Tilden, Bruce
Websites:Â
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Origin:
Vancouver, British Columbia, 🇨🇦
Biography:
​Bruce Tilden is a Canadian pianist, vocalist, and entertainer whose dynamic career spans over four decades, encompassing live performance, musical theater, and recording. Born and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia, Tilden began his musical journey in church choirs at the age of eight. By thirteen, he was studying voice and piano, laying the foundation for a lifelong commitment to the performing arts.​
Tilden's early passion for theater led him to perform lead roles in various plays and musicals during his school years. He pursued formal education in music and theater, earning a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Music-Theater. His talent was recognized when he won the 1978 British Columbia Talent Search, a pivotal moment that propelled his professional career.​
In 1978, Tilden recorded his debut album, Together Ensemble, a live performance captured at the Rembrandt Hotel in Vancouver. The album features a blend of jazz standards and original compositions, showcasing Tilden's skills as a pianist and vocalist. The ensemble included Stan Taylor on bass and Daryl McNeely on drums, with musical supervision by Henry Young. The tracklist comprises songs such as "Cooking on Sunday," "What Makes a Man a Man," "Aisha," and "Garden of Gethsemane" on Side One, and "Summertime," "Mongoose," "Godblomme Hartebloss," and "Fever" on Side Two. The album was produced by Rick Iverson in cooperation with Sunshine Coast Promotions and recorded live by Ocean Sound on May 10, 1978. The album's details are documented on
Beyond his recording endeavors, Tilden built a reputation as a premier piano bar entertainer, performing across Canada and internationally. His versatility led to engagements on Princess Cruises, where he performed with his band, the Bruce Tilden Quartet (B.T.Q.), and a six-month residency at Expo '92 in Seville, Spain, representing Vancouver and Canada. Tilden also contributed his vocal talents to various radio and television commercials, including national campaigns for Expo '86 Vancouver, British Columbia Cellular Telephone Company, and Saskatchewan Tourism. He performed the opening song for the Variety Club Telethon and was a soloist on the album A Christmas Wish for the Vancouver Children's Hospital.​
Tilden's commitment to the performing arts extends to his training in acting, film, television, and dance, including four years of ballet and jazz. His theatrical background enriches his performances, allowing him to connect deeply with audiences. With over 22 years of experience performing in piano bars and concerts, Tilden has become a beloved figure in the live music scene. His recent performances in Ireland and the Netherlands have been met with enthusiasm, leading to multiple re-engagements. Promotional materials often herald his return with the phrase: "ATTENTION: BRUCE TILDEN IS BACK IN TOWN."​
Bruce Tilden's enduring career reflects his passion for music and performance, making him a cherished entertainer both in Canada and abroad.
-Robert Williston