Michel Lambert

Born to a family synonymous with classical music in his native Quebec, Lambert studied drums and composition at Boston's Berklee College of Music, attended workshops in Paris, and studied privately with saxophonist/composer Dave Liebman in New York and pianist/ composer Misha Mengelberg in Amsterdam. Since his first professional engagement with pianist/composer Milcho Leviev's trio in 1983, he has recorded extensively and performed hroughout Asia, Canada, Europe and the United States.

Accomplished as both a composer and visual artist, excerpts from his first orchestral work, “Le Journal Des Episodes,” were premiered in 1992 by the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra and his oil paintings earned him a commission from the Canada Council to illustrate a 4-CD compilation of Canadian music to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the United Nations. He appears on more than 50 recordings and has collaborated with musicians including Paul Bley, Gary Burton, Uri Caine, Franois Carrier, Dewey Redman, Bobo Stenson, Kenny Wheeler, Reg Schwager and Jeannette Lambert.

His recording, Out Twice (482 Music) featuring Leviev and bassist Barre Phillips among others, showcased free improvisation based on his artwork. Other recordings as a leader include Unclouded Day, released on Ayler Records and featuring Raoul Bjorkenheim, Mat Maneri and Jeannette Lambert, and a drum duo with Rakalam Bob Moses entitled Meditation on Grace, released on FMR. He is part of the mythic trio, the Maikotron Unit, that performs with invented instruments and has released two critically acclaimed albums, Effugit and Ex-Voto.

Alom Mola by John Eyles
Le Passant (The Wanderer) by Troy Collins
Le Passant (The Wanderer) by John Kelman
Le Passant (The Wanderer) by Jerry D'Souza
Out Twice by AAJ Staff
Out Twice by Frank Rubolino

“Soufflent ici une évidence et une fluidité remarquables...” Improjazz

“Une distribution des masses digne de Penderecki et des développements orchestraux impromptus...” Jazzman

“Lambert is a remarkable player, fluent but disciplined with a brillant grasp of group dynamics.” The Penguin Guide to Jazz Recordings

“Rare to hear music of this depth and substance, period.” WEMU, Michigan

“Passionate, uncompromising musicianship...” AMG Expert Review

Primary Instrument

Drums

Location

Montreal

Willing to teach

Advanced only

Credentials/Background

Michel teaches jazz drum performance and leads combos at McGill University. He occasionally accepts private students as well.

Clinic/Workshop Information

Michel is available to present clinics on composition, improvisation and jazz drumming. He also does presentations on his work, explaining his symphony writing, improvised music, and visual art.