DAVE WOODS (trumpeter, bandleader) was British-born, but built his career as an outstanding trumpet-player and exceptional bandleader in Toronto over the past several decades.

Woods played in the trumpet section of Rob McConnell’s celebrated ‘The Boss Brass’ for much of the band’s existence, as well as most of the other big bands and several smaller ensembles on the Toronto jazz scene.  He led the band at Ontario Place for years, playing for hundreds of acts which played ‘The Forum’ there. 

He also contracted, and frequently played in the house bands at Toronto’s O’Keefe Centre for an extended period, serving as a pit-band for hit touring musical productions, and the ongoing parade of individual stars performing there.

Dave Woods was a member of ‘The Boss Brass’ when they were featured for the first time in the “Sound of Toronto Jazz” Concert Series at the Ontario Science Centre on November 5, 1979.