Sounds
SAMUEL BLAIS
Cycling
This project came to life during a week long saxophones quartet tour we did in October of 2012. We had a day off and at David Liebman’s suggestion, we put together a group with two of my favorite players in Montreal, we chose a few tunes from our repertoire and got a chance to recorded at the superb Piccolo Studio. « Cycling » - After graduating with my masters degree from Manhattan School of Music with David as a teacher, this album feels like the end of a cycle. And the begining of a new one ! It was an honor for me to experience this moment and to share with you this recording, hoping that you can feel the intense energy that was in the air in the presence of this great master. SB Samuel Blais : Sax Baryton, Alto & Soprano David Liebman : Sax Soprano & Ténor Morgan Moore : Double Bass Martin Auguste : Drums
Equilibrium
New record coming out soon!!
SAMUEL BLAIS
New Angle
Two years after his debut album “Where To Go”, saxophonist Samuel Blais is back with a new album featuring mostly his own compositions.
This latest project confirms the wide-ranging talents of this young musician. In addition to saxophone, he can be heard playing several other instruments such as clarinet and flute. Drawn from a variety of musical styles and trends, his compositions are sometimes lyrical, sometimes rhythmic and lively, but always highly original. His style also reflects the influence of David Liebman, Dick Oatts, Steve Slagle and Jamie Baum,with whom he studied at the Manhattan School of Music.
Samuel Blais – saxophones, clarinet, flute
Paul Shrofel – acoustic and electric piano
Morgan Moore – acoustic bass
Robbie Kuster – drums
Special guest: Jean-Nicolas Trottier – trombone (# 2, # 6)
NOTA BENE
PRÉLUDE ET GROOVE
Founded in 1998, the Nota Bene Saxophone Quartet gave itself the goal to showcase and explore all of the fantastic possibilities that the saxophone has to offer. The group dedicates itself to the music of the 20th and 21st century from all horizons: classical music, jazz, latin-american music, contemporary music, etc.
The quartet has been very involved with contemporary composers in numerous collaborations over the years, regardless of the genre or aesthetic. The group has over 25 creations under it's belt from composers all around the globe and collaborations with many different artists in order to create unique concerts and eclectic events.
The Nota Bene sax quartet has perormed all over Canada as well as in France, Belgium and the USA.
SAMUEL BLAIS
Where To Go
As hordes of other young jazz newcomers elbow each other for a place in the spotlight, Samuel Blais can afford to stay cool and above the fray. His ascension into the ranks of Québec's established jazz artists happened naturally. Backed by a group of talented and promising young musicians, this 25-year-old saxophonist has now recorded a bold and audacious album containing nine original compositions, seven written by Blais himself.
No "remakes" here. These musicians create, blaze fresh trails, forge new paths. They know exactly where they're going, acting as one. From this smooth teamwork is born a distinctive sound and a clear personal identity.
Samuel Blais - alto saxophone
Paul Shrofel - piano
Morgan Moore - double bass
Robbie Kuster - drums