Lou Pomanti
2022 TMA149 Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient
By Tony Carlucci
Lou started playing the piano at the tender age of 12 and has never looked back since. In the last ten years I have had the privilege of performing on stage with Lou, as well, as having spent many hours on the road together during out-of-town gigs. It quickly becomes apparent that Louâs passion and knowledge of all things music runs deep. In the last 5 decades or so Louâs natural musical abilities have propelled him to become one of Canadaâs most successful musicians, composers, arrangers, mixers and musical directors. In 1980 he was asked to join Blood, Sweat and Tears and toured the world. He went on to become a session player in Toronto and worked with the likes of: Michael Buble, Ann Murray, Gordon Lightfoot, Leonard Cohen, David Clayton-Thomas, Kim Mitchel and Triumph. In the 90âs Lou became a TV and Film composer working with such networks as CTV, CBC, Global, HBO and Showtime. This catapulted him to become one of Canadaâs most successful Musical Directors. His credits include: The Gemini Awards, The Songwriters Hall Of Fame, The Junos and The Genie Awards. Lou has written and directed music for James Taylor and Herbie Hancock.
Lou received a Gemini award for arranging and conducting âBoth Sides Nowâ for Joni Mitchellâs induction to the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame. He also arranged the orchestra for Michael Bubleâs smash hit âHavenât Met You Yetâ, which has sold over 7 million copies worldwide along with 8 arrangements in total on Michael Buble records. In 2011 he composed the music for the Pan Am Games Handover Ceremony in Guadalajara. In 2012 the city of Toronto named a street after Lou Pomanti in honour of his astonishing career and accomplishments.
At present Lou leads his 10pc horn band, Oakland Stroke which has received international praise. Over the last few years, Lou also has invested his time making records again. Lou has contributed to and/or produced albums by Marc Jordan, Matt Dusk, David Clayton Thomas, June Garber, John Finlay, Barbra Lica, Brass Transit just to name a few. In 2022 he released his latest album as a solo artist called âLou Pomanti & Friendsâ, featuring many of his famous vocalist friends and his most treasured studio musicians. It has been an honour and pleasure to work with Lou on various projects over the years. His talent, passion, and work ethic is inspiring and invokes me and others to always give 110% when working with him. One always feels like a better musician after working with Lou on any of his projects.
