Elephant Records -

Jean Beaudet in Concert 2010

djungle — Sun, 08 May 2011 23:22:30 -0400

Jean Beaudet in concert 2010 from Hugues Tremblay on Vimeo.

This video presents Montreal jazz pianist JEAN BEAUDET, in concert at la Chapelle Historique du Bon-Pasteur, during the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal in 2010.

The filming and production of this concert is by Hugues Tremblay.
The audio was recorded by Jacques Laurin.

Artists: Nasturica & Jolicoeur

djungle — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 17:22:03 -0400

Marin Nasturica
Jean Cyr
Ivanhoe Jolicoeur
Yvon Plouffe
Serge Lavoie
Laurent Djintcharadze

Marin Nasturica

Born in Roumania and now residing in Montreal, world acclaimed Marin Nasturica learn to play the accordion by the age of 4. At the age of 19, he had already started a fantastic touring career around the world, enjoying success in countries such as Germany, Austria, Belgium, Italy, Turkey, Greece, USA, Egypt, Israel, Russia, ex-Yugoslavia, Hungary, Japan and Hong Kong. During these tours Marin Nasturica had the opportunity to perform for very well-known international personalities counting amongst those were the first astronauts who set foot on the moon.

Marin Nasturica has also performed with major symphonic orchestras such as: Metropolitan Symphonic Orchestra, Montreal in 1986 (conducted by Marc Bélanger) and invited by Oliver Jones in 1987 (orchestra conducted by Agnès Grossman), Symphonic Orchestra of Laval in 1990 (conducted by Paul-André Bolvin), Symphonic Orchestra of Trois-Rivières in 2001 (conducted by Gilles Bellemare), "Simfonia" of Lanaudière in 2001, (conducted by Stéphane Laforest). He was invited to play on the sound track for the film "Varian's War" and for the film of the opera "Brundibar" with the Montreal Symphonic Orchestra (under the direction of Charles Dutoit). He also played with the Quebec Symphonic orchestra in 2003 (conducted by David Bowser).

He has played with some of Canada's best musicians as well as participated in many high profile events such as the Lanaudière Festival in 2005, the Montreal International Jazz Festival in 1996,1997 and 2004, at the OFF Jazz Festival De Montreal in 2003, the Alma's World Festival Accordion in 1995, Toronto's Big Squeeze in 1993, at the Grande Fête de l'Accordéon in 1992 and the World Accordion Carrefour in 1989.

With the Nasturica ,Fortin, Léveillé, Donato quartet they played in 2004 at the Montreal International Jazz Festival, they gave a concert at the Granada Theatre in Sherbrooke in 2005, they played at the Lanaudière Festival in 2006 and at the de Quebec Jazz Festival. During this time the quartet recorded two CD's "Guit'Boys" and "Escale". In 2007 and 2008 he tours Canada with renown Michel Donato and Jon Gearey on guitar.

In 2009 with Michel Donato, he participates at the Montreal International Jazz Festival, they played at the Launderer Festival and at the de Quebec Jazz Festival. During the same year he plays in a duet with his colleague Laurent Djintcharadze at the Cultural Centre in Point-Claire. To finish this productive year he records the CD "Complicité" with jazz trumpet player Ivanhoe Jolicoeur.

Needless to say, Marin Nasturica is viewed by critics as one of the world's best virtuoso of the accordion-piano. His repertoire is as prodigious as his concert performer's career, his spectrum of styles ranging from classical (Bach, Paganini, Rimski-Korsakov, Khatchatourian, Sarasate, Dinicu-Heifetz etc) to modern, jazz to gypsy, popular to Russian folk music from his native land.

Jean Cyr

Jean Cyr was born in Montreal in 1957. He studied the chromatic accordion from 1966 to 1970 before taking up the guitar in his teenage years. In 1974 at the young age if sixteen he started studying the double bass at Vincent D’Indy, the renowned music school in Montreal, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in 1979.

During the 80’s Jean Cyr first made his way on the musical scene by playing regularly with late Montreal pianist Roland Lavallée.

He also met the famous jazz drummer Guy Nadon with whom he played regularly throughout the decade in the group «la Pollution des Sons» recording the eponymous album in 1986.

Among his numerous collaborations let’s recall: pianist Tim Jackson, Vic Vogel and his big band and «Sweet Dixie»… With this latter group he recorded two albums and performed in more than twenty different editions of the «Festival International de Jazz de Montréal».

In the 90’s Jean Cyr got involved in other musical genres with singer-songwriter Stephen Faulkner. With that group, he toured extensively in Québec and in France, most notably at the «Olympia de Paris» in 1993 for the «Jeux de la Francophonie». He also worked in the studio, recording two albums with Mr. Faulkner as well as with the popular country musician Patrick Norman.

In December 1998 Jean Cyr teamed up with blues singer and guitar player Bob Walsh; that association is still thriving, having recorded seven CD’s, played innumerable concerts together counting two in the United States and toured in France over eight times. He also worked with the guitar prodigy Michel Morissette, collaborating on two CD’s and many tours.

In 1999 and 2000 he toured with actress and singer Dorothée Berryman. He is also featured on the albums of mouth harp marvel Guy Bélanger and collaborated to the soundtrack of the film «Gaz Bar Blues».

In 2009 he recorded the album «Complicité» with the accordion virtuoso Marin Nasturica and trumpet player Ivanhoe Jolicoeur. He is to this day an active member of the group.

Ivanhoe Jolicoeur

Trumpet player, arranger and composer, he is a musician with a singular approach starting with a solid musical training. His training begins at the Montreal Conservatory of Music, he receives his diploma of collegial studies in music at Cegep St-Lawrence in 1978 and finishes his baccalaureate (specializing in jazz) at Concordia University in 1987.

Ivanhoe Jolicoeur is the leader and composer of BATHYSCAPHE, a jazz combo since 2001. He his a member of bass player Norman Guilbeault’s band for over twenty years. He served a couple of years as trumpet player and arranger for the group « les Cowboys Fringuants ». Furthermore he is one of the founders, member of the important Off-Festival de Jazz de Montréal and has performed over the years numerous times during the course of this festival.

Trumpet player, improviser he is very active on the jazz scene, we find him playing with several formations of wich those of Vic Vogel Band, Jean Derome, François Richard, Guy Nadon, Karen Young, among others. Eclectic musician, he took part as an instrumentalist (trumpet, fluguelhorn) on more than 55 albums, of which more than half are of a jazzistic style.

In 2007, Ivanhoe presents his first CD of his group Bathyscaphe. He takes part in the recording of the album of Cowboys Fringants Live at Le Grand Theatre in Quebec city.

In 2009, he takes part in the recordings Live, Mingus, at Upstairs Bar and Grill with the formation Norman Guilbeault, also on the album of Nicholas Chourot, First Landing and with Mâanouche swing. During the same year he recorded the album with virtuoso Marine Nasturica, Complicité.

In 2010, the group Bathyscaphe played with Space 64 at Le Divan Orange and will perform this coming April at Stewart Hall in Point-Claire.

Yvon Plouffe

Musician and percussionist Yvon Plouffe started his musical studies at CÉGEP St-Laurent then at Concordia University. He pursued his training at the Dick Groove School, in Los-Angeles, California where he studied jazz harmony and latin percussion. He then traveled to Cuba, Western Africa and New-York to complete specialised studies in percussion.

A musician with a wide range, he was invited to participate in various projects along with: Francine Martel, Luc Hamel, Sylvain Provost, Eval Manigat, Karen Young, Guy Nadon, Yvan Belleau and Jordan Officer only to name a few.

He was involved in different musical genres such as in concerts with; Terez Montcalm, France D'Amour, Florent Volant, Luc De Larochelière, Thomas Hellman, Beau Dommage.

Yvon Plouffe has participated in more than forty recording projects along side; Alex Bellegarde, Jordan Officer, Corteo, Dralion from Cirque du Soleil, Terez Montcalm, Yvan Belleau, Karen Young, Luc Hamel and many others for film and television. In 2009 he was part of the recording of the CD “Complicité”. He is still an active member of the group of virtuoso Marin Nasturica and trumpet player Ivanhoe Jolicoeur.

Serge Lavoie

Guitarist and composer Serge Lavoie has extensive musical training. He completed his bachelor’s degree at L’Université de Montréal in 1994. He attended in 2001 the School For Improvisational Music in New-York studying with Brad Shepsik, Ravi Coltrane, David Gilmore, Uri Caine and DJ Olive. In 2000 he studied with Keeny Werner, Joe Lovano, Hugh Fraser, Joey Baron and Ben Monder in Alberta at the Banff Center for the Arts.

Serge Lavoie is well known as a co-leader and composer for the high profile combo Mile-End Quartet which has been in the limelight for a decade. Musician, free thinker, proactive on the local jazz scene since 1988, he was a member of Steve Normandin’s trio. He was also one of the creative musicians involved in the “Musique Libre et Poésie” evenings at the Off Festival de Jazz de Montréal.

In 2006 he directed and composed the music for the film “Les Cavaliers De La Canette” and a show for youth “Pierre Et Le Pou”, he was also involved as a multi-instrumentalist with singer Marie-Michèle Desrosiers and for the duet of France Castel and Monique Richard.

In 2009 as musician and composer he was part of the recording of the CD “Complicité” and is still playing in the group of virtuoso Marin Nasturica and trumpet player Ivanhoe Jolicoeur.

Laurent Djintcharadze

Laurent Djintcharadze was born in 1950 in Georgia, USSR. Starting at the age of 6, he took violin lessons for three years. His exceptional musical talent was undeniable. He was then enrolled at the conservatory to study piano. There he earned a Music Composition diploma. Recognized as a professional pianist, he then specialized as composer-arranger for symphony orchestras and as soloist in Georgia.

In 1990, with the downfall of the Communist regime in the USSR, he immigrated to Canada where he soon became known as a piano soloist and accompanist. He founded a piano school for young people in Montreal "l'Ecole Prestissimo" innovating with a new technique which proved to be very successful.

In 2009 with Michel Donato and Marin Nasturica, he participates at the Montreal International Jazz Festival. During the same year, he plays in a duet with his colleague Marin Nasturica at the Cultural Centre in Point-Claire. To finish this productive year he records the CD "Complicité" with the virtuoso Marin Nasturica and the jazz trumpet player Ivanhoe Jolicoeur.

Album: Naturica & Jolicoeur - Complicité - ER 0809

djungle — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 12:08:57 -0400

Tracklisting:

Gaemparalele (4:21)

Nasturica
Dedication (8:12)
Djintcharadze
Watso (6:52)
Lavoie
Mirbane (5:36)

Jolicoeur
J'J's Blues (4:15)
Lavoie
My Favorite Dream (10:36)

Djintcharadze
Marinela's Samba (6:50)
Nasturica
La Solution (5:14)
Djintcharadze
La Houaiche (3:56)
Jolicoeur

Credits:

Accordion: Marin Nasturica
Double Bass: Jean Cyr
Drums: Yvon Plouffe
Fluglhorn, Trumpet: Ivanhoe Jolicoeur
Guitar: Serge Lavoie
Piano: Laurent Djintcharadze

Guest artist: Félix Leblanc - Violin on Mirbane

Release Date: 2010

Press Release: Nasturica & Jolicoeur - Complicite - ER 0809

djungle — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 14:11:04 -0400

Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ELEPHANT RECORDS Inc & OUTSIDE MUSIC
Present their new CD COMPLICITÉ By accordion‐piano, trumpet, composers and improvisers, NASTURICA & JOLICOEUR

ELEPHANT RECORDS INC ALONG WITH OUTSIDE MUSIC are proud to present to you the first CD by the very talented Canadian composers, Marin Nasturica virtuoso of accordion‐ piano & Ivanhoe Jolicoeur talented trumpet player and improviser. This new work COMPLICITÉ is a mix of compositions by Marin Nasturica and Ivanhoe Jolicoeur, as well as many contributions by their sidemen, among which three are from pianist Laurent Djintcharadze , and two from guitarist Serge Lavoie. All these original titles are rendered by a unique and highly versatile group of musicians, with the bold rhythm section made up of Jean Cyr on double bass and Yvon Plouffe on drums.

You will discover in this album the fusion of two musical worlds; the trio of the well renowned and talented accordionist of Romanian origin Marin Nasturica meeting the quartet of jazz trumpet player Ivanhoe Jolicoeur. Their very personal musical conceptions, their open‐minded approach and the obvious pleasure from playing together shall capture a large audience with their warm acclaim.

Culminating the large musical experience derived from two distinct approaches by these two musicians established in their respective milieus, the meeting of the two leaders and their common language was born and laid down on this CD project for you to discover. The fusion of musical gendra jazz and world beat is a global phenomenon and no wonder that it should occur in Montreal.

We will discover these nine original compositions. MARIN NASTURICA introduces his loyal companion, pianist LAURENT (LAVRENTI) DJINTCHARADZE and JEAN CYR, the bass player common to the two formations. IVANHOE JOLICOEUR, a musician with a wide Spectrum, introduces his friends SERGE LAVOIE on guitar and YVONPLOUFFE on drums.

MARIN NASTURICA : Born in Romania, and living in Montreal for over twenty years. His « professional musician » career started when he was 19. He made fabulous world tours during which he became the consummate virtuoso of the piano‐accordion that we now know. He was thus invited to perform with important symphony orchestras all over Europe. In July 2009, Marin Nasturica was invited by the Festival international de Jazz de Montréal to perform in trio with the master bass player Michel Donato and his friend and colleague, pianist Laurent Djintcharadze also present on this work. They can be heard at l’ASTRAL (the new venue of Équipe Spectra).

IVANHOE JOLICOEUR : Trumpet player, arranger and composer, he is a musician with a singular approach starting with a solid musical training. Since 2001, he’s been the leader and the dominant composer of BATHYSCAPHE, a jazz combo. He is a member of bass player Norman Guilbeault’s band for over twenty years. He served a couple of years as trumpet player and arranger for the group « les Cowboys Fringuants ». Furthermore he is a founding member of the important Off‐Festival de Jazz de Montréal and has often performed at this venue. As a sideman playing trumpet and flugelhorn, he collaborated in over 55 albums, more than half being jazz.

Marin Nasturica & Ivanhoe Jolicoeur offer us Complicité, their first CD as co‐leaders this unique fusion mixing jazz and world beat. Rhythmical and colourful yours to discover, one track at a time for your greater pleasure !!!

Inside the album, the musicians have written:
THE BIRTH AND HISTORY OF THE GROUP It was the meeting of two groups of musicians, that was responsible for this effervescence, this respect, and the pleasure we wanted to communicate. Little more than a year later here is the result of original compositions presented to you on this CD. Without the foresight and financial support of Claude Lapierre we never would have the pleasure of creating this beautiful music.

MARIN NASTURICA , IVANHOE JOLICOEUR, LAURENT DJINTCHARADZE, SERGE LAVOIE, JEAN CYR AND YVON PLOUFFE
INVITES YOU TO THEIR CONCERTS AND CD LAUNCH
FRIDAY AND SATURDAY , 11-12 JUNE 2010 AT 21:00 PM
UPSTAIRS JAZZ•BAR & GRILL LOCATED AT,
1254 MACKAY, MONTREAL (514) 9316808

SOURCE
elephantrecords@sympatico.ca
www.elephantrecords.ca
(450) 670‐4760

Filename/Title	Size
PressRelease-ER0809.pdf (PressRelease-ER0809.pdf)	226.24 KB

Artist: Adrian Vedady

djungle — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 19:03:44 -0400

Born September 9,1973 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Double-bassist/composer Adrian Vedady has been playing with some of Montreal’s finest jazz musicians for the last 11 years. His career started shortly after commencing his jazz studies at Concordia University. Accompanying his professors, such as, Dave Turner, Charles Ellison, Andrew Homzy, Roddy Ellias and Jeri Brown on gigs and concerts he started to get a sense of his voice and was inspired to continue developing as a player.

In 1999, Vedady met pianist Jean Beaudet, and shortly after joined his trio with Michel Lambert on drums. Tours of Canada, Europe, and concerts in New Orleans, New York and Toronto were coupled with many hours rehearsing with Jean and Michel, in search of Jean’s vision of his piano trio. An insightful time.

In 2002, Adrian co-led a group called gods of taste, with Richard White, Kate Wyatt, Andrew Shinasi and Greg Ritchie. 2 canadian tours, many gigs in small clubs in and around Montreal, some Festival concerts and a self-titled album made for some inspiring years. A real desire to create and compose was fostered with this group.

In 2003, he started playing trio with saxophonist, Yannick Rieu. Many gigs in small clubs in Montreal, all over Quebec,Toronto, a couple of recordings, Jazz Festival concerts and a tour of China have been the highlights. Recently, a new quartet has formed with Francois Bourassa on piano and Philippe Melanson on drums.

In 2007, he started playing with Francois Bourassa, backing up vocalist Jeanne Rochette. That eventually led to tours of China, Europe and India with the Francois Bourassa trio, quartet and trio with Jeanne Rochette.

In 2009, Vedady will release his debut album as a leader, In Three Acts. It’s a culmination of his work as a musician to date. The album showcases his compositions and the musical collaboration of Yannick Rieu, Erik Hove, Richard White, Kate Wyatt, John Fraboni, Robbie Kuster and Philippe Melanson.

Adrian also plays in the groups of Frank Lozano, Malcolm Sailor, Adam Miller and Daniel Thouin. He is a vital part of the creative Montreal music scene and has accompanied such artists as Steve Amirault, Sara Latendresse, Marianne Trudel, Thom Gossage, Greg Amirault, Andre Leroux, Chet Doxas, Jim Doxas, Joel Miller, Christine Jensen, Greg Clayton, Michel Donato, Jon Geary, Remi Bolduc, Thuryn Von Pranke, Carl Naud, Jeff Johnston, Paul Schroefel, Wray Downes, Annabelle Chvostek, Steve Raegele, Muhammad Abdul Al-Khabyyr, Steve Johnston, Chris McCann, Andres Vial, Kevin Dean, Gabriel Lambert, Martine Carriere, Guy Boisvert, Miles Perkin, Zack Lober, Tony Albino, Pierre Tanguay, Boogie Gaudet, Stefan Montanero, Andre White among others.

For more info and to find out about gigs visit:

www.myspace.com/adrianvedady

Press Release: Adrian Vedady - In Three Acts - ER 0808

coordonateur — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 01:12:35 -0400

Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ELEPHANT RECORDS Inc & OUTSIDE MUSIC
Present their new CD

In Three Acts

By Jazz double bass player, composer, improviser,

Adrian Vedady

ELEPHANT RECORDS Inc and OUTSIDE MUSIC proudly present talented Canadian jazz double bass player, composer et improviser, Adrian Vedady. This latest CD In Three Acts is a combination of eight original compositions with two collaborations interpreted by three different groups of musicians including Yannick Rieu, Phil Melanson, Erik Hove, Kate Wyatt, John Fraboni, Richard White and Robbie Kuster; groups that Adrian has been playing and evolving with for several years.

Adrian Vedady conveys In Three Acts a unique and personal contemporary style of jazz, original yet accessible for all to discover one track at a time. Adrian Vedady’s professional jazz career began over ten years ago in local clubs around his native city, Montreal. In those days he was playing with musicians such as Charles Ellison, Dave Turner and Jerri Brown only to name a few. In 1999, he started touring with the Jean Beaudet Trio throughout Canada and Europe, performing in New Orleans as well as New-york. In 2002, he co-founded the jazz group Gods Of Taste with Richard White, Kate Whyatt, Andrew Shinasi and Greg Ritchie. During that year the group embarked on two different successful Canadian tours. In 2003, he played on a tour across China with saxophone player Yannick Rieu. He returns to China in 2007 this time with François Bourassa. He played with several trios performing throughout Canada, Europe, China and India.

Adrian Vedady has accompanied Frank Lozano, Malcom Sailor, Adam Miller and Daniel Thouin. He’s played for studio recording and performed with musicians such as Steve Amirault, Marianne Trudel, Thom Gossage, André Leroux, Chet Doxas, Jim Doxas, Joel Miller, Christine Jensen, Greg Amirault, Sara Latendresse, Jon Geary, Rémi Bolduc, Thuryn Von Pranke, Carl Naud, Jeff Johnston, Paul Schroefel, Wray Downes, Annabelle Chvostek, Kevin Dean, Tony Albino, Pierre Tanguay, Boogie Gaudet and André White.

In three Acts is this artists first CD as group leader. The result is by far a colourfull, innovative landscape filled with crafted ingenuity. Where comteporary jazz meets a glimpse of progressive.

Personal liner notes from Adrian Vedady:
The most innocuous moments can change your life .It is satisfying to know that the essence of my first musical discovery is still at the core of my present musical expérience. The desirer to create, improvise, to listen, to look outside ones self, to find the magic has stayed the same.

Adrian Vedady, Yannick Rieu, Phil Melanson, Erik Hove, Kate Wyatt, John Fraboni, Richard White and Robbie Kuste invite you to their CONCERT and CD LAUNCH
Thursday, April 30 2009, at 20:30 pm at Jazz Club - restaurant DIÈSE ONZE located at 4115-A, St-Denis street, Montreal (514-223-3543)

Adrian Vedaldy and his group will also be performing in concert, outdoor stage CBC/Radio-Canada the 5th of July as well as the 12th of July 2009 at the UPSTAIRS jazz club during the International Jazz Festival of Montreal.

Source : Marie-Andrée Desjardins ou Danielle Beaudet (450) 670-4760

elephantrecords@sympatico.ca
www.elephantrecords.ca

Album: Adrian Vedady - In Three Acts - ER 0808

djungle — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 12:52:52 -0400

Tracklisting:

Overture (5:18)
Vedady, Rieu, Melanson
Contrecoeur (6:29)
Vedady, Rieu, Melanson
Tour de Force (5:27)
Quiet (9:21)
Little Sketch (6:29)
Tin Drum (7:09)
B-side (9:21)
gods of taste (5:17)
Dadar (8:09)
80s child (7:46)

Credits:

Composed By: Adrian Vedady (tracks: 3-10)
Double Bass: Adrian Vedady
Tenor Saxophone: Yannick Rieu (tracks: 1-3)
Drums: Phil Melanson (tracks: 1-3)
Alto Saxophone: Erik Hove (tracks: 4-7)
Piano: Kate Wyatt (tracks: 4-7)
Drums: John Fraboni (tracks: 4-7)
Guitar: Richard White (tracks: 8-10)
Drums: Robbie Custer (tracks: 8-10)

Release Date: 2009

Album: Quatuor du Nord - ER 0708

djungle — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 13:00:00 -0400

Tracklisting:

Goodness Me (7:45)

J. Steprans
Danse Roumaine (4:34)
Bartok
Poo's Blues (4:16)
J. Steprans
Holy Land (7:26)
C. Walton
Chanson triste (5:16)
J. Steprans
Ugly Beauty - theme (0:56)
Monk
var I (1:18)
var II (2:07)
var III (1:16)
var IV (2:13)
var V (2:15)
How About That (3:50)
J. Steprans
East of Verdun (6:53)

J. Steprans

Credits:

Arrangements By: Janis Steprans
Tenor Saxophone: Janis Steprans
Alto Saxophone: David Bellemare
Soprano Saxophone: André Leroux
Baritone Saxophone: Jean Fréchette
DoubleBass: Simon Lévesque
Drums: François Côté

Release Date: 2009

Press Release: Quatuor du Nord - ER 0708

djungle — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 12:43:01 -0400

Elephant Records Inc. Laval University & Outside Music
Presents the New Jazz Quartet

Quatuor Du Nord

By Saxophonists
Janis Steprans, André Leroux, Jean Fréchette and David Bellemare

Elephant Records, Laval University and Outside Music are proud to present a new release from outstanding jazz quartet, Quatuor du Nord. This is the latest CD from composer, saxophonist and band leader Janis Steprans. The CD also features three talented saxophonists, André Lehoux, Jean Fréchette, David Bellemare accompanied by a rhythm section featuring Simon Lévesque and François Côté.

The CD highlights five compositions by Steprans, two rearranged jazz standards, Ugly Beauty by Thelonious Monk and Holy Land by Cedar Walton as well as several Romanian dances by Bartok arranged for saxophone quartet. The strength and solidity of these four musicians, the modern arrangements by Janis Steprans instills a rich and energetic diversity to this production.

Janis Steprans director, composer and saxophonist has worked with various groups and orchestras. He has been an active member of the Vic Vogel Big Band since 1980. After participating as a musician on dozens of CD recordings, Janis recorded three of his own CDs and is now releasing his fourth album. He taught music at McGill and Bishop Universities for several years and now teaches at Laval University. He also acted as head of the undergraduate jazz program at Exeter University, in England. Inspired from his homeland Latvia, his musical style is unique and colourful.

Born in Montreal in 1958, Janis started playing saxophone while in high school. He was accepted at McGill University in 1975, where he was awarded first prize for composing a concerto. He later studied with saxophonist Joe Allard at New England Conservatory (NEC), where he mastered in Jazz Studies in 1984. While at NEC, he played on a recording of American composer George Russel’s Living Time Orchestra. He taught for several years’ Jazz composition, Jazz history, and Jazz saxophone at McGill University in Montreal, where he completed his PhD in Music in the year 2000.

Over the years, Janis participated in several CBC Radio recordings. He performed with a number of notable Quebecois jazz musicians such as Oliver Jones, Charles Biddle, Ranee Lee, Charles Ellison, Kevin Dean and Denis Christianson. With his jazz group, he accompanied visiting jazz artists such as Slide Hampton, Paquito D’Rivera, Randy Brecker and John Pizzarelli. As a member of the Vic Vogel Big Band, Janis participated in Dizzy Gillespie’s concert presented at the 1989 Montreal International Jazz Festival. He has recorded three CDs under his own name, New Morning 1991, Second Set 1995, Influence 1999. He featured as a soloist on Jim Hillman’s recording The Merlin Factor, which was awarded the 1993 Juno for best contemporary jazz album of the year.

Janis and his quartet were selected twice as finalists for the Montreal International Jazz Festival’s annual Prize of Jazz DuMaurier. He has also performed with the Montreal Symphonic Orchestra and the National Arts Center Orchestra, in Ottawa. In 1996, he accompanied the Count Basie Orchestra during their visit to Montreal. In 1999 he was selected as Canada’s representative for the European Broadcast Union Jazz Orchestra, which recorded a live television broadcast during the 2000 Bergen Jazz Festival in Norway. Later that year, he performed his own compositions for the Soirée Jazz Selmer at the XII World Saxophone Congress in Montreal.

In 2003 He played concerts at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg and at the University NATAL in South Africa, also touring the Saxophonia Festival, in Riga Latvia. In 2005 Janis presented his group at the Montreal OFF Jazz Festival, as well as at the Saulkrasti Jazz Festival, in Latvia. In 2006 He played at the Montreal International Jazz Festival and the Ottawa Jazz Festival with the John Pizzarelli Big Band and gave several concerts in Quebec City. Since then he has been invited to perform as guest saxophonist with lead saxophonist Chet Doxas Quartet at the Montreal Off Jazz Festival, a concert which was recorded by Radio-Canada’s Espace Musique in the Palais Montcalm. He took part in Kevin Dean’s Quintet concert at Upstairs in Montreal. He made another appearance this year with his quartet at the Montreal Off Jazz Festival and was guest clarinettist for Dave Brubeck’s concert at the Montreal International Jazz Festival.

In his new CD, Janis Steprans presents a completely new version of the jazz saxophone quartet with a tint of Slavic root (Bartok’s Romanian dances). Absolutely magnificent!

Album: Jean Beaudet - Seul au Piano - ER 0707

djungle — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 23:18:26 -0400

Tracklisting:

Wait for me (7:49)
Far Away (6:23)
Let's Dance (6:24)
Le plaisir et le péril (5:23)
Le doux-fort noir (6:36)
Ti Jean (Jean Carrignan) (4:22)
un girafeau s'approche (10:27)
Le messager (4:39)

Credits:

Piano: Jean Beaudet
Composed By: Jean Beaudet

Release Date: 2009