. In January 1950 he moved to New York and hooked up with Sonny Durham's band and later worked with the likes of Jimmy Dorsey, Charlie Barnet and Doc Severinsen amongst others. After a number of years on the road, Koffman returned to Toronto and formed the Moe Koffman Quartet. On the suggestion of a friend, they recorded a demo tape, which landed them a record deal with Jubilee Records.

Their first recording was a Kofffman original titled "Swingin' Shepherd Blues," that became a smash hit in 1958. Later, Koffman did mostly studio work while also being an integral part of Rob McConnell's Boss Brass. In 1993, Koffman was appointed the Order Of Canada for his outstanding work and service to the arts. Mr. Koffman passed away in March, 2001.