Composer and pianist François Bourassa leads one of Canada’s most active recording and touring jazz ensembles which will soon celebrate its 25th birthday.A trio in 1998, François, Guy Boisvert (on bass) and Greg Ritchie (on drums) were joined by the celebrated saxophone player André Leroux. West African percussionist Aboulaye Koné joined the group on the last album,thus bringing a “world” flavour to François’ compositions.
François’ career has had major impetus from two events: a 6 months residency in New York City which brought out a desire to play as much as he possibly could; and winning the Montreal International Jazz Festival’s new talent competition in 1985,which led to the start of his recording career.
Since then, the band has recorded seven albums and played all around the world.François and his musicians have opened for luminaries such as Stan Getz, Dizzy Gillespie, Dave Holland, Abbey Lincoln, Wynton Marsalis,Wayne Shorter and Dave Brubeck.