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Bio
Tyson Chen is a Celtic and jazz pianist based in Ottawa, Ontario. He accompanies award-winning fiddlers with his vibrant Cape Breton piano style and performs soothing jazz renditions from the Great American Songbook.
His musical adventures range from high-energy shows at international festivals, square dances, and cruise ships to intimate musical gatherings at ceilidhs, house concerts, and local community events.
Growing up in Ottawa, he studied classical and popular music. For eight years he lived and breathed Celtic music in the heart of Cape Breton where he learned Cape Breton piano accompaniment. He returned to Ottawa and received a music degree from Carleton University focusing on Celtic and jazz piano.
Tyson has performed with many award-winning Cape Breton fiddlers, including Ashley MacIsaac, Andrea Beaton, Dawn & Margie Beaton, and Chrissy Crowley. He regularly performed with many local musicians around Mabou, Cape Breton, including Melody & Derrick Cameron and
Kevin LeVesconte, and toured for several years with Ben Miller & Anita MacDonald.
He currently performs with Canadian fiddle champions Jane Cory and Kyle Burghout, award-winning fiddler Anna Ludlow, and jazz saxophonist Peter Woods.
Performance Highlights
- Gatineau Hills Fiddle Festival – Chelsea, QC (2021, 2018)
- Goderich Celtic Roots Festival – Online (2021), Goderich, ON (2017)
- Marvest at CityFolk – Ottawa, ON (2018)
- Ottawa Jazz Festival – Ottawa, ON (2018)
- Ottawa Bluesfest – Ottawa, ON (2017)
- Celtic Colours International Festival – Cape Breton, NS (2017, 2016, 2013)
- Folk in the Schools (CityFolk) – Ottawa, ON (2017, 2016)
- Tønder Festival – Tønder, Denmark (2016)
- Acadia Trad Festival – Maine, USA (2016)
- East Coast Music Awards – Sydney, NS (2016)
- Holland America Line (Cruises) – Atlantic Provinces (2015, 2014, 2013)
- American Folk Festival – Maine, USA (2014)
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Cape Breton Square Dances – Cape Breton, NS (2011–2016)
West Mabou, Brook Village, Glencoe Mills, and many more.
Shows
Previous events
Ottawa Chamberfest – Anna Ludlow & Friends
La Nouvelle Scène Gilles Desjardins, 333 King Edward Ave, Ottawa ON
Recordings
Of Hills and Valleys
Jane & Kyle
Released October 26, 2021
Featuring: Jane Cory (fiddle, vocals), Kyle Burghout (fiddle, viola, piano), Tyson Chen (piano), Kyle Waymouth (guitar), Joe Phillips (double bass), Ben Plotnick (viola), and Kaitlyn Raitz (cello).
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0:00/4:33
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0:00/5:06
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Brian Pickell Tunes (Steve and Michelle's Waltz Queen of the Tarps / One Track Zach / Princess) 5:340:00/5:34
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0:00/4:46
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Side of the Road 4:210:00/4:21
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0:00/3:53
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Boo Babys Lullaby 3:130:00/3:13
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0:00/3:59
The Prism Within (2017)
Kyle Burghout
Debut solo album from award-winning Canadian fiddler and composer, Kyle Burghout, featuring both traditional and newly-composed tunes.
Featuring piano accompaniment by Tyson Chen (tracks 2, 4, 7, 9, 10).
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0:00/4:34
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0:00/4:07
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Flowers 3:360:00/3:36
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0:00/3:35
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0:00/13:09
A Day at the Lake (2015)
Ben Miller & Anita MacDonald
Combining the fiery edge of the Scottish Border pipes with the rich sounds of the Cape Breton fiddle, Ben Miller and Anita MacDonald join together for their debut release.
Featuring Cape Breton-style piano accompaniment by Tyson Chen (tracks 3, 5, 9, 10).
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0:00/3:08
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0:00/4:38
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0:00/4:17
Cape Breton Strathspey/Reels from Russia to Canada (2015)
KeyReel Raskolenko, Tyson Chen
Fiddle recorded in Karelia, Russia by KeyReel Raskolenko, piano recorded in Ottawa, Canada by Tyson Chen.