CARTE BLANCHE À FRANÇOIS BOURASSA (1/2) : «CONFLUENCE», AVEC PHILIPPE CÔTÉ

For its opening night, L’OFF JAZZ offers creative carte blanche to François Bourassa, a pillar of Quebec jazz for over 30 years. The pianist will present, for the occasion, 2 distinct projects in a double bill : Confluence, a duo with saxophonist Philippe Côté, and Swirl, with his eponymous, long-standing quartet.

Like the confluence that occurs when two streams join to become one single river, François Bourassa and Philippe Côté come together to create a unique universe where improvisation is at the forefront. Inspired by the encounter between the jazz and classical musical spheres and by their common love of contemporary music, the duo’s repertoire brings together their respective compositions and contemporary pieces by Messiaen, Boulez & Ligeti. A special project offering us music that is mysterious, touching and accessible.

François Bourassa – pianist, composer and improviser – has become an ambassador for Canada’s thriving jazz community internationally. A model of constant evolution, he continues to seek new challenges for himself, his colleagues and his growing community of listeners. His eponymous quartet has been a staple of the Montreal artistic landscape for over 25 years.

Philippe Côté – composer, saxophonist and improviser, is a musical explorer at the crossroads of jazz and classical renowned for writing works for large ensembles (jazz orchestra, chamber music).

François Bourassa - pianist, composer, improviser
Philippe Côté - saxophonist, composer, improviser

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