Lex French

New Zealand-born jazz trumpet player Lex French, hailed by Radio Canada jazz critic Stanley Pean as “an extraordinary trumpeter,” is fast becoming a bright star on the Canadian jazz scene.

French possesses a unique voice on the trumpet and plays with technical virtuosity and abiding musical inventiveness, often being compared to legendary trumpeters Freddie Hubbard, Woody Shaw, and Kenny Wheeler. He is also an internationally sought-after composer and arranger and has recently been commissioned to write works for jazz orchestra, jazz quartet, and string quartet. He holds a Doctorate of Music from McGill University.

Lex has over 100 recording credits as a sideman, and throughout his career has recorded or performed with international artists including Bennie Maupin, Aaron Parks, Diana Krall, Patti Austin, Kurt Elling, Paul Anka, Cheyenne Jackson (30 Rock), Andy Bell (Erasure), Bob Mintzer, Bill Cunliffe, Eric Marienthal, Alex Sipiagin, Jean-Michel Pilc, Ryan Truesdell, James Muller, Luis Bonilla, Dick Oatts, Joe LaBarbera, Clay Jenkins, Jim Pugh, Steve Houghton, Jeff Driskill, John Fedchock, Tom Warrington, Larry Koonse, Chris Cain, Bob Sheppard, Fima Ephron, Bill Ware, and Esdra 'Nenem' Ferreira. He has also released two albums as a leader: Prevent the Future (2017). The Cut (2014)

His most recent project includes original compositions inspired by the visual arts and poetry, arrangements of folk songs from around the world, as well as standards from the jazz canon, all played by a band of Montreal jazz luminaries.

Awards

2021 NZ Music Award, Best Jazz Album: The Jac A Gathering
2009 NZ Music Award, Best Jazz Album: NZSM Big Band Run For Cover

Gear

Monette XLT+ Trumpet

Monette B3, B6LD, B6L Unity Mouthpieces

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