Jonathan Goldsmith

2023 TMA149 Musician of the Year Award Recipient

By Andy Morris

Jonathan Goldsmith is one of those very rare characters and artists often referred to by other musicians as “the big guns”. By that I mean his peers speak of him in reverential terms as someone who earns respect, attention and admiration for the quality and sheer breadth of his work. A musician’s Musician or in this case also a producer and composer.

A quick scan of his discography is not possible as it encompasses several dozen national and international film awards and nominations including Genies, Canadian Screen awards, BAFTA and Gemini’s including 2 wins in 2023 for his compositions on The Porter. His feature film, Documentary, Television and shorts credits count in the dozens if not hundreds and span from the late 1980s to current day with directors such as Sarah Polley, Atom Egoyan and many others. His performance and production credits are also counted in the dozens.

What is truly remarkable though is the breadth of his interest and influence. I have a copy of his first ever album credit Bob and Doug Mackenzie’s The Great White North. Contrast that with what appears to be all of Bruce Cockburn’s work since 1984, The Nylons, Array Music, Sara Slean, The Art of Time Ensemble, David and Michael Occhipinti, Hugh Marsh, Continuum, Nick Buzz and countless others and one starts to see just how varied his contributions, interests and influence has been in Toronto and around the globe.

In a lifestyle where we rarely get to pick and choose the work we do, it is noteworthy to find someone who can consistently create with some of the most respected film directors, TV creators and recording artists and always serve the music. Sometimes when we hear the work of a given composer or producer one can identify them by their signature sound, or style or approach. With Jon Goldsmith’s work the common thread is not so much an identifiable “sound” but an identifiable result: perfection in execution and complete service to the music.

By leaving his ego at the door we are gifted with a spectacular breadth of work, whose consistent fingerprint is complete attention to detail and dare I say curiosity.
When you speak to musicians who have worked with Jonathan they all say the same thing, “If Jon calls I am available- Period.” No matter what you like to watch or listen to, I encourage you to visit Jon’s work, you will be glad you did!