In the 1950's Hagood Hardy was a young vibist whose principal mentor was Milt Jackson. His teachers were the latest recordings coming out of New York City and an occasional performer who made the late night scene.
His career took off when he took the plunge and moved to New York, from Toronto, where he worked with Gigi Gryce and then became a member of Herbie Mann's band. He can be heard on that group's hit recording of "Comin' Home Baby". After two years with Martin Denny he followed Gary Burton into the George Shearing Quintet. He is also heard on Joe Pass' "Simplicity" form that period.
When he returned to Toronto in the late 1960's he realized that jazz could not support his growing family. Like others of his generation he became part of the lucrative commercial music world. He began composing music for film and theatre and created themes for TV commercials. One of these turned into "The Homecoming", one of the most successful popular instrumentals of the decade.
Both "The Homecoming" and his more recently composed music for the CBC Television production of "Anne of Green Gables" have helped underwrite his return to jazz.
A sextet comprising some of Toronto's best and innovative musicians under Hagood's leadership have been working the club scene and he is now planning to take a trio into the clubs.