The Lesters
A Toronto-based quartet featuring Tory Cassis, Murray Foster, Jeff Ulster and David MacDougall.
Debut EP: THE PROMISE NOW AVAILABLE!

Musical accomplices for over fifteen years, THE LESTERS (Tory Cassis on acoustic guitar and vocals, Jeff Ulster on piano, Murray Foster on double bass) blend jazz, folk and pop into a beautiful and mesmerising sound that is utterly unique.

After ten years of playing 30’s and 40’s vocal jazz standards by the likes of Nat King Cole and Fats Waller, The Lesters began covering songwriters such as Tom Waits, Paul Simon and Joni Mitchell, as well as writing their own originals. The result is a setlist that spans a hundred years of popular music and yet remains entirely cohesive. Piano, acoustic guitar, double bass and three-part vocal harmony combine into a sound that is intimate, intricate, swinging and soulful, with Tory’s brandy-dipped baritone soaring above it all.

In November 2017, THE LESTERS released their long-awaited debut EP, “THE PROMISE”, featuring six gorgeous and evocative original songs recorded at Blue Rodeo's studio The Woodshed in Toronto, ON. The writing and arrangements on THE PROMISE display immense experience, care, and craft - not surprising in a band with two Juno nominees.

In 2024, the band welcomed drummer David MacDougall into their lineup, bringing his exceptional rhythm and musicality to enhance their sound. His addition marks a promising new chapter for THE LESTERS as they venture into new musical territories.

THE LESTERS chart a musical course unlike any band you’ve ever heard.