Francois Carrier
Alto saxophonist and improviser François Carrier is definitely going his own way. Carrier singular vision has led him to maintain a wide recorded presence all over the world. His rich, deep playing that blends lyricism with boldness and a sense of surpassing one’s self has earned him a place in the Annual International Critic’s Poll of El Intruso of El Intruso 2018, 2017 as well as 2015 and in the DownBeat’s 2013 Best Alto Sax Players List.
In 2001 he won a Juno Award in the Best Contemporary Jazz Album category for his third album Compassion (Naxos Jazz).
To date, François combines an impressive discography of over 35 internationally acclaimed albums with legendary musicians such as Paul Bley, Gary Peacock, Bobo Stenson, Tomasz Stanko, Uri Caine, Jason Moran, Dewey Redman, Mat Maneri, Sonny Greenwich, Jean-Jacques Avenel, John Edwards, Steve Beresford, Rafal Mazur, etc. Drummer Michel Lambert has been his most faithful collaborator. Together, Michel and François undertook several tours in Europe, Asia and Canada.
His six-month residencies in Rome 2002 and London 2011 allowed him to pursue research and exploration work as a saxophonist composer and he also created bonds with musical circles. Among other things, he composed his Free Opera and organised a good number of recording sessions with several European musicians.
In 2005 he was spotted by British label Leo Records with whom he released five unique albums. Several European avant-garde music labels then join the party such as Creative Sources (Portugal), Ayler Records (Sweden-France), FMR Records (England), Not Two Records (Poland). Following the major international media coverage, the demands keep multiplying.
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Album Review
- Japan Suite by John Sharpe
- Out Of Silence by Mark Corroto
- The Joy of Being by John Sharpe
- Freedom is Space for the Spirit by Budd Kopman
- The Joy of Being by Budd Kopman
- OUTgoing by Budd Kopman
- Unknowable by Budd Kopman
- iO by Mark Corroto
Multiple Reviews
- Shoreditch, London, December 2011: One great gig, two fine albums
- Francois Carrier Trio Live in Russia
September 24, 2011
Francois Carrier Trio Blazes It up on "Inner Spire"
June 29, 2011
Francois Carrier Trio + 1 with Bobo Stenson, "Entrance 3", Entrances
March 11, 2011
« – The music is exploratory and continuously evolving as it proceeds, successfully accomplishing its purpose » Music and More⎪USA⎪March 09, 2020
« – they’re demonstrating an innovative point of view, masterful virtuosity, splendid playing technique and exclusive musical language. This album is another one great example of collaboration between four impressive jazz masters. » AvantScena⎪USA⎪August 28, 2019
« The elements exposed throughout are high quality musicianship coupled with limitless inspiration
Primary Instrument
Saxophone, alto
Location
Montreal
Willing to teach
Advanced only
Credentials/Background
Free Melodic Improvisation
Clinic/Workshop Information
Workshop / Conference The Zen in the Art of Improvisation